By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

A strong run in the Youth Basketball of America (YBOA)  eighth-grade national championship came to a close for the LaGrange Wolverines on Wednesday.

After going 3-1 in pool play, the Wolverines advanced to the bracket portion of the tournament that was held in Orlando.

The Wolverines beat Promise Elite  in a 50-49 thriller on Wednesday morning before losing to the Iron City Huskies 79-51 later in the day.

The Wolverines, composed almost entirely of players who’ll be in the ninth grade next season, finished second in the state tournament to earn an invitation to nationals.

The Wolverines proved they belonged on that stage by posting a 4-2 tournament record and they earned a top-eight finish.

The Wolverines opened with a 48-37 win over Academia San Nicolas (Mexico), and they followed that up with a 69-59 victory over Tallahassee Thunder.

After losing to Hurricane Cross Ovas (Ala.) 58-50, the Wolverines finished pool play with a 53-52 win over the Gulf Coast Stingrays.

The Wolverines finished their stellar season with a 32-8 record, and they made it at least as far as the championship game in all but one tournament.

Nearly every team member will be in the ninth grade for the 2019-2020 school  year.