On February 13, the West Chicago boys’ basketball team defeated the Streamwood Sabers.
Before the game started, the players and their parents walked to mid-court to shake Prinicipal Dr. Will Dwyer’s and Athletic Director Nick Parry’s hands, a sign of the school’s appreciation for the class of 2024 players. The seniors then received a flower that they gave to their moms.
Shortly thereafter, the referee blew his whistle to inform everyone that tip-off was underway. Senior Mason Williams won the toss and tipped it back to senior Zach Wiegele to set up a Jack Walsh 3 and a start to what was the beginning of a stellar 32-point performance from Walsh.
“It was a great night for the program. Thank you to everyone that showed up and got loud,” Walsh said.
The Wildcats went up by 6 by the end of the first quarter, but the Sabers came back in the second quarter to cut the lead to 4 before halftime.
During halftime, the cheer and dance teams performed and gave their seniors a special send-off as well.
Football coach Adam Chavez recognized a player to receive the Randall Jacob football trophy that goes to the senior player who represents “leadership, a good athlete, and a good student.” This year’s award winner was given to Wiegele, who is also a Senior Reporter at the Wildcat Chronicle.
With halftime over, the Wildcats got ready to play their last 16 minutes at home. The Sabers went off a 4-0 run out of the break to tie the game at 27 which had everyone tense, but the Wildcats got the lead back with three 3s in back-to-back-to-back possessions and did not look back. The Sabers did not have an answer for Walsh, who shot 60% from the field.
By the end of the game, the Wildcats pushed the lead to 15. At that point, Walsh and Williams got subbed out and received a standing ovation from the home faithful.
“I’ve enjoyed playing with my brothers for these four years and WEGO is always going to have a special place in my heart,” Williams said.
Wiegele made a contested layup with a few seconds left on the clock, giving the home team a 16-point lead and the crowd went berserk. The student section crowded the gym floor when the buzzer sounded, hugging friends and grabbing pictures with the players and with signs made by friends and family. The group hug came as no surprise to senior Caleb Giannokis.
“Ever since I moved from Kentucky last year, WEGO, as a whole and especially this team, welcomed me with open arms,” Giannokis said.