WILMOT – The Aberdeen Christian girls’ basketball program raced out to a 12-1 lead in the first quarter, but couldn’t hold the momentum, falling 49-43 in non-conference action to Wilmot Thursday night in the regular-season finale for both squads.

Arianna Johnson was the catalyst for Christian’s hot start to the night, scoring seven of her 19 total points in the Knights’ opening blitz.

But it was the Wolves’ turn to take up the scoring mantle in the second half. Trailing 19-14 at the break, Wilmot caught fire from long range in the third quarter before Ryan Metz came off the bench to take over in the fourth quarter. Metz scored all 10 of her points in the final stanza.

Johnson’s 19 points led all scorers. Molleigh Hofer tossed in seven points and Reagan Jett added six.

Wilmot got 16 points from Jade Cameron and 12 more from Rylie Metz. The bulk of those points came in the second half.

Both teams now turn their attention to region tournament play, which begins next week.

Christian, 3-16, will have a road playoff game Monday night in Region 1B action.

ABERDEN CHRISTIAN (3-16): Arianna Johnson 6 7-10 19, Molleigh Hofer 3 0-0 7, Sophia Eichler 2 0-2 5, Jolie Fogarty 2 0-0 5, Reagan Jett 2 2-6 6. Totals 15 9-18 43.

WILMOT (2-18): Daphne Anderson 2 1-6 6, Jade Cameron 10 2-2 16, Rylie Metz 4 4-7 12, Kadie Reil 1 0-0 2, Natalie Remily 1 0-2 2, Harper Harstad 0 1-2 1, Ryen Metz 4 0-0 10. Totals 17 8-19 49.

Aberdeen Christian 12 19 36 43

Deuel 1 14 31 49

3-pt field goals – Hofer, Fogarty, Eichler; Anderson, Cameron 4, Ryen Metz 2. Fouled out – Fogarty. Total fouls – Aberdeen Christian 14; Wilmot 20.