Perennial Playoff Participants

Since the first Wakeland boys basketball team entered the gymnasium seven years ago, coach Brent Benningfield  has seen five of his seven teams qualify for the state basketball playoffs, “and the other two years, our chance was missed in the final game of the season,” Benningfield lamented.

The 2013 edition of the team locked up their spot in the final game of the season with a dramatic two-point victory over Frisco Heritage this week. At no time has the title of “Senior Night” been more aprapros than during this hotly contested event. Heritage was led by their sterling underclassmen, only to have their efforts bested by Waleland seniors Zol Singleton, Cam Walker and Josh Harris, with a huge assist from fellow senior Justin Nicholas.

Singleton poured in 19 points, Walker was right on his tail with 17 and Harris chipped a very tough 14, but they were all overshadowed by the two from Nicholas. In a tremendous show of good sportsmanship, Heritage allowed Wakeland to control the opening tip and pitch the ball ahead to Justin, participating in his first game since being diagnosed with cancer on December 21, so he could get in a box score and play with his teammates one last time.

After Heritage was allowed to tie the game with an uncontested lay-up, the game never tilted too much to either side. Wakeland lead by three after one quarter, but Heritage tied up the game going into the half. Wakeland had a one-point advantage going into the fourth quarter and needed every bit of that slight edge. Clutch shots from the youngsters at Heritage seemed to mean that the it was the dawn of new day, but a clutch three-pointer from Wakeland’s Singleton preserved the win for the home team. Heritage had one final desparate drive to the basket, but a slip up caused the ball to float harmlessly out of bounds as the clock ran out.

Wakeland moves on to the playoffs and will face West Mequite at Hebron High School for the chance at obtaining the Wolverines fifth bi-district title. Game time is 7:00 PM.    

Click here for the Fox 4 News Special on Justin
Click here for the Ch. 5 News Special on Justin
Click here for the Ch. 8 High School Sports Special