Posted: Feb 20, 2024
Rustlers Hold Off Trappers to Secure Win
After an earlier season blowout loss to Northwest, the CWC Men's basketball team took the floor on Saturday seeking payback. The lopsided defeat, 79-106, in Powell was one of the worst losses of the season and one that has stuck with the team. "To say our performance in Powell was one of the worst team efforts we have had would be an understatement. It took that loss to get us to the place we are at, but that doesn't mean it still doesn't bother us." commented Coach Schmit.
On Saturday, the Rustlers got what they were seeking. With a fast start from Northwest, taking an early double digit lead, the game looked like it did in Powell. CWC was able to rally the last 10 minutes of the first half taking a 2-point lead into halftime, 41-39. The second half was a game of ping pong with both teams going back and forth before CWC could finally hold the lead late; winning the game by a final score of 75-70. Coach Schmit provided feedback on how his team was able to accomplish the home win: "We had three distinct goals heading into the game: 1) Win the rebounding battle. 2) Have less than 10 turnovers. 3) Hold Northwest under 80 points for the game. We were able to check all three boxes, which gave us the chance to win the game."
CWC won despite their two leading scorers, King Solomon and Sam Marbury, going a combined 8-32 from the field. Two sophomores stepped up with Julian Roberts going 6-8 from the field for 15 points and Lorence Dela Cruz having an overall monster game with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals.
The win brought CWC's record to 15-12 overall and 6-3 in Region 9 North sub-region play.