Cowboys drop Jackets in season finale, 61-51

LITCHFIELD — The Gilbert School boys basketball squad battled Litchfield in the final game of an extraordinary season on Wednesday, Feb. 23. The Jackets scrapped with the Cowboys through all four quarters, but ultimately took a 61-51 road loss that left an unfortunate sour aftertaste to an otherwise strong season.Empowered by a lively hometown crowd, Litchfield offered a fiery opening to the night’s affair. The Cowboy offense was clean and efficient and quickly took a commanding lead in the opening minutes. The Jackets began to rally after a hard breakout jam by Gilbert senior Elide Romero. Robert Skinner fed off the energy dispersed by Romero’s big play and snagged possession from Litchfield. Skinner set up Austin Brochu beneath the net, who scored two and drew a foul for a third, igniting the Gilbert recovery. Regaining a fair portion of late-quarter momentum, the Jackets closed the gap with a help of a long buzzer-beating three-pointer from Skinner to put the game within two, 19-17.The second quarter offered more of the same, Gilbert just behind and desperate to tie. The Jackets were finally able to even things up off a three-pointer from senior Gee DeOlmo. Gilbert seemed to be falling into their rhythm, and Romero lashed out to take the first Yellowjacket lead of the night midway through the second. Late fouls hurt the Jackets, but another three-point buzzer beater, this time put up by Romero, put the Jackets ahead before the break, 33-31.Litchfield put in hard work at the foul line after the half, regaining a slight lead over a Gilbert team that still had some difficulty converting their chances. The Cowboys seized the lead before the final quarter, 46-40.Gilbert nipped at Litchfield’s heels throughout the fourth, trailing by just three at the halfway mark. The Jackets were dealt a late, wind-sapping blow when Skinner fouled out in the dying minutes of the fourth. Litchfield exploded with a late-game run and finished off the Jackets at home, 61-51.Skinner led the Jackets in points scored with 15, tallying a trio of three-pointers throughout the night. Romero tallied 14 with a pair of three-pointers, Austin Brochu finished the evening with seven, and Devon Molway added eight, including one from the outside.