STAFF REPORT
LORETTO — Just about everything that could have gone against Cascade in Saturday’s Region 5-AA quarterfinal at Loretto (20-7), did go wrong.
From a slow start out of the gate, to losing a key starter to injury, to a disproportionate amount of foul shots between the two teams, Cascade (12-17) just had one of those nights as the Champs’ season came to a close with a 65-42 loss to the Mustangs.
Things were rocky from the start as Cascade was held scoreless from the floor in the opening quarter, with Tyler Rodgers connecting on just 1-of-2 free throw tries for the only points for the Champs.
On the flip side, Loretto was able to score in the paint, get to the rim and added a pair of 3-pointers as well.
By the end of the first, the Mustangs held an 18-1 lead over the Champs.
Not only that, but Cascade senior Saebyn Burris was injured in the first quarter, dealing another blow to the Champs’ ability to score in the paint.
After the sluggish first, Cascade responded by going on a 15-11 run in the second and cut the Loretto lead to 13 by halftime.
In the second, five players scored for Cascade, with Rodgers adding five more, while Isaac McElroy scored his first two baskets of the game.
But even into the second half, it was more of the same as Loretto was able to withstand the runs Cascade made and the Champs just could never get over the hump—even in a 17-point fourth quarter.
Loretto answered the 17-point surge with 23 of its own to knock the Champs out of the region tournament.
McElroy was the only player for Cascade to hit double figures as he led the team with 16 points.
Loretto put three in double figures, with Kasen Buie leading all scorers with 19 points.
As a team, Cascade shot just 3-of-5 free throw attempts, contrasted to a 17-of-23 night for the Mustangs.
Cascade closes the season with a 12-17 overall record.
Cascade 1 15 9 17 — 42
Loretto 18 11 13 23 — 65
Cascade: Isaac McElroy 16, Tyler Rodgers 6, Caden Hammonds 6, Tucker McGee 5, Henry Stone 4, Zach Crosslin 3, Logan Pulley 2.
Loretto: Kasen Buie 19, Mason Tidwell 12, Jackson Roberson 12, Clint Seymore 9, Hayden Buttrum 7, Jayden Aaron 3, Kylen Wilkerson 3.
3-Point goals: Cascade (5): McElroy 2, Hammonds 2, Rodgers; Loretto (6): Seymore 2, Wilkerson, Buttrum, Buie, Aaron.
Halftime score: Loretto 29, Cascade 16.
