The Baldwin boys basketball team defeated Shaler and Altoona on Friday and Saturday at the Tip-Off Tournament at home. 

On Friday, the Highlanders defeated Shaler 74-50. Baldwin led throughout the game.

“It was exciting to win the first game at home. There were a lot of fans there on Friday,” senior Nate Wesling said.

Wesling said getting that first victory made the team ready for more.

“Winning is addictive and I think the other guys feel the same way,” he said. “We celebrate every win. Being able to go back up to the locker room and being able to play music and celebrate is something you want to do every night.” Wesling said.

On Saturday, Baldwin beat Altoona, 73-47.

“It was nice to build our own energy and get the job done,” Wesling said.

Junior Gavin Sakely said Wesling in particular stood out on Saturday.

“Nate Wesling on Saturday was pretty incredible. In the third quarter he came down with five or six possessions in a row and he had 30-something points. That was by far the most outstanding performance,” Sakely said.

The team’s win on Saturday also was Coach Jeff Ackermann’s 400th career victory as a coach. 

“It’s a huge accomplishment. You do not see that too often. It’s rare, so for him to be able to accomplish that is special to him and special to us too,” Wesling said.

The weekend’s wins came on the heels of the team being ranked number one in WPIAL 5A by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 

“It helps us know we are going to be good this year, but it does not affect how we play. We are playing hard every game and just trying to beat everyone as badly as we can,” Sakely said.