Courtesy photo The Alpena Wildcats varsity boys basketball team huddles during Monday’s district playoff game against the Petoskey Northmen.

PETOSKEY – The season has ended for the Alpena Wildcats varsity boys’ basketball team, after a 78-40 loss to the Petoskey Northmen in the first round of district playoffs on Monday.

Alpena Head Coach Evan Neff said that his players accomplished more than just wins this season.

“This season was full of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade the time with this group for anything,” Neff said. “We accomplished some great things and took many steps forward culture wise.”

Alpena finished the season with a record of 10-12, their most wins in a season since 2021.

“We accomplished the most wins in a season since 2021, and did it with a team of mostly underclassmen,” Neff said.

Despite the outcome, Neff said that the young roster for the Wildcats has come a long way in a short period of time.

“The growth of this group has been incredible, and we proved a lot of people wrong along the way,” Neff added.