On Nov. 18, the Westwood High School freshmen boys A basketball team competed against Cedar Park High School marking their second home game of the season. Currently, the Warriors are in a 2-0 winning streak starting the basketball season strong with use of strategic plays and teamwork. The Warriors closed this game out, crushing the Timberwolves with a final score of 61-33.

“I think what was a big part of the game’s success was our coach,” Aaron Zhang ‘29 said.”He tells us what to do and makes really good plays that when you go against a team like Cedar Park makes a big difference in terms of how we are going to perform.”

The Warriors took early possession of the game from the opening jump ball, leading them to score the first bucket of the game with a 3-point shot. The Warriors began the game with a present intensity which quickly drove them to make the first 3 shots in the first quarter. In response to the Warriors initial success, Cedar Park began to increase the intensity but fell victim to the Warrior’s defense, allowing the Warriors to hold possession of the ball and bring the score to 14-5. Continuing the same grit carried throughout the quarter, the Warriors ended the quarter with a lead of over 10, and a score of 21-9.

“It was a great game but it definitely took hard work,” Keelan Sachton ‘29 said. “To still stay as high as we were in the point difference is not an easy thing to do and at times the pressure can feel intimidating.We just kept pushing and as teammates we supported each other and made sure we kept doing good and get 2-0 you know.”

The second quarter opened with a heavy push from Cedar Park as they attempted to break down Warrior defense to narrow the point differential. However, poor shooting form and weak ball handling allowed the Warriors to hold onto their lead at 27-19. This present intensity from the Timberwolves resulted in multiple fouls against Cedar Park, resulting in many opportunities from the line for the Warriors. These free throws allowed the Warriors to finish off the first half with a lead of 13 and a score of 30-17.

“Getting to touch the basketball was really great,” Sachton said.“It was great to see the enthusiasm from the stands and see my friends support us.”

Holding the Timberwolves to 17, the third quarter began with a few quick shots from the Warriors bringing the score to 36-17. The Timberwolves, now becoming desperate to catch up, began fishing for the foul calls with hopes of getting sent to the line. The Warriors however, kept their composure and continued to play clean defense under this intense pressure. After multiple layups from the Warriors, the score leaned even furthering Westwood’s favor at 48-26. Cedar park, at this point in the game, was running out of energy as the Warriors did not let up aggression, the final score of the third quarter was 40-21.

“It felt like everyone was making shots in the third quarter and we played really well as a team,” Jonah Wellington ‘29. “We were coached very well, putting us in a good position to win.”

In the final stretch of the path to 2-0, the Westwood Warriors played hard to close out the win. Continuing on their previous pattern, the Timberwolves fouled early into the quarter, leading the Warriors to score two more points from the line. This play created a powerful momentum switch for the Warriors as they played with ease and intentionality, making every possession count. Aggression from both teams were present with numerous scenarios of loose balls with the Warriors coming out with possession following most of these loose ball opportunities. This intensity and teamwork drove the Warriors to close out the game with a smashing win of 61-33.

“We worked together as a team and I just encouraged my teammates to keep the energy up which plays a huge role in the game,” Zhang said.“It’s a great  feeling to be 2-0 so far and definitely well-deserved.”

Overall, concluding their second home game of the season and bringing home another win the Westwood Warriors prepare to replicate this performance throughout the rest of the season. With 16 games remaining and the help of their coaching staff the Warriors will return to the court following the Thanksgiving break.