All season long, Oxford Varsity Boys Basketball Coach Steve Laidlaw has kept saying, ‘The Wildcats are in the game, they just need to close it.?
Well, close it they did as the team scored back-to-back victories last week, ending the 0-7 losing streak that has haunted them this season.
On Jan. 18 the cagers won their first game of the season by defeating the Brandon Blackhawks 50-42.
‘That was their best game yet,? Laidlaw said.
Senior Dave Wendt led the team with 14 points and 12 rebounds with great support from senior Marty Ball and junior Mark Willar, who himself scored 12 points.
?(Junior) Brad Dugan gave us a big lift, returning from a surgery that caused him to miss three games and practices,? Laidlaw said.
Dugan brought a renewed confidence to the team, according to the coach.
On Jan. 21, the team kept the momentum going with a second big win against the Holly Broncos 67-55.
Laidlaw said until the Holly game, the Wildcats had played their best game against Brandon,
Again, he credited Dugan’s improved health and return to the court as definite morale booster.
‘They are playing with a lot more confidence now,? Laidlaw said.
Wendt dominated the Holly game with 27 points and 14 rebounds, while Dugan scored 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Laidlaw said junior Bill Keenist played surprisingly well and senior Colin Keener sealed the game with 6 points in the fourth quarter.
‘These guys have played really well for us in the last three games,? said Laidlaw. ‘Playing with confidence makes a difference.?
The Wildcats will try for a third win at Lapeer East 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28