by James Tate
Silverwolves grab an early first-quarter lead
After Titan’s senior forward, Brevin Hamblin, made a layup, Fremont’s senior center David Calvert swished a three-point shot from the top of the key for a 3-2 early score. Silverwolves junior guard Hunter Hansen then made a three-point shot with 5:50 on the clock to give them a 6-2 lead. Calvert would make another three-pointer after Hamblin made a short jumper, and the score was 9-4, Silverwolves. The quarter ended 14-6 with the Silverwolves going on a 5-2 run behind three free throws by senior Treyden Hoggan and a Hansen layup.
This game looked like the Silverwolves’ would run away and win as they took control in the second quarter with an 11-point lead of 22-11 with 2:28 left before halftime. The Titans then found scoring from Carter Semrow, Dax Faddis, and a remarkable turnaround jumper from Ericksen before halftime to trim the lead to 24-20.
The defensive intensity picks up in the second half
Hansen made a layup early in the third quarter for a 26-20 score, then the Titan’s defense held them scoreless for the next four minutes. The Silverwolve’s defense only allowed two layups by Titans Dax Brady during that span. With 3:15 on the clock in the third quarter, the Silverwolves led 26-24. Braden Flinders made a jump shot to put them up 28-24. The defensive third-quarter battle ended with Fremont holding a slim 30-28 lead.
The fourth quarter began with Silverwolves Boston Hadley scoring the first two baskets and making the lead 34-28 with 5:41 on the clock. The Titans then turned to the trio of Ericksen, Hamblin, and Brady to lead the comeback. Hamblin started with a layup, then Brady was next with a layup of his own. Senior guard Kane King chipped in with a basket and tied the score at 34.
Calvert put the Silverwolves out front again with a jump shot. Hamblin then responded with a three-pointer for a score of 37-36, Titans. Brady then made a steal on the next possession and made a layup, and the Titans led 39-36. Hoggan then drained a big three-point shot for Fremont to even the game at 39 with 2:15 on the clock.
Brady knocked down a jumper, and the Titans led 41-39 at the 1:40 mark. The game’s biggest shot came next as Ericksen made a tough leaning jumper with 23 seconds left, and the Titans led 43-39. The Silverwolves missed on their subsequent three-point attempts, and Ericksen grabbed a rebound and was fouled. He made the last free throw to make the final score 44-39 and a Titans victory.
Outstanding performances
The Titans were led in scoring by Ericksen’s (14), Hamblin’s (11), and Brady’s (10) points. Team defense was vital in holding Silverwolves scoring leader Hansen to only 7 points in the game.
The Silverwolves’ scoring leaders were Calvert (13) and Hadley (11).
photos courtesy James Tate