Warriors Send Eagles out to Roost

The Nelson Warriors' Men's Basketball team (17-11) dominated in their second-to-last regular-season game, cruising to a convincing 90-57 victory over the Eagles at Scott Activity Center, showcasing the depth, focus, and finishing ability that has defined their strong late-season surge.

With former star Harley Upton in attendance to cheer on his alma mater, the Warriors burst out of the gate with a 7-0 lead, but the Eagles responded with a quick 9-0 run after a timeout to flip the script and take a brief advantage. With the score tied at 11, Nelson flipped the switch again, ripping off a 10-0 run to reclaim the lead— which they would never relinquish.

Nelson pushed the lead to as many as 11 points in the first half, eventually taking a 36-31 advantage into the locker room despite both teams struggling from deep (a combined 3-of-21 from three in the opening 20 minutes).

Zoe Holman and Terrin Ross paced Nelson in the first half, each scoring 10 points while Ross took full advantage of the Eagles' smaller lineup, dominating the glass with 6 rebounds. Wyatt Mackay was perfect from the field (4-of-4) for 8 points in 16 early minutes.

The second half was all Nelson. The Warriors opened with a punishing 26-9 run that ballooned the lead to 22 points, highlighted by a thunderous Zoe Holman dunk that became the defining moment of the night (and the post-game image that will surely circulate among fans and social media with the sharing of this post). From there, the Warriors cruised, maintaining control and closing the game on a 15-7 run to seal the 33-point final margin.

Mackay finished a perfect 8-8 from the field for 18 points, with 3 rebounds and a steal. He shared the scoring-lead with Holman who too finished with 18 points, along with 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and a steal. Both Ross and Chase Pavey finished with 15 points each (Ross finished too with 6 boards while adding 4 assists), and Jermaine Earnest dropped 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, off the bench.

The Eagles were led by TJ Sanchez and Marquis Delhave, who each finished with 14 points.

The victory keeps Nelson firmly in the driver's seat for the conference title and a third consecutive NCCAA Tournament berth. With one game left in the regular season, this group is playing its best basketball at the perfect time. Needless to say, the Warriors are rolling, and the postseason is calling.

The Nelson men return to the court for the final time before the postseason when they take on Nobel on Friday, February 27, at 7pm at the Scott Activity Center.

Do not forget to follow Nelson Athletics on X at @NelsonWarriors and Instagram at @nelsonwarriors.athletics.