The Lafayette and Central boys’ basketball teams had their season come to end Wednesday night in the sectional round of the state playoffs.  Lafayette lost to Liberty North, 49-43, while Central was defeated by Fort Osage, 53-34.

At the Class 4 sectional at Staley High School, Lafayette allowed a 13-0 run in the third quarter to Liberty North and fell behind 36-25.  The Irish rallied to within two points, 42-40, with about four minutes to go in the fourth quarter, but that was as close as they’d get and Liberth North went on to a 49-43 victory.

Lafayette was led by Jeff Leeson’s 13 points, while Xavier Kurth added 11.  The Fighting Irish end their season 24-4.

At the Class 5 sectional at Independence Events Center, Central jumped out to a quick start and led 13-7 after the first quarter before falling behind 19-18 at halftime.  That was as close as the Indians would get as Fort Osage extended its lead to 37-25 after three and went on to a 53-34 victory.

Central ends its season 12-14 as they were led by

The Central and Lafayette boys’ basketball teams each won a district championship Saturday night as they’ll continue their seasons Wednesday in the sectional round.

Central needed two overtimes to outlast No. 1 seed Park Hill South, 62-57, on the Panthers home court, but they earned their second consecutive Class 5 District 16 championship.

The Indians had four in double figures as Jalil Davis led the way with 17 points.  Shun Williams added 15, Tyree Mayfield scored 14 points and Derek Gray had 10.

Central improves to 12-13 and they’ll play Fort Osage at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Class 5 Sectionals at the Independence Events Center.  The game will air on ESPN 1550.

At Benton High School, Lafayette improved to 24-3 as they won the Class 4 District 16 title with a 67-53 victory over Smithville.

The Fighting Irish used a 25-7 run to end the first half as they led the Warriors at the break, 32-15.

Billy Cook and Xavier Kurth scored 20 points each for Lafayette as they will play Liberty North at Staley High School Wednesday in the Class 4 Sectionals.  The tip off is set for 6:00 p.m. and it’ll air on 680 KFEQ.