BY MICHAEL DAVID

The Wood River High School boys basketball team hosted the Gooding Senators on Senior Night Monday evening in Hailey. In front of a large and loud crowd, the senior-laden varsity squad handily took down the visitors 51-24.

Before the game, the four seniors--Isaac Loomis, Brayden Olson, Christian Bothwell and Andrew Garratt-- were honored for their significant contributions to the Wolverine basketball program. The four took the floor with junior point guard Johnny Radford to start the game against Gooding, and they set the tone for the entire evening.

Olson, with two 3-point baskets and an assist to Garratt, gave Wood River an early 10-2 lead, a lead they would not relinquish.

Olson and his fellow seniors continued their strong play for the remainder of the opening period, holding a 16-8 advantage after one quarter. Radford took over the game early in the second quarter as the Wolverines scored seven unanswered points to start the stanza, pushing their lead to 23-8. Gooding was able find a little rhythm to close the gap, hitting two 3-pointers to get within 10 points at the half, 26-16.

Ten points would be as close as the Senators got to the red-hot Wolverines, as Radford, with contributions from Davis Ros, Walter Kriesien, Chance Appell, Kade Heitzman and the seniors, would pull away in the third quarter. The Wolverines defense completely stifled Gooding in the second half, as the Senators were only able to muster eight points in the final two quarters.

Radford handled the scoring load as Wood River sent the boisterous faithful home with a 51-24 final.

The Wolverines are back in action at home against Twin Falls at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1.