FREEPORT – The quiet murmurs and downcast eyes of the Sauk Valley Skyhawks said it all Sunday night. Another season cut short, just when it looked like the Skyhawks were the favorite to claim their first Region IV title in a decade.

Malcolm X built a double-digit lead in the Region IV tournament semifinals Sunday, and Sauk never could back over the hump in a 96-94 loss at Highland Community College.

“You look at the guys on this team, the talent and hustle and desire, and you feel like you should have done something more, gone even further,” Sauk coach Russ Damhoff said. “We always believe, even when we’re down in the final minute, but we just can’t seem to find a way to pull out the win.”