Local Chanute Blue Comets Fall Short in Sub-State Championship Against Fort Scott Tigers

The Chanute Blue Comets lost to the Fort Scott Tigers 49-43 in the KSHSAA 4A-East Boys Basketball Sub-State Championships on Saturday. Both teams started with strong defense, with scoring increasing in the second quarter. Chanute's head coach, Devon Crabtree, commended his team's offensive efficiency and teamwork, despite trailing by a few points in the first half.

The Tigers gained momentum in the second half, scoring a 12-3 run. Chanute's defense initially resisted, but Fort Scott eventually broke through, drawing fouls and finding open players. Crabtree recognized the team's difficulty in ball control in the third quarter and pledged to motivate his team better.

Fort Scott's effective offense in the second half was crucial. They scored 16 points from free throws and made 5 field goals. Crabtree admitted that Fort Scott's ability to score easily was a challenge for Chanute.

Chanute's senior player, Jordan Duncan, was notable for his defensive efforts. Duncan, known for his 3-point shooting, also demonstrated his defensive skills. Crabtree commended Duncan's performance, emphasizing his defensive contribution.

In the final period, Chanute was eight points behind before Fort Scott increased the lead. Chanute's defense rallied, forcing turnovers and making a 13-5 run. Seniors Larsen Koester and Rhett Smith played key roles in this effort. However, Chanute had difficulty with rebounds late in the game, often fouling instead of gaining possession. Fort Scott took advantage of this, making 13 free throws in the fourth quarter to win the game.

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