The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
Phenomenal home court advantage has created a wave of emotion that Wilson boys’ basketball is riding into school history.
The Bruins have won consecutive CIF Southern Section Division 4AA playoff games at home to reach their first semifinal in 15 years.
Wilson hosts St. Bonaventure Friday at 7 p.m. with a trip to the championship game on the line. The Bruins haven’t won a CIF championship since 1927.
“We have the best student section in Long Beach, in my opinion, and I had to put on a show because I’ve been talking a lot about winning CIF and State so I’ve got to do my best to make sure that happens,” Wilson senior Sean Oliver said after his impressive performance led the Bruins past Saint Monica in the second round last week.
Wilson (21-10) beat visiting Nordhoff 77-72 in the quarterfinals earlier this week, and those students got a chance to storm the court and celebrate with their teammates.
“I just feed off the energy, I never feel tired when I hear the crowd,” Wilson senior Michael Kirley said. “They just fuel my energy. It’s great. I’m so glad we have that student section here at Wilson.”
St. Bonaventure (22-8) has used its superior defense to reach this semifinal. The Tri-Valley League champions have given up an average of 44 points in their three playoff games.
“These kids are a special group,” Wilson coach James Boykin said of his team. “When they’re dialed in they’re really good.”
