WARRIORS EARN 33rd STRAIGHT WIN FOR PERFECT SEASON

By Robert Balajadia

The St. Paul Warriors middle school boys basketball team haven’t lost a game since 2015. Tuesday night, they were on a mission to close out their third straight perfect run as they routed the McCool Seahawks 56-37 to complete their 33-game win streak while already locking up the middle school title last week.

Despite locking up the season title last week, the Warriors were intent on finishing the season unbeaten.

Wendy’s Player of the Game Jon Sevilla

“Tonight’s game was big for us because we’ve challenged such great teams this season and we fought hard,” said Sevilla on wanting win 33.

8th grade Warrior guard Jon Sevilla led the team with 22 points with the Seahawks giving the Warriors fits early on. A layup by Evan Fernandez gave McCool a 7-6 lead before the Warriors began their breakaway.

McGrady ‘Mac’ Dois scored five points in the opening quarter to give the Warriors a 13-7 lead, closing the quarter on a 7-0 run. Six different Warriors scored in the 2nd quarter to help give the team a 28-16 lead with Seahawk Derius Willinham grabbing a bucket right before the halftime buzzer.

Then, Sevilla took over in the 3rd by scoring 16 points, with majority coming off of forced turnovers by the dangerously fast full-court pressure defense the Warriors have become known for. Sevilla’s big quarter pushed the St. Paul lead to a big 46-19 advantage.

Basketball titles have been a theme for the Warriors boys this season as they also reeled the IIAAG high school title earlier this year. Given their success also going unbeaten, the middle school Warriors were inspired to do the same.

“It was motivational for us and how they play defense. We wanted to be able to do what those guys were doing and I think we managed to do that this season,” added Sevilla.

Warrior Elijah Garrido scored 11 points while Travon Jacobs led the Seahawks with 15 points.

The Warrior fan favorites took the court in the closing minutes with the team completing another perfect run.

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