The Whaler boys basketball team found themselves in a defensive battle against the 10-2 Nauset Warriors Friday afternoon but found a way to sail home with a 61-60 victory, improving their record to 12-4 this season.
It took every second of the game to earn the victory. The Whalers led 61-59 with .5 seconds to go in the game when a foul sent Nauset to the free throw line for two shots.
After making the first shot, the second shot was back rimmed and sent the Whalers into a frenzy after a earning a much-needed and deserved win.
“I am so proud of them because we could have folded when we were down five late and lost again, but we didn’t,” head coach Willis Ferreira said. “You can only do that so many times before it takes its toll. We have four games left and every game is a playoff game. We just need to keep working hard and towards playing our best come the end of the season, and I think we are pretty close to that.”
JJ Bennett played a tremendous game for Nantucket and was the Whaler’s best player on the court. He finished with 20 points, over a dozen rebounds, and he also had seven blocks. Bennett was also 10 of 12 from the free throw line with several clutch makes at the end of the game.
“He is getting more and more confident every day,” Ferreira said. “I think as a coaching staff we have just been waiting for this type of moment. We knew it was in that body. The last two games have been really good for us and for him. Hopefully moving forward his confidence can stay strong.”
Ferreira said the combination of Bennett and sophomore big man Jack Halik has given opponents issues with their length, keeping balls alive for second and third chance opportunities, blocking shots, and now producing some efficient offense of their own.
Ferreira said tonight reinforced his belief that the sky is the limit for this team.
“If we can get everybody to play a good game on a given night, nobody can beat us,” Ferreira said.
The Whalers will have a week to rest before hosting Mashpee (4-9) on Friday, February 18, at 5 p.m.