Insane, nail-biting, and on the edge of your seat—just a few ways to describe the Fredericktown Boys Basketball team’s final week of the season. This year, FHS had the honor of hosting the Class 4, District 1 Boys Basketball Tournament. With the bracket set on Friday, February 28, Dexter and Cape Notre Dame secured their spots in the semifinals on March 5.
The week’s events kicked off on Monday, March 3, as the Blackcats faced off against Doniphan at 5 p.m. Senior Leeandrea Catchings won the opening tip, creating an electric atmosphere. The student section was packed, their chants ringing through the gym. The Blackcats controlled the first quarter, though the game took a brief pause when junior Blake Terry-Breakfield became ill from overhydration and threw up water on the court. After a short setback, he returned, ready to fight.
The first half of the game was a physical battle, with players hitting the floor repeatedly as both teams fought fiercely, knowing that for some seniors, this could be their last game. After halftime, the intensity only grew. Frustrations boiled over, leading to a string of fouls, but the Blackcats held their ground. When the final buzzer sounded, Fredericktown had secured a 65-52 victory, setting up a semifinal showdown against Cape Notre Dame on Wednesday.
If Monday’s game felt electric, Wednesday’s semifinal was nothing short of booming. The Blackcats lost the opening tip and struggled to gain possession throughout the first half. Historically, Cape Notre Dame has been a tough opponent for Fredericktown across multiple sports, and this game was no different. By halftime, the Blackcats found themselves trailing by 18 points.
But nothing—absolutely nothing—could have prepared the crowd for what was about to unfold.
From the moment the second half began, the Blackcats stormed back with a newfound energy. Three-pointer after three-pointer, they clawed their way back into the game, sending shock through the gymnasium. The ball flew back and forth, and the roaring crowd was deafening. Some fans even had to cover their ears.
By the final minutes of the fourth quarter, the tension was unbearable. With 1:20 left on the clock, the Blackcats had cut the deficit to just two points. Every possession felt like life or death. But then—a foul. Then another. With each free throw, the dream of advancing slipped further away. And just like that, the game was over.
Fredericktown fell short by seven points. The loss stung, but there was no shame in the effort. The Blackcats had poured their hearts onto the court, nearly toppling one of their toughest rivals. Though the season didn’t end with a championship, it ended with pride, progress, and a glimpse of what’s to come.
With five incredible seniors graduating, the team will look to the next generation to carry on the fight. And if this year was any indication, that championship plaque might just find its way into the trophy case next season.
