The Wildcat Varsity Boys Basketball team accomplished something they haven’t done in 10 years, win a district basketball game.
On Monday, March 9, the boys defeated Lapeer East 57-53 in overtime, ending the 10 year drought.
The victory also gave Oxford its first ever victory in a Class A district contest for boys basketball.
Free throws down the stretch in overtime helped ensure the victory, as the Wildcats made four straight, two each by Senior Anthony Esparsa and Junior Kevin Kramer.
‘It was a close game throughout but it was our defense in the fourth quarter that was the difference, and in OT, we did not allow a field goal,? said Oxford Head Coach Steve Laidlaw. ‘Corey Oslen and Mike Stumph had big defensive games that helped us down the stretch.?
The Wildcats were lead by Junior Mike Bertling’s 22 points. Junior Gary Wurtz added 12 points, including several at the beginning of the fourth to propel Oxford into the lead, putting pressure on Lapeer East. Senior Anthony Esparsa add 10 points and nine rebounds for the Wildcats.
The Boys would play Lake Orion on Wednesday, March 10 and lose 58-42 in the second round of districts.