The Forestburg Longhorns’ season came to an end on Feb. 27 in the regional semifinal against state-ranked Huckabay.
The Indians won 47-42 against the Longhorns, ending Forestburg’s dream season.
The Longhorns came into the game as underdogs. Huckabay was ranked sixth in the state in 1A according to the state poll. Forestburg was coming off two dominant wins against Avery and Newcastle, already making it the most successful playoff run since 1965 for the Longhorn boy’s basketball program.
Forestburg had nothing to lose while being underdogs. The team had one hiccup heading into the game.
Leading scorer Jesus Sanchez turned his ankle during the previous playoff game. Even with a week of recovery, Sanchez was not at 100%, but he did not let that stop him from playing in the game even if he was limited.
The first quarter saw Huckabay make three 3-pointers and led 12-10 as the Longhorns tried to contain the Indians on the perimeter.
Forestburg then raced out to an 22-14 lead midway through the second quarter, scoring inside and defending well against a Huckabay team looking to score around the basket against the Longhorns zone defense. The Indians were able to score twice in transition and once in the mid-range and upped its pressure defense to halfcourt that through Forestburg off.
The Longhorns led 22-20 at halftime.
Forestburg was able to build a 32-24 lead heading into the final minute of the third quarter, scoring at the basket on dump offs, drives and offensive rebounds. Huckabay scored twice off of turnovers to cut the lead to 32-28 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Longhorns jumped up in the opening minute of the final period building a lead to 37-28. The next three minutes saw the Indians take back the lead 38-37, going on a 10-0 run as they upped their defensive intensity that forced turnovers and made key shots around the rim.
Huckabay, now playing with the lead, was able to keep up this momentum while Forestburg just could not make the plays to get back into the game.
The Indians won 46-41.

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