News Photo by Steve Jakubcin Connor Cameron, center, goes for a shot on Friday night during the Alpena home game against Glen Lake. The Wildcats lost to the Lakers, 57-52, putting their season record at 0-4.

ALPENA — Starting the season on a four-game losing streak wasn’t exactly in the plans for the Alpena High boys basketball team (0-4).

Although the record isn’t where it needs to be, every game has been played close and down to the wire.

Alpena taking on Glen Lake was no different, as the Wildcats were narrowly defeated 52-57 in the game’s final minute.

“I’m proud of the effort, we’re playing hard, and we’re doing a lot of good things, but when you’re down every game…it’s hard to win,” Alpena coach John Pintar said. “The early part of these games is really where we need to capitalize and improve our game.”

Alpena came out of the gate hot, scoring the first two baskets on the game’s first two possessions.

Despite the astounding start, that 4-0 lead quickly diminished. Glen Lake, through its ability to out-rebound the Wildcats, went on a 10-0 run, stealing away the lead at 10-4.

The first quarter was closed out much more efficiently by the Wildcats, only down three points.

While the offense seemed to catch a spark, the Wildcats were mistaken, as Alpena remained scoreless until 2:05 was left in the first half. The Lakers took full advantage of this offensive lapse, going on an 8-0 to start the second quarter.

Heading into halftime, Alpena was down 22-29, with plenty of time to come back and take back the lead.

Offensive struggles highlighted the first half, but another swift start for the Wildcats swung the momentum entirely in favor of Alpena.

An instant layup from Easton Srebnik was followed by back-to-back three-point makes from Connor Cameron.

Eddie Prue finished a tough contested layup, granting Alpena its first lead since the opening possession.

Now, with a 36-35 lead, the Wildcats needed to hold on to secure the win.

Entering the game’s final quarter, Alpena fought back just enough to tie it as Tucker Bright sunk a three-pointer in the last seconds of the third.

Glen Lake started the quarter off great, but Alpena was able to bring it back with a run of its own. An 8-0 run occurred with five points from Srebnik and another three from Bright; the Wildcats knotted the game back up to 52-52 in the final minutes.

Unfortunately for Alpena, the game slipped out of hand after going down and struggling to send Glen Lake to the line.

The game ended in a 52-57 final.

“You can only allow so many big runs before you nearly have to play perfect to win. We fought back and proved a lot of good things, but it’s really hard to come back and win these games against good teams,” Pintar said.

Alpena plays Elk Rapids on Monday.

Bright, once again, led the Wildcats in scoring with 20 points as Srebnik accumulated 13.

Dominating inside for the Lakers was Jacob Plamondon, who had 26 points, and the only other double-digit scorer was Dylan Cundiff, who had 10.