Courtesy Photo The Alpena High School basketball team huddles together during it game on Monday against Traverse City West.

TRAVERSE CITY – The season came to an end for the Alpena Wildcats varsity girls’ basketball team after falling 58-40 to Traverse City West in the first round of district playoffs on Monday.

The Wildcats did not go quietly into the night; as they showed their heart all night with an outstanding defensive effort.

Offensively, it was a game of hot and cold for Alpena, for instance, in the second half with the score 40-17 the Wildcats got hot.

After a Traverse City missed basket, freshman guard Bella Dickens drove to the basket, knocking down a tough shot in the paint to make the score 42-22.

As the Titans brought the ball down the court on their following possession Alpena’s Emma Darga stole the ball, passed it to Dickens, who then drove down the court and connected on another tough lay-up, making the score 42-24 and causing Traverse City West to take a time-out.

With less than a minute to go in the third quarter Amelia Soltysiak was fouled on a three-point attempt. She knocked down two of three attempts at the free throw line, shrinking the lead to 14, with a score of 44-30.

That was the closest Alpena would get, as Traverse City West started the fourth quarter on a 14-2 run.

Alpena Head Coach Mark Toppi said the effort from his young team was solid, but it lacked the ability to control the glass the way it needed to.

“We lost the rebound battle by 20 plus for the entire game,” Toppi said. “However, we did a lot of good things and just struggled to get shots to fall.”

Despite their record, this young team has a lot to look forward to, and Toppi is proud of the work they have put in this season.

“I am very proud of their effort tonight and all season,” Toppi said. “I feel very fortunate I get to coach this group.”