On Jan. 17, the West Ranch boys’ basketball team (11-10) lost 74-68 to Hart in overtime.

The game was tightly contested from wire-to-wire, with neither team ever holding a double-digit lead. West Ranch’s front court dominated with Clyde Seo (16 pts) and Jonah El Farra (30 pts) scoring and grabbing rebounds on both ends. However, Hart’s Dillon Barrientos (23 pts) ran the Indians’ offense masterfully, scoring and creating opportunities for his teammates. 

The score at halftime ended up with the Wildcats on top 34-33.

In the second half, El Farra and Seo continued scoring at will, with RJ Olmstead stepping up as well. However, the Indians played tough and hung in the game. 

One of the late swings, however, came from the West Ranch Pack. The two student sections had been jawing back and forth with chants the whole game, but with the Cats trailing 61-59, the refs assessed a technical on the home crowd for using air horns, despite no noticeable sounds of one.

This would prove to be a huge one-point penalty as the Cats knotted it up at 62-62 with possession and 32 seconds in the game. However, each team had an empty possession at the end, sending the game into overtime.

In overtime, the Cats came out strong with two early scores, but Hart was able to score on three straight possessions thanks to Brady Dunlap and Ty Penberthy.

The West Ranch girls’ team was also defeated 67-29 Friday night. 

Good luck to the Cats as they chase the playoffs over the final stretch of the season!