The Pike Liberal Arts Lady Patriots’ season came to an end Thursday with a 45-37 loss to Lee Scott Academy in the Elite 8 of the AISA Class 3A state playoffs.

The Patriots were forced to play the number one seeded and second-ranked team in the state after dropping a pair of games in the regional tournament last week.

“We played really good,” Hawkins said. “We really just didn’t hit enough shots. I thought defensively we played good enough to win. We had good ball movement and didn’t the ball over. I think when it came down to it we probably gave them too many easy shots.”

The Patriots battled in the first half and entered the locker room at halftime trailing 25-19. In the second half the Patriots closed within three points until Lee Scott drained a three-pointer to stretch their lead.

“We started a little slow,” Hawkins said. “When you are playing a good team you can’t get behind early. I thought we made good adjustments when we got behind. We did good keeping them up by five or six points. We just couldn’t pull ahead.”

The Patriots won their final eight regular season games but dropped three straight in post-season play.

“I thought they all played well,” Hawkins said. “I told them it’s bad to lose but at least you can say you finished the season knowing you played as good as you could really play.”

And, Hawkins said the players should be proud of their effort.

“We did have a couple of good runs,” Hawkins said. “Overall this team as a group has been really good to work with. This is one of those years where I really enjoyed coaching and I hope they really enjoyed playing.”