MUNCIE — Pendleton Heights led after the first quarter but was unable to retain that lead at the end of the game.

The Arabians’ boys basketball season came to an end Wednesday, March 4, with a 67-54 loss to Muncie Central in a quarterfinal game of Class 4A Sectional 9 at Muncie Fieldhouse.

Pendleton Heights led 11-10 after the opening stanza and trailed by just three points, 26-23, at halftime. Muncie Central outscored Pendleton Heights 41-31 in the second half.

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The Arabians were led in scoring by senior Tristan Ross with 16 points. Sophomore Jamison Dunham had 12, while sophomore Luke Candiano was next in the scoring line with nine points.

Senior Kamden Earley contributed eight points. Junior Gavin Greer added seven, and sophomore Ethan Ross rounded out the scoring with two points.

Muncie Central, which would finish runner-up to sectional champion New Palestine, was led in scoring by Victor Young with 27 points. K.J. Jackson had 14, and Dylan Stafford added 13.

Pendleton Heights finished the season with an 8-16 record.

Earlier this week, both Tristan Ross and Dunham were named All-Hoosier Heritage Conference.

The Arabians lost their final eight games but finished 4-3 and in a three-way tie for second in the HHC.

Last week’s sectional was the final game for three seniors: Tristan Ross, Earley and David Stahly.

The loss was the second of the season to the Bearcats. Pendleton Heights fell 75-59 on Feb. 11 at Muncie Central.