The Jackson Heights Cobras received an early exit from the Class 2A State Tournament as they dropped their opening quarterfinal contest to the Central Plains Oilers 67-42.

It was the first time that the Cobras have made the state tournament since 2007 and nerves were visibly seen early in the ballgame which ultimately cost Jackson Heights the contest.

Jackson Heights was only able to score six points in the opening frame, while the Oilers finished the quarter 7 of 11 from the field which gave them an 18-6 lead. The second quarter was much better from an offensive standpoint for the Cobras as they scored 17 points in the frame with junior Zane Richter putting in eight. The problem for Jackson Heights came on the defensive end of the floor where they gave up 18 more points to Central Plains in the second quarter which allowed the Oilers to take a 36-23 lead into the locker room.

Coming out of the halftime break Jackson Heights really had a chance to make a run at the Oilers, but once again like the first half tough shots and sloppy defense allowed Central Plains to extend their lead to 17 points after three quarters.

The final stanza was pretty much desperation time for the Cobras as they were forced to start throwing up shots, but a 3 for 8 effort from the field ultimately allowed Central Plains to come away with the 67-42 win.

Central Plains now moves on to the semi-finals on Friday where they will take on Olpe at 4:45 as they were paced by senior Layne Bieberle and junior Michael Ryan’s 24 points each.

Zane Richter and Wyatt Olberding led Jackson Heights in scoring with 17 and 12 points respectively, as the loss ends the Cobras season with a 21-3 overall record, a shared Northeast Kansas League title at 14-1, and a Sub-State Championship.