Basketball Recap: Ethan Hicks Leads a Balanced Attack to Beat Springstead

Wesley Chapel won the last time they faced Springstead and things went their way on Saturday too. The Wesley Chapel Wildcats walked away with a 75-64 victory over the Springstead Eagles. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Wildcats.

Wesley Chapel's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Ethan Hicks led the charge by going 8 for 17 on his way to 25 points and four steals. Hicks is on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed two or more in the last 18 games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Damion Ugarte, who dropped a double-double on 11 points and ten rebounds.

Wesley Chapel smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 20 offensive rebounds. That's the most offensive boards they've posted since back in February of 2024.

Springstead's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Zion McKenzie, who made all 8 shots he took to post 16 points. McKenzie also put up a block, which washis first of the season. Alejandro Arenas was another key player, going 5 of 8 en route to 11 points in addition to eight boards and five assists.

Wesley Chapel's win bumped their record up to 15-7. As for Springstead, they moved to 13-8 with that defeat, which also ended their four-game winning streak.

Wesley Chapel will challenge Land O' Lakes at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Wesley Chapel is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 71.5 points per game this season. As for Springstead, they will face off against Crystal River at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Both teams are headed into the matchup with plenty of momentum (Crystal River has won four straight at home, while Springstead won four straight on the road), something that'll have to change.