The Wildcats traveled to Weirton on Tuesday night, February 28, looking to keep their season going, but the Blue Dons were to much and sent the Cats home on the short end of an 87-36 score.

Paden City came into the contest fresh off a Class A Region 1, Section 1, win over Hundred, but couldn’t keep the momentum going as the taller, quicker and more talented home team quickly jumped in front and never let up as they cruised to a 51 point victory sending them into the championship round against Cameron.

The Blue Dons improved to 14-9 on the season with the win, while Paden City finished up the season with a 9-15 record. The Blue Dons took a 18-7 lead after the first eight minutes and led 44-17 at the half. The third quarter also belonged to Madonna as they stretched their lead to ( 35) 63-28 after the third period. The fourth quarter crushed any hopes the Cat’s had left as the home team outscored the visitors 24-7 for the final score and the win.

Madonna was led by Anthony Mascio and Luca Muzzi with 20 points each, while Paden City’s only double figure scorer was Oskar Lehtomen with 11, including a 3-pointer. Ada Lila added eight points for the Cat’s and Brayden Neff hit for seven including a three. Jessup Higgins and Joey Baker each added four points and Jeremiah Thomas hit for two.

Madonna had four double figure scorers in the contest with DoBraska netting 14, including two’s and Amaismeier getting 13 with a 3-pointer. The Blue Dons finished the night with 37 field goals, including nine 3’s and made 4-8 from the free throw line. Paden City canned 13 shots from the floor, including two 3ás and went 6-8 from the free throw line. The Blue Dons held a 37-28 rebounding edge and forced 26 turnovers while committing just seven.

Although the Blue Dons were clearly the better team, a rowdy and obnoxious student cheering section definitely gave them another edge. The Wildcat coaches appealed to the officiating crew concerning the playing of loud music during the visitors timeouts and some of the activity on the stage that was also questionable. However the outcome of the game was decided on the court and the classy Wildcats can live with that.