Typically when a team's season ends in defeat, particularly in a state tournament, the immediate aftermath is filled with disappointment and regret.

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Not so for Granger's boys basketball team.

Sure, the Spartans would've preferred to head home with the fourth-place trophy rather than seventh place from this year's Class 1A state tournament.

And they most definitely wanted to have a better showing on the SunDome court than Saturday's sluggish effort that produced an 82-61 defeat to Bellevue Christian.

Yet none of that was foremost in the Spartans' minds after it was over Saturday afternoon. All anyone cared to talk about was how wildly successful their entire season had been.

"It was a great week and a great season," said sophomore swingman Andrew Reddout, who had 13 points and six rebounds Saturday. "We had a good season. We still ended up with one of the best records in the state."

"This was the best season we've ever had," said forward Mitchell Zapien, who led the Spartans with 14 points. "This was the most fun I've ever had.

"Our goal was to get to Saturday and place, so we've got to be happy."

Granger (24-2) wasn't happy with how it bowed out, but the end result also didn't come as a complete shock.

Playing a fourth straight day, the tank finally ran low for this Spartan team that is so dependent on quickness and a high-energy style of play.

Granger was unable to generate that maximum effort from its defense, and Bellevue Christian (20-7) took advantage, shooting 57 percent for the game (28 of 49), including 65 percent (15 of 23) in the second half to stymie any Granger attempt to erase a 36-26 halftime deficit.

"The kids battled, but when a team shoots like that, there's really nothing you can do," Granger coach Miguel Bazaldua said. "I went through every kid on the bench looking for spark, but we couldn't find one."

"Everybody was tired and sore," Zapien said, adding that didn't prevent them from trying to find that extra effort. "We've all got a lot of heart. We were not going to quit, no matter how much we were losing by."

The game went back and forth for the first 1 1/2 quarters until Bellevue Christian scored eight straight points in a 3-minute span to grab a 31-21 lead.

Up eight after Granger scored the first basket of the second half, the Vikings then finished things quickly, going on a 12-2 run -- featuring seven of 11 third-quarter points by senior David Downs, who finished with 31. BC ultimately hit their first seven shots in the third quarter to open a 54-36 advantage. Granger, which shot 37 percent, never got closer than 12 points the rest of the way.

"There's nothing to be sad about," Bazaldua said. "We played for fourth. We were league champions. We had the best record in school history."

"It was fun. What a magical season."

That positive vibe was already turned toward next season, helped by the fact that Granger returns all five starters.

"We can't wait for next year," Zapien said. "Our first goal will be trying to get back here."