Wheeler Athletics

Wheeler delivered a dramatic finish Thursday night, edging visiting Highland 66–64 in an overtime game that featured multiple lead changes throughout The Bearcats fell behind 9–0 to start the game, but closed the first half strong and went into the locker room trailing by just two, 28–26, after a Caleb McLaughlin 3 right before the buzzer sounded. The second half turned into a back-and-forth battle as neither team could gain firm control. With the game on the line late in regulation, Nick Scott knocked down a three-pointer from the right corner with less than 20 seconds remaining to tie the score. Highland responded by converting two free throws with 10 seconds left to take a 64–62 lead. After a timeout, Wheeler freshman Ty Schafer took the inbound pass, pushed the ball up the floor, and once again found Scott waiting in the right corner. Scott calmly buried another three-pointer, giving Wheeler the lead for good. Sean Schafter added a free throw late to help seal the victory. Nick Scott led all scorers with 24 points. Caleb McLaughlin provided a huge spark in the first half, drilling five three-pointers on his way to a season-high 19 points. Ty Schafer finished with 12 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter. Conner Welch led the way on the glass with 7 rebounds. Wheeler returns to action Saturday with a Greater South Shore Conference match-up at Griffith. The junior varsity game tips off at noon, with the varsity contest to follow.