CONVERSE — The Lapel boys basketball season came to an end Saturday, March 10. After defeating fourth-ranked Class 2A Frankton to win their sectional, the Bulldogs lost a heartbreaker 72-46 against Oak Hill.

“This Oak Hill team is good enough to win it all,” Lapel coach Jimmie Howell said after the game.

Looking at the scoreboard, Lapel didn’t seem to stand a chance against sixth-ranked Oak Hill.

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The first quarter was a massive struggle for Lapel. It could not stop the three-point shooting and the penetration at the rim.

Oak Hill’s Caleb Middlesworth racked up 13 first-quarter points, while Lapel’s Austin Lyons was the only player to score for Lapel in the first with six points.

With a 19-6 first-quarter score, it appeared Lapel was in for a rough game overall.

But Lapel did not give up, as the second quarter looked like the game was going to be much closer. Lapel managed to outscore Oak Hill 15-13, as Preston Scott and Lyons would take control of scoring.

Luke Richardson, however, looked to be struggling against the tough Oak Hill defense.

Forcing Richardson to battle through multiple defenders on most scoring opportunities, Oak Hill seemed to have a good plan to combat the 6-foot-5 Richardson.

And when Richardson was able to get a shot off inside, it didn’t produce.

“We played well in the second quarter, it’s just that this year we’re not a very good defensive team and we’re not very quick,” Howell said.

After halftime, Oak Hill began to take full control of the game and seal the fate for Lapel.

A 14-3 run to start the second half forced Lapel to regroup. Lapel just couldn’t match the hot shooting from Oak Hill’s Middlesworth and David Arens.

Richardson finally got a basket to fall for him in the third quarter, but a less-than-stellar free throw percentage would leave him with just four points.

Heading into the final quarter with a 58-32 deficit, Lapel would need a miracle to keep its season alive.

Howell attributed the blowout to the nerves of the players and a lack of aggression.

“We had way too many turnovers, but I think that was just the nerves of the kids.”

The loss would conclude Lapel’s 2017-18 campaign and also see seniors Austin Lyons, Caleb Bloom and Preston Scott wear a Lapel uniform for the final time.

“I’m hoping we’ll be better next year,” Howell said. “We’ve got several kids who have a lot of experience, and we’ll just have to see what we do.”

Oak Hill went on to defeat Tipton in the regional championship Saturday night and will face Westview Saturday, March 17, in a state semifinal game at Huntington North. The winner of that game will advance to the state championship game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, to face the winner of the other semistate game between Scecina and Forest Park.