‘Cats Come Close and then Clutch a Win
Tyler Terrell going for the jump ball.
On Jan. 9, 2018, the varsity Wildcats came in close as they went up against the BCHS Eagles. The final score was Eagles 70, Wildcats 61.
The Eagles started off strong, scoring the first four baskets from inside the three-point line, bringing the score to 5-0 with six minutes and eighteen seconds in the first period. Shots from the varsity became more forced as the boys lost their spirit and poise. Seth Talnenetz came up with the first point for the ‘Cats with a twelve point difference, the score was 13-1 in the first quarter. Near the end of the first period, the ‘Cats picked up some momentum with Blake Smith getting two on the board as well as Zack Tuaila and Tyler Terrell coming in with two three-pointers, bringing the score to 16-9 at the end of the first. Heading into the second quarter, the Wildcats took it up a notch and began to start playing a better game offensively and defensively.
Tuaila was able to peg a two-pointer and Self got a point from the free-throw line with Terrell coming in with a two-pointer afterwards. The score sat at 23-14 in the Eagles favor with two minutes and forty seven seconds in the second period. Tuaila got a layup, putting up three more, and Smith scored two consecutive two-pointers. Smith was then put at the free-throw line sinking two free-throws at the end of the second period. The score was 31-25 of the third period. BCHS was still in the lead but seeming to get a little worried.
The Wildcats still in a tough patch but pulled themselves together and continued in the game strong. Fano Maui finally got himself on the board with two successful free throws before four minutes and twenty five seconds of the third. Tuaila got another two points, the score at 46-31 and the ‘Cats now needing to fill in the point gap. As the night went on, the Wildcats bounced back with confidence as they started working together. Fouls and negative comments filled the game. Though the Wildcats lost, the team still kept their heads up, looking forward to their next game. Dylan Self was asked how he felt about the loss; he replied saying, “I’m usually mad after a loss, but if we win I’m satisfied. No matter the outcome though, I reflect on the game, and then focus on being able to compete in the next game. Our next 11 games should be wins; I wouldn’t expect anything less from us.”
Following this loss on Thursday Jan. 11, The Cats went up against the Wasco Tigers, crushing them in overtime. The final score was ‘Cats 63, Tigers 58.
The ‘Cats started off strong in the first period of the game with Wasco trailing behind. Near the end of the first period, the Tigers were able to catch up, tying up the score 10-10. Going into the second period of the game, the ‘Cats held onto the lead with the Tigers right on their tail with Taft 25, Wasco 23. Into the third period, Wasco was able to sweep the lead from under the ‘Cats, putting them in a tight situation with time running out. In the fourth period, Wasco was able to keep the lead with Taft struggling to catch up with the ‘Cats fouling intentionally to turn over the ball. Nearing the end of the fourth, Van Reimers was able to get possession of the ball; the score was 48 Taft, 50 Wasco. With three seconds left on the clock, Reimers was able to tie up the game with a two-pointer shot, taking the game into overtime. Overtime became a back and forth battle between the ‘Cats and the Tigers. Wasco fell apart in the end giving the Wildcats the upper hand winning them the game. After the game, head varsity coach Eric Newton was asked how he felt about the game,“ Obviously we came in with a victory because of a clutch shot by a sophomore named Van Reimers. He’s been the one whos been spotty with his time on the floor and when he came in he was really clutch, so I’m really excited and proud of him. There’s nothing wrong with a win and we got one tonight and it was important for us moving forward in league.”
