By DOUG EADS
STEARNS — Last season, the Southwestern Warriors won the 12th Regional Tournament, with one of the biggest post season upsets in the state, winning on a last -second shot over Mercer County at the buzzer.
On Monday night, the Warriors were denied an opportunity to defend that regional crown, thanks to falling victim to a big-time upset themselves.
Playing the homestanding McCreary Central Raiders in the play-in game of the Boy’s 48th District Basketball Tournament — a team Southwestern had defeated twice during the regular season — Chris Baker’s club saw its season end with a very tough, 52-50 loss.
Andrew Smith was a bright spot for the Warriors, draining five, three-point baskets leading Southwestern with 15 points, while Cole Dysinger added 13 points.
However, it wouldn’t be enough.
The Warriors led this low-scoring affair after three quarters of play — 35-33 — but McCreary Central would take the win by outscoring the blue and orange in the fourth stanza by a 19-15 margin.
With the loss, Southwestern ended its season with a 13-17 record.