YATES CENTER — The Yates Center High boys were again short-handed in a tough loss to Southeast-Cherokee on Tuesday night, 72-22.
The Wildcats (1-6) were forced to rely on four varsity players in their loss to a quality Southeast squad that carries with them a top notch coach in Dan Wall, Wildcat head coach Lane Huffman said.
Yates Center ‘s lack of experience showed, he said.
“We had some guys step in and get more playing time than they are used to,” Huffman said. “The scoreboard says otherwise, but our guys got after tonight, I can’t question the effort.”
The Wildcats’ most productive quarter was the second. Emmett Brittain hit a 3-pointer and a free throw as Yates Scored eight in the period.
Shane Weber also scored a pair of layups while Emmit George went inside for a layup for some of the only other Yates Center points of the first half.
Southeast took control early, scoring 25 points in the first quarter and 17 in the second. Blayn Renn led the Lancers scoring early on when he hit five two-point baskets and a free throw through the opening half.
“We will take this as a learning experience,” Huffman said. “Moving forward every player is going to have to realize his importance to the team, and the importance of improving in practice. I’m confident our players are up for the challenge. Facing adversity is a great life lesson. We’re going to keep our heads up, and move forward.”
Cole Burdette also hit a trio of three’s in the opening quarter while Chase Windsor nailed a three and sank a pair of layups to help out Southeast’s scoring.
Yates Center trailed at halftime, 42-12.
Brittain drove into the lane for the only Wildcat points of the third on a pair of layups before he added another two in the fourth. Devin Sarchet and George also each went for one two-point basket apiece in the second half.
Southeast netted 30 points in the second half behind Colten Jameson’s pair of three’s and pair of two-point baskets. Travis Hallam also nailed a couple of three’s in the fourth to cap a 50-point loss for Yates Center.
Brittain led Yates Center offensively with 11 points, while Weber and George each netted four points. Sarchet added three points as well.
Yates Center travels to Pleasanton on Friday at 7 p.m.
Yates Center (8/1-3-11—22) (FG/3pt-FT-F—TP): Weber 2-0-5-4, Sarchet 1-1-3-3, George 2-0-2-4, Brittain 3/1-2-1-11.
