Boys Basketball defeated Renaissance Academy 58-52 in the second round of the Wolverine Invitational. 

In this tournament, the squad previously defeated Van Nuys High School 81-30 Nov. 19. Unlike their game against Van Nuys High School, the team did not have a significant height advantage over the Wildcats.

First Quarter

The Wolverines began the game slowly and scored their first points with five minutes left in the first quarter. The squad began the game physically by pressing early, with wing Brase Dottin ’20 picking up two early fouls and center Mason Hooks ’20 picking up a technical foul. However, the team managed to rally in the first quarter, with Hooks scoring six points in the quarter. 

Wolverine Invitational Game Day 2: @HWHoops trails Renaissance Academy 13-10 after 1. The game is live on HWTV at: https://t.co/pHr0ggUkcP @latsondheimer @Tarek_Fattal pic.twitter.com/BanddbVUhK

— Harvard-Westlake (@hwathletics) November 22, 2019

After finishing the first quarter down 13-10, the Wolverines kept the game close and found themselves tied with the Wildcats at the end of the first half. The squad then took a hit in the third quarter, with the Wildcats outscoring the Wolverines by four points. 

Fourth Quarter

With 45 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Wolverines were tied with the Wildcats 52-52. Forward Truman Gettings ’21 had the go-ahead bucket for the Wolverines off a pass from Hooks. The Wolverines held off the Wildcats for the rest of the game, sinking four free throws and winning 58-52. 

Wolverine Invitational Final: @HWHoops defeats Renaissance Academy 58-52 pic.twitter.com/AXuNMRaqrn

— Harvard-Westlake (@hwathletics) November 22, 2019

Hooks described what allowed the Wolverines to win Thursday’s game. 

“We came out flat and had to really dig in and grind towards the end,” Hooks said. “We were able to make some really tough plays down the stretch.”

Next Game

The squad now faces a home matchup against George Washington Preparatory Academy Nov. 23 in their final match of the Wolverine Invitational. Wing Adam Hinton ’21 described the squad’s mentality heading into this game. 

“Heading into the game on Saturday against Washington Prep, we want to play with full effort and energy,” Hinton said. “We want to quickly assert ourselves on Saturday and show that we will battle with 110% no matter who steps on the court with us. I believe we are a top team in the state, but we must be focused and treat every single team as a threat until the end of the game.”