GNADDENHUTTON – The Cambridge High School boys’ basketball team battled to the final buzzer but came up short as Indian Valley defeated the Bobcats 58-53 in the Division II East District Sectional tournament final at Indian Valley High School Saturday night.

The Bobcats were tied with the Braves at 42-42 heading into the fourth quarter but were outscored 16-11 as Indian Valley made six-of-six free throws to hold onto the win.

“Our kids all played their hearts out tonight,” Cambridge coach Kyle Pertuset said. “I am disappointed we couldn’t pull out a win, but it wasn’t because of lack of effort. Our kids gave it their all until the very end.”

Senior Regan Rogers and junior Jesiah Barnett scored five and four points in the final frame as the Cats made six field goals to only four for the home team.

In the game, the Bobcats made 22 of 38 shots including five three-point goals while Indian Valley made 20 of 31 with four three-pointers. Indian Valley made 14-18 free throws in the game and was perfect from the line in the second half.

Down a single point at the half, the Bobcats outpointed the Braves in the third quarter 19-18. Barnett scored nine for the Bobcats while Tyson Pryor scored all 18 points for Indian Valley including a rim-rattling dunk and a three-point goal.

Cambridge fell behind 12-8 in the first quarter and saw the lead grow early in the second quarter before they regained their footing to cut the lead to one at the half. Rogers scored eight points in the quarter while Barnett added five.

In the game, Barnett scored 22 points while Rogers added 17 points. Rogers also drew four charges in the game. Rylan Mathews scored six and Mason Gregg and Rylee Homko-Green scored four each.

Regan gave a great effort on both ends of the floor tonight,” Pertuset said. “He scored 17 points and took four charges. That was just an absolutely gutsy performance.”

The Bobcats finish the season with a 6-17 record. Indian Valley advances to play St. Clairsville in district tournament action on Wednesday.