BY GENE NARDI
The Wellington High School boys basketball team defeated the Dwyer High School Panthers 48-44 in a District 9-8A semifinal showdown Friday, Feb. 8 before a capacity home crowd. Wellington was the host venue for the District 9-8A tournament.
Dwyer jumped out to an 8-point early lead, which later changed twice during the first period. The Wolverines finally settled into a rhythm and scored 9 unanswered points, but it was the Panthers who would close out the first period with a 12-10 advantage. Midway through the second period, Wellington was able to tie it up when Alex Peavler intercepted a Dwyer pass and jetted across the court for the equalizer. Dwyer was able to regain their lead and end the half 24-21.
In the third period, Wellington was down by as much as 8 points and closed out the period down by 5 points, with the score 31-26. But the fourth period belonged to the Wolverines as they rallied back with an early surge that gave them their first lead of the second half, which they would not surrender.
At one point, the Wolverines established an 11-point lead over the Panthers. Wellington played solid defense in the fourth period and finished the contest with the 48-44 win. The Wolverines outscored Dwyer 22-13 in the final period for the victory.
Peavler finished with 13 points and two 3-point goals, Dondre Duffus scored 12 points, and Nick Arena scored 11 points.
Wellington played Jupiter Saturday, Feb. 9 at home in the title game for the District 9-8A crown. The Wolverines lost by a point, 36-35.
Wellington traveled south to take on Spanish River in a regional tournament game Thursday at 7 p.m., but results were not available by press time.
Above: Wolverine Alex Peavler takes a shot from the outside.
