The Harlem Wildcats and the Hays/Lodge Pole Thunderbirds kicked off the new year this past Tuesday in a contest that drew a huge crowd to the Thunder Dome where fans were cheering on the efforts of both teams. The Wildcats came away with an 81-56 win over the Thunderbirds.

The Wildcats jumped out to an early 21-10 lead behind seven points from sophomore Matt Billmayer and sophomore Cole McCabe. Junior William Hughes led the Thunderbirds with five points. Harlem pushed the lead to a 38-14 halftime lead. Billmayer added ten more points to his total. Harlem kept up their offensive attack to start the third quarter and watched the lead swell to 67-30. McCabe scored 12 more down the stretch and Billmayer added ten more to his total.

The Wildcats added 14 fourth quarter points to their total while the Thunderbirds poured in 26 in the final eight minutes. Harlem walked away with an 81-56 win to start the new year on a high note. Billmayer led the Wildcats with a game-high 27 points, while McCabe contributed 23 in the win. Hughes Jr. scored nine to lead the Thunderbirds.

Saturday the Wildcats hosted the Nashua Porcupines and walked away with a 74-54 win. Harlem took a 23-11 lead at the end of one quarter of action. McCabe drained three from beyond the arc and scored 11 first quarter points to lead the Wildcats. Harlem mustered just 10 points in the second while the Porcupines torched the nets for 21 to send the teams to halftime with Harlem holding a slim 32-31 halftime lead.

Randy Perez

The Wildcats regained their offensive attack following the break. The Wildcats would score 19 in the frame while holding the Porcupines to twelve to take a 52-44 into the fourth quarter. Harlem finished the game strong, putting 22 points to secure a 74-54 win. Billmayer again led the Wildcats with 26 points, McCabe tossed in 21. Sophomore Antone Rider knocked down two triples and scored eight points to add to the Wildcats' total.

Harlem will welcome Box Elder to town this Thursday. The Wildcats will hit the road on Friday to take on the Fairview Warriors.