As the Zephyrs began climbing back into the basketball game, a critical third quarter possession ended when Liberty's Jaevan Dobbins turned an offensive rebound into a bucket, eliciting a frustrating clap from head coach Jeff Jones.

He had seen his team cut the deficit to three points after being down 11 at halftime, thanks to the hot hand of Aaron Keglovits who sparked the Zephs comeback, but their inability to grab a rebound at that crucial juncture threw a damper on their comeback bid.

In fact, that series served as microcosm in their game against Liberty High School who converted a number of put backs, owning the offensive glass which paved the way for the 58-38 victory at Zephyr Gymnasium last Wednesday.

The loss eliminated the Zephyrs from the District XI 4A playoffs, putting to bed another season for the boys hoop team. They ended this year 13-10.

The Zephs would never get any closer as the visitors strung together a 19-0 run that put the game out of reach.

The Zephs began the game strong, taking a 7-4 lead at one point, but they couldn't keep Ludwin Gonzalez and Dobbins under wraps. Jones felt they played good defense once they were in their half-court sets, but transition points and put backs were their Achilles' heel.

"As silly as it sounds, I think our half-court defense was pretty good," said Jones. "Our initial defense was sound. How many put backs did they have? And then especially early in the first half, they had transition points where we weren't back on defense. You can't defend that."

Jones said their troubles were on the offensive end where they struggled to get points. It almost mirrored their final regular season game against Parkland that saw them have trouble generating any consistent offense.

"We probably picked the last two games of the season to play our worst offensively," said Jones.

Jones said the team needs to manufacture points to be successful. They need to come off screens and work to get a player open for a good look.

"We have to run our sets right, execute, and then make a shot," said Jones.

Jones also said that they don't generate points via offensive rebounds or getting out in the break for transition buckets.

"All of our possessions are so valuable because we have to make them count," said Jones "We weren't able to make enough shots tonight and make enough plays."

Liberty's Deshawn Oyeniyi was a major factor inside, snagging 12 rebounds to go along with his 12 points Additionally, Dobbins activity under the boards drew a number of fouls, where he converted five of seven.

Even when the Zephs managed to get a boar Matt Melosky finished with si the 'Canes athleticism made it tough to convert them into points on the offensive end.

Brett Radocha finished with nine points, while Melosky finished with six and Chad Rex added two.

It was the last game for senior Aaron Keglovits who finished with a season-high 21 points. During that third quarter run, Keglovits put the team on his back, shrinking the 'Canes lead by nailing two treys and a couple of field goals to get them within three.

"In the first half we came out pretty strong, and then we kind of let up a little bit in the second quarter," said Keglovits "In the third quarter we came back strong again, hit a couple of shots and got inside a little bit, and we were able to cut into that lead. We had a strong comeback, but then they got some easy buckets, and then it kind of went downhill from there."

Keglovits said the disparity on the glass "killed them. That was underscored by Oyeniyi's presence inside, a player whose combination of size and strength makes him tough to contend with, said Keglovits.

As well-wishers flocked to hug and console the talented senior, Keglovits reflected a bit about playing his last game.

"It's been great," said Keglovits. "I've spent four years of my life on this floor. I've dedicated my whole life to basketball games on this floor. And it was just great to get another game."

"His final game was unbelievable," said Jones. "He's a kid who certainly didn't want his senior season to come to an end or his career to come to an end. He's the best."

Jones also lauded the contribution of Melosky who was instrumental in getting them into the playoffs, a solid performer for them all year long.

"He's a good kid," said Jones.