TELL CITY — Perry Central boys basketball against North Posey could not get themselves a postseason win as they lost 56-29.

Perry Central to begin the game wanted to run two specific plays to hopefully get off to a strong start. Their first play was an action to get Lucas Mitchell a lob, kind of like an alley-oop for a layup but it ended with a turnover. North Posey scored the next play. After that, Perry Central’s second play was to try and get Cohen Edwards a look on the block. That did not lead to points and after they fell down 4-0, Perry Central head coach Jeff Litherland sensed panic from the team.

“We had been executing our stuff well in practice,” Litherland said. “But I do not think we handled the stage and the moment very well. We got behind and we panicked.”

Perry Central, at the end of the first quarter, had to overcome a 22-3 deficit. In the second quarter, Perry Central could not close the gap as North Posey combined for 13 to eight of Perry Central’s points. The Commodores in the second half combined for 18, North Posey scored 21.

Points are how it adds up to a loss, but another way North Posey was able to win the contest was through their physicality. The Vikings finished with 29 rebounds and Perry Central secured 17. Perry Central described their physicality as limiting where Perry Central could go with the ball.

“They are physical,” Litherland said. “We could not get anywhere. We got to get in the weight room and get better.”

Perry Central, according to Litherland, also faced a North Posey team that has gone through the trenches of sectional battles.

This also meant that Lucas Mitchell, Chase and Caleb Hubert, as well as Jared Wagner, played their last games as Commodores.

“Lucas Mitchell is the best defender and the hardest working kid who has ever played for me at any level,” Litherland said. “Chase, Caleb and Jared have really improved as basketball players and as leaders. They have also helped me be better ... Outside of basketball, to be mature enough to excel in being a human being is what sticks out to me.”

However, Perry Central, through this game, got the chance to play some of their younger players. Wick Craney, Thomas Hogan and more were able to get minutes in what Litherland hopes can be beneficial.

“We played some young guys tonight,” Litherland said. “And they played well in this atmosphere. That is something to build on and we will give it to April first, then get right back to work.”

Stats

Thomas Hogan for Perry Central led the Commodores with nine points. He also led the Commodores in rebounds with five. Caden James finished with a team high two assists.

North Posey, against Perry Central, finished with making 54% of their shots with Perry Central shooting 27%. The Vikings, offensively, were led by Liam Stowe and Austin Schmitt who scored 25 points and 13 points respectively.