Wolverine basketball team showcased incredible teamwork

The Weiser Wolverine boys’ basketball team advanced to the consolation championship game with a 73-50 victory over the Homedale Trojans on Tuesday, Feb. 25. The game was highly physical, with both teams competing fiercely to continue their seasons.

 Homedale won the tip-off and quickly took a 3-point lead 19 seconds into the game with an “and-one” play. Weiser responded when Josh Mizar was fouled and made both of his free throws. In a prolonged offensive possession, Homedale hit a 3-pointer just before the shot clock expired. Garrett Walker quickly pushed the ball up the court for the Wolverines and passed it to Kolin Cook, who took a moment to assess the hoop and nailed a nothing-but-net 22-foot 3-pointer.

 A minute later after executing a jab step and step back, Cook gave Weiser a 1-point lead two and a half minutes into the game. However, Homedale then scored five unanswered points before Mizar tied it at 11 apiece with two baskets: the first came after he stole the ball as Homedale tried to save the ball under Weiser’s basket, and the second was a put-back after both teams fought for a rebound.

 With two minutes remaining in the first quarter, Homedale regained a 3-point lead with a 3-pointer from the corner. Cook then brought the ball up for Weiser and drove in for a high off-the-glass bucket. In the final minute, Weiser’s Karsten Walker set a great screen at the top of the key for Mizar, who took one dribble and launched a 3-pointer from the wing. On the next possession, Homedale briefly took the lead again with a 3. 

 The first quarter closed with Garrett Walker making two free throws, putting Weiser back up by 1, 18-17.

 The second quarter began with Weiser draining two 3-pointers while Homedale added one. The Wolverines quickly scored when Shayd Crossley, from the baseline, found Cook open for a 21-foot 3-pointer at the top. The Trojans answered with their own 3, but then Mizar received a pass from Owen Funke and knocked down a 22-foot 3-pointer for Weiser.

 As the game progressed, Brayden Nordgren executed a baseline drive and passed the ball to Crossley, who made a quick drive into the key for a bank shot. The Wolverines continued to score while making several defensive stops. By the end of the second quarter, Weiser led by 10 points, 37-27.

 The first points of the second half came from a high-arching shot taken by Garrett Walker from the middle of the key after receiving a pass from Isai Herrera on a Weiser baseline in-bounds play. With solid defensive help and tough rebounding from both Herrera and Karsten Walker, the Wolverines stretched their lead over Homedale.

 At the end of the third quarter, Weiser had increased their advantage to 22 points, leading 56-34. 

 Early in the fourth quarter, the referees assessed an intentional foul against Weiser during a Homedale fast break. An intentional foul is typically called when there is no clear play for the ball and the attacking player’s advantage is compromised. Following this, the referees also issued technical fouls to a player from each team, but the situation unfolded smoothly on the court.

 The game remained physical as Homedale appeared to grow increasingly frustrated with the reality of their season nearing its end. Out of the 17 points Weiser scored in the fourth quarter, 8 were from free throws and 9 from field goals.

 The final points of the game came from Grant Walker, who scored one of two free throws, sealing a 73-50 victory for Weiser. 

 This game showcased incredible teamwork from the Wolverines. Mizar led the team with an impressive 31 points, while Cook contributed a solid 20 points. Garrett Walker added 11 points, Herrera scored 6, Crossley with 4, and Grant Walker contributed 1 point.

 Scores at the end of quarters:

Weiser Homedale

1st: 18 17

2nd: 37 27    

3rd: 56 34

4th: 73 50