In the final doubleheader of the season, Pleasantville’s basketball squads split with Interstate-35, a doubleheader that was broadcast on the KRLS3 stream at kniakrls.com Tuesday night.

 

The Trojans’ girls ended their season on a sour note, losing to the Roadrunners, 30-27. Defense was the name of the game and both teams struggled to score offensively. Pleasantville had a chance to force overtime, but Joelle Johnson’s three-pointer sailed wide as the buzzer sounded. Malorie McKinney, who broke the school record for most blocks in the season, led the team in scoring with eight points. Azell Smith was second on the team in scoring with seven points. With the loss, Pleasantville finishes the regular season 11-10 and 6-8 in West Central Conference play.

 

The Trojans’ boys salvaged the split and swept the season series with the Roadrunners, winning 54-30. Pleasantville led at the half by just four, but then outscored I-35 in the second half, 34-14. Mason Scheve scored 15 points, elevating him to fourth all-time in scoring in Pleasantville history. Scheve passed Mike Collins and Trever Zoss. Dayson Leerhoff led the team in scoring with 20 points. Coach Tom Wilkins tells KNIA Sports that despite the slow start, he was happy that his team came out on top.

 

“It was absolutely ugly. But like I told them after the game, it was ugly but it is still sweet. Because at this time of the year, you just need W’s, especially next week. If you don’t get a W, you go home.”

 

With the win, Pleasantville improves 12-8 on the season and finishes the year with a 9-6 West Central Conference record.

 

The Trojans’ boys close out the regular season Thursday with a non-conference showdown with Saydel. Pleasantville’s girls will begin playoff action next Tuesday at Central Decatur.