It took the sixth- and seventh-grade Gators three quarters to get back in the swing of things after time off because of the holiday break, but by the fourth quarter of its Jan. 9 Hoopster game against the Wildcats the undefeated Gators found their rhythm and rallied for a 41-36 win at the East Lawrence Center.

“Our strength tonight was running the floor,” said Gators coach Aaron Combs, whose squad improved to 4-0. “We had good enough defenders to wear down their best player, and in the end we got some fast-break opportunities converted into points.”

Early on it appeared as if it would be the Wildcats who would take home the victory as Rudi Hilliard scored three consecutive baskets in the first quarter to put his team up 12-10.

But Gator Ty Hensley challenged the Wildcats’ Hilliard in speed and scoring. Hensley scored four straight baskets in the first half and added a pair of free throws. Gator Preston Newsome also assisted the team with strong efforts. Newsome was quick on his feet and consistently challenged the Wildcats’ defense to stop him.

But by the third quarter momentum shifted back to the Wildcats and Hilliard, who added another bucket. Teammate Jackie Garcia aggressively took control of the Wildcat offense, pounding her way up and down the court while weaving between defenders to get the ball to her teammates. Wildcats coach Craig Butler also recognized the efforts of Garret Wagner, who he said was a big force in his team’s rebounding efforts.

Gator Ty Hensley splits two Wildcat defenders, Garret Wagner and Jason Chang, and elevates for a jump shot. Hensley led the Gators with 16 points during their victory over the Wildcats Jan. 9 at the East Lawrence Center. Even though the Wildcats won the rebounding battle the Gators came away with their fourth victory of the season winning 41-36.

The trio helped secure the Wildcats a three-point lead going into the fourth.

But the final quarter brought a turn around for the Gators. Despite three Wildcat baskets by Chris Stogsdill and Hilliard, the Gators’ gave an incredible second wind down the stretch run.

A basket from Hensley tied the game at 31, before the Gators took the lead thanks to multiple baskets by Hensley, Corbin Francisco, and Xavier Newman.

Butler, whose squad missed out on a late opportunity to cut into the Gators lead, said his team will need to work harder in its upcoming games.

“It was a great game, but we have to play harder and execute better,” he said.

Even though he was pleased with the comeback victory, Combs said his squad could also improve.

“If we can continue to gel as a team and come together than I think we have a chance to finish the season strong,” he said.