HUTCHINSON – The TMP Monarchs magical postseason run came to an end Saturday with a fourth-place finish at the 3A state tournament in Hutchinson after suffering a 57-49 loss to Perry-Lecompton.

Bill Meagher postgame

The Monarchs and the Kaws traded a pair of early buckets in the first quarter before Perry-Lecompton outscored TMP 12-5 to end the first quarter to take a 16-9 lead after one.

The Kaws opened a nine-point lead to begin the second quarter at 20-11 with six minutes to play in the quarter.

Down nine Jared Mayers scored on back-to-back field goals, including a two-handed jam that helped to spark a 15-7 TMP run that got them back within one at 27-26 with under two minutes left in the first half but Perry-Lecompton took a 31-26 lead into the halftime break.

The Monarchs opened the second half on an 11-0 run and held Perry-Lecompton scoreless for more than 4:30 as they built a 37-31 lead. But the Kaws answered right back with a 6-0 of their own to tie the game at 37.

TMP was able to take a 41-39 lead into the fourth quarter thanks to back-to-back field goals from Ryan Karlin and Jackson Schulte.

The Kaws retook the lead to open the fourth quarter before Karlin knocked down a three pointed that tied the game at 46.

Unfortunately for the Monarchs that would be the closest they would get down the stretch as the Kaws finished the game on an 11-3 run, holding the Monarchs to just one field goal in the final 4:35.

Jackson Schulte and Jared Mayers led the way for the Monarchs with 11 points each. Ryan Karlin finished with 10 points.

The Monarchs finished the season 14-13.

Game highlights