By Robbie Robertson
Webster Progress Times
With Division 2-2A play just right around the corner, the East Webster Wolverines figured out they can play with just about anyone.
The Wolverines finished second in their own Christmas Classic as they fell to Class 4A Louisville 76-69 in the finals on Saturday. The Wolverines beat J.Z. George 76-48 and Oak Hill Academy 72-38 to advance to the finals.
The Wolverines, now 9-3 on the season, will return to action on Thursday with a division contest at Calhoun City and then host Ethel on Friday.
Louisville boys 76,
East Webster 69
After trailing by as many as 20 points, East Webster eventually lost by seven points in the finals of the East Webster Christmas Tournament.
Louisville came out hot as they outscored the Wolverines 27-12 at the end of the first period. East Webster started to chip away at the lead in the second, outscoring Louisville 20-12 as the Wildcats led 39-32 at the half.
“We got off to an uncharacteristically soft and slow start,” Seger said. “Louisville was up 20 points at one time in the first quarter before we settled down and realized we were capable of competing. Games like this against such talented, athletic opponents can only help us improve if we will build on the successes and learn from the mistakes. I'm proud of this bunch.”
The Wolverines continued to pull closer as they outscored the Wildcats 16-12 in the third to make the score 51-48 heading into the fourth. The Wolverines tied the game at 51 before Louisville pulled away for the win.
“We played extremely well offensively and defensively in the second and third quarter, which allowed us to cut their lead to 3 points going into the fourth quarter,” Seger said. “After we tied the game at 51 in the early fourth quarter, we lost some of our edge defensively. I take responsibility because I had a lineup on the floor at times that wasn’t geared to defend their personnel. I have to do a better job of helping our kids be successful.”
Jacob Ginn led a balanced scoring attack with 18 points while Charlie Brand had 16 points. Isaac Patterson had 13 points while Art Thompson and Carrin Townsend each had nine points apiece.
East Webster boys 76,
J.Z. George 48
The Wolverines used big advantages in the first and third periods to take an easy 28-point win over the Jaguars on Friday.
East Webster doubled up J.Z. George in the first period, jumping out to a 25-12 lead. Each team scored 17 points in the second period as East led 42-29 at the half. The Wolverines put the game away in the third period, outscoring the Jaguars 21-7 to take a 63-36 lead into the fourth.
“We played really well in the first and third quarters,” Seger said. “We have to do a better job of maintaining a sense of urgency defensively when we sub. I thought we allowed J.Z. George to get back into the game in the second quarter after we had built a 20-point lead.”
Isaac Patterson had a huge game as he pumped in 26 points while Jacob Ginn added 14 points. Art Thompson added 10 points while Charlie Brand had eight, Kinton Jones seven, Carrin Townsend six and Sedrick Taylor five.
“Isaac Patterson and Art Thompson really played well tonight inside,” Seger said. “Their effort on the glass and ability to finish through contact made the difference in the game. Jacob Ginn also shot the ball really well from the 3-point line. He's starting to gain some confidence. We'll need that going forward.”
East Webster boys 72,
Oak Hill Academy 38
The Wolverines used a huge second half to pull away and beat Oak Hill by 34 on Thursday.
East Webster led 10-6 at the end of the first and 28-20 at the half. But the Wolverines got going in the second half as they outscored the Raiders 21-8 in the third and 23-10 in the fourth.
“I was disappointed with our sluggish start defensively,” Seger said. “I thought we let Oak Hill set the tone on both ends in the first half, and to their credit, they made shots. We played with more effort defensively and moved the ball much better offensively in the second half.”
Charlie Brand led a balanced scoring attack with 16 points on four 3-pointers while Jacob Ginn and Art Thompson each had 14 points. Isaac Patterson had nine points while Kinton Jones added six points.
“Art Thompson and Kinton Jones sparked us in the first half and kept up their great defensive effort throughout the game,” Seger said. “I’m proud of the leadership Art showed. You expect that from a senior and three-year starter. Our subs played really well in the fourth quarter. I thought they came in and played extremely hard. It was good to see them have some success.”
