CHESANING – Despite getting into an early hole, Chesaning’s varsity cagers had their chances Friday night in a 52-47 loss to visiting Shepherd.

The Bluejays led 12-7 after the first quarter, but opened things up with a 16-7 run in the second to take a 28-14 lead into the locker room at the half. The ‘Jays held a slim 12-10 edge in the third. The Indians got on track with a 23-12 advantage in the fourth, but it was too little, too late.

“Shepherd’s really a solid team and we knew we had to play our best against them to have a chance,” said Chesaning coach Jason Danek. “Even after we got behind, the guys kept battling. We’re happy the kids kept playing hard for all 32 minutes.”

Chesaning finished the night shooting 12 of 38 from two-point range, 5 of 18 from three-point range, for a combined 17 of 56, or 30 percent. The Indians went 8 of 14 at the charity stripe. They hauled in 24 rebounds, committed 11 steals and gave up 14 turnovers.

Kyle Sweeney led the Tribe with 11 points and eight rebounds. Josh Kunik also had 11 points with three steals. Austin Chludil chipped in seven points. Danny Escamilla added six points. Alex Devota had five points and five boards.

With the loss the Indians fall to 5-12 on the season. They have a big week ahead of them this week. On Tuesday they host Bullock Creek, a team they lost to by two the first time around this season. On Friday they head to Freeland, whom they also lost a close game to earlier.