By DOUG DONNELLY

GRASS LAKE – Nine seniors closed the book on a district-championship winning basketball season Thursday, but the fact that Whiteford was in the regional final for just the third time in school history softened the blow.

Riverview Gabriel Richard, ranked among the state’s top five Division 3 teams all season, eliminated Whiteford with a 78-49 win in the regional final at Grass Lake.

“They shot so well,” Whiteford coach Nick Abalos said. “It’s a tough combination, that inside-out game they have.”

The Pioneers did a masterful job of pounding the ball inside early and kicking it out to the perimeter for a 3-point attempt.

Whiteford had leads of 5-4 and 8-7, but never again as the Pirates drove to the basket, found open shots and rebounded better than Bobcats.

“They didn’t miss,” Abalos said. “We knew they were good. We kept it close for a half, then they came out in the third and did what they did. It was tough to come back at that point.”

The Pioneers knocked down four triples in the second quarter to extend a 15-10 lead to 33-23 at the half.

In the third quarter, it was all Richard early. They started the half on a 11-4 run, converting three Bobcat turnovers into quick transition buckets. The Pioneers kept pulling away.

Richard had four players finish with 14 or more points and hit 10 3-pointers in the game. They’ll play Jackson Lumen Christi in the quarterfinals next week at Ypsilanti Lincoln. Lumen Christi is coached by former Milan head coach Josh Tropea.

For Whiteford, it turned into a trophy-winning season despite nine losses. They captured the Quincy Holiday Tournament in December, knocked off Lenawee Christian, ranked No. 1 in Division 4 for much of the season, and beat St. Mary Catholic Central for the first time in school history.

Thursday was just the third time in school history – the others being 1986 and 2008 – that they played for a regional championship.

“It was a good season,” said Lincoln Joerin, one of the nine seniors. “I’ve played with these guys a long time. It was fun. Winning the district was a big deal.”

Joerin led Whiteford’s scoring Thursday with 14 points. Evan Parker and Kolby Masserant, also seniors, scored 10 points each.

Abalos finished his sixth and most successful season.

“I’m so happy for them,” Abalos said. “It was really special. It was my pleasure to coach them and I feel lucky that I got to.”

WHITEFORD 10 13 12 14 – 49

RICHARD 15 18 22 24 – 78

WHITEFORD: L. Joerin 5(2) 2-2 14, Hill 1(1) 0-0 3, Pattin 2 0-1 4, DeBarr 0 1-2 1, Masserant 3 4-5 10, Griffith 0 1-2 1, Parker 3(2) 2-2 10, Ruddy 2 0-0 4, Waterford 1 0-0 2. Totals 17(4) 10-14 49.

RICHARD: Sobush 9 2-3 20, Westerdale 5(4) 5-6 19, Kage 7 0-0 14, Everingham 7(5) 1-1 20, Lesko 2(1) 0-0 4. Totals 30(10) 8-10 78.