The Fayette boys bowed out in the first round of the Class 2 District 7 tournament, falling to second-seeded and eventual runner-up New Franklin 76-33.

The loss ended Fayette’s season with a record of 4-22, the Falcons’ third losing season in a row and the lowest win total since 2014. 

“It’s been a long and tough season,” said Fayette coach Jon Bishop. “We have had some success, and we have learned a lot. None of these guys showed up wanting to lose 22 games in a season. We do have a tough schedule, and we have certainly had some lopsided losses. I have said all season that these guys don’t quit and always play hard. I hope they can learn from that and keep improving.”

Payton Oeth was the only Falcon to finish in double figures. The sophomore paced his team with 12 points, three rebounds, and two blocks. Fellow sophomore Carter Vroman added six points and six rebounds. Junior Kaleb Friebe posted six points, two rebounds, two assists, two steals, six deflections, and a block. Sophomore Charles Alexander added five points, four rebounds, four deflections, three assists, and two steals.

In his final game in a Falcon uniform, senior Tristan Swanson scored two points with a rebound, an assist, a steal, and a deflection.

“I told the boys in the locker room I was proud of the heart and effort they showed, and I was sorry we couldn’t have a better year,” Bishop said. “I wish each of these young men the best of luck as most of them will move on to a spring sport.”

Last week, Bishop announced he is resigning and leaving Fayette after this year. 

New Franklin finished with three players in double figures, led by senior Jake Marshall’s 22 points. Drake Clark scored 14, and Caden Schlotzhauer added 13.

The seventh-ranked Bulldogs went on to defeat Glasgow in the semis before falling to defending Class 2 state champion Salisbury in the finals.