JN25

 The top two teams in district 9-4A met on the court Friday night to play a highly anticipated match in a packed gym. There was a palpable energy at Wakeland High School for the game between the Little Elm Lobos and the Wakeland Wolverines, but basketball took a back seat on this night. In its stead, the communities of Little Elm and Frisco Wakeland, with a big assist from Prosper, stepped up to help Wakeland basketball team member Justin Nicholas as he continues to battle cancer.

Prior to the contest, the Lobos presented Justin with a customized game ball and a check totaling close to five hundred dollars. In addition, Wakeland and Little Elm fans contributed thirteen hundred dollars during a “pass the hat” portion of the night. It has been said that sports can reveal true character; in this case, the characteristics of compassion and love coming from neighboring communities shone brighter than anything else.

Of course, after all the good will, there was still a game to play. And what a game it was for the home team. After a quick lay up off the jump ball for the Wolverines, Little Elm imposed their will with a few quick baskets and a bevy of tenacious defense, forcing Wakeland into poor shots and chaotic offensive rhythm. Noah Westerfield drove to the hoop for a dunk that signified the Wolverines were on a mission.

Seemingly propelled by Nicholas sitting with the team, Wakeland was at once frenetic and majestic as they hustled for every loose ball and banged for every board, while gracefully gliding to the goal for important buckets and passing perfectly as they ran out to a ten point halftime lead.

Little Elm returned to the court in the second half with renewed intensity and quickly chipped into the Wakeland lead, trailing by only six mid way through the third quarter. But Friday night was Justin Nicholas night, and Justin Nicholas night belonged to the Wolverines.

In a season first, Westerfield and his fellow starters Josh Harris, Zol Singleton, Cameron Walker and Sean Watkins all finished in double digits in scoring. Walker continued his dominance on the boards with thirteen rebounds and Sean Watkins broke his own school with thirteen assists as the Wolverines won the ball game going away by a final of 67-52.

Friday’s win, coupled with a loss from The Colony has landed the Wolverines in sole possession of second place with just three district contests remaining. Wakeland varsity assistant coach Marty Tidwell pontificated on the upcoming games. “All year long we have known that this district was going to be tougher than a two-dollar steak and that has been just the case,” Tidwell said in an exasperated state after the game on Friday.

The Wolverines will travel to Liberty on Tuesday night and try to secure a play-off spot with just three games remaining in district play. Tip-off is at 8pm, Go Wakeland!

Don Sparks Photography
Photos by DMN (1-14)

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