News Photo by Steve Jakubcin The senior players from the Alpena varsity boy’s basketball team pose for a photo with their parents during Senior Night on Tuesday. The Wildcats fell to defeat at the hands of Cadillac 74-40.

ALPENA – The Cadillac Vikings had an excellent night shooting the ball as five of their players scored in double digits on the way to a 74-40 victory over the Alpena Wildcats’ varsity boys basketball team in Alpena on Tuesday.

Despite the loss, it was still a night of celebration, as the team’s seniors, Carter Green, Lucas Thompson, and Asher Vaneffen and their parents and guardians were honored.

The loss drops Alpena’s record to 9 -10, while the Vikings’ record improves to 9-11.

Vaneffen started the scoring for the Wildcats as he drove to the basket and connected on a lay-up bringing the home crowd to life.

It was all Cadillac after that as they pulled away early, going on a 10-4 run to start the game. The score at the halftime intermission was 37-16, Vikings.

Alpena freshman standout guard Bryton Nostrant had another solid night shooting the ball and led the offense by scoring 19 points.

The Wildcats were without junior forward Conner Tulgestka who was out with an injury. Alpena head coach Evan Neff said his absence impacted the game.

“When you’re missing the biggest guy on your team, against a league opponent whose two best players are 6’7 and 6’6 respectively, you are in for a rough night,” Neff said.

Neff added that Tulgetska’s injury is, day to day and he is hopeful he will be 100 percent healthy for the start of tournament play.

Neff paid tribute to his seniors and the contributions they have made to the team throughout their playing careers.

“I am thankful for the senior’s dedication and willingness to show up each day to compete in practice,” Neff said. “They have been fun to watch grow, and I’m proud of each and every one of them, they are all great young men.

Alpena travels to Petoskey on Monday to start tournament action. Tip-off for that game is scheduled for 6 p.m.