The Trojans traveled to Cassville on Saturday, Feb. 23 for their third game of the week – the Regional Finals – with the winner earning a trip to Reedsburg with a chance to take on Royall High School.

Having already defeated the Ithaca Bulldogs and the River Ridge Timberwolves, the North Crawford boys were up to the task and were ready to play. The Trojan defense once again stood out as North Crawford jumped out to a 12-4 lead. Senior Joe Childs came out of the gate on fire, scoring nine of the Trojan’s 12 points in the first quarter.

The second quarter was more of the same, and the Trojans increased their lead to 21-11 by halftime.

The second half started out very positive for the Trojans as they opened up with a 10-3 run. Midway through the third period, the Trojans sported a 31-14 lead and may have been already looking ahead to their next game.

But that is when the game changed. The Comets called a well-timed timeout and then stunned the Trojans with an eleven point run to pull themselves back to within seven at the end of the third quarter. Cassville’s full court pressure along with some careless North Crawford ball handling saw the momentum change going into the final period of play.

By the three-minute mark of the fourth quarter, Cassville had taken their first lead. And still the North Crawford boys gave everything they had. Jordan Barr and Joe Childs were lost to fouls, and with eight seconds left North Crawford had to foul Cassville to get a chance to get the ball back. Both foul shots were missed and Joe Bedessem ended up with a half court shot attempt at the buzzer. The shot was right on target but fell just short as time ran out on the season. North Crawford was defeated 43-40 by the Cassville Comets and a great season came to an end for the Ridge & Valley Champions.

“It was a very tough loss to end the season,” Trojans’ coach Gary Hines said, “but the boys can look back at this year and be very proud of what was accomplished.”

The North Crawford Trojans were Ridge & Valley Conference Champions two years in a row as well as regional finalists two years in a row.

“Sometimes it takes a little luck to get over that hump, and this year there was none to be had,” said Hines.

Senior Joe Childs led the game in scoring for the Trojans with 15 pints with 14 rebounds and four assists. Junior Tyler Olson saw 10 points, two rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Senior Joe Bedessem had eight points with two rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Junior Cody Hershberger had four points and six rebounds and senior Jordan Barr had two points and three rebounds.

Coaches Hines and Allbaugh would like to thank everyone for their support and for following the Trojans this year. The coaches would like to remind folks that there are only nine months before the Trojans take the floor again!