In a close game between Westview and Mt. Carmel, the boys basketball team pushed through and secured a 73-66 victory, Jan. 7.

Despite an early Mt. Carmel lead during the first quarter, the Wolverines eventually pulled ahead and maintained their lead throughout the duration of the game.

Coach Chase Fraser said that he was very proud of the team’s determination to claim a victory against the Sundevils. The Mt. Carmel vs. Westview rivalry games are eagerly anticipated by players and fans alike every single year. The fact that both the JV and varsity boys basketball teams were able to secure a victory against Mt. Carmel was very exciting for both the coaches and the players. According to Fraser, endurance and hard work is important to succeed as a player, which he encouraged his team to implement in the game. This is necessary in order for the Wolverines to win against the Sundevils.

“I keep telling them if they play for 32 minutes they can win a lot of basketball games,” Fraser said.

Mt. Carmel started the game off strong, pulling away with a four-point lead by the end of the first quarter. Fraser said the team began to slip behind, but he believed they could pull through in the end.

“I think we just lost our composure for a bit during the game,” Fraser said.

As the game progressed, the Wolverines began to become more aggressive with their plays. They started to sink baskets and block shots against Mt. Carmel, tying the score towards the end of the second quarter. 

Forward Nico Domingo (11) finished off the half with a last-second layup that furthered Westview’s lead 37-33.

“I [was] pretty excited,” Domingo said. “But I couldn’t do it without my team.”

Another high scorer at the game was Abhi Rathore (12), a center. Rathore was able to sink many free-throws throughout the game, aiding in establishing a lead against the Sundevils. 

Because of loud chants and other distracting tactics used by the other team’s supporters, like a collective stomping of feet, it is very easy for free-throwers to get flustered. To avoid missing a shot due to these strategies, Rathore said it’s important to have a good free-throw routine to maintain focus on the basket. 

His routine starts with taking a deep breath and keeping his eye on the basket. He bends his knees and gets low, takes two dribbles, spins the ball, and takes another dribble. He then finishes his free-throw routine by shooting the ball at the basket.

“[This helps get] me focused on making the shot and drowning out everything else going on,” Rathore said.

After a loss against Mt. Carmel Dec. 15, Westview was even more determined to secure a victory. The team continued to take shots and score three-pointers, building onto their lead. 

While playing their hardest was the ultimate goal for the team, they also wanted revenge after a previous loss.

They kept up the pressure against the Sundevils throughout the third quarter, slowly pulling ahead. Heading into the final quarter, Westview had an eight-point lead. A Wolverine victory was in sight.

However, halfway through the fourth quarter, Domingo injured his leg and was pulled out of the game. Despite his injury, he was determined to return to the court and finish the game strong. 

“I was so eager to come back,” Domingo said. “I wanted to finish out the job and beat MC.”

Up until this point, Domingo had been scoring consistently throughout the game. In total, he scored 22 points, playing a big part in helping Westview pull ahead of Mt. Carmel.

After taking a few minutes to recover, Domingo returned to the court and scored two more points, putting the team even further ahead.

Despite a last second three-pointer from Mt. Carmel, Westview’s 10-point lead ensured that the team came out on top. 

“I’m happy for the kids,” Fraser said. “They played their butts off and they earned it.”