A strong fourth quarter wasn't enough for Galena High School on Thursday at the Texas Invitational, as the Grizzlies fell 54-48 to Westlake in the fifth-place game.
The loss was Galena's second in three days to Westlake, and it finished with a 1-3 record in the tournament. The Grizzlies' only win came on Wednesday, 52-30 over Georgetown.
"Most of the teams here were ranked," Galena coach Tom Maurer said. "We saw some great talent and some big-time players. We learned a lot about ourselves. This was a first-class tournament."
Galena trailed 39-27 after the third quarter, but it outscored Westlake by six in the final quarter. Mike Atkinson scored scored 12 of his 20 points in the second half, and Sam Sikes had several key baskets down the stretch in addition to an excellent defensive game.
Sikes finished with nine points.
Galena struggled from the free-throw line, converting only eight of 23 attempts.
"Even though we lost, it was a positive experience," Maurer said. "I learned a lot about this team. The kids will only benefit from these losses."
Galena opens league play at 7 p.m. next Friday when it travels to face Lowry.
