What began as a slow start for Westview turned into a statement win as boys basketball leaned on defensive effort and team play to secure a 52-39 victory at home against Del Lago, Dec. 11.
Lawrence Lam (12) won the tipoff, but Del Lago struck first, using early baskets and strong defensive plays to gain momentum, and during the first few minutes of the game, they led 8-4.
Westview struggled a little to find rhythm offensively in the beginning, according to Lam, turning the ball over and sending Del Lago to the free-throw line a few times.
Despite the early deficit, Lam said Westview stayed composed and focused on its game plan thanks to the positive words of the coaches.
“We didn’t panic when they got out to a lead,” Lam said. “We knew the game was long, and we trusted that if we stayed locked in, things would turn around.”
The Del Lago Firebirds continued to apply pressure early. The Wolverines answered with hustle plays and improved defense, keeping the score gap at small. A shift came when Westview’s plan to double-team Del Lago’s big man in the paint by limiting easy looks and forcing rushed shots began working and by the end of the first quarter, the Wolverines took the lead with a score of 11-9.
“We had to double team anytime he was in the post just to prevent them from scoring,” Liam Harrison (11) explained.
Westview pushed the ball in transition, scoring layups and drawing fouls. As the second quarter began, the Wolverines expanded the score gap, 13-9 in the first few minutes. Westview’s defense tightened as well, facilitating the growth of their lead. The Wolverines contested shots, forced turnovers, and stayed active in passing lanes. Del Lago struggled to find clean looks, while Westview capitalized with strong drives, notably, Lam’s run of five points in response to Del Lago’s run of five.
Lam, one of the team’s leaders, helped steady the offense during the run and scored 30 points in total.
“As a senior, it’s on me to keep everyone calm,” Lam said. “I just tried to make the right plays and help us settle in.”
Westview’s consistent scoring helped erase the early deficit and by the middle of the second quarter, Westview led 25-14 thanks to the ten shots scored in a row by the Wolverines. Layups and free throws allowed the Wolverines to take control heading into halftime. By the break, Westview had flipped the scoreboard and built a strong lead.
Coming out of halftime, Del Lago tried regaining control with aggressive plays. However, Westview responded by moving the ball, finding open shooters, and attacking the basket.
“We focused on staying together and on the game,” Harrison said.
That communication proved vital. Westview forced turnovers and converted them into points, stretching the lead. Several possessions ended with clean looks at the rim, while Del Lago struggled to score against Westview’s defense.
Midway through the third quarter, the Wolverines went on a run that put them in a comfortable lead, 37-25. Strong defensive stops led to fast-break points, and Westview’s energy increased.
By the start of the fourth quarter, Westview held an advantage but remained focused on closing the game. Del Lago attempted to make one final push, but Westview stayed disciplined, protecting the ball and continuing to defend.
Lam emphasized that closing out the game was a team effort.
“We didn’t try to do too much,” he said. “We just stuck to what was working and played smart.”
Westview controlled the final minutes with strong defense, forcing Del Lago into contested shots and limiting second chances.
For Lam, the win reflected more than just the final score.
“This game showed our growth,” Lam said. “Early on, things didn’t go our way, but we stayed together and trusted each other.”
As one of the team’s leading scorers, Lam said his role goes beyond scoring.
“I just want to lead by example,” Lam said. “Whether that’s defense, talking, or making the extra pass, I want to do whatever helps us win.”
