OAKLEY – The TMP-Marian Monarchs could not overcome a slow start offensively and an even faster start by the Plainville Cardinals as they come up short, falling 60-50 Saturday in the 2A Oakley sub-state title game.
After a pair of early ties, the Plainville Cardinals closed the first quarter on a 10-4 lead, for a 14-8 lead.
Plainville scored back-to-back field goals to start the second quarter, extending the run to 14-4 for an 18-8 lead.
The Cardinals were able to maintain a 10-point for a good portion of the second quarter. TMP was able to close with five when Jacob Seib finished off a three-point play, making it 24-19 with a minute and a half left in the first half.
But Plainville close the first half with a 27-19 lead.
After a three pointer for Plainville gave the Cardinals a 30-19 lead TMP’s Griffin Schumacher scored eight straight pulling the Monarchs back within five a 32-27, but Plainville answered with a 14-5 run for a 46-32 lead heading into the final period.
In the fourth quarter TMP closed the gap to nine, at 46-37 on a Caden Dinkel three-pointer but they could never get closer as the Cardinals went on to a 60-50 victory.
Griffin Schumacher led the Monarchs with a season-high 15 points.
The Monarchs finished the season 11-13.
Plainville qualifies for the 2A state tournament in Dodge City with a record of 16-7.