The New Palestine boys basketball team pushed the host Whiteland Warriors for more than 20 minutes on Saturday night but fell just short, 69-56.
The Dragons led for most of the first three quarters, which saw neither team lead by more than four points. A 31-point fourth quarter from Whiteland however, sealed the victory.
New Palestine carried a 12-11 advantage after the first quarter, were up 25-23 at halftime and remained in front 39-38 after the third before Whiteland made their final run.
Jalen Qualkinbush scored a team-high 18 points for the Dragons with 11 coming in the second half. Maximus Gizzi had 14 points, while Dawson Eastes chipped in a career-high nine points.
Michael Valle posted a game-high 28 points for Whiteland (14-6).
The Dragons fall to 5-16 on the season and finish up the regular season on Friday at home against Greenwood for Senior Night.
Cougars’ winning streak snapped
The Greenfield-Central Cougars put together a red-hot three-game winning streak entering Saturday night, but the Avon Orioles extinguished their momentum with a 77-60 win.
The Cougars are now 11-11 on the year and complete their regular-season schedule on Thursday at Plainfield before returning to the court for the New Castle Sectional on Tuesday.
