The Baldwin boys varsity basketball team defeated Woodland Hills 61-47 on Monday, as the Highlanders won the first game of their second tipoff tournament. 

This win makes the Highlanders’ record 2-1, all of them non-section games.

Baldwin started off hot in the first half.

“The second quarter was our best quarter when we went on a 12-0 run,” junior AJ Cherico said. 

The Highlanders are happy with their strong start.

“We started out with a loss and we are on a two-game win streak. We are all trying to win the next two games this week. Everyone on the team was expecting to have this much success early in the season,” Cherico said. 

Baldwin was able to win the game by scoring an exceptional amount of points, but Cherico thought they could work on wrapping up the final quarter.

“We have to close out the game by finishing stronger and playing with the lead. They went on a little run in the third quarter,” Cherico said. 

A player who will be a top scorer for the Highlanders is junior James Wesling, senior Owen Hutchison said. 

“James Wesling has really stood out. He may not be the flashiest player, but man, he can put the ball in the basket like it is nothing,” Hutchison said.  

Hutchison also thinks the team can work on its play on offense.

“I think we need to improve on playing with confidence on the offensive end. We play with aggression, but when it comes to putting the ball in the basket, we get scared to play like we know how,” Hutchison said. 

Baldwin plays Franklin Regional away at 7:30 p.m. tonight.