Wolverines boys basketball looks to go to war in a rivalry game with the Gaithersburg Trojans tonight, January 13, after a tough loss to the Seneca Valley Screamin’ Eagles 53-82 on Tuesday, January 10. The ‘Rines fought hard to get the home win but the Screamin’ Eagles were able to keep increasing their lead throughout the game.

Junior guard Victor Iglesias said, “We need to improve [on starting] the game with more intensity and capitalize on open shots.” Iglesias came off the bench and scored eight points and played amazing defense on the other end of the court. “We need to stay focused,” Iglesias added. Senior James Snyder also gave great scoring off the bench with 14 points.

Junior forward Terrance Williams and senior Kendale Sewell both helped the team create offense and compete with the Screamin’ Eagles. Williams said, “We just need to run our offense.”

Junior guard Anthony Bailey agreed, “ We have to run our offense fully.”

In other action, the boys in blue lost a close game against the Poolesville Falcons 54-56 last Friday, January 6. The team led for most of the game but couldn’t hold on in the fourth quarter. Bailey said, “I feel like we made crucial mistakes at the end of the game when we could’ve had a better opportunity.”

In a big conference away game, the Wolverines came up short against the Blake Bengals, 50-53. The team was in it until the end, but Blake managed to stay out in front until the final whistle. Williams led the team with 19 points; he was the only player in double figures for Watkins Mill that night.

The boys’ winter break was ball packed as they participated in two games over the break in the Huntington Christmas Tournament. They started off strong against Huntington as they beat them to advance to the second round. Juniors Victor Iglesias and Markel Grant helped lead the team as Grant had key buckets late to ensure the game.

In the second round the boys lost to private school Severn High. They played a tough, close game especially playing against a private school, but could not hold on in the end as they lost by seven. “We thought we came closer as a team and we feel we are ready for future games,” Iglesias said.

“We didn’t come prepared like we should’ve,” Williams said.  “We need to be more vocal on the court.”

Now the team will look to lock in and beat the Gaithersburg Trojans, a long-time rival. Iglesias said the key is to “make sure everybody plays their role and plays as hard as we can from whistle to whistle.” The ‘Rines are ready to up the intensity and hopefully come away with a win but are also looking to keep their morale high in preparation for a huge rivalry game against the Clarksburg Coyotes on January 19.

Gallery • 6 Photos

Jonathan Trejo Perez

Junior Terrance Williams Jr. attempting to secure the rebound