WEXFORD — If only Summit Academy could have that first quarter to play over again.

That's what Knights coach Cliff Guy was thinking after his team's WPIAL Class AA second-round boys basketball playoff game against Carlynton at North Allegheny Monday.

He watched his team give up a 15-2 run to the Cougars in the first eight minutes of play.

Despite a spirited comeback attempt, Summit saw its season come to an end with a 63-50 defeat.

"That first quarter killed us," Guy said. "I don't know if it was the atmosphere here tonight, but we came out a bit sluggish."

The Knights (15-10) made just one of their 16 field goal attempts in the opening period and committed eight turnovers in that span, helping the Cougars build a double-digit edge.

"We have two good athletes in Lavar Dawson and Gary Patterson who were able to slash to the hoop early on," said Carlynton coach Hal Minford.

Patterson and Dawson each scored six points in the first quarter.

It appeared as though the Knights would end up on the wrong end of a rout, as the team trailed 30-13 with one minute left in the second quarter.

That's when Summit's explosive offense breathed some life into the Knights' chances.

Leonard Brown hit a 3-pointer, followed by a steal and a bucket from Anthony Lemon and two more points from Brown at the free throw line.

Suddenly, the Knights trailed just 30-20 at intermission.

"We were pretty confident heading in at halftime," said Guy. "These kids never quit and they stuck together."

Brown opened the third period with a jumper to cut the Cougars' lead to 30-22.

The momentum that had once been completely on Carlynton's side, now belonged to the Knights.

The Cougars didn't answer with an offensive spurt of their own, but with a defensive stand.

They forced the Knights into seven turnovers in the third period and just a 4-of-15 performance from the field.

By the end of the third quarter, the Cougars still had the 10-point lead they had entered the second half with, 40-30.

"We had some open looks, but some of our guys were afraid to pull the trigger," said Minford. "Then we just went back to what we do best."

Which is spreading the ball around and making shots.

Carlynton (21-3) received offense from six different players in the final period, ending the quarter with 23 points.

The Cougars' Martin Pletz led all scorers with 16 points while teammates Patterson (15) and Dawson (10) contributed their share.

Leonard Brown scored 15 points to lead the Knights, who made the playoffs for the first time since 2000.

"I'm very proud of these kids," said Guy. "We have surpassed everything people thought we'd do this season. These kids are now the standard at Summit."

SUMMIT ACADEMY 50Stephen Grandison 1 0-0 3, Roman Herring 3 0-0 6, K'on Gardner 2 0-0 4, Leonard Brown 5 4-6 15, Anthony Lemon 3 0-0 6, Rashawn Flemming 4 1-4 9, Hanif Scruggs 3 1-2 7, Jared Moore 0 0-0 0.

Totals: 21 6-12 50.

CARLYNTON 63Mike Carpellotti 2 2-4 6, Charlie Dagnall 1 1-2 3, Martin Pletz 6 4-6 16, Dean Summers 2 0-1 4, Andy Veri 4 0-0 9, Gary Patterson 6 3-4 15, Lavar Dawson 4 2-2 10, Cody Webb 0 0-0 0.

Totals: 25 12-19 63.

Summit Academy 2 18 10 20—50Carlynton 15 15 10 23—633-point goals: Summit Academy 2 (Grandison, Brown); Carlynton (Veri)