The Baldwin boys basketball team lost their first section game against Mt. Lebanon 46-44.

Mt. Lebanon took the lead and held it, allowing them to take control at the end of the game, Senior James Wesling said.

“They are a very smart team and when they have the lead they know how to keep it. At the beginning of the fourth, Lebo had one possession of the ball for about three minutes,” Wesling said.

Senior Christian Forgacs thought the same.

“They manage time very well and even though we thought our defense was very good, they hit some very tough shots,” Forgacs said.

Another reason for the loss was the Highlanders struggle with second chance possessions.

“We did not rebound very well and we had too many turnovers,” Wesling said.

Forgacs agreed.

“We need to limit turnovers and be more secure with the ball,” he said.

Although the team struggled in areas, they did not lose focus.

“We did a good job in not giving up when we were down ten in the fourth quarter. We made a good comeback but it just was not enough,” Wesling said.

Forgacs thought junior Nate Richards and sophomore Nate Wesling played a key role in keeping the score close.

“Nate Richards and Nate Wesling really stepped up,” he said. “Wesling finished with 16 points, while Richards controlled the whole pace of the game and has really become a great leader for this team.”

Wesling felt his brother was a main offensive drive the whole game.

“Nate Wesling played well offensively.” he said. “He really stepped up.”

Losing their first game in section play is a tough way to start the season, but the team thinks they can bounce back easily.

“We bounce back by staying mentally strong and sticking to the plan, even though we really wanted that win, we aren’t distraught at all,” Forgacs said. “We are still confident about this season and where it will go.”

The boys basketball team plays next on Friday at home against Canon Mac at 7:30 p.m.