Defense characterized Wayland's plan of attack as the Warriors soundly defeated the Wildcats of Weston at the Wayland High School Field House Tuesday afternoon.
The Warriors never trailed in the game and were leading 10-5 at the end of the first quarter thanks to a couple of three-pointers.
It wasn't a flawless quarter for Wayland, who committed a couple of turnovers including one on an inbound from under their basket, but it set the tone for the remainder of the game.
The second quarter began with the Warriors defense stealing – literally – the spotlight with a quick steal and score to start the quarter. From there the Warriors opened up a 10-point lead that they only lost once the rest of the game.
Successful full-court press allowed A.J. Higgins to steal the ball a couple of times and solid defensive efforts led to an impressive block by Mike MacLean on a fast break lay-up attempt by Weston's Brenton Caesar Alten.
"The defense looked good," Wayland Coach Robert Andrews said after the game. "We're coming together."
With about two-and-a-half minutes remaining in the second quarter, Brian Garcia of Wayland and Jack Shay of Weston collided violently near mid-court. Shay, obviously in pain, walked off the floor with what appeared to be a broken wrist. He eventually left the Field House with an EMT unit.
Garcia was shaken up in the collision, but did return to the game.
The second quarter ended with Wildcat Justin Tayabji hitting two three-pointers to bring the Wildcats back to within 11.
Tayabji returned from the half and hit two more three-pointers, the second of which pulled the Wildcats to within eight points. But it was all Wayland from then on.
By the end of the third, Wayland led by 14 points and continued to increase that lead throughout the fourth quarter. A fast break score by Kevin Straube gave the Warriors their 25-point win at 55-30.
"We missed a lot of free throws, but we're getting there," Andrews said.
The boys' JV team will next play Acton-Boxborough Regional High School on Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the Field House.
