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Springwood’s boys basketball team traveled to Lafayette Christian School on Monday and completely routed the Cougars in a 97-36 win. 

After a loss last week to Bessemer Academy, the Wildcats have bounced back to win their last two games. Several players are getting back to full strength after recovering from football season, and the team looks to be hitting its stride. 

“After the tournament in Birmingham we talked about, we’re a smaller team, we really have to focus on team rebounding,” Springwood coach Lisa Sampson said. “I think that was the key tonight. We rebounded the heck out of the basketball. Crawford [Fuller] came in and was unbelievable. We need that from everybody. Our defense was very good.” 

Fuller came into the game off of the bench and completely dominated the glass. Fuller finished the game with 11 rebounds, 11 points and one steal. 

CJ Johnson led the Wildcats in scoring with 22 points, two steals and one rebound. Johnson erupted for 14 points in the second quarter to help Springwood pull away and hold a 56-29 lead at halftime. 

“CJ is another kid that it starts with defense for him,” Sampson said. “He’s just going to outwork people, and he did tonight. He’s coming off football. Both him, Greg [Johnson] and Tucker [Sides], they’ve got to get their basketball legs. Today, I think you saw a glimpse of what CJ can do.” 

Daniel Westbrook has been one of Springwood’s leaders early on. Westbrook finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds, four steals and one block. Micah Thomas led the Wildcats at point guard, adding 16 points, six rebounds and four steals. 

Springwood’s biggest improvement early on has been its bench. The bench erupted for 30 points, 25 rebounds and four steals on Monday. 

“That’s what is huge for us,” Sampson said. “Tonight, we had a deep bench. We had guys that were ready to go, and that’s going to be big once we get into region play.” 

The win on Monday improved Springwood’s record to 4-1 on the season. The Wildcats look to push their winning streak to three as they face Lakeside at home on Tuesday.