Hoping to establish a season-long three-game win streak, the Oxford Wildcats basketball team traveled to the outskirts of Pontiac to battle the Notre Dame Preparatory Fighting Irish in a non-league game on Feb. 11.
Holding their annual “Parents’ Night,” the Irish honored the mothers and fathers of each of their 13 student-athletes pregame. In a very nice gesture, the school also held a moment of silence for Gayle Tucker, who began her teaching career at the school, then-called Pontiac Catholic High School.
The game was tight throughout the first half, but the Wildcats suffocated Notre Dame Prep in the second half, prevailing 64-48.
In what was perhaps his most dominant showing of the season, star senior Trey Townsend poured in 27 points and collected seemingly every rebound he went up for. Townsend was the only Oxford player in double-figures, but nine of his teammates recorded at least two points, led by junior Zach Townsend’s nine points.
Sophomores Jon Risi and Alex Scherle paced the Irish’s attack with 11 and 12 points, respectively.
Completing the season series, the Wildcats then returned to the Ian Smith Gymnasium to host the Rochester Adams Highlanders on Feb. 14.
Although it was Valentine’s Day, the boys left the gym with a disappointed feeling as the Highlanders rolled to a 57-29 victory. Considering Oxford won the first meeting, 46-25, on Jan. 10, this result was not what head coach Steve Laidlaw and his staff were expecting.
Trey Townsend once again was the Wildcats’ leading scorer with 10 points. Zach Townsend chipped in six, and juniors Pedro Bottene and Mason Mulholland both added five points.
Burying four three-pointers, senior Jack Santella piloted Rochester Adams’ attack with 16 points. Junior Ben Chermside pitched in 11 points.
Standing at 9-7 overall and 3-5 in the Oakland Activities Association White division, Oxford is tied with the Stoney Creek Cougars for a share of fourth-place in the league, three-games back of the Farmington Falcons, Southfield A&T Warriors and Troy Colts.
Tipping off a two-game road swing, the boys will next be in action on Feb. 21 against Farmington (7-9, 6-2 OAA White) at 7 p.m.