The seventh-seeded Fayette boys nearly upset second-seeded Westran Monday night in the first round of the Class 2 District 7 tournament in Glasgow. Despite a furious run in the third quarter that eventually brought the Falcons within one point, they lost the game, 57-49.

The game marked a fitting end for a Fayette team that fought to the final buzzer of every game as the Falcons work to rebuild a program under coach Brandon Friebe, who returned to the sideline this year.

Fayette’s defense was the backbone of their play all year. It kept them in the game early, as points were difficult to come by. Westran had a solid size advantage, using it effectively as their post scored the first six points against two for Fayette, scored by freshman Blake Braden.

“We had a few lapses, but overall, our defense played great tonight,” Coach Friebe said. “We improved so much since we played these guys early in the season; it’s a night and day difference.”

Braden then stole a pass and drove for a lay-up but missed, but senior post Thomas Elliot corralled and put it back in for two. Westran answered with a mini four-point run, but as time ran out in the first quarter, Falcon senior Kaleb Friebe ran a pic-n-roll with junior Payton Oeth, hitting Oeth as he rolled toward the basket for two points just before the buzzer, cutting Westran’s lead to four points, 10-6.

“We didn’t rotate with help-side defense early on but quickly adjusted,” Coach Friebe said. “After that, we made them take contested shots, and we rebounded pretty well. I told our guys that we hadn’t played well and were only down by four, so we felt good about it.”

Westran came out ready in the second quarter and went on a 12-2 run. They used a 1-2-2 press to cause several Falcon turnovers and earn some easy baskets.

Friebe then drove and was fouled on a made basket, earning a traditional three-point play. He then hit two more free throws and stole a pass for another two as he helped Fayette on a 6-2 run to end the quarter, cutting Westran’s lead to 26-19 at the break.

Junior guard Charles Alexander started the third quarter with a 3-pointer, but the high seed found its footing with a 10-2 run to take a 36-24 lead.

With things looking dim, Coach Friebe called a timeout to reset his troops. The Falcons responded as senior Kevin De La Torre scored two points before teammate Colton Cross took over. The sophomore scored nine straight points, including a 3-pointer, cutting the Westran lead once again to one point.

“Colton Cross had a great run in the third quarter, but he hasn’t played his best basketball yet,” Coach Friebe said of his sophomore starter. “As the year progressed, we trusted him to handle the ball a lot, and his confidence grew immensely.”

Westran took a 37-41 lead heading into the final quarter. Alexander made a two-point shot, cutting the lead to two. Westran again went on a run, this time a 10-0 run, taking the momentum back from Fayette.

The Falcons continued to battle, outscoring Westran down the stretch 10-3, but ended their season with a 57-49 loss.

Alexander led the Falcons with 12 points. Cross added 11, and Friebe joined them in double figures with 10 points in his final high school game.

“We played so hard tonight. There were many sad men in that locker room tonight because they really enjoy playing the game,” Coach Friebe added. “I couldn’t be more proud of our effort this season. We urged these guys to be the first bricks of the future of Fayette basketball, and I think we accomplished that this year.”

Four Falcon seniors played their final games. De La Torre, Micah Estes, Thomas Elliott, and Friebe all walked off the court for the final time in their Fayette jerseys. Coach Friebe had words of praise for each of them. “Kevin is so tough. He’s battling an injury, but his mind was set on playing in these last two games. He’s given us everything he has.”

“Micah is another tough kid. He’s done everything we’ve asked and hasn’t complained. He’s hit several big threes for us this year.”

“Tommy Elliot is the heart of our program. He’s an emotional leader who holds people accountable. He’s a great kid!”

“I’m proud of Kaleb and the many things no one sees. He’s worked so hard in the off-season, taking thousands of shots. He knows how to work, and he hates to lose. He loves to play and had several huge games for us down the stretch.”

The Falcons end the 2024-25 season with a 3-22 record. Westran advanced to face third-seeded Glasgow on Wednesday evening. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. The winner will advance to the district finals at 6 p.m. on Friday.