The defending Class 1A state champion Gibault Catholic High School boys basketball team finally met its match Friday night.

The Hawks lost to Mounds Meridian, 50-41, in the Class 1A Norris City Sectional final, ending their season with an overall record of 21-15. 

Gibault led 17-15 at halftime, but poor free throw shooting (6-for-16) and lack of rebounds ultimately doomed the Hawks. 

Meridian led 35-25 entering the fourth quarter before Gibault used a three-pointer by freshman Jack Holston and a drive to the hoop by Kanen Augustine to get within five. 

Meridian was able to come up with offensive rebounds at critical times, however, and extended its lead again. Gibault trailed 41-32 with just 3:50 remaining.

Holston and junior Ryan Biffar each made three-pointers to get back within five posting at 43-38 with just more than a minute to go. But that was as close as the Hawks would get.

Augustine scored 13 points and Gavin Kesler scored 10 points in the final game for both seniors.

Gibault advanced to Friday’s sectional final by virtue of a victory last Wednesday night.

The Hawks put the clamps down on a 31-win Goreville squad in the sectional semifinal, posting a 51-44 victory. 

Gibault led 16-13 at halftime, with Kesler scoring 10 of his team’s points. 

The Hawks built up a 29-19 lead late in the third quarter, but Goreville rallied to cut Gibault’s lead to just four entering the final frame. 

The Hawks’ lead was whittled down to just one at 32-31 in the fourth quarter before a couple of big baskets gave them some breathing room.

Free throws converted by the Hawks sealed the win.

Kesler finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds on the night. Augustine and Biffar each added 11 points.

Longtime legendary Gibault head coach Dennis Rueter was pleased with his team’s showing this season despite multiple obstacles. The 2023-24 team secured Rueter’s 800th career victory earlier this season.

“They could have accepted being an average team this year with the loss of Hudson Blank (transferred to Florida) and the injuries, but worked to become a sectional final team and win 16 of our last 21,” Rueter said.

Blank would have been a senior on this year’s squad along Kesler, Augustine, Andy Altes, Blake Powers and Konnor Cartee.

Kesler averaged 15.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game this season. 

Augustine averaged 14 points and 2.12 steals per game on the season. 

“Obviously, Gavin and Kanen put up the numbers and were integral parts of our state championship,” Rueter said while adding that all of the seniors “contributed in their own ways” this season.

As for his departing hoops seniors, Rueter said they leave behind quite a legacy.

“There are probably not too many kids that have graduated from Gibault that have had more team success – 75 wins in the last three years and three regional championships,” he said. “Great kids to coach.”