“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.”

Bobby Unser (American Racecar Driver)

The West Bloomfield High School (WBHS) athletes prepare, preserve, and make the most of their chances while they go head to head against other rival schools. They have a reputation as one of the most athletic schools in the state and that was on full display during the past events. During the past week, at WBHS, week of January 5- January 10, there were a large variety of sporting events. This was a very busy week with many exciting and thrilling moments.

On Wednesday, January 7th, Competitive Cheer, Wrestling, and Ice Hockey all took to the big stage. Competitive Cheer had their first meet of the year at Avondale High School (AHS). WBHS scored high and finished at the top of the leaderboards in 2nd place behind Farmington High School and in front of Avondale. The Varsity Wrestling team had a dual meet at Hazel Park High School (HPHS) with the comfort of being in their own school. They were 3-2 for the day and took 4th overall, with close losses to Ypsi Lincoln and Chippewa Valley. The Varsity team beat Livonia Stevenson High School, Waterford Mott High School, and Redford Thurston High School. The JV Wrestling team participated in a tournament at Holly High School. Cody Kline (freshman) dominated the competition and took home his first 1st place medal. Barr Shlagman (freshman) took 2nd. Lastly, the Boys Varsity Hockey team faced off against AHS at Troy Ice Arena. The Lakers finished the 2nd period up 1-0 with a goal scored by Andre Kilpela (junior). In the third period the Groves scored to knot the game up at one, until in the final minutes Michael Kolodin (senior) scored the game winning goal to put the Lakers up 2-1.
Thursday, January 8th was just as packed as Wednesday with Girls JV and Varsity Basketball and Boys Varsity Swim and Dive. At 5:30 pm at Harrison High School (HHS), the GIrls JV Basketball team clashed with Harrison. The game remained extremely close as it went into the final minutes, but WBHS remained on top to take the victory with a slim margin of 3 points, with a final score of 44-41. After the JV game, it was the Girls Varsity Basketball team’s turn; unfortunately, the outcome was much different. The Varsity team took a hard loss against HHS, with a final of 52-26. WBHS’ leading scorers included Rachael Harnish (senior) with 10 points and Charlika Stubbs (junior) with 8 points. Meanwhile at North Farmington High School (NFHS), the Varsity Boys Swim and Dive stayed afloat against North Farmington to bump up their undefeated record to 3-0, with a 125-61 victory. Outstanding performances came from Tyler Edwards (senior) and Charlie Vincent (junior), as they won two events apiece. Tyler Edwards finished first in both the 200 IM and the 500 Free, while Charlie Vincent finished first in the 50 Free and 100 Free. Other first place winners include Jacob Thoma (senior) in the 100 Fly and Nick Neely (junior)  in the 100 Back.

Friday, January 9 the WBHS Freshman Boys Basketball team, Boys Varsity Basketball team, and the Varsity Hockey team competed in intense matches versus formidable opponents. The Boys Varsity team took the floor against Royal Oak High School (ROHS) in an away matchup. Both teams played their hearts out and remained neck and neck the entire game forcing overtime. WBHS edged their way to a 64-61 victory in overtime. Point Guard, Trishton Jackson (junior) dominated the game with 27 points and 5 assists, along with center, Zach Allread, who had 14 points and 12 rebounds. The Freshman team demolished their Royal Oak High School competition, defeating them 43-11. The WBHS Varsity Hockey flattened L’anse Creuse High School. The Lakers went on a spree, recording 5 goals during the first 2 periods to go up 5-0. L’anse Creuse answered back scoring three to make a final score of 6-3. Andre Kilpela (junior) and Michael Kolodin (senior) each scored two goals. Sean Wigler (senior) and Nick Mariano (senior) had one goal apiece.

Saturday, January 10th was the wrap up of the week and all the events. There was Varsity Competitive Cheer, Boys Varsity Wrestling, Boys Varsity Swim and Dive, and Boys Varsity Ice Hockey. The Varsity Competitive Cheer battled on the mats at Brighton High School. Unfortunately, the team did not have as great of an outing this meet as they finished in 9th out of 10 schools with a final combined score of 390.68. On the other hand, the Boys Varsity Hockey team pulled off a miraculous comeback and an overtime thriller against Birmingham Groves High School. In the last seconds of the 3rd period the Lakers remained down by just one goal and pulled their goalie for an extra offensive player. It was then where Andre Kipela (junior) scored the tying goal to send the game to overtime. In overtime, the Lakers found hope with a power play and scored the winning goal. The winning goal was scored by Daniel Kassab (sophomore). The Lakers went on to win the game 3-2 and now have a small run, winning 4 straight. The first goal of the game was scored by Sean Wigler (senior) and goalie, Anthony Crews (sophomore) had 31 saves. The Varsity Boys Swim and Dive team competed in Varsity Invitational meet. The Lakers placed second out of six schools with a combined score of 212 beating the third place team by 90 points. They competed against Novi High School (284), Rochester High School (122), Farmington Harrison High School (115), North Farmington High School (65.5), Dearborn High School (39.5).

WBHS competed in many athletic events as they grinded their way to victory in many of them. They competed hard and reaped the results. WBHS continues to propel itself up the athletic ladder through the results of their games. Tune in next week for more WBHS athletic updates!