Sage Hill Varsity Boys’ Basketball lost the Academy League opener 59-49 to rival school Saint Margaret’s Episcopal School on Tuesday, January 6.

The Lightning lost its spark against the Tartans, shooting a disappointing 27 percent from the field.  A lack of production from prominent players highlighted the team’s struggles.

Sage’s offensive cold snap began with the team scoring only eight points in the first quarter.  A strong defensive effort managed to hold St. Margaret’s to a small four point lead.

However, the Lightning’s defense crumbled down in the second, allowing the Tartans to outscore Sage 22-9.  By the end of halftime, the team faced a 17-point deficit.

A number of three point plays from seniors Mario Nark and Krishan Tarsadia and junior Chance Kuehnel helped reduce Saint Margaret’s lead to 13 in third quarter.  Kuehnel also contributed with two putback layups, scoring seven points in the quarter alone.

Entering the fourth quarter, head coach Jeff Beeler hoped to inspire his players by reminding them of the team’s 2010 victory over Saint Margaret’s under similar circumstances.

“It was a come-from-behind victory and something that I hoped would spark the current team to overcome the same deficit,” Beeler said.

The Lightning managed to cut the Tartan’s lead down to 10, but by then it was too late.

“I expected [the team] to be a little nervous but the result wasn’t what I had expected,” Beeler said.  “On the other hand, Kuehnel really helped keep us in the game.  Although [Kuehnel] was matched up against the league’s best center, Matt Nicholas, he still played an outstanding game.”

Kuehnel double-doubled with 16 points and 17 rebounds; 13 of the rebounds were offensive boards.

“I felt pretty good about the game considering I hadn’t been playing this [well] in a while,” Kuehnel said.  “It sucked that we lost, but this wasn’t a reflection of how we are going to play this year.”