The JV boy’s basketball team lost a 35-33 buzzer-beater game to Heritage on Wednesday.

Point guard CJ Coyle (10), the leading scorer, played well despite illness.

“Before the game I felt absolutely terrible, and had a headache and sore throat during the game,” Coyle said. “I was more focused on winning the game and other things so I wasn’t paying any mind to it even though I felt like garbage.” 

Coyle made two free throws to put the Wildcats up by one with less than four seconds left in the game.

“There was a lot of pressure but he managed to hit both shots,” small forward Lucas Goldfarb (10) said.

But Coyle said the pressure did not get to him.

“I knew the gym was loud, but I just blocked everything out and got super-focused to shoot the free throws,” he said. “After I hit the first one, it was kind of a relief because I tied the game, but I knew I needed to hit both.”

After making both shots the Panthers answered back.

“Heritage in bounded the ball with 3.8 seconds left and he ran down the court,” Goldfarb said. “Their guy shot just inside half court and made it for the win.

Coyle said the Wildcats should have won.

“I probably should have been guarding the [Heritage player] because I’m taller than him,” Coyle said. “We also got a bit sloppy at the end with turnovers.”

Despite the loss Coyle said there were some positives to take from the game.

“I think the team played one of our best games this season” he said. “We just need to look ahead and keep working.”

By Liam Schutte