Eastlake boys basketball overcomes losing streak with win against Hazen
On Saturday, the Eastlake Wolves boys basketball team faced off against the Hazen Highlanders for the third time this season. The matchup resulted in a 67-47 Eastlake win and an end to their home game losing streak.
The first quarter went in Eastlake’s favor with Hazen facing some bad luck as the majority of their shots bounced out of the rim. Eastlake, capitalizing on a plethora of rebounds, managed to put up 14 points in the quarter with Kaleb Dehaan scoring two 3-pointers. However, Hazen’s Duly Gilbert stole a long pass and used that momentum to help the Highlanders get a last-minute drive of 8 points.
Although the beginning of the second quarter started slow, Hazen managed to score 11 points compared to Eastlake’s 10. Both teams struggled to find gaps in their opponent’s defense, but the Wolves added two 3-pointers from Dehaan and Wes Schmidt. On the other side, the Highlanders’ Malik Gilbert scored their first and only 3-pointer of the game.
The Wolves dominated the third quarter with 24 points being added to their score compared to Hazen’s 11. Eastlake capitalized off steals and rebounds again, but this time attacking more fiercely and holding possession. Eastlake made three 3-pointers — Two from Dehaan and one from Schmidt. The Highlanders continued to play their best with Suhail Abdulmumin blocking out defenders with his shoulder to get close to the hoop, scoring three layups. Despite the effort from Hazen, Eastlake widened the gap.
While Hazen tried to get back into the game, Eastlake was having none of it in the final quarter. The Highlanders kept on committing fouls. The Wolves continued playing their best and managed to score 19 points with 3-pointers coming from Dehaan and Nathan D’Souza. Hazen pushed themselves and managed to score 17 points, their best in the game, but the Highlanders simply could not close the deficit.
Eastlake’s Dehaan ended the game with six 3-pointers and 35 points.
“It feels really good to get a big win at home as we go on to the last few games of the season,” Rutul Tarambale, a point guard at Eastlake, said.
Eastlake is still fighting for playoff contention, which will depend on their record of play for the remainder of the season. Currently, in the KingCo mountain division, they are second with a 6-3 district record. Overall, the Wolves are 8-8.
The Eastlake boys team will play Newport High School on Jan. 28 at 7:00 p.m. at Newport High School.
