By Eugenio Torrens
More than 20 minutes after the final buzzer had sounded, Wharton fans riddled the stands and court, waiting for their team.
The Wildcats boys basketball team finally emerged from their locker room. Some wore solemn expressions and some had faint outlines from tears streaming down their face.

They were welcomed by authentic, but somewhat hollow clapping.
It was not the ending Wharton had envisioned.
The Wildcats (24-4) fell to East Lake (16-8) in the Class 8A regional quarterfinals 64-63 at home on Feb. 16.
Wharton slogged through an offensively challenged first half to explode with 26 in the third quarter to set the one-point contest. The Wildcats had a last-second game-winning tip attempt that hung on the rim before falling out to dash their dreams.
“The ball hung on the rim, I thought it was going to roll in and it just rolled out,” said Wharton coach Tommy Tonelli. “Just couldn’t get that oomph to get over the rim.”
The Wildcats managed 20 points in the first half, but were down only eight at halftime despite the Eagles entering the locker room on a 7-1 run.
Wharton found its shooting touch in the second half, increasing its accuracy from the paint out to the perimeter to gain momentum. The Wildcats trailed by only two entering the final period.
Patrik Hauri hit a jumper early in the fourth quarter to tie the contest and set up a back-and-forth tussle to the finish.
Every time the Eagles needed a big bucket one of the Mogged brothers responded, combining for 36 points. Jeremy Mogged had 25 points, including six 3-pointers, while brother Kyle tallied 11.
Despite those gaudy long-distance stats, Wharton had a look at the end of the game.
Sir Patrick Reynolds corralled the rebound off a free-throw attempt and dished it down the court. Jaken Grier drove toward the basket and tossed up a layup that didn’t go in. A sea of hands went up for the rebound or tip in. Hauri got his hands on it, but the ball wouldn’t fall in.
The buzzer sounded, ending Wharton’s playoff run.
“They gave 16 minutes of everything you could ask of them,” Tonelli said. “We got a decent look, we had a great tip attempt, but in hindsight I wish I would’ve called time out and got us a little more organized. … I’d give anything if I could go back and use that time out.”
CJ McGill led Wharton with 23 points.
Wesley Chapel falls 68-53
The Wesley Chapel boys basketball team was unable to win at Nature Coast in the Class 5A regional quarterfinals, losing 68-53 on Feb. 16.
The Wildcats (24-5) were led by Erik Thomas’ 17 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Sasha Mentor kicked in 14 points, six rebounds and three steals.
St. Petersburg stops the Bulls
The Wiregrass Ranch boys basketball team fell 77-50 at St. Petersburg in the Class 7A regional quarterfinals on Feb. 16.
The Bulls (17-11) were seeking consecutive regionals semifinals appearances after losing seven seniors, including four starters from a year ago, but were unable to hang with St. Petersburg’s offense.
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