The boys’ basketball team has officially closed the regular season by finishing 14-6 overall and earning the No. 2 seed in the 4A West II region. The Cats have secured a first-round bye and positioned themselves as one of the top contenders heading into the postseason.
The strong finish to the season was fueled by a series of statement performances that showcased the team’s growth and ability to execute in key moments.
The run began on Feb. 4 with a 55-45 victory over the Quince Orchard Cougars. In a physical, defensive battle, senior captain and guard Will Kriesle earned Player of the Game with six points, eight rebounds and five assists. Kriesle has been a huge asset to the team his senior season, giving the team heart, hustle and momentum.
What followed two days later on Feb. 6 was a 61-55 win against the rival B-CC Barons behind a standout shooting night from sophomore Carter Brooks. Brooks rained in 22 points, knocking down four shots from beyond the arc, one including an “and-1” three to seal the win for the Cats.
“It is always good to win against our rivals,” junior guard Aldrich Roales said. “This game definitely gave us fuel to finish the regular season strong and winning.”
The Wildcats continued their push on Feb. 11, with a 72-61 win over Seneca Valley, reflecting the team’s ability to take smart shots. In one of the team’s most complete performances of the year, the Cats defeated Northwood a week later 91-42 on Senior Night,, featuring balanced scoring from all seniors that overwhelmed Northwood from the opening tip.
As the regular season wound down, the Wildcats proved they could handle high-pressure situations. In a 53-51 overtime thriller against Sherwood, senior Christian Walker inbounded the ball to Brooks to score the game-winning layup in the final moments.
However, on Feb. 18, the Cats faced a setback, falling to Wootton 61-56. Despite the loss, the game served as a learning moment late in the season. The team used it as motivation, sharpening their focus and cleaning up mistakes heading into the final stretch of the season.
The final game of the regular season may have been the most dramatic. In a 65-62 overtime battle against division rivals Winston Churchill, Brooks delivered yet another buzzer-beating shot to seal the win. He finished with 21 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, capping off a clutch performance that sent the Wildcats into the postseason with momentum.
“The intensity of our practices are so different, our coach pushes us and points out every little detail to the point where it’s hard to make those mistakes in game,” senior forward Malick Kouakou said.
The improvement from last season’s 5-15 record to this year’s 14-6 mark highlights the great achievements the program has made.
“Being 5-15 last year and this year flipping the wins and losses to a 14-6 record means so much, especially as a senior,” senior guard Zaph Abbey said. “We have put in so much work these past few months and it’s showing.”
The team now heads into the playoffs rested and confident. With a first-round bye secured, the Cats will play the #3 seeded B-CC Barons on Monday, March 2. With momentum on their side, the Wildcats have turned the corner and are ready to make a deep postseason run.
