The Wilby boys basketball team didn’t look too positive walking off the court at halftime of Wednesday night’s non-league game at Nonnewaug. The Wildcats led by four points after one quarter, but entered the break trailing by a score of 33-25.
Andres Urena, who picked up three fouls in the first half, drained a 3-pointer for Wilby to begin the third quarter. The Chiefs’ lead reached nine points, and it was still eight points, 38-30, with 6:06 left in the third quarter. The Wildcats roared back, however, and outscored the Chiefs, 18-4, during the rest of the quarter. Wilby went on to win, 68-58, and improved to 2-3 with the victory. The Wildcats return to NVL play tonight when they host Holy Cross at 7 p.m.
Jeremiah Tripp led Wilby with 19 points. He was one of three Wildcats in double figures on the night. Calvin Hicks scored 16 points and Urena added 14. It was a balanced effort for Wilby that went beyond its leading scorers. Justin Parker had six points, all in the third quarter, after sitting most of the first half with two fouls. Jonathan Matias added five points, but it was his hustle and willingness to do the little things that stood out. Reserve Josiah Waters hit a big 3-pointer to get the Wildcats to within five points, 38-33, and start the rally. All of Wilby’s bench players were cheering on their teammates throughout the game.
The Wildcats were missing two of their top seven rotation players, but they made the plays when they needed to. After Parker assisted on the Waters 3-pointer, he scored a fast break layup off an assist from Matias to make the score 38-35. Parker made a pair of free throws to get Wilby to within a point, 38-37, then Tripp canned a 3-pointer off a Parker assist to give their team a 40-38 lead with 3:05 to play in the third quarter.
The Chiefs scored to tie the game at 40-40, but Urena scored a layup off a steal and Parker drove for a basket for a 44-40 lead. Hicks sliced through the lane for a layup, then converted another just before the third quarter buzzer to put the Wildcats ahead, 48-42.
Wilby converted 9-of-12 foul shots in the fourth quarter to seal the game.
Photo captions — Top: Wilby’s Dashaun Wilson puts in a layup during Wednesday’s win at Nonnewaug; Middle: Calvin Hicks drives inside the three-point line. (Copyright, Sports on CT-69)
Gallery
Here are my photos from Wednesday night’s game.
