ShawneeDispatch.com

Mill Valley guard Caleb Smith pulled up and made a three pointer to extend the team's lead to 11 points with 5:29 left in the fourth quarter over Tonganoxie.

The shot snapped an 8-0 run by the Chieftains. Tonganoxie never got any closer in the basketball game.

"He hit a big three after Tonganoxie cut it to eight in the fourth quarter that really closed the game for them," coach Justin Bogart said.

Mill Valley, 8-12, went on to win the game 64-49.

The Jaguars snapped losing streak for games they had lost by a couple points and turned the ball over on a possession or two late in the game.

Guard play made the difference. Smith and Tanner Rainbolt both shot the ball well. Smith finished with 24 points and Rainbolt had 14 in the game.

Smith was able to dribble with the basketball into the lane and either passed the ball or score. He made four running layups.

The pair also made treys throughout the game.

Inside, Taylor Reinoehl scored nine points.

Bogart said it was a good way to end the regular season.

"Well it is nice that we got a win," he said.

Tonganoxie and Mill Valley were neck-and-neck in the first quarter, as MVHS led 13-11 heading into the second.

The Jaguars built their lead in the second quarter, thanks mostly to a 9-1 run during the quarter and led 32-21 lead at halftime.

The Jags increased that lead to 16 in the third, 49-35, but Tonganoxie scored on a Gabe Belobrajdic bucket late in the third that started an 8-0 run into the fourth.

Tonganoxie trailed 49-41 and had the home crowd excited for an even bigger rally. However, a Mill Valley three-pointer with 5:39 left in the fourth took the air out of Tonganoxie's sails. Mill Valley won the game 64-49.

The loss concludes Mill Valley's regular season.

"We think that we picked up a good draw with the teams that are there," Bogart said. "We play Sumner. They are going to be a challenge at their place. I think that is a team we can beat, but we have to play very well. We have to do all the little things right. Primarily grabbing every rebound, sliding over, taking charges and providing good help on defense. We have to limit turnovers and make layups."

Sumner Academy has a talented point guard who can make a lot of outside shots. The Sabres are athletic and the team's offense works well of dribble penetration.

"If the point guard can get through the defense, he will look to pass," Bogart said. "They aren't big, but do crash the boards. They struggle with defensive rebounds at times, but then we have to make sure that we find bodies and box out."