Basketball Recap: Wheeler Takes Loss Despite Strong Performances from Caleb Mclaughlin and Marek Barton

Wheeler was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. The match between them and the Hammond Bishop Noll Warriors didn't end well, with the Wheeler Bearcats falling 67-49. The Bearcats lost against the Warriors in their previous head to head back in January of 2024, too, but the margin this time around was much closer than the 92-30 score last time.

Wheeler's loss came despite strong showings from Marek Barton and Caleb Mclaughlin. Barton went 5 for 8 on his way to 12 points, while Mclaughlin went 5 of 8 en route to 14 points. Mclaughlin continues to improve, besting his previous point total in each of the last three games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Conner Welch, who posted four points and three blocks.

Hammond Bishop Noll's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Isaiah Manley led the charge by putting up 21 points. Manley has been hot recently, having posted 21 or more points the last three times he's played. Khalel Johnson was another key player, scoring 17 points.

Wheeler's loss dropped their record down to 9-6. As for Hammond Bishop Noll, they have been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four games, which provided a massive bump to their 8-12 record this season.

Wheeler has already played their next contest, a 71-49 defeat against Hobart on the 1st. As for Hammond Bishop Noll, they also wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next match, a 64-53 win against Whiting on the 5th.