The WACO Warriors closed out their regular season in boys’ basketball with a 55-43 victory over Pekin last night in Wayland. After seeing their undefeated season ended last week, WACO was able to take a 12-9 lead in their first game since, and the Warriors would push the advantage to seven points at halftime. Pekin never gave up too much ground, but WACO was eventually able to take a double-digit lead and hold on from there.

After junior guard Hunter Hughes carried the offense early, scoring nine of his team-high 16 points in the first two quarters, the rest of the Warriors came to life down the stretch. Senior wing Simeon Reichenbach scored seven of his nine points in the second half, and junior forward Colton Leichty netted all eight of his points after halftime.

WACO is now 20-1 as they turn their attention to the postseason. The Warriors, ranked fifth in the state in Class 1A, are the top seed in 1A District 7 and await the winner of Friday’s game between Columbus and Highland to meet in the district quarterfinals on Monday.