Lions’ season ends with loss to Frank Phillips

Hutchinson, Kan. — Wallace State's season ended with an 83-69 loss to Frank Phillips College in the first round of the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan.

The Lions entered the game as the #22 seed, while Frank Phillips was #11.

"I hate that we lost tonight," coach Faron Key said. "But the loss does not define our season."

Wallace finished the season 26-6, the Lions best record since the 2021-22 season when they finished 28-5. 

The Lions trailed 38-26 at the half. They were outscored by the Plainsman 45-43 in the second half in the loss.

In the first half, Frank Phillips used a 10-4 run to break open a close game, 16-14, to lead 26-18. The Lions got as close as 26-20 before the Plainsman used a 12-8 run to close the half.

After Josh Page brought Wallace within 10 to start the second half, Frank Phillips went on a 10-0 run to break open the game, leading 46-28 with 17:18 remaining.

The Lions' struggles continued through much of the second half before making a little run at the end of the game to cut into the Frank Phillips lead.

Christian Thompson led the Lions with 15 points and 14 rebounds. He finished the season averaging 10.5 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game.

Despite playing against two seven-footers, Thompson showed he can be a dominant big man.

"Christian has played his way onto a lot of team's radars the last couple of weeks," Key said. "He has a bright future ahead."

He finished with 46 points, 45 rebounds, and 17 blocks in his last three games. 

KJ Anderson added 15 points, three assists, and two rebounds, while Josh Page had 13 points, five rebounds, and one assist.

AJ Johnson and TJ Cochran each had seven points and six rebounds, while Johnson added five assists.

Rounding out the scoring was Caleb Page with four, Hayden Shedrick and Kohl Key with three, and Zay Madden with two.