Whitewater boys pick up two wins last week

By Kennington Smith
WHS Class of 2013

After struggling through their tournament to start the season, the Whitewater varsity boys basketball team was looking to find a rhythm last Thursday against Union Grove. They did just that.

Moving junior forward Phillip Cofer into the post proved to be a key in the game as the Wildcats were able to run a smoother offense than in previous games. With junior forward Justin Simpson-James grabbing several offensive  rebounds and the strong team defense the Wildcats took a 42-27 lead to halftime.

Whitewater never looked back in the second half. The defense remained strong and the offense continued to knock down shot after shot. The Cats cruised to a 76-50 win. Senior guard Junaid Olusesi turned in another sensational performance with 18 points 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Cofer added 17 points and 5 rebounds and Simpson-James had 9 points and 11 rebounds.

On Saturday the Wildcats matched up with rival Sandy Creek for the first time in over two years. The teams picked up where they left off as fans on both sides were treated to a game that went wire-to-wire. From the beginning it was a defensive battle, neither team found a rhythm on offense and turnovers were constant. Sandy Creek cashed in from  the free throw line not missing one at all in the first half. Early in the second half the Wildcats senior point guard Darius Sharpe hurt his wrist diving for a loose ball, the gym was silent as it appeared as if Sharpe was seriously hurt and could miss many more games down the road.

Sandy Creek had a lead and appeared ready to run away with the game but Whitewater responded. Seniors Olusesi and Robbie Harlfinger kept the Cats in the game with big plays while sophomore Garret Watkins played admirably in Sharpe's absence. Early in the fourth quarter, Sharpe came back into the game and, with only one good arm, took it over. On both offense and defense Sharpe ignited the Wildcats as they battled the Patriots shot for shot. Ultimately, with four seconds left, Sharpe was able to knife through the Sandy Creek defense and score the game winning basket. Whitewater won 40-39.

The Wildcats also made history with its first win over the Patriots since 2006. Sharpe finished with eight points, Harlfinger had 9, and Olusesi put in 8 with 6 rebounds and 4 assists.
The Wildcats are back in action against Drew at home on Tuesday.