The Alton Comets boys basketball team went up against the Licking Wildcats in the Class 3 District 10 quarterfinals on February 20, 2024, in Houston, Missouri. The Wildcats won 52-48.
First Half
During the entire game, the two teams were within ten points of each other, if not closer. With around a minute in the first quarter, Alton was up by six points, but two three-pointers from Licking tied up the game. Alton continued to edge Licking out a little in the second quarter with the score being 25-21 at halftime.
Switching Leads
The game was still close in the third quarter. Kayden Willard had multiple steals during the game, with some leading to points. With around six minutes in the quarter, the Comets were up 29-23, but Licking came at them in a hurry, taking the lead 30-29. Nearing the end of the quarter, both teams were getting fouled a lot. The score at the end of the third quarter was 34-32, with Licking in the lead.
A Close Game
The game continued to be a close one, coming down the last seconds of the game. Both Marcus Cockrum and Cole Trantham for the Comets had three-pointers in the final quarter. The score continued to go back and forth between the two teams. With around a minute left, Dillon Weyland for the Comets got his team to within one point of Licking, 49-48. With :27 in the game, the score was 51-48, with Licking leading. Alton could not get the points and lost 52-48.
Closing
Despite a valiant effort, the Alton Comets season came to an end last night. Licking will advance to the semifinals to play Liberty on Thursday.
