Bringing back a win in their first home game since winter break, the boys’ varsity basketball team beat Bolingbrook High School with a final score of 57-44.

Senior guard DeVon Oregon said there are a few key aspects the team talks about before every game.

“Getting the ball around to everyone is a key thing,” DeVon Oregon said. “We really don’t care about who has the highest points, we just want the win at the end of the day.”

The game started out as a defensive battle between both teams. While DeVon did score a three-pointer early, that was all the shooting East could muster in the first couple minutes besides a couple free throws.

Junior guard Mekhi Lowry had a block and two steals early in the first, which kept Bolingbrook close.

“Our defense led to our fast breaks on the offensive end and that’s what helped us win the game,” Lowry said.

After a bit the scoring picked up, but it was the defense that shined in the first as both ends were able to keep the ball out of the basket which led to the score only being 15-9 after the quarter ended.

The second quarter picked up right where the first left off. Slowly, but after a couple minutes and a few layups from senior guard Darren Oregon and junior guard Mason Blanco, the Wolves stretched their lead to eight with second remaining.

In those final seconds, Darren was able to get a steal on the oncoming Bolingbrook offensive which led to a layup by Darren and gave the Wolves a 30-22 lead at halftime.

“It led to momentum in the second half,” Darren said. “Getting steals is always good for us and being able to anticipate the passes.”

The second half started out a bit rough for the Wolves as the Raiders were able to come within one point halfway through the third quarter, but after yet again a few good defensive possessions, it was all Wolves.

Senior guard Gavin Garcon said he knew the caliber of a team like Bolingbrook but also knew East was going to be able to bring home the win.

“Going into the game we knew Bolingbrook was going to be a good team, and having no practice between our last game, it shows the testament of what guys we have and the ability to come out and get a tough win,” Garcon said.

Coach Ryan Velasquez said the game preparation was just like any other game.

“This is a test for us and we know we needed to be focused and ready to compete,” Velasquez said.

East takes on Joliet West at home this Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Teddy Wynard is a staff writer for Oswego East High School’s online news magazine the Howl