For the Tomahawk Leader

TOMAHAWK – The fifth-seeded Tomahawk Hatchet boys’ basketball team hosted fourth-seeded Menominee Indian at Hatchet Fieldhouse for a playoff matchup on Tuesday, Feb. 16, and fell in a tight game by a score of 58 to 54.

The Hatchets jumped out to a quick lead and took a five-point advantage into halftime. Menominee Indian tied the game to start the second half before going up 36 to 30, but Tomahawk battled back and took a 54 to 51 lead with 50 seconds left on the clock. Menominee Indian scored a layup with 30 seconds to go, whittling the Hatchets’ lead down to one point. The Hatchets inbounded the ball, and Menominee Indian fouled, bringing Tomahawk to the free throw line. After two free throw misses, Menominee Indian ran the floor and hit a three pointer, taking a two-point lead. Tomahawk missed a shot to tie the game, and Menominee Indian made their free throws to seal the win.

Payton Bunce led the Hatchets with 24 points.

“I thought our guys did what we asked of them all year, and Menominee Indian is a good team that played better than us tonight,” head coach Jacob Jarvensivu said after the game. “This was a devastating way to go out for our seniors, but one game can’t overshadow some of the great accomplishments that they have been a part of in the program. The whole basketball program can’t thank Drew, Mason, Payton, Elijah, and Trey enough.”