Weiser boys basketball secure a 22-point victory over Fruitland

 On Jan. 21, the Fruitland Grizzlies, coming off a narrow 1-point victory over McCall, faced the Wolverines on Weiser’s home court, hoping to claim another win. However, the Wolverines had other plans and secured a solid 22-point victory, winning 70 to 48.

 The game opened with Fruitland scoring first with a basket from the block. Weiser’s Isai Herrera quickly responded with a rebound and layup for two points. The teams continued to trade baskets, with Garrett Walker contributing 5 points for Weiser – first with a short jumper near the elbow, followed by a 3-pointer beyond the arc, assisted by Owen Funke. Shayd Crossley impactful throughout the game with his hustle and energy secured a rebound put-back to close out the first quarter, Weiser trailed by 2, with a score of 12 to 14.

 The Wolverines came out strong in the second quarter, with Walker igniting the team by scoring 8 quick points. He hit a 3-pointer from the corner off a pass from Herrera, followed by another 3 from Crossley’s assist. Just 90 seconds into the quarter, Walker faked a shot, crossed over, and sank a 13-foot jumper for 2 more points. 

 Fruitland called a timeout to regroup, but Weiser got a defensive stop capped off with 2 points from senior, Josh Mizar. While the Grizzlies managed to score in the paint, the Wolverines were finding success outside with 3-pointers as well as, inside as Weiser increased their lead. 

 Near the midway point of the second quarter, Walker assisted Brayden Nordgren for a 3-pointer. On defense, Herrera took a hard charge, further boosting Weiser’s momentum. Heading into halftime, Weiser held a 7-point lead, thanks to Kolin Cook’s rebound put-back and a deep 22-foot 3-pointer. The halftime score was 34 to 27.

 Weiser’s momentum increased in the third quarter as they scored 19 points while limiting Fruitland to just 10. The Wolverines achieved their first double-digit lead two minutes into the quarter when Cook dribbled inside the arc looking to pass the ball off, the Grizzlies made a stop and then backed off, Cook took and look at the open basket for 2 points. He continued to find the basket, first with a sideline inbounds play where Herrera made a great pass over the defense, followed by a play during a full-court press break that resulted in a foul. Cook converted the and-one opportunity, adding 3 more points.

 After three quarters, Weiser led 53 to 37.

 Mizar started the fourth quarter with a scoring run for Weiser. On the first possession, Funke assisted him for a 3-pointer. In a fast transition, Cook passed the ball up court to Mizar for another 3, and on their next offensive trip, Funke provided another assist for Mizar’s third consecutive 3-pointer.

 With just over six minutes remaining in the game, the Grizzlies finally made their first 3-pointer of the night. 

 The Wolverines displayed excellent teamwork and hustle, finishing the game with 70 points while holding the Grizzlies to 48. Mizar led Weiser with 19 points, Cook followed closely with 17, and Garrett Walker contributed a solid 15 points. Crossley and Nordgren each added 6 points, Herrera had 5, and Funke finished with 2.        

 Scores at the end of quarters:

Weiser Fruitland

1st: 12 14

2nd: 34 27     

3rd: 53 37

4th: 70 48