A special season for Winfield-Mt. Union boys basketball came to an end in Des Moines Wednesday night. The Wolves were outlasted by North Linn in the Class 1A State Semifinals 67-51.

A strong first quarter put together by WMU had them ahead 9-7, but that would prove to be the only frame they would win the rest of the way. Jake Edwards shot 5-10 beyond the arc to help keep the Wolves within striking distance. He finished with 17 points and 7 boards and was joined in double-figures by Cam Buffington with 12. A defense that will go down as one of the best Winfield-Mt. Union has ever had just didn’t have an answer for Mason Bechem who went off for 32 points. The best offense in 1A basketball pulled away in the games final minutes.

Advancing to the State Tournament was just the latest accomplishment for these Wolves. A 13-game win streak during the regular season guided WMU to a Southeast Iowa Super Conference North Championship. In the process, Cam Buffington and Abram Edwards earned First Team All Conference selections, Jake Edwards and Carter Loyd were named to the Second Team, and Gabe Hemsworth and Cole Milks received Honorable Mention. Buffington additionally won Player of the Year honors, while Klay Edwards was named Coach of the Year.

The postseason brought more excitement and accolades. Winfield-Mt. Union began the playoffs by plowing through New London and Danville, avenging their last two exits. A District Championship was earned the hard way, with a 10-point fourth quarter comeback against Burlington Notre Dame. The Substate Championship came in a defensive triumph over Holy Trinity Catholic, punching the ticket to Wells Fargo Arena. The first trip to State for the Wolves since 1996 made memories for players and coaches as well as the community, most of which also made the trip.

With spring sports officially underway, Winfield-Mt. Union basketball says goodbye to seniors Carter Loyd, Gabe Hemsworth, Eli Miller, Abram Edwards, Cole Milks, Cam Buffington, and Kael Johnson.