Fast start not enough for Wildcats in loss to Eudora

Louisburg junior Colyer Wingfield pulls up for a shot Friday during the Wildcats’ game at Eudora High School. Wingfield finished the game with 14 points and four 3-pointers.

EUDORA — The Louisburg boys basketball team put together one of its best offensive performances of the season Friday, but as luck would have it, it wasn’t enough.

The Wildcats traveled to Eudora and faced off with the Cardinals, who is currently the No. 1 team in Class 4A. Despite getting out to a good start, the Wildcats had a tough time slowing the Cardinals in a 68-57 setback.

Louisburg took the lead going into the second quarter, but Eudora scored a combined 49 points in the next two quarters to pull away from the Wildcats.

“I thought we played pretty well,” Louisburg coach Ty Pfannenstiel said. “It was one of our better outputs offensively, which should give us a little more confidence. Eudora has a really nice team this year.  Our kids showed a lot of poise and toughness. We just have to limit our mistakes.”

Mistakes haunted the Wildcats as Eudora forced 18 Louisburg turnovers. The Cardinals took advantage as they outscored the Wildcats, 17-2, in points off turnovers and also pulled down nine more offensive rebounds.

The Cardinals had three players in double figures and were led by a 15-point performance from Conor Dunback as eight different players scored for Eudora. They made it a difficult defensive task for Louisburg.

“I told our boys before the game that it was important that we came out aggressive and started off well,” Pfannenstiel said. “I really had no concerns with that because our kids play pretty fearlessly.  They don’t get caught up in the emotions of the game — they just play.  

“Eudora is a tough team to guard because they have so many options offensively.  They have good size inside, they have shooters, and they have a lot of guards that can handle the ball and create.”

Louisburg (2-4) jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead to begin the game and led 10-6 going into the second quarter. From there, the Eudora offense took over.

The Cardinals scored 21 points in the second quarter to take a 27-23 halftime lead. Eudora put the pressure on even more with a 28-point third quarter to help put the game away, even with a 19-point third quarter from the Wildcats.

The Wildcats had three players score in double figures and senior Michael Seuferling led the way with a team-high 16 points and five rebounds.

Junior Colyer Wingfield finished with 14 points, including a season-high four 3-pointers and also had eight boards. Senior Maverick Rockers added 11 points and eight assists in the loss, while junior Mack Newell had a team-high nine rebounds to go along with eight points.

“I thought we played smarter,” Pfannenstiel said. “I talked to some of our guys over the break about taking smarter shots. I wanted guys like Michael and Colyer to hit those mid-range shots. Sometimes I think we just play into the hands of the defense by driving it all the way to the basket and instead I wanted to see them get some good mid range looks. 

“Mike and Colyer executed pretty well and we shot the ball pretty well. Hopefully seeing the ball go through the hoop gives us more confidence moving forward.”

Louisburg will try and get back on the winning track Friday when it hosts Baldwin. The Wildcats’ game with Bonner Springs, that was scheduled for today, was postponed due to covid problems within the Bonner Springs program.

“It was good to be back on the court,” Pfannenstiel said. “That break seemed extra long this year for some reason. Our kids are excited to get back and play on our home court. Each night in the Frontier League is always tough, but our kids are excited for the opportunity.”

LOU 10 13 19 15 — 57

EUD 6 21 28 13 — 68

LOUISBURG (2-4): Michael Seuferling 7-12 2-3 16; Colyer Wingfield 5-8 0-0 14; Maverick Rockers 2-6 6-8 11; Mack Newell 4-7 0-0 8; Isaac Guetterman 1-4 0-0 3; Cade Gassman 1-2 0-0 2; Hunter Rogers 1-1 0-0 2; Carson Kern 0-2 1-4 1. Totals: 21-42 9-15 57. 3-point field goals: 6, (Wingfield 4, Rockers, Guetterman)

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