The Florala Wildcats put up a strong fight, but saw their season end with a 61-48 loss to J.F. Shields on Tuesday night in Class 1A subregional action.

J.F. Shields was able to come out strong and quickly built an early lead.

Both teams continued to battle, but six 3-pointers from J.F. Shields in the opening period allowed them to take a 16-8 lead.

Rashaad Coleman knocked down a 3-pointer for the Wildcats in the opening period.

Andeon White also picked up a big 3-pointer and Mekhi James had two points, but the Wildcats still trailed at the end of the first period.

Starting the second period, the Wildcats made their move and began to inch back into the game.

White came on strong with seven points in the second period.

Anthone Stone, James and Coleman each had two points in the second period, but the Wildcats still trailed 29-22 at halftime.

In the third period, J.F. Shields found the net from downtown on a few occasions to build a 12-point lead heading into the final period.

Coleman heated up with a pair of 3-pointers on his way to a nine-point period.

White also tacked on a 3-pointer, but the Wildcats were down 48-36 heading into the fourth period.

The Wildcats never quit fighting, but J.F. Shields was able to hold off Florala in the final frame.

“We started slow and maybe a little timid,” Florala head coach Troy Stewart said. “They went up 11-0, but we settled down a started playing our game in the second. They would go up by 10 and then we would battle back. Overall, I thought our guys played extremely well tonight. I’m very proud of this team.”