Sophomore Kyson Wertenberger passes the ball to his teammate during the KSHSAA Class 3A Sub-State Semi-Finals on Tuesday, March 3, at Silver Lake.

Senior Cole Menold protects the ball from this Silver Lake defender during the KSHSAA Class 3A Sub-State Semi-Finals on Tuesday, March 3, at Silver Lake.

Senior Charlie Lukert drives around this Silver Lake defender during the KSHSAA Class 3A Sub-State Semi-Finals on Tuesday, March 3, at Silver Lake.

Senior Reid Mitchell looks for an open teammate during the KSHSAA Class 3A Sub-State Semi-Finals on Tuesday, March 3, at Silver Lake.

Junior Micah Lang takes this short jump shot during the KSHSAA Class 3A Sub-State Semi-Finals on Tuesday, March 3, at Silver Lake.

Junior Jack Frazee shoots over this Silver Lake defender during the KSHSAA Class 3A Sub-State Semi-Finals on Tuesday, March 3, at Silver Lake.

Senior Cole Menold drives up for a shot at the basket during the KSHSAA Class 3A Sub-State Semi-Finals on Tuesday, March 3, at Silver Lake.

The Sabetha Bluejays traveled to Silver Lake on Tuesday, March 3, for the sub-state semifinal. Not forgetting that earlier in the season, the Bluejays suffered a heartbreaking double-overtime loss to the Eagles. Tuesday night’s sub-state semifinal offered another shot, but despite a gritty effort, Sabetha’s season came to an end with a 58-39 loss to a Silver Lake squad that caught fire from beyond the arc in the second half.

The Bluejays wrap up the season with a strong 15-9 record against what many consider one of the toughest schedules in Kansas 3A basketball.

Sabetha also entered the season with a relatively new-look roster after graduating a large senior class last year, returning only a couple players with significant varsity experience in senior Reid Mitchell and junior Micah Lang. Still, this year’s squad quickly found its identity built on hustle, unselfish play and toughness.

Senior Cole Menold got things rolling when he pushed the pace on a fast break and delivered a perfect pass ahead to junior Jack Frazee, who finished for the first bucket of the night. Moments later, Menold attacked the baseline with a lightning-quick drive for another score before later splashing a three that looked smooth as butter.

Frazee flashed his athleticism midway through the quarter, gliding in for a one-dribble finger roll over the defense. On another possession, junior big man Holden Edelman drew the defense into the paint before making a heads-up kickout pass to sophomore Kyson Wertenberger, who drilled a three from deep.

After an exciting first eight minutes, the game was knotted at 12-12.

Senior Charlie Lukert, who has built a reputation this season for doing all the little things that help teams win, continued that trend in the second quarter. Lukert delivered a selfless pass inside to Frazee for a score and later sacrificed his body to draw an offensive foul that brought the Sabetha crowd to its feet.

Frazee added another tough finish through contact and Menold floated in a graceful runner in the lane, while Sabetha’s defense held strong.

The Bluejays trailed just 20-18 at halftime.

“I felt like we took away some of the things they were successful with the first time we played them,” said Head Coach Josh Wertenberger.

Coming out of the break with both teams’ seasons on the line, the intensity only picked up. Frazee and Lang connected on a familiar play that Bluejay fans have seen all season, as Frazee delivered a high-low pass to Lang for a bucket inside. Mitchell also knocked down a three to keep Sabetha within striking distance.

But midway through the third quarter, Silver Lake made an adjustment against Sabetha’s zone defense — and it paid off.

The Eagles began finding open looks from beyond the arc and got red hot, hitting seven of their eight three-pointers in the second half.

Still, Sabetha battled.

Late in the third quarter, the Bluejays executed a perfectly designed inbounds play that freed Menold for a three-pointer. Shortly after, Mitchell powered his way to the hoop for a strong finish in true bully-ball fashion.

Despite the push, Sabetha trailed 36-28 heading into the final period.

The Bluejays continued to fight. Menold knocked down a long jumper and later connected on another three, while Lang added a smooth spin move in the post for a bucket.

But every time Sabetha scored, Silver Lake seemed to have an answer. The Eagles continued knocking down big shots and gradually pulled away to secure the 58-39 win. The sting of a season-ending loss never gets easier — especially for the seniors who helped shape this year’s team.

“We had a great season that I will always cherish,” Menold said, who led Sabetha with 15 points in the game. “My teammates were all selfless, humble athletes that would do anything for the betterment of the team.”

Coach Wertenberger believes the culture established by this year’s seniors will continue to guide the program.

“Proud to coach a group that competes at all three levels and sacrifices their own wants for the good of the team,” Wertenberger said. “Grateful for a senior group that led in this way and look forward to the underclassmen continuing this tradition of servant leadership.”