The boys varsity basketball team went toe-to-toe with the Lake Forest Scouts on Tuesday, Dec. 13, winning 45-40 after a nail-biting game.
The Wildcats’ record improved to 5-6, whereas the Scouts’ record sunk to 3-5.
“We played well overall,” stated junior Drew Peterson, a two-year varsity starter. “[We] had a slow start in the first quarter, but quickly turned it around in the second.”
With only 3:32 left on the clock in the fourth quarter, the score was tied 36-36. Peterson was able to put up 15 out of the 19 points scored by the Cats this quarter to seal the victory.
“I was able to start making some of my shots and drives,” he explained.
The game started off with a three-point shot from the Scouts, but the Cats quickly put up two points from senior Harrison Bach a minute later. Points were scored left and right by both teams, and the Scouts were up at the end of the first quarter, 12-8. The lead went from the Scouts in the first quarter to the Cats in the second and third quarters.
This being a close game, the starters saw most of the playing time but tonight was special for Brandon Simberg. It was his first night playing in a varsity basketball game in the Wildcat uniform after making the transfer from Lake Forest Academy. Peterson closed the game as the Cats’ highest scorer. Senior Brandon Rule came next with 8 points.
“It wasn’t pretty but we’re always happy with a win, especially against solid teams,” stated Bach. The Cats are now 3-0 in conference games.
The Cats will play their next conference game on Thursday, Jan. 5, at Stevenson at 7 p.m. They will play in a tournament over winter break will take place on Dec. 27-30 at Wheeling. Times will be posted as the team advances through games.
