It was a defensive showcase Saturday when the third-grade Wildcats and Chuck’s Team met up at the Holcom Park Center.

Both teams struggled to find an offensive rhythm because of the defensive intensity each team brought to the game. However, the Wildcats were able to find just enough offense to sneak out with a 12-6 win.

“We played exceptional on defense today, they hustled all game,” said Wildcat head coach Phil DeLaTorre. “Then we started setting some nice picks and posting up down low to set up our offense.”

Early on the Wildcats relied on forward Conner Harman’s aggressive play to obtain the early lead. On their first possession, the Wildcats gave the ball to Harman, who muscled to the basket for the game’s opening points. Harman continued to be a force near the hoop, picking up four rebounds.

On the other end of the court, the Wildcats received a hefty contribution from Evan Williams. Williams hounded Chuck’s Team on the perimeter with his in-your-face mentality. For the day, Williams tallied three steals and was able to disrupt the passing lane on several occasions.

Wildcat Evan WIlliams launches a shot against the Chuck's Team Saturday at the Holcom Recreation Center.

However, the Wildcats weren’t the only team that turned in a stellar defensive performance. Despite the early deficit, Chuck’s Team remained calm and relied on their defense to keep things close in the first half.

Guard Will Balager was able to pester the Wildcat attack to the tune of a team-high four steals.

The hustle play was contagious as forward Ellen Dalager got into the action using quick feet to keep the Wildcats from getting around to the basket. Any loose ball was immediately pounced on as Dalager looked to inject Chuck’s Team with energy for a late push.

The Wildcats would respond with a scoring surge of their own. With the lead hovering around four points, Wildcat point guard Ryan DeLaTorre used his speed and agility to weave through the defense and finish on the close baskets. With DeLaTorre’s game-high six points, the Wildcats were able to rely on their strong defensive play to end the season with a win.