Matt Coldren-Wilson

Wilson hosted Warwick on Thursday in a matchup of two teams that qualified for the state playoffs a season ago. The Bulldogs had a slim 27-25 advantage heading into the fourth quarter. Their defense was the key in a 43-32 victory. “We were really good tonight. I thought we did a great job on their shooters…I thought as a team we did a great job limiting open looks,” said head coach Matt Coldren. The 1990 Wilson graduate has always preached about the importance of defense during his 23 years at the helm in West Lawn. The Warriors came in averaging 64 points. They were held to half of that, including just seven points over the final eight minutes. Tommy Hunsicker hit a three-pointer and then assisted on Luke Levan’s basket early in the fourth period. This was the first close game of the season for the (4-1) Bulldogs. “I was most pleased with, when we had the lead, taking care of the ball and making some good decisions,” replied Coldren. Madyx Gruber poured in 19 points. The 5’11 junior guard connected on three of Wilson’s five three-pointers. Gruber is the lone returning starter for the Bulldogs. He provided nearly nine points per game as a sophomore on a (19-10) squad. Coldren, who picked up his 395th win, noted that Gruber has improved tremendously. “It’s like night and day. First of all, he’s more physically mature. He’s much stronger this year. He was the best player on the floor,” stated Coldren. Gruber also had the assignment of guarding Carter Horst. The 6’1 senior is committed to York College. Horst entered the night averaging 16 points, but he was limited to eight and only two in the second half. 6’3 junior Caleb Johnsen had a team-high 12 points for the (2-3) Warriors. Warwick only knocked down three treys. The Bulldogs were on top 11-7 after a quarter and 22-15 at the break. Luke Levan, a 6’4 junior, chipped in with eight points and six rebounds. “He’s really improved. I wish people could see how far he’s come since the beginning of last year…He put the time in and has worked super hard,” said Coldren. Correll Akings added seven points. Hunsicker, the BCIAA Football Player of the Year, had six points and four assists. Wilson’s roster is loaded with football players. Coldren mentioned that it typically takes until early January for them to get into basketball shape. The Bulldogs got good news on Thursday. Junior guard Tommy McFadden was cleared to practice after suffering a preseason ankle injury. “He is by far our most athletic kid. He’s tough, probably our best defender…We’re super excited to get him back into our rotation,” emphasized Coldren.