The audience cheered as senior Enzo Ferrero knocked in another three-pointer, bringing Westfield up 52-28 going into the fourth quarter and cementing their win over Livingston. Dominance and authority can only somewhat describe the Blue Devils’ performance against Livingston, maintaining a constant lead and beating their opponent with a 40 point deficit.
Westfield faced Livingston at home on Jan. 25, and came out strong showing no mercy in the first quarter. The game got started with senior Zach Epp, leading off with a dunk and a three-pointer. Ferrero followed suit with a three-pointer, putting Westfield up 10-3. The dynamic duo of Epp and Ferrero would help the Devils close out the first quarter 25-12, dominating both offensively and defensively. “Livingston played hard, but I think our physicality is what sets us apart from other teams,” said head coach Jim McKeon. “Today, we did what we were supposed to do. That doesn’t always happen after a big win, but we performed.”
After upsetting the No. 8 ranked Union Catholic just two days prior, Westfield was looking to continue the momentum and show off. “We knew we were more skilled than the other team, but it was all about execution and carrying what we had from the last game,” said Epp.
The Blue Devils’ rule over Livingston continued throughout the second quarter finishing the first half 43-21. This could not have been done without the help of senior Tyshawn Pearson’s relentless energy on defense, leading the team with 10 steals. In the second half, Livingston began to show life, but Westfield mirrored their defiance, ending the third quarter 58-30. Ferrero was non-stop throughout all four quarters, leading the team with 24 points. “Shooting was really important today,” said Ferrero. “We weren’t playing for ourselves, and we wouldn’t have won the way we did without our execution and communication.”
Westfield would only allow Livingston to score two points throughout the whole fourth quarter as they surged ahead to end the game at 72-32. “We can get better in all phases, but our effort has been sky high this season,” said McKeon. “Our guys are locked in and led by a great group of seniors, and that’s something special.”
Westfield will face Elizabeth for the second time on Jan. 28. After a tough 78-46 loss at their last match up, the Blue Devils hope to continue their energy against the top ten ranked Minutemen.
