By Owen Ziegler
Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter
The boys’ basketball team came out on top as they pulled off a devastating 63-24 win against the 2-13 Ashland Clockers. On Friday night, the Wolverines came into the game with a record of 9-5.
The Wolverines came out strong, looking to put down Ashland, Westwood went on an insane 14-0 scoring run until the final minutes of the 1st quarter when the Clockers finally put some on the board. That immense lead was led by junior Ty Pindel, his big body in the paint provided 6 points in the quarter and a total of 12. Rounding out the dynamic duo was fellow junior Robert Liriano-Alejandro, who himself finished with 14 points in the game.
The score going into the 2nd quarter was 14-4 Westwood up, a wide margin for sure, but surely within reach for Ashland. In the 2nd quarter, coach Douglass let the stars sit out, senior Eli Ifrah and Rob, even with those two guards out senior Chase Longo held down the court displaying excellent ball-control. Along with Longo, senior Mekhi Dickerson grabbed rebounds and blocked shots, his defense was vital to victory. The quarter progressed and Westwoods margin grew to 30-12 at the end of the half.
Although Westwoods offense was phenomenal, they wouldn't have had such a monstrous lead without the defensive prowess of captain Matt Preti. His lock down defense, with steals and charges were vital. In the 2nd half coach Douglass had almost all the starters sit out, being up by so much. The extra time meant a show from the bench. Aidan Rodman proved spectacular at controlling the ball. While Liam Kilroy was huge on defense, along with Dylon Zeneski playing great all around. The highlight from this bench crew was Leo Chilangwa, his huge rebounds and strong blocks helped the Wolverines pull of a 44-16 win at the end of the 3rd quarter
The last quarter was an exciting one despite the huge lead. A thundering block by Leo started the quarter strong for Westwood then another incredible block by Liam Kilroy, where he snatched the ball right out of the defenders hands. Towards the end of the quarter, Adrian Ortiz pulled off a tough and-one finishing off his great game. All-in-all the game was highlighted by not only the starters in Pindell and Liriano-Alejandro, but the bench, showing a little of what's to come next season.
Along with that win, the Wolverines pulled off another against division 1 Xaverian Brothers. Same town rivals, the game was tough but excellent play from seniors Corbin Horn and Eli Ifrah helped them to victory 41-33, a low scoring game for sure, but rich with excitement led by a huge turnout of fans.
