Wolves Drop Close Game To Harlem

Wolf Point almost pulled off a major upset, but the Wolves came up just short against second-seeded Harlem, 64-61, in the semi-final round of the District 2B boys’ basketball tournament on Friday, Feb. 27.

Down by a 48-44 margin, the Wolves ended the third quarter on a high note when Brady Four Bear fired in a three-pointer for a 48-47 game.

The Wolves then grabbed a 49-48 lead on a drive by Sean Hamilton early in the fourth quarter. After Harlem’s standout Cody McCabe accounted for the next three points, the Wolves gained a 55-51 lead on a free throw by Jett Azure and five points by big man Zandon Calder.

Harlem responded with the next five points on drives by Tayden Colliflower and Xavier Young along with a free throw by Lathan Black Wolf to earn a 56-55 lead with 3:16 left.

Good fortune appeared to be on the Wolves’ side when a shot attempt by Four Bear hung on the backboard for a couple of seconds and then fell through the hoop for a 57-56 advantage at the 3:07 mark.

The Wildcats, however, answered with a three-pointer by McCabe. After an offensive foul call against the Wolves, Black Wolf made a three-point attempt to put Harlem ahead, 62-57, with 2;16 left.

Harlem led 64-59 when Matthew Billmayer hit a pair of free throws with 1:55 remaining.

The Wolves, who played with great heart throughout the night, kept battling. Calder scored off a rebound with 50 seconds left. After Harlem missed a shot, the Wolf Point had a final chance and called time-out down 64-61 with eight seconds remaining. Wolf Point, however, couldn’t get off a final shot.

Calder enjoyed a big night with 26 points for the Wolves. Also scoring were Four Bear with 11, Kayden Charette with nine, Richard Campbell with four and Hamilton with four.

Leading Harlem were Mc-Cabe with 20, Billmayer with 16, Colliflower with 11 and Black Wolf with 10.

After leading 13-12 at the end of the first quarter, Harlem scored six of the last eight points of the second quarter for a 29-21 half-time advantage.

Harlem went on to defeat Malta in the championship game.