The number 2 Varnum Whippets had a rough time at the Area Playoffs this past weekend.

The Whippets battled their way through Tupelo and Moyers in their regional contests and advanced to the Area Playoffs at the Seminole High School gym the 28th of February and the 1st of March.

Varnum started off their playoffs facing the Dover Longhorns on Friday night. Varnum controlled the first quarter and took a 7-point lead to start the game. The Longhorns’ defense stepped up in the second and held the Whippets to 9 points scored, while the offense closed the gap a bit.

The Whippets had an 8-point lead at the break.

Both teams battled in the third on offense with the Longhorns just inching out the Whippets by 3.

Dover was looking at a 5-point deficit heading into the final quarter. The Longhorns closed the gap in the frame, but the Whippets weren’t going away quietly as both teams traded baskets to make the game a ‘nail-biter’. The game was tied 40 to 40 with 60 seconds to go in the game. Dover scored 2 points to take the lead, but the Whippets could not put any points on the board in the last few seconds.

The Dover Longhorns hung on to win 42-40. The Longhorns advanced to State with the win.

Leading the way for Varnum was Jon Madkins with 13 points, one threepoint shot, 5 rebounds, 1 block and 1 steal and was 2 of 2 from the foul line.

C.J. Bernard scored 11 points, 3 treys, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and shot 44% from the field.

Devyn Fullbright scored 6 points which came from two three-point shots, 2 assists and 2 rebounds.

It was the first loss for the Whippets in the playoffs. Varnum now moved on to face the Wilson-Henryetta Tigers Saturday night for their last chance to make it to State.

Varnum again took the lead in the first with a 14-12 run. The Tigers rallied back in the second to take the lead with a 16-11 run.

The Whippets were down by three at the half.

The defense of the Tigers stepped up their game in the second half and held the Whippets to 7 points scored in the third while their offense extended their lead with 23 points scored.

The Whippets were down by 19 heading into the final frame. The Whippets battled to the end but could not overcome the deficit put on by the Tigers. Varnum scored 9 points in the fourth but the Tigers continued to roll on offense and won the game with a final score of 64-41.

“It hardly ever ends exactly where or how we want it to,” stated Head Coach Jon Hadley.

“We suffered a hardfought, heartbreaking loss against Dover Friday night, then had to bounce back and play the defending State Champions tonight. A lot of times, the luck of the draw plays a role in these things, as well as catching a few breaks and getting a few bounces-none of which seemed to happen for us in either of these games. But I’m really proud of the season we had overall. These guys were awesome to coach, work with, and be around every day. They worked hard and sacrificed daily for one another and the team. I very much appreciate the young men these guys are, their character, their work ethic and their dedication. Those things mean more to me and all of us at Varnum, than the win,” Coach Hadley.

Scoring for Varnum was Jon Madkins with 24 points, 8 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal and was 2 of 4 from the foul line.

C.J. Bernard scored 7 points, one trey, 7 rebounds, 1 steal and was 4 of 7 from the line.

Daison Hadley scored 7 points, 4 assists, 1 rebound, 1 block, 2 steals and was 3 of 4 from the line.

The Varnum Whippets finished their 2024-25 basketball season 25-3.

Congratulations Whippets on a very exciting season.