The Wayland boys’ varsity basketball team finished its regular season with an overall record of 17-3 with a 79-53 victory over non-conference opponent Forest Hills Eastern.

The Wildcats made it a rout early with a 23-6 burst in the first quarter and they led 44-17 at the and 65-30 at the close of three periods.

Coach Mike Hudson’s quintet was 7-3 in the O-K Gold Conference this season, finishing second to Class A Ottawa Hills, a team it lost to twice this year. Forest Hills Eastern ended its regular season with a 5-14 record.

Eleven different Wildcat players broke into the scoring column, as Hudson substituted liberally. Senior point guard Dilon Aten and senior pivot Lacey James, both finished their regular season careers at Wayland by scoring 17 points and leading the offensive attack. Sophomore Avery Hudson added 13 points.

The potent combination of pressure defense, quality inside play and deadly shooting wore down the Hawks, as Aten came up with seven steals and he and Hudson both had three assists. James had seven rebounds in a limited playing role and Aten had six.

Grant Trisch led Forest Hills Eastern with 15 points.

Wayland will open the Class B district tournament Monday evening by playing Grand Rapids South Christian, a team it defeated twice during the regular season. The game will tip off at 5 p.m. at Wyoming Godwin Heights High School.

Just like the girls, if the Wildcats are successful in beating South Christian (11-8) three times this season, they will play Kentwood Grand River Prep, which owns an 8-7 record.

PHOTOS: Senior Dilon Aten (3) and Lacey James both scored 17 points in their regular season finale as Wildcats. (Photos courtesy Kenny Ritz)