January 27, 2022 – Jackson, WI – This conference matchup between longtime rivals Living Word Lutheran Timberwolves and Brookfield Academy got off to a terrible start for the Timberwolves, who found themselves down nearly 20 points before scoring a single basket.
This was primarily due to missed shots and a lack of offensive rebounding by the Timberwolves.
However, despite their early struggling the Timberwolves were able to the game competitive again, due to excellent marksmanship from beyond the three-point arc and outstanding defense to tie the 29-29 with 4:41 in the first half.
The Timberwolves finished the second quarter strong taking a 10-point lead into halftime, 41-31. Although the Timberwolves remained hot from three-point range, the Blue Knights also found form from behind the three-point line and thus a back-and-forth offensive duel commenced.
The Timberwolves were down 66-64 with just 6.5 seconds left to play, only to hit a last second shot to send the game into overtime, tied at 66-66.
The two teams battled for every possession and despite several lead and momentum changes in overtime, one period of overtime was not enough as the game was tied 72-72.
Once more the two teams exchanged shots and seemed so evenly matched in the moment it felt like the game could go all night.
It nearly went to a third overtime, with the teams tied at 78-78, but Blue Knights sophomore Davis Arvold pulled up on a last chance three-pointer as time in the second overtime ran out, giving Brookfield Academy the win, 81-78.
Postgame, Timberwolves head coach Joe Hennen gave credit to his team for its resilience and hard work practicing three-point shooting which helped dig them out of the early deficit.
With the lead at half, Hennen refocused the team’s strategy on defense. “The team shored up their defense” Hennen said. “We started protecting the paint better and moving the ball to stay on our game.”
Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to FREE local news at
Washington County Insider on YouTube
Since it is Catholic Schools’ Week in Wisconsin, coach Hennen gave his thoughts on the impact religion has on his team and coaching style, namely how it can motivate players to be their best.
“You can work with the athletes differently; you can talk to him differently. You can go back to the Bible for different things, you (as a coach) know so we can always use our Lord and savior as a role model.”
The Timberwolves were led on the scoresheet by senior Elijah Flowers, who scored 24 points. The Blue Knights’ leading scorer was senior Peytan Clarey who scored 34 points.
The Timberwolves (8-7, 5-3) continue their conference schedule at home when they take on St. John’s Northwestern Academies Saturday, January 29 at 7:15 p.m.
Brookfield will also play its next game on January 29 at 7:15 p.m. against Heritage Christian.