The boys basketball team staged a big rally in the second half of Wednesday’s first-round WPIAL playoff game, but fell short, losing to Butler 71-62.

After trailing by 13 points numerous times throughout the night, Baldwin made a furious comeback and had the game within two points late in the fourth quarter.

Senior Anthony Reid had 22 points and junior Nick Fiumara had 18 to lead the scoring charge for Baldwin.

“They out-rebounded us,” Fiumara said. “It just felt like they overpowered us there and we weren’t ready for that.”

Fiumara said that offensively, the Highlanders did what they wanted to do.

“We attacked the basket well,” Fiumara said. “That was our game plan and I feel like we executed offensively.”

Looking back over the season, Fiumara said Baldwin had surprised many teams and coaches around their section with its 15-8 record.

“Overall we were better than originally expected,” Fiumara said. “Nobody expected us to put together the season we did.”

Fiumara said that with the success the Highlanders had this season, there is no reason to believe they won’t be as good, if not better, next season.

“I feel great about next season,” Fiumara said. “Judging by what we accomplished this year, we are trending in the right direction to be even better next year.”