The boys varsity basketball team defeated the Walpole Timberwolves 69-54 at Schluntz Gymnasium on Friday, Jan. 10.

The Warriors looked to extend a three-game winning streak heading into this matchup, while the Timberwolves sought to bounce back from a close loss against the Wellesley Raiders on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

The game opened competitively. The Warriors looked to transition quickly after gaining possession to maximize efficient scoring. Warriors found success threading the needle to find players in the paint, including senior and captain Mason Stern and senior and captain Ramses Smith Jr.

Junior and captain Caleb Haynes said trust played a crucial role from early on.

“We all trust each other and listen to our coach,” Haynes said. “He’s going to put us in the right spots, so we have to trust our coach and believe that we’re going to win the game.”

Simultaneously, the Warriors found success beyond the arc, from Haynes and freshman guard Jasper Krier. The two sharpshooters combined for six 3-pointers made in the game.

Coming off the bench, Krier ended the night with 12 points, a success that, according to Krier, came from the support of his teammates around him.

“My teammates always had my back,” Krier said. “I tried to be confident, and they were hitting me in my spots.”

Head coach Johnny Williams said defense was the defining factor in the victory.

“We got back to our fundamental principles of playing defense,” Williams said. “When we play defense, we are a hard team to beat.”

Haynes said he has tried to elevate his game not only in scoring but also on the defensive side.

“I feel like in the past years, my defense wasn’t really good,” Haynes said. “I had to step up and try to contribute to the team defensively.”

The Warriors continued to showcase their defensive effort throughout the game, battling for every loose ball.

Krier said one defensive effort proved to be a key moment for him.

“The momentum shifted for me when I got the steal and dove on the floor,” Krier said. “My teammates just picked me back up. That was pretty exciting and motivating for me.”

Williams said that during the halftime break, he told the Warriors to continue playing as they had in the first half, without making major adjustments.

Haynes said he and his teammates were able to stay focused throughout the game by playing disciplined.

“Even when we were in foul trouble, we were still trying to stay to our principles,” Haynes said. “We encouraged [each other], and stayed focused.”

The Warriors continued to battle in the third quarter and found success in rebounding on offense and defense. Junior and forward Josiah Libert shone on both sides of the court in rebounding, winning possessions for the Warriors and point scoring.

With the win, the Warriors extended their winning streak to four. Williams said the team has made strides in improvement this season.

“Our guys are maturing. They’re getting stronger,” Williams said. “Our younger guys are becoming older, and our older guys are taking on leadership roles.”