In the fourth game of the season, the LHS boys basketball team faced their city rivals, the WHS Warriors. Expectations ran high for the first ranked Pats and the stakes were high to defeat the Warriors. As for atmosphere, it was phat. Like heavy. The crowd was booming and nearly full. Both student sections were impressive although LHS’ was clearly bigger (and louder). The exciting game began with high stakes and WHS in possession of the ball.

1st Quarter

WHS gained the first points and maintained a steady lead throughout the entire quarter. Our shots seemed to be off and the “air ball” chant from the WHS student section seemed to be on repeat. Both teams defense was intense although WHS established themselves as cowards due to the fact that they chose to play zone. The low-scoring quarter wrapped itself up as 23-11, LHS down.

2nd Quarter

This quarter began with almost immediate points from Alex Glanzer who would later prove to be the game’s most valuable player. Intensity picked up as both teams began scoring more and fans exploded with each point scored. Possessions traded back and forth and LHS started to play more aggressively. The very first tie of the game came at 22-22 followed by the first LHS lead when Jared Jaros drained a three to make it 25-24 at the end of the first half.

3rd Quarter

LHS starts with the ball and scores the first points of the second half. WHS managed to mess up an alley-oop and made a complete fool of themselves. Also, player Logan Uttecht left the court and could not seem to find his way back in. LHS on the other hand, were playing incredible, with Christophe Bwanya and Glanzer draining threes left and right. Principal Bob Grimm’s intensity level was just as high as the players on the court. His yelling could be heard echoing around the gym. The quarter ended with a score of 45-39, LHS in the lead.

4th Quarter

The 4th quarter somehow topped the other quarters to become the most intense. LHS kept at least a four point lead for the majority until the end when it became 50-50 with only a minute on the clock. Energy within the gym was at an all time high and both student sections were fired up as the time wound down. Glanzer drove through with the final seconds and barely missed a layup which meant overtime.

Overtime

LHS won the tip off to gain the ball and momentum to begin the most crucial point of the game. Despite starting with the ball, WHS got the first points and it seemed as if we could not get a rebound. Glanzer was fouled and shot two to gain the lead at 57-56. WHS failed to regain lead and Glanzer was fouled yet again after we gained possession at 14 seconds. Making both shots again, LHS was up by three while the seconds wound down and the game was decided. The crowd lit up and roared in victory.

Despite a respectable fight from WHS, the Pats ended the game with a dub to solidify their #1 spot. Thanks to leading scorers Glanzer and Bwanya, a great atmosphere and some clutch free throws, LHS was able to come out on top yet again.