KEARNEY, Neb. - The Kearney Catholic Stars used tough defense and clutch free throw shooting to take down Adams Central 46-42 on Friday night.

The victory in the season finale pulled the Stars' (8-14) three game losing skid heading into subdistrict play. It was the Patriots' (10-11) eighth loss by five points or less.

Kearney Catholic raced out to a 13-4 lead and never trailed in the game. The Stars went on a 13-2 run between the end of the first half and start of the second half to build a game-high 14 point lead. The Patriots climbed back into the game to cut their deficit to 38-37. The Stars made eight free throws down the stretch to seal the win.

Both teams start subdistrict play next week.

Kearney Catholic... Edeal 21, Hogeland 10, Christner 6, Axmann 5, Murphy 3

Adams Central...... Janzen 17, Teichmeier 10, Shestak 8, G. Trausch 7