After a season of rough losses and hopefull wins, the Oxford Varsity boys basketball ended their regular season last week 5-15.
Last Tuesday, the Wildcats were defeated by Armada 55-72. Oxford played a great second quarter to get to 33-30 at half-time, but Armada took a five point lead going into the fourth.
Senior captain Rick Brady had an outstanding game with 11 points off the bench. Senior captain Chris Keenist led with 16 points and seven rebounds, while senior captain Zach Tilley had 15 and five assists.
On Thursday, Oxford lost 36-46 against Rochester.
The Wildcats cut the 14-4 deficit to two points late in the third quarter, but Rochester increased their lead by eight points.
With a little over one minute to go, Oxford trailed by five, but turnovers and Rochester’s ability to hit free throws were the decisive factors in them holding the lead.
Junior Anthony Esparsa scored 11 points, Keenist had 11, and sophomore Mike Bertling score 10.
‘Oxford played strong defense throughout the year, but their inability to protect the basketball and their streaky shooting led to some very inconsistent and unproductive offense,? said coach Steve Laidlaw.
Although they had many losses, the coach said optimism remained high due to the ‘great leadership? of Keenist, Tilley, Brady and senior captain Matt Patria.
‘Ryan Markowitz and Byron Nolde provided solid contributions throughout the year,? Laidlaw said.
Tilley lead scoring for the Wildcats with 14 points a game and Keenist led in rebounding with seven a game.
Highlights of the year were the two upsets of Clio and Fenton, where Oxford held the high-scoring Fenton to just 24 points.