Losing its Winterfest game to Lapeer West 53-46, the Oxford varsity boys basketball team continues to be plagued by missed shots late in the game.
Going into the half, the team was only down by four points, but Number One Lapeer West took advantage of Wildcat turnovers with three 3-pointers in the third quarter.
‘They have trouble playing when they get behind,? said Head Coach Steve Laidlaw. ‘We don’t score quickly and have a hard time catching up, but we only lost by 7.?
Oxford senior Dave Wendt scored 15 points followed by senior Brandon McKay, who scored 10 points in the first period and finished the game with a total of 13 points. Junior Mark Willar scored seven points. ‘Wendt had a nice game. He fought his opponent well all night,? said Laidlaw.
Oxford senior Marty Ball, who was crowned Winterfest King at half-time, shot a three-pointer before the half.
Even though their record is 3-11, Laidlaw said the team still has a great attitude and he is proud of their spirit.
‘When we were 0-8 against Linden a lot of teams would have mailed it in,? said Laidlaw. ‘But these guys haven’t yet.?
Laidlaw said the team has had three impressive victories and three tough losses this season, but still has a winning attitude.
‘They played against a tough team Friday and overall they had a great game,? he said. ‘I’m really proud of these kids.?
The next game is 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11 at Fenton.