Basketball Recap: Westfield Comes Up Short

Westfield entered their match against Panama on Thursday without any home losses, but there's a first time for everything. The Westfield Wolverines were just a bucket shy of victory and fell 60-59 to the Panama Panthers. The Wolverines were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Panthers earlier this season, when they won 77-55.

Carson Swanson

Points

01/30/25 vs Panama	34
01/19/25 vs Allegany-Limestone	30
01/16/25 vs Clymer Central	34
01/13/25 @ Brocton	39
01/09/25 vs Chautauqua Lake	29
+ 32 more games

Despite the loss, Westfield still got an impressive performance from Carson Swanson, who almost dropped a double-double with 34 points and nine boards. The game was Swanson's 37th in a row with at least 16 points. Zach Maguire was another key player, almost dropping a triple-double with 15 points, ten rebounds, and nine blocks.

Even though they lost, Westfield smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with ten offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds every time they've taken the court this season.

Panama's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Carter Brink, who posted 23 points. Brink is on a roll when it comes to points, as he's now scored 20 or more in the last ten games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Bryce Hinsdale, who had 13 points along with five assists and three steals.

Westfield's loss was their first in the league, dropping their league record down to 7-1 and their overall record down to 13-2. As for Panama, the win (which was their third in a row) raised their record to 11-2.

Westfield has already played their next contest, a 43-39 victory against Randolph on the 1st. As for Panama, they also wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next matchup, a 97-60 win against Brocton on the 3rd.