Wallace falls to Paxton in subdistricts

A slow start hampered the Wallace boys’ basketball team in their Feb. 22 subdistrict loss to second-seeded Paxton (13-9).
Alec Messersmith scored all five of the Wildcats first quarter points while three players were responsible for Paxton’s 18 points.
The 13-point deficit was too much for Wallace to overcome, but the Wildcats did compete well over the remainder of the game.
Messersmith hit his second three pointer of the game in the second quarter and was joined in the scoring column by Kolton Hager, Carson Glunz, Trey Robertson and Kyler Flaming. Wallace trailed 16-30 at halftime.
Camden McConnell made his first basket of the game, a three pointer, in the third quarter. Flaming and Hager added a bucket each to go with two free throws by Hager.
With his team trailing 25-42, Messersmith scored his 10th point in the fourth quarter. Robertson scored six more points over the game’s final eight minutes and Matt Lungrin chipped in two points, as well, in the 35-55 loss.
Wallace Head Coach Eric Miller said his team struggled with Paxton’s big guys in the game.
“Paxton took advantage of their size advantage and did well,” Miller said, adding the Wildcats struggled to make shots, but fought hard throughout and made a couple runs at different points in the game.
Miller said his team is disappointed it couldn’t extend its season a little longer, but he’s proud of the team for working hard.
“I’m proud of our seniors for what they have done for our program over the last four years,” Miller said.
Seven Wildcats scored in the game, led by Messersmith’s 10 points.
Paxton went on to upset top-seeded Medicine Valley 42-41 Thursday. Both teams played their district game Tuesday night.