Westlake vs. Pleasantville Playoff Game
By SARAH MCCORMACK
Westlake played an exciting game against Pleasantville at home on Monday, February 24, 2020.
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The game resulted in a win for Westlake that sends them to their next game at the County Center against Hastings.
The LoHud Sports Instagram page predicted, “No matter which team wins, it will be stamped as the Cinderella at the County Center next week. Prediction: Westlake, 47-44”
It was clearly going to be a close game because both teams have a lot of talent and are hard working. Going into the game, everyone including the players, the coaches, and even the fans knew that they were in for a treat.
According to Westlake Varsity basketball player Justin Silva, “We’re one of the shortest [in terms of height] teams in Section One, but I knew the talent would make up for it. We’re fast, we're quick and we play really good defense which is why we got to the five seed.”
Good defense and accurate shots are just what lead Westlake to victory. Pleasantville won the tip, however, Westlake player Matt Martin made a hustle play and stole the ball back, and passed it to his teammate Greg Cafaro who made the first basket of the game.
Silva said, “Chemistry is almost everything because you can have all the talent in the world but if your team doesn’t get along that can cost you the game.”
According to Westlake student, Autumn Verna, who attended the game, “Having chemistry is important because the players need to get along in order to work together on the court.”
While watching the game fans could clearly tell that the Westlake players were not only teammates but good friends. After every steal, defensive play, and shot the players on the bench were standing up cheering for their teammates.
Westlake student, Jennifer Straface, who was at the game said, “At the end of the game Westlake and Pleasantville were tied up and Justin Silva made a three pointer making the game 48-47 Westlake which was sick.”
Silva stated, “After the shot that's a feeling that I’m never going to forget. The feeling that I got after making the shot to bring us to the county center. The way it felt putting my team on top with the three pointer was amazing.”
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Work Cited:
LoHud. The Job Network, 24 Feb. 2020,
F4751464002%2. Accessed 28 Feb. 2020.