Earlier this season, Sheffield defeated Kane twice, the first time during the Wolverines’ annual Holiday Tournament 61-45, and then again nine days later 60-49.

“It’s hard to beat a team three times in a season,” said Sheffield head coach Jordan Copley, “but that’s no excuse. We had done it two times in the past. We knew what we needed to do. We just didn’t execute.”

Three minutes into the first quarter, the Wolves offense erupted, going on a 10-0 run, before Sheffield was able to lessen the damage, finishing down 17-11.

The two teams were even in the second, putting up 9 apiece.

Times Observer Photo by Cody Elms Sheffield freshman Allen Eaton sets up the Wolverines offense late in a 60-47 loss to Kane on Friday inside the Ralph J. Santo Gymnasium.

Sheffield got off to another slow start in the third, down as much as 13, before Copley called a timeout and made some personnel changes, putting in freshman Allen Eaton, who immediately made an impact, nailing a momentum-shifting 3-pointer in front of the Wolverines’ bench that jump-started the offense, helping Sheffield pull back within six, 43-37.

“Right when he came in, I said listen I want you to shoot the ball,” said Copley. “I know Allen can shoot. He’s a great shooter. He has the ability to shoot from pretty much anywhere around the perimeter. He gets in there, capitalizes on his opportunities, and obviously tonight was a strong point. Every little bit of confidence you get in a player is a little bit more time he gets on the court, that’s for sure.”

The Wolverines’ comeback attempt was thwarted in the fourth, as Kane was able to outscore Sheffield 17-10, sealing its revenge-game victory.

Connor Finch led the Wolverines with 12 points and seven blocks. Lucas McNeal pulled down 13 rebounds and put up 10 points. Wotorson and Hardwick totaled 8 points apiece.

Sheffield will travel to St. Marys on Monday — a game Copley knows will require a better performance.

“We’ve just got to play better basketball the last few games down the stretch here,” said Copley. “It’s not too late to right the ship. They know that, I know that. But it’s time to start winning games and make a difference for the season.”

KANE (60)

Zampogna 3 1-4 14, Lundeen 6 1-2 13, Darr 5 2-5 12, Anderson 1 2-6 10, Szymanski 5 1-5 11. Totals 16 7-22 60.

SHEFFIELD (47)

Finch 6 0-2 12, McNeal 5 0-5 10, Wotorson 4 0-0 8, Hardwick 2 1-2 8, Silvis 1 0-0 2, Mott-Macalush 1 0-0 2, Barr 1 0-0 2, Eaton 0 0-0 3. Totals 20 1-9 47.

3-point goals–Anderson 2, Zampogna 2, Hardwick, Eaton.

Kane 17 9 17 17 – 60

Sheffield 11 9 17 10 – 47