Boys’ basketball beat the Redondo Union Seahawks 81-60 tonight and advance to the next round of CIF playoffs. They defeated the Seahawks on Dec. 8 62-39 in the championship of the Beverly Hill Tournament. The Wolverines improve their overall record to 20-7. Last season, the team fell in the second round of playoffs to Rancho Verde High School.

“We all feel great about where this team can be at the end of the year,” wing Holden McRae ’20 said. “We have a really talented group with more experience than last year, so we are definitely optimistic about achieving our end goal.”

At the start of the game, the squad had balanced scoring with several players making baskets. As the game progressed, three-point shots by guard Johnny Juzang ’20 allowed the Wolverines to pull far ahead. Juzang was the leading scorer with 30 points, followed by forward Mason Hooks ’20 with 18 points and wing Brase Dottin ’20 with 13 points.

Throughout the game, the Wolverines put on defensive pressure and shots for the Seahawks were not falling. The team controlled the boards on offense and defense and worked together to create shots. One of the many assists being an over the shoulder toss by McRae to Juzang for a dunk.

Once the Wolverines had an established lead, all players got an opportunity to play. The game ended with a bang in the form of a dunk by Dottin. Dottin said he is happy to still be competing for a championship.

“It feels great to still be in playoffs, we’re all craving a ring and we’re starting to play every game like it’s our last, which helps us get closer to that goal of getting a ring,” Dottin said.

CIF-SS Boys’ Basketball DI Playoffs – Final Score: @HWHoops beats @RUHS_Hoops 81-60. Juzang 30, Hooks 18, Dottin 13 pts. @latsondheimer @Tarek_Fattal pic.twitter.com/3ckzXIqxvT

— Harvard-Westlake (@hwathletics) February 13, 2019

The squad’s next game in the CIF tournament is on Thursday with location, opponent and time still to be determined.