Bearcat boys end regular season with 13-9 record

By Trent Jerome, coach
The Kittson County Central Bearcats closed out the regular season with three games that showcased resilience, balance and the ability to respond after adversity, finishing the year 13-9 heading into postseason play.
KCC 71 – GG 69
KCC began the final stretch on Friday, February 13, traveling to face the Grygla-Goodridge Charg-ers, a team that had handed them a loss earlier in the season. The Bearcats came out sharp and in control, building an early 11-2 lead behind a balanced offensive attack. KCC maintained composure throughout the first half and carried a 33–26 advantage into the break, though the Chargers closed the half with key baskets to stay within reach.
The second half mirrored the first, as the Bearcats pushed the lead back into double digits and controlled much of the tempo. Four KCC players finished in double figures, highlighting the team’s balanced scoring approach. Grygla-Goodridge refused to fade, however, capitalizing on missed front ends of one-and-one free throws late in the game. The Chargers caught fire from beyond the arc, hitting tough, contested shots—including a banked three—to claw back into contention. In the closing seconds, with KCC holding a 2-point lead, Grygla-Goodridge launched a final heave at the buzzer that fell short, sealing a dramatic 71-69 Bearcat victory.
Scoring: Brock Scalese 15, Kellen Johnson 14, James Cerkowniak 14, Brody Scalese 10, Eli Peterson 7, Ashton Knutson 6, Evan Schwenzfeir 3, Karsynn Peterson 2.
KCC 44 – SAC 57
KCC then returned home to Hallock for a rivalry matchup against the Stephen-Argyle Storm, looking to avenge a 58-53 loss earlier in the season. The game opened with early trading of baskets before both offenses slowed considerably. The Bearcats generated a series of defensive stops but were unable to capitalize due to unforced errors and missed opportunities. The Storm gradually built a small cushion and led 28-24 at halftime.
KCC opened the second half with a defensive stop and a quick basket from junior Kellen Johnson, briefly shifting momentum, but Stephen-Argyle answered immediately with a three-pointer. The Storm maintained a lead hovering around 7 points for much of the half. With Johnson fouling out with 6 minutes remaining, the Bearcats faced an uphill climb. KCC trimmed the deficit to seven with 4 minutes to play, but timely Storm baskets pushed the margin back to double digits. Stephen-Argyle closed out a 57-44 win.
Scoring: Brody Scalese 15, Kellen Johnson 10, Eli Peterson 6, Brock Scalese 6, Ashton Knutson 5, Mason Ogorek 2.
KCC 77 – F-C 66
The regular season finale came at home against the Fisher-Climax Knights, a team KCC had defeated earlier on the road. The Bearcats started strong once again, jumping to an 18-12 lead before extending the advantage behind efficient scoring and interior presence. KCC entered halftime with a commanding 42-25 lead.
Out of the break, senior Brody Scalese and junior Eli Peterson continued to provide scoring punch, but Fisher-Climax remained hot from three-point range and repeatedly trimmed the margin. Each time the Knights cut the lead to around 10, KCC answered with timely baskets and pace. The Bearcats maintained control down the stretch and secured a 77-66 victory to close the regular season on a positive note.
Scoring: Eli Peterson 22, Brody Scalese 20, Kellen Johnson 15, James Cerkowniak 8, Mason Ogorek 6, Evan Schwenzfeier 3, Brock Scalese 3.
KCC finished the year 13-9, with three games canceled due to weather and health concerns against Lake of the Woods (weather), Grafton (health), and the Crookston Pirates (weather). The Bearcats earned the No. 6 seed and will face the Stephen-Argyle Storm in a playoff matchup at Northland Community & Technical College in Thief River Falls on Thursday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m.