Despite a highly talented and experienced roster, it’s all over for the 2011-2012 boys varsity basketball team after yet another early playoff exit. This time it was in the first round to the hands of Wootton, who fought off a late surge by the Wildcats.

   The first half of the game was characterized by lackluster play resulting in ineffective defense and bad shot selection on offense. In addition, they could not take advantage from the charity strike where they missed a large majority of their free throws.

   At the start of the second half, WJ came out with a whole new level of intensity igniting the visiting crowd. All of a sudden, the Wildcats were jumping into passing lanes and beating Wootton on fast breaks. They continued to chip away at the deficit, despite maintaining their struggles from free throw line, until they were down only five points with under a minute left. Needing a quick score, senior Jake Verner banked home a shot from way outside the three point line, just a couple of steps aross half court. Then, after getting the ball back down three with about 20 seconds left, senior Harrison Gibert controlled the ball looking to create a shot. Off the dribble he attempted a tough three-pointer with a man in his face and had it spin around the rim, only to roll back out, ending a potential epic comeback.

WJ must wait until next year to overcome their playoffs demons. They will have another promising roster lead by current juniors Sean Poosson, Michael Lumbuku and Kevin Gill under coach Mark Karver in his second year.