The Highland Scots boys 8th grade basketball team came agonizingly close to a victory in their season opener on Tuesday night but saw a commanding lead slip away, ultimately falling to Marion McCulloch 47-45 in a heartbreaker. The Scots started the game with intensity, quickly jumping out to an early lead with solid defense and smooth ball movement on offense. It seemed as though the Scots were in control, and their fans were hopeful that this would be the start of a successful season. Despite strong performances from several players, including key contributions on offense, the Scots couldn't close out the game when it mattered most. The loss was a tough pill to swallow for the Highland team, but it’s clear that their potential is evident. With a few adjustments and more experience in high-pressure situations, the Scots will look to bounce back in their next matchup and build on the lessons learned from this narrow defeat.