Wayne’s bid for a third consecutive sectional title came to an end Saturday afternoon.
No. 3 Wayne fell to No. 4 Monroe, 49-47, in the Class A championship at the Blue Cross Arena after the Red Jackets used a late surge to take the lead in the final seconds.
Wayne struggled offensively early and trailed 11-5 at the end of the first quarter. Monroe extended the advantage to 16-7 early in the second before Aidan Twist knocked down a three-pointer from the wing that helped spark the Eagles.
Wayne answered with a 13-2 run, highlighted by another three from Twist and one from Richard Miles. Malachi Kuhn added a three-pointer late in the half as the Eagles seized control and carried a 27-18 lead into halftime.
The Eagles continued to build momentum early in the third quarter, pushing the lead to 33-18 before Monroe began to rally. The Red Jackets responded with a 14-0 run, trimming Wayne’s advantage to 35-32 heading into the fourth quarter.
The teams traded baskets throughout the final period. Wayne regained a 47-45 lead after Jack Miles converted two free throws, but Monroe tied the game shortly after and then took the lead on a basket with 25 seconds remaining.
Wayne had one final chance after Monroe missed two free throws with 2.4 seconds left, but the Eagles’ desperation attempt at the buzzer was off the mark.
Jack Miles led the Eagles with 14 points while Twist added 12. Monroe was paced by Brien Walker with 18 points, while Jordan Reis scored 13 and Tah’Jier Holmes finished with 11.
The Eagles finished their season at 19-4, while the Red Jackets improved to 17-5 and will face the Class A champion of Section VI in the Far West Regional next week.
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Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.