After easily defeating Paint Branch on Jan. 20, the boys’ basketball team faced BCC who they previously lost to earlier in the month.

The Wildcats didn’t come out as strong as they needed to. Both WJ and BCC were playing man-to-man. The Barons had many fast break opportunities due to the Wildcats turning over the ball.

“Part of that has to do with our lack of energy, but it’s also about trusting the guys around you, having confidence that we have 5 guys on the court who can make a play for the team, not just one or two,” junior Ben Kim said.

BCC was constantly cutting back doors and as they cut their outside players were left open. The Wildcats struggled to stay on their man. Number 25 on the Barons, their post player, played a significant role in the game. His height dominated on defense.

The Wildcats picked it up in the second half. Senior Christion Wright went off in the third quarter shooting 4/4 three-pointers. WJ got their momentum back and started playing a stronger defense. Wright began to close the gap at the end of the third.

In the fourth quarter, the Wildcats started pressing again. The foul limit had been exceeded in the half and WJ was shooting for every foul. Which benefited them in the final quarter. In the last 30 seconds, the Wildcats were up three points.

The Barons closed the gap to one after WJ fouled them on a layup. With five seconds left, the Barons inbounded the ball. A huge pass from BCC got the ball all the way down the court to a Baron for a three. A last-second three won the game for the Barrons.

“Similar to the game against Magruder, our inability to close out games showed. In those moments we need to have better situational awareness, knowing when to take our foot off the gas,” Kim added.

The Wildcats play their next game against Poolesville on Feb. 3.