News Photo by Jonny Zawacki Alpena’s Chris Derocher (33) goes up for a shot over Blue Devil defenders Kyle Robinson (30) and Brandon Paul (32) during the first quarter of a boys basketball game on Wednesday at Alpena High School.

Despite the big improvement from the last time that the Alpena boys basketball team played Sault Ste. Marie, the Wildcats were again on the losing end in a matchup against the Blue Devils as they suffered a heartbreaking 49-48 defeat on Wednesday at Alpena High School.

“I thought it was a really good game. Both teams played really hard and I couldn’t be more pleased with how our guys competed tonight against an undefeated team,” Alpena coach John Pintar said.

The final score was a perfect indication of just how close this game was as both teams went back and forth all night, with the largest lead being just five points as the game featured 14 lead changes.

The Wildcats jumped out to an early lead, connecting on their first two shots, but Sault hit several three-pointers during the game which proved to be huge.

Along with the Blue Devils’ ability to shoot the three ball, 6-7 Brandon Paul was a force early on from all over the court as he showcased his ability to do just about everything from scoring inside, outside and even throwing down a dunk. Paul scored 14 of his game- high 23 points in the first half as Alpena struggled to slow him down early.

After an even first quarter, Bruz Copping hit two big three-pointers to help the Wildcats open up a five point lead midway through the second quarter.

Sault responded by scoring the final four points of the quarter to cut into the lead as Alpena went into the break up 24-23 after a low scoring first half.

The Wildcats came out of the break and looked sharp, but every time Alpena looked as if it was going to build on its lead, the Blue Devils answered from beyond the three-point line as they hit four of their eight triples in the third quarter to take the lead back.

After being held to just four points in the first half, Chris Derocher did all he could to keep the Wildcats in the game by scoring 16 of the team’s 24 second half points.

Alpena trailed by one heading into the fourth quarter and again was able to grab a 46-44 lead with under three minutes to go.

Tristan Johnson hit a three moments later to help Sault regain the lead. The Wildcats caught a break when they turned the ball over and Paul received a pass and hit what looked like was going to be a layup, but got called for traveling.

There was again back and forth action as both teams committed costly turnovers late. Alpena had possession of the ball with 33 seconds left when Cam DeCaire went up for a shot, but was rejected by Paul.

The inbound went to Derocher who missed two shots, but the second shot was tipped in by Logan Guthrie to give the Wildcats a 48-47 lead with 18 seconds left.

After a Sault timeout, the Blue Devils had a shot attempt and Paul missed the tip in, but a rebound went right to a wide open Matt Knowles who tossed up a shot that went in for his only basket of the game with just 3 seconds left and the Wildcats missed the desperation shot from half court and suffered another tough defeat.

“We fought all night, getting a lead, then falling behind and it was back and forth late, but we made a few mistakes here and there, but against a good team you have to be able to finish everything and tonight we just left three seconds too many,” Pintar said.

Derocher led Alpena with 20 points and was the only Wildcat to score double figures. DeCaire added nine points and Copping added eight in the losing effort.

Sault was led by Paul with 23, Johnston added 11 points and Ryley Alaspa chipped in with 10 points to help the Blue Devils remain undefeated at 9-0.

The Wildcats fall to 4-7 on the year and will be back in action tomorrow when they host Big North Conference rival Traverse City Central.

“Traverse City Central is a team that is young too and they have been playing better as of late and I think it’s going to be a very competitive game,” Pintar said. “I’m glad we only have one day to wait and get rid of this disappointed tonight and hopefully get a win at home.”

The Alpena JV team was victorious on Wednesday, beating Sault 49-22. The Wildcats were led by Aden Smith who scored 11 points, Colin Donajkowski added 10 points and both Kayden Wisniewski and Haydn Goebel chipped in with nine points.

The Alpena freshman team also won, defeating Sault by a score of 70-40. Kelly Stark led Alpena pouring in 26 points and Jordan Schultz added 14 points.

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SAULT STE. MARIE (49) — M. Knowles, 1 0-0 2; T. Johnston, 4 0-0 11; L. Bailey, 1 0-0 2; R. Alaspa, 4 0-0 10; B. Paul, 9 2-2 23.

ALPENA (48) — L. Pinger, 2 0-0 4; A. Goike, 1 0-0 2; B. Copping, 3 0-0 8; C. DeCaire, 3 3-3 9; E. Alexander, 0 1-2 1; C. Derocher, 8 4-5 20; L. Guthrie, 2 0-0 4.

Jonny Zawacki can be reached via email at jzawacki@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5690.