The atmosphere was buzzing as the undefeated Wolf Pack faced off against the Lions in a thrilling Unified Basketball showdown. Coaches Martin O’Toole and Karen Buchannon (Wolf Pack) prepared their squad to protect their perfect 10-0 record, while Head Coach Garrett Lelko and Assistant coach Chelsey Lindaberry (Lions) motivated their team to fight for every point.
The game started with high energy as Jamie (Luck of the Irish) Sullivan (Lions) dominated the arch, finishing the night with a team-high 14 points. She was supported by the scoring of Aliya (A-Train) Bello (Lions) and Carly (Xena Warrior Princess) Moore (Lions), who each chipped in 4 points. However, the Wolf Pack had a superstar of their own in Dylan (GameDay) Budd (Wolf Pack), who put on a clinic with 20 points and 4 rebounds. At the end of the first quarter, the Wolf Pack held a narrow 14-12 lead.
In the second quarter, Andrew (Brick House) Baucom (Lions) lived up to his name by anchoring the defense and adding 5 rebounds. Marisol (Magic Time) Moreno (Lions) added a rebound to keep the Lions within striking distance. But the Wolf Pack momentum continued as Jacob (Runaway Train) Rasmussen (Wolf Pack) lived up to his nickname, barreling through for 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals. By halftime, it was still a tight contest with the Wolf Pack up 24-22.
The intensity ramped up in the second half. Sean (Shaq Diesel) Pettegrove (Lions) put up a strong 8 points for the Lions, while Amber (Wronkskinator) Wronski (Lions) and Elsa (The Elsa-vator) Boyer (Lions) each rose to the occasion with 4 rebounds apiece. Not to be outdone, Aiden (Cool Hand Hoops) Hester (Wolf Pack) kept his cool under pressure, sinking 10 points for his team. The Wolf Pack managed to extend their lead to 34-28 by the end of the third quarter.
In the final quarter, the Wolf Pack defense tightened. RJ (Blockness Monster) Bianchi (Wolf Pack) secured 3 rebounds and 4 points, while Michael (Mail Man) Wolfe (Wolf Pack) delivered with 6 big rebounds and 2 points. Rebeka (S-Train) Schneider (Wolf Pack) added 3 rebounds to help seal the victory. Despite a late 3 boards from Jessy (J-Sizzle) Sell (Lions) and contributions from Maria (Storm) Sousa (Lions) and Elena (Supernova) Plaza (Lions), the Wolf Pack pulled away.
The final buzzer sounded with a 50-38 victory for the Wolf Pack. While the Wolf Pack celebrated their 10th win, every player—from Sylvia (Bella Baller) Buccini (Lions) to Lola (Show me the $) Ferrante (Wolf Pack)—showcased incredible sportsmanship and heart on the court.
Thanks to Marielle (Swallow the whistle) Thorsen for refereeing a great game; medical coverage by Kristen (Ice Queen) Mandicz and scoreboard operations by Ellen (Broadway Show) Anderson.
Be sure to come out February 23rd to see the Lions face off against the Lions North Staff at 6:00pm at the Lions Den!
