In a low-scoring sectional semifinal battle in Monticello, Warrensburg-Latham saw its season come to a heartbreaking end as Teutopolis held on for a 40-39 victory.
The Cardinals (29-5) entered the night riding a 10-game winning streak, while the Wooden Shoes (29-3) brought in 11 straight wins of their own. With two 20-plus win teams squaring off, the matchup lived up to expectations as a defensive grind from the opening tip.
The first quarter set the tone, as both teams struggled to find offensive rhythm. Warrensburg-Latham relied on its defensive pressure and execution to take a 9-6 lead after the first eight minutes. Every possession felt critical in a game where points were at a premium.
The second quarter continued much of the same. Neither side could create much separation, trading baskets and defensive stops throughout. The Cardinals had an opportunity to take a late lead before halftime, but a charge call wiped away the chance, and a buzzer-beating attempt came up short. The teams headed into the locker room tied at 18, setting up a dramatic second half.
Teutopolis seized momentum in the third quarter. The Wooden Shoes caught fire from beyond the arc, knocking down multiple three-pointers during a decisive 15-5 run. That surge pushed them ahead 33-23 with just over a minute remaining in the third. For a moment, it looked as though the Cardinals were in danger of seeing the game slip away.
But Warrensburg-Latham refused to fold.
The Cardinals chipped away at the deficit with timely baskets and defensive stops, turning the tide late in the third and into the fourth quarter. From that 10-point hole, Warrensburg-Latham mounted a 16-5 run to reclaim the lead at 39-38 late in the final period. The defensive pressure that had defined their season once again fueled the comeback effort.
With about 35 seconds left, however, Teutopolis came up with the play of the night — a critical steal that led to a transition basket, giving the Wooden Shoes a 40-39 advantage with 25 seconds remaining.
Warrensburg-Latham had one final opportunity. The Cardinals worked the ball around and found a look from beyond the arc, but the shot wouldn’t fall. After a couple of late fouls and a scramble for possession, the clock hit zero, ending a thrilling sectional semifinal.
Brendon Bonds led the way for Warrensburg-Latham with a game-high 20 points, carrying much of the offensive load in the tightly contested matchup. Defensively, the Cardinals were relentless, tallying 10 steals and forcing 15 turnovers to keep themselves in position throughout the night.
Teutopolis showcased balanced scoring in the win. Isaac McWhorter led the Wooden Shoes with 10 points, while Kendal Mette added eight. Joey Probst and Landyn Beuning each contributed six, and Gavin Addis and Landyn Theole chipped in five apiece.
For Warrensburg-Latham, the loss closes the book on an impressive 29-win season defined by toughness, defense, and resilience. Though the comeback fell just short, the Cardinals battled until the final buzzer in a game that could have gone either way.
Brennon Bonds take it to the hoop for the Cardinals
Gavin Addis drills it from the corner for the Wooden Shoes
Eastyn Mckenzie SINKS it for the Cardinals.
Alex Hardin with a BIG BLOCK for the Warrensburg-Latham.