By Avonlea Cummings
Hometown Weekly Reporter
A monumental win took place Friday, February 10, at the Den.
The Wolverine boys varsity basketball team made a second-half comeback to win, 63-60,
against the Hopkinton Hillers in the final seconds of overtime. It was a perfect way to celebrate
the seniors on their special night, with friends and families cheering in support of the team's
exceptional performance.
As soon as their sneakers hit the court, the Wolverines took charge over the Hillers. Without
hesitation, the Hillers fought back, with both teams making baskets with a sense of urgency.
Wolverine Eli Ifrah pocketed five points in the first half, along with Sean Callahan. Dylan Walsh
slung in three points of his own.
Westwood didn’t stop there as Patrick Casavant contributed in six points, Brendan Donegan
nicked five points, Andrew Weeman had two, and Oliver Gannon snuck in one point. These
points closed the first half for the Wolverines with 27 points, down only two to the Hillers.
Down 17 points by the fourth period, the Wolverines dug deep and clawed their way back.
Wolverine Callahan earned himself another eight points in the second half, and Weeman
clutched six points. Westwood’s Victor Ganson, as well as Max Jacobson, each would also
snatch five points. Gannon and Casavant would close out the second half themselves with two
points apiece.
With the game ending in a tie, the two teams headed to overtime. Both the Wolverines and
Hillers were desperate for points as the players rushed to shoot baskets. With the crowds
bursting with nerves and excitement, they cheered on the Wolverines as Jacobson, Callahan,
Ganson, and Weeman triumphed over the Hillers, bringing the Wolverines to a 63-60 victory.
Head coach Ryan Douglass was elated with excitement from the amazing outcome of the
game.
“We were down 17 points in the fourth, but really it’s a mindset. Our guys stayed after it. We are
a battle-tested team and our record shows it. All of our losses have been close losses against
very good teams, and they really showed up on their senior night. I couldn’t be more proud of
them,” said Douglass.
The Wolverines celebrated seniors Max Jacobson, Brendan Donegan, and Patrick Casavant. As
the team won their battle with the Hillers in overtime, the crowd flooded the court in celebration
with cheers and smiles all around. It was the perfect way to end the night.
“I’ll say it until I’m blue in the face: these are the three best senior captains I’ve been around,"
praised Douglass. "Usually, you have seniors that are good leaders, but not the best players, or
best players though not good leaders. All three of my captains are tremendous leaders and
players. Best teammates. They’re the hardest workers, too.”
