The buzzer echoed through the gym as the student section rose to its feet, roaring in anticipation while the starters were announced. Number 2, Jameson Demaray. Number 10, Audric Pelzer. Number 22, Tillman Papcun. Number 32, James Hatlevig. Number 35, Andrew Abbott.
Moments later, the national anthem filled the arena. As the final note rang out, the Norwalk student section erupted with a unified chant of “Warriors!”
When the clock struck 6:00, the Warriors wasted no time getting on the board, scoring the first two points of the night against Dowling Catholic High School on Tuesday, March 3. The energy was high early, and by the 4:45 mark, the game was tied following a foul shot opportunity.
At 3:36, the Maroons began to show they would be a challenge, knocking down a basket to take the lead. They struck again at 2:40, extending their advantage to 7–2.
The Warriors answered back at the 2:00 mark, fighting through traffic for two points. They closed the gap even more at 1:20 with another basket, bringing momentum back to their side.
But the Maroons responded quickly at 1:02, scoring two of their own to keep control. Lane Livingston then stepped up for the Warriors, adding another two points to keep the game within reach.
As the final seconds ticked down, the Maroons slowed the pace, seemingly content to hold for the last shot. With just five seconds remaining in the quarter, they added two more points.
At the end of the first quarter, the Maroons led 16–9.
The Warriors held the Maroons in the first 6 minutes in a strong defense-to-defense game. Then it got difficult, which is head coach Aaron Pelzer said he expected.
“I knew we were going to have to fight every possession,” he said. “I knew they were going to be big, strong, and physical.”
Quarter 2
The Maroons come out firing, quickly seizing control and building momentum to jump out to an 18–9 lead.
The Warriors answer with determination. #10 Pelzer attacks the lane and finishes strong, adding two crucial points to ignite the offense and shift the energy.
On the defensive end, the student section makes its presence felt — erupting in a unified “Ohhh!” during key stops, doing everything it can to rattle the Maroons and swing the momentum.
Norwalk digs in defensively, battling to slow the Maroons’ attack. Still, the Maroons refuse to back down, continuing to push the pace and extend their advantage.
The Warriors chip away, narrowing the gap to 22–14. But #10 for the Maroons responds with another bucket, stretching the lead back to 10.
Pelzer answers again for the Warriors, scoring to make it 24–16. Moments later, #35 adds two more, cutting the deficit to 24–18 with 2:22 left in the half.
#12 Livingston contributes for the Warriors as they continue their push. A substitution follows, with #2 checking in for #32.
Despite the late surge from Norwalk, the Maroons hold their edge heading into the break.
Mr. Clay, a history teacher and proud supporter of many sports and activities at Norwalk High School, said at halftime that he “loves that we are still in it.” He added that the team needs everyone to step up — not just Tillman.
Halftime Score: Maroons 26, Warriors 21
Quarter 3
The Maroons quickly advance to 28 points early in the third quarter. Soon after, Norwalk answers back, with Pelzer adding another two points.
From there, it becomes a battle of momentum. Each time one team scores, the other responds. Both sides are fighting hard, pushing the ball up the court and attacking the net.
Lane Livingston checks in for #2 Jameson Demaray. Livingston looks eager and calls for the ball every chance he gets.
With 2:06 remaining in the quarter, Norwalk calls a timeout. The Maroons lead 38–26.
#33 comes in for Abbott.
#32 exits, and #2 checks back in.
End of the 3rd Quarter: Maroons 43, Norwalk 29.
Quarter 4
#10 Pelzer puts the first two points on the board, and the Maroons quickly answer with two of their own as the battle continues.
Pelzer adds more points for the Warriors, but momentum begins to shift. A foul is called on the Warriors with four minutes remaining, and the Maroons continue to pull away, leading 50–33.
Pelzer responds with another two-point basket for the Warriors. Shortly after, #35 scores two for Norwalk, cutting into the lead.
With 2:06 left in the game, the Maroons hold a 50–37 advantage.
#35 strikes again with 1:13 remaining, adding another two points. At the 1:10 mark, a foul is called on #32 Hatlevig. Moments later, Pelzer (#10) is also called for a foul. Hatlevig exits the game, and Jack Smith (#21) checks in.
Norwalk calls a timeout with 50.3 seconds left on the clock.
As the final moments tick away, the Norwalk student section begins chanting, “Thank you, seniors!”
The Maroons continue to score until the end, adding two more points with just eight seconds remaining to seal their victory.
After four intense quarters, the Warriors came up short, and Dowling won 58-42.
The Maroons will continue to the Casey’s Center.
Although the Warriors came up short in their final game of the season, their year was filled with growth and determination. After starting the season with low expectations from others, the team steadily improved and proved they could compete.
“I’m just so proud of how far we’ve come — a lot of people didn’t expect much of us,” said junior Audric Pelzer.