A whirlwind evening was equal parts celebration and heartbreak for Marmaton Valley High’s basketball programs.
The Wildcat boys got things started on a high note, rallying from a halftime deficit to defeat Altoona-Midway, 62-57, in their Class 1A-II Substate Championship at St. Paul.
And with the fans still abuzz from the Wildcats’ first trip to the state tournament since 2001, Marmaton Valley’s girls were tipping off 95 miles away, in Rosalia, in the Class 1A-I Substate title game against Olpe.
The Wildcats led for much of the first quarter, but a tough second period saw Olpe pull ahead, 28-11.
Marmaton Valley gave it a charge down the stretch, but could draw no closer than 11 in a 48-36 loss to end their season.
Marmaton Valley is the only team in the state this year with its boys and girls teams in different classifications, because of its enrollment size and an unequal number of Class 1A-II boys and girls teams.
