Basketball Recap: Stevenson Finds Playoff Glory Versus Wheeling

With a playoff win on the line, Stevenson rose to the challenge on Wednesday. They simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat the Wheeling Wildcats 71-32. Given the Patriots' advantage in MaxPreps' Illinois basketball rankings (they are ranked 43rd, while the Wildcats are ranked 413th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Stevenson had a senior duo take command as Aidan Bardic almost dropped a double-double with 14 points and nine assists and Atticus Richmond shot 58% from the field on his way to 18 points and six boards. The team also got some help courtesy of Liam Curtin, who went 5-for-7 en route to 11 points and five rebounds.

Stevenson has been performing well recently as they've won nine of their last 11 games. That's provided a nice bump to their 21-10 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 59.7 points over those games. This is the second loss in a row for Wheeling and nudges their season record down to 11-20.

Stevenson didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next matchup, a 53-45 victory against Schaumburg on the 28th. Wheeling does not have any more games scheduled as of now.