The boys’ basketball team continued their quest for a third consecutive Mission League title with a dominant win at home against crosstown rival Loyola High School on Jan. 12.
The Wolverines defeated the Cubs 71-34 in a league matchup at home to stay undefeated in Mission League play. After falling down 21-4 in the first quarter, Loyola never came close to coming back, as the Wolverines held a double-digit lead for the rest of the game. The squad improves to an overall record of 19-1 with a league record of 3-0.
Senior guard Niccolo Kalischer-Stork ’24, who played significant minutes off the bench for the team, said he focuses on playing with high intensity when in the game.
“I’m motivated every game,” Kalischer-Stork said. “It’s my senior season, and I try to come out and play as hard as I can every night. I shoot the ball, that’s what I do, and tonight the shots were falling.”
Junior forward Nik Khamenia ’25 said the team was able to use their height advantage against Loyola to create scoring opportunities.
“[Coach Rebibo] was telling us in the locker room that our centers need to run the floor, especially when [guards Trent Perry ’24 and Robert Hinton ’24] have the ball because they’re the distributors,” Khamenia said. “Running down the floor, getting down the middle, and getting easy layups.”
The team will next compete in the Hoophall East Classic in Springfield (MA), facing McEachern High School on Jan. 15. McEachern is currently ranked 11th in the country, according to MaxPreps. After two days, the team will also play Notre Dame High School at home, who are tied with the Wolverines with three wins each in the Mission League. Khamenia said the team is looking to build on their momentum going into next week.
“We got an early flight tomorrow morning to Boston, and there’s going to be a quick turnaround from Boston to play Notre Dame,” Khamenia said. “We’re excited to play. We play great in these big-time games. I know the coaches are ready, and we’re ready, so it’s going to be fun.”
