Wildcat boys’ best hoop season since 2010 ended by Godwin

Wayland’s best boys’ basketball season since the fabled 20-0 campaign in 2010 came to an abrupt end Monday night in the Class B district tournament opener at South Christian.

The Wildcats, despite turning in an astonishing defensive performance in the first half, dropped a 65-52 decision to defending state champion Wyoming Godwin Heights in the district opener between two of the top five teams in the state. Godwin was ranked No. 2 going into the showdown and Wayland was No. 5.

The Wolverines, now 18-3 for the season overall, took the ballgame on the run — literally.

Wayland’s zone defense presented a lot of offensive problems for Godwin in the first 16 minutes. The Wolverines weren’t able to get good looks at the basket and their efforts at penetration weren’t working.

The only hoops they seemed to be able to pick up were results of fast breaks off turnovers, loose balls and second chances with tip-ins. If the game was just half court, the Wildcats were dominating.

Wayland led 9-6 at the end of the first quarter and 19-16 at the half, but it was all Godwin the rest of the way.

Using the formula of getting the ball to the hoop in a hurry off turnovers, loose balls and rebounds, the Wolverines tied the count at 20-20 in the first two minutes of the third period and gradually began to pull way. They outscored Wayland 21-10 in the eight minutes after intermission, with a starling exclamation point. Marquise Hastings heaved a Hail Mary from just about under the basket almost full court to swish perhaps the longest three-point basket in South Christian history.

So Godwin, rather than have its lead cut to three, entered the final eight minutes up 37-29 instead of 34-29.

The Wildcats used their advantage in the fouls department to get to the free throw line often in the late going. Godwin was whistled for 10 fouls to Wayland’s three starting the fourth quarter, but the charity tosses weren’t enough.

The Wolverines continued their fast break assaults throughout the final eight minutes and about all Wayland could do its try to cut the deficit to single digits.

Sophomore Lamar Norman, whom coach Tyler Whittemore predicts will be Godwin’s greatest player ever, scored 14 points in the fourth period, the vast majority on fast break layups and a couple as a result of cherry picking.

Norman, despite being held scoreless in the entire first half, finished with 16 points. Redd had 13 and Richard Major and Christian Rodriguez each had eight.

Zack Nieuwkoop, despite missing a record number of layups, led the ‘Cats with 20 points and again led the squad in rebounding. Avery Hudson scored 17 points and Michael Kelly seven.

Wayland finished the season with an 18-2 overall record and was O-K Gold Conference champion. But it suffered the indignity of losing in the first round of the district tournament. Talk about lousy luck in the draw.

“If it wasn’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have no luck at all.” — Albert King

PHOTOS: Zack Nieuwkoop scored 20 points to lead Wayland.

Mike Kelly had seven points in his last basketball game as a Wildcat.

(Photos courtesy of Kenny Ritz)