West Mesquite wrangles Wakeland for Bi-District Title

Your Wakeland Wolverines fell just a little bit short this past Tuesday night during their Bi-District Championship game at Hebron High School versus the Wranglers of West Mesquite by a score of 68 to 66. With only 33 seconds remaining in the game, the Wolverines found themselves down by 7, but they weren't out yet. They scratched and clawed their way back into the game by some strategic defensive stops and methodical offensive exectution and with only 1 left second left on the clock, Wakeland was just down by 2. Josh Harris hurled an inbounds pass the full length of the court as Noah Westerfield jumped and wrestled it away from a Wrangler defender. He twisted his body and heaved a last second shot just inside the arc that rimmed in and out. As the ball fell to the floor and the final buzzer sounded, you could feel the deflation in the air when every Wolverine realized the season was over. In a game that saw just about every twist and turn throughout its entirety, it was a game that was played hard by both teams, which made it hard to see one of the teams go home without the "gold ball." The Wolverines were led by Noah Westerfield and Cameron Walker with 14 points a piece. Zol Singleton added 13 points while Josh Harris put in 10. The loss brings Wakeland's season to an end, but the Wolverines have nothing to be a shamed of with a final record of 23 wins and 8 losses, along with a third place finish in one of the toughest districts in the DFW area. Head Coach Brent Benningfield commented, "I'm sad to the season come to a close, not because of the loss, but because I won't get a chance to coach these Seniors anymore..., they were a great group of kids, and we wish them the best in their future endeavors!" Wakeland will graduate six seniors in May: Justin Nicholas, Josh Harris, Zol Singleton, Doriel Yeager, Cameron Walker, and last but not least, the best Manager you could ever ask for, Brian Spinella. While some will pursue athletic promise next year at the Collegiate level, and others academic excellence, no matter what they choose to do, we know they will be successful. And for those Wolverines coming back next year, get ready to hit the weights in the off-season because we're looking for "MORE in '14", go orange and blue!

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.    

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Raccoons pester Wolverines

Your Wakeland Wolverines dropped another crucial game this past Friday night to the Frisco Raccoons by a score of 53-43. Wakeland shot a record low 17% from the floor for the entire night by going 11-66. They were 8-47 from inside the arc and 3-19 from outside the arc. The cold front definitely blew in early on Friday night as Wakeland could not buy a bucket. When the Wolverines only scored one bucket in the first quarter, they found themselves down 15-3, then 31-14 by half on the account of some Wakeland free-throws. Even though the Wolverines scatched and clawed their way back into the game with some full court pressure, it was a little too late as the Raccoons were able to ice the game at the line. Head Coach Brent Benningfield stated to the Frisco Enterprise, "I've seen one or two players have an off night shooting the ball, but to see an entire team off like that..., I haven't seen that in my 17 years of coaching." Noah Westerfield led the Wolverines by acquiring his third double-double of the year with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Josh Harris added 11 while Sean Watkins picked the Raccoon's pocket 5 times. Even though its only the Wolverines seventh loss on the season, it was a big one because now they face a must win situation against El Dorado rivals, the Coyotes of Heritage on Tuesday night. It will be Parent/Senior Recognition night, so get there early to reserve a seat, so you can watch: Josh Harris, Cameron Walker, Doriel Yeager, Zol Singleton, and Justin Nicholas play their last home game as a Wolverine. Tip-off is at 8pm, go Orange and Blue!

Redhawks nest Wolverines

Your Wakeland Wolverines were defeated by the Liberty Redhawks by a score of 54-51 this past Tuesday night. This ends the 16-game winning streak the Wolverines have had over the Redhawks over a span of 7 years. Unfortunately for Wakeland, it came at a bad time because the Wolverines just needed one more win to clinch a play-off spot for the 5th time in school history. However, the inability to stop Liberty's inside presence, Wakeland just fell short on a couple of last second 3's to send the game into OT. Freshmen Coach Joe Lewis commented, "the mood just didn't feel right all night, which was disappointing because of what was on the line." Sean Watkins led the Wolverines with 15 points and 4 assists while Josh Harris added 11 points along with dishing out 5 assists. Cameron Walker grabbed 8 boards while Noah Westerfield pulled down 7 rebounds. This brings Wakeland's overall record to 22-5 with an 8-4 record in district play. The Wolverines just need to win one more game to clinch a play-off spot with two games to play. They will be at Frisco on Friday night, and home against Heritage on Tuesday, Feb. 12th for Parent/Senior Recognition night. Come out and support your Wolverines as they try to scratch and claw their way into the play-offs. Go Wakeland!

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)

Middle School Night

JN25 Night

Wolverines capture Cougars for 7th District win

Your Wakeland Wolverines revenged a 20 point blowout last night against The Colony by defeating the Cougars 73-50 on their own home floor. The Colony rolled in the first round of district play and beat down the Wolverines by 20 points, so Wakeland returned the favor. It was a crucial win for the Wolverines because they are now tied with the Cougars for second place in the district standings. Wakeland came out hot from beyond the arc by hitting 7 of its 8 "3's" in the first half alone, thanks to Josh Harris and Zol Singleton. Even though the Wolverines were already up by double digits at the start of the 3rd, they put the pedal to the medal and ended any hopes of a Cougar comeback. When it was all said and done, Wakeland basically dominated every aspect of the game. Junior Varsity Coach Blake Reedy mentioned to The Colony Courier, "tonight was the exact opposite of what happened last game..., tonight we made the open shots, and physically abused the boards..., and they didn't!" Josh Harris led the Wolverines with 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Zol Singleton added 12, while Cameron Walker got his 10th double-double of the year with 11 points and 14 rebounds. Jackson Lamb came off the bench and put in 10 along with Noah Westerfield handing out 7 dimes. The win puts Wakeland's overall record at 21-5 and 7-3 in District 9-4A. The Wolverines will battle the Lobos of Little Elm on Friday Night, which just so happens to be Middle School night, so come out and enjoy some high-flying basketball. Go Wakeland!

Don Sparks Photography

Wakeland trips Titans for sixth District Win

Your Wakeland Wolverines did somethig this past Friday night, that they haven't done in a long time. They won in less dramatic fashion than what they are used to. I'm not sure if it was the bright lights of the cameras from Time Warner Cable or if it was the student section that shot the noise level through the roof. Whatever it was, your Wolverines were tenacious on defense and were methodical on offense as they tried to slice and dice Centennial's match-up zone. Even though the Titans found themselves up by three at the end of the first quarter, the Wolverines quickly took the lead in the second and never looked back. In a game that didn't see very many possessions, Wakeland took advantage of every opportunity, which helped them win by a score of 54-47. Halftime entertainment was provided by the Boys manager, Brian Spinella as he hurled a halfcourt shot that banked in off the glass and the crowd erupted into a 7.8 on the Richter scale. Varsity Assistant Coach Marty Tidwell responded to a question from a TWC reporter in a post-game video interview, "what we try to do is keep things real simple, a lot of coaches will say "you need to do this or you need do that..., all we say is "score more points than the other team!" Josh Harris led the Wolverines with 12 points and 3 assists while Sean Watkins added 11 points. Cameron Walker and Zol Singleton both scored 10 points. Noah Westerfield was the top rebounder of the night with 6 boards. The win puts Wakeland's overall record at 20-5 on the season with a 6-3 record in District 9-4A. The Wolverines find themselves currently in third place with just 5 games remaining. Wakeland will be back in action on Tuesday night as they will travel to The Colony for the first time in school history. Hope to see you at the game because it'll be a barn burner. Go orange and blue!

Don Sparks Photography (Varsity)

The Shot Heard Around The World