GREENVILLE – The Greenville eighth grade boys lost a defensive struggle with Vandalia-Butler 34-33 Saturday.

A half court basket off the glass by Butler with 0:00 showing on the clock to close out the first half spelled trouble for the Wave in the final score.

“Maybe that is the difference,” Greenville eighth grade boys coach Jim Gable said, speaking of the final score. “It was kind of a lucky shot.”

The Aviators opened with a 6-0 run before Greenville answered with an Isaiah Gable basket.

With Vandalia leading 8-2 the Wave had an 8-0 run to take a 10-8 lead. The Aviators answered with a bucket, bringing the first quarter to a close tied 10-10.

Vandalia started second quarter play on a 5-0 run bringing a timeout from Greenville at 2:54.

Aaron Rich got the first basket of the quarter for the Wave with an assist from Gable.

The Aviators took a 19-14 lead with 2:11 before half, running an aggressive full court press.

Two free throws, a steel and lay-up from Gable, a steal and two points from Kyle Phillips and two free throws from A. J. Frens with 0:07 showing gave Greenville an 8-0 run and 21-19 lead.

With 0:00 on the clock an Aviator half court shot off the glass for a trey gave Vandalia a 22-21 halftime lead.

The Aviators took a third period 29-23 lead before the Wave battled back to even the period ending score at 29-29.

The fourth quarter saw both teams display strong defense, giving the visitors a 34-33 victory.

“We couldn’t get a fast break going (fourth quarter), which is how we can score some points,” coach Gable said. “We just didn’t get a basket down the stretch when we needed one.”

Greenville was led in scoring by Isaiah Gable’s 16 points followed by 10 Aaron Rich points.

“I was proud of our guys,” coach Gable said. “We had Aaron Rich step up. He played a nice game today.”

Greenville seventh and eighth grade boys face Darke County rivals Versailles Tuesday and Tri-Village Saturday.

“Will be fun to play a couple local teams,” coach Gable said. “We have fun with that. I think we can play with them.”