The Westfield Pioneers proved that working together as a team keeps you ahead of the game during an important win on Feb 12. They managed to pull off an important win in the WIAA Regional game against the Nekoosa Papermakers. Pioneers gained momentum in the second half to crush the Papermakers 62-49.
Coach Lance Fritz provided a quote, saying “I was incredibly happy with our team’s toughness when it came to weathering the ups and downs of the night. Nekoosa played very tough and we were able to respond as a group. The boys understand how important this time of the year is and we are going to do our best to just keep advancing.”
The first half started slow, with Nekoosa offense getting the first shot of the game. Brady Holly made the first basket of the game with a 3, which tied the game within the first minutes of play. The teams played back and forth with the ball, with Westfield and Nekoosa taking turns in 1 or 2 point leads. Cole Barton managed to get Westfield in the lead with a 2-pointer, and ending halftime 23-20.
Pioneers started the second half on a high note, going 2 for 2 at the free throw line. The team truly came alive during this half, and managed to gain a to get a 7 point lead with the help of Trevor Gray. Gray had the crowd wild, consecutively making two 2-pointers and a 3. A 3 by Pioneer Kashton Kangas had the team in the lead by 10 points.
The Papermakers attempted to lower the score difference, but their defense was not enough to keep the ball in their end of the court. Gray went 2 for 2 at the line, getting Westfield to 60 points over Nekoosa’s 49. The final basket of the night was from Hunter Goodwin, who ended the game 62-49.
The Pioneers teamwork paid off, and Trevor Gray was able to make the most points with 16, including 2 3-pointers. Weston Hoffa had 11 points with three 3’s throughout the night. Lucas Thompson and Cole Barton each made 10 points for the team. Carter Stauffacher had 7 points with Kaston Kangas and Brady Holly helping with 3 points of their own. Hunter Goodwin also managed to get on the board with 2.
