The season for the West Liberty boys’ basketball team came to an end Monday (Feb. 12) following a substate first-round loss to district foe Tipton.
The Comets did grab a win on the previous Monday against Benton and a pair of losses to conclude their regular season. The Comets finished 7-15 on the season.
On Feb. 5, the Comets hosted Benton in non-conference play. Soaring to a 21-3 lead after the opening quarter, the Comets felt little threat the remainder of the game leading 34-13 at the half. Although the Comets were outscored in the second half, the 11-point cushion they built in the opening quarter proved to be enough as they cruised to a 53-38 victory.
The following day, the Comets matched up against Iowa City Regina for the second time this year.
The Regals worked a five-point lead in the opening quarter, outscoring the Comets 13-8 in the opener before widening that lead in the second quarter as the Comets trailed 25-14 at the half.
While the Comets were able to keep the Regals at arm’s length, they were unable to cut into the lead and mount a comeback as the Comets fell 54-39.
The final regular season matchup of the year saw the Comets take on Anamosa.
The teams traded blows in the first quarter and the scoring onslaught continued into the second as they found themselves tied at 24 all headed into the break.
The third quarter would tell the tale of the matchup as the Comets were held to six in the quarter while allowing 19.
Despite cutting slightly into the Raiders lead, the Comets were unable to do enough to mount a comeback as they fell 59-49.
The Comets season came to a close following a matchup against Tipton as the Tigers took a 24-8 lead after the opening quarter.
Scoring slowed in the second as the teams combined for 12 as the Comets fell behind 31-13.
The Comets rallied in the third quarter, doubling their hosts scoring output and cutting seven out of the lead.
The Tigers secured the win in the final quarter after a 12-6 lead in the final quarter.
The Comets finish the season 7-15 and 3-9 in conference play. The Comets will graduate a pair of starters including leading scorer Jayce McHugh along with a pair of bench pieces before next year.