Wolverine parents snapped photos of the Wolverines lifting the tournament plaque after the Freshman Boys Basketball team prevailed against Chaminade 64-58 in the championship game in the Calabasas Freshman Tournament. It was a tense game, with technical fouls being assessed to Coach Thomas McBride during halftime, and one assessed late in the fourth quarter to a Chaminade player after a celebration after making a three point shot.
Claiming first place in the tournament, the Freshman team first had to place first in their pool, which they did, winning 40-31 against Agoura and 59-39 against Saugus. After placing first in their pool, the Wolverines would play Crespi, and would win 49-41.
“Just taking this one game at a time is the most important thing for the team,” Mason Tyau ’29 said after being asked about the importance of the win. This marked the fifth straight game the Wolverines held their opponent under 41 points, which was a focal point facing off against the powerful Chaminade offense.
Chaminade would get out to a hot start on offense, quickly knocking down a few three-point shots, with Coach Thomas calling a quick timeout to get his team back on track. This theme, however, would continue throughout the first quarter, before the Wolverines started to dig their heels in and cut their deficit to six points.
In what has usually been their weakest quarter, the freshmen got out to a hot start, pushing the ball in transition and capitalizing on crucial opportunities, especially at the free throw line. The free throw game would prove crucial for the Wolverines, as Chaminade would be forced to foul in the last stages of the game. The Wolverines would seal the deal at the free throw line, and would win the final tournament on their schedule.
“Knocking down those final free throws was really satisfying,” said Nico Velamoor ’29 after hitting the game sealing free throws.
