The Patriots battled the Northwestern Area Wildcats on Friday night in a Region matchup. Stakes were high, as the winner would take the 5th seed in the Region Tournament. In a game that was close the entire game, saw two teams trying to gain momentum going into the postseason. After the 1st quarter, the Wildcats were up 16-15. Brendan Nowell hit a 3 in the final seconds to make the game a 1 point game. At halftime, the Patriots had the lead by 1 this time, 35-34. Going into the 4th quarter, the game was tied at 50. But a big 4th quarter from Erik Salmen, scoring 14 of his 35 points of the night, which tied a school record, gave the Patriots the lift they needed to win the game 66-57.
Erik Salmen had the big night for the Patriots, not only having 35 points, but finishing with 10 rebounds and 5 steals. Jackson Maynard had 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists. Brendan Nowell had 6 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Patrick Maynard was in foul trouble all night, but still finished with 5 points and 5 rebounds. Blaze Binger didn't score, but finished with, a team high, 12 rebounds, 3 steals, and 5 assists. Devin Enander added 4 points and 8 rebounds.
The Patriots finish the Regular Season with a 8-12 record, going into the Postseason as the 5th seed in Region 1, and going to play the 4th seeded Warner Monarchs on Tuesday, Feb 27th, in Warner.