The Northwestern boys' basketball program wants to start fresh this winter

They are doing just that so far with someone who is new to the pack.

Last Saturday Kevin Markovitch dropped six points and was a force in the paint as the Tigers fell to Wilson by a score of 58-48 in the championship game of the Wilson Tip-Off Tournament held to benefit the American Heart Association.

The senior center and senior Collin Breidinger were named to the All-Tournament team for their performances in both games.

"It's all about teamwork," said Markovitch. "If everyone works together and everyone plays together we will probably come out on top and have a successful season. This is my first year playing and I'm just trying to come in here and help these guys win."

Head coach Dan Eddinger is pleased with Markovitch's play thus far.

"I think Kevin had a great little tournament," said Eddinger. "He is learning and I think he will only get better from here."

Eddinger hopes the team improves right along with the newest Tiger to the hardwood as his squad went 1-1 in the tournament, defeating Lincoln Leadership Academy 39-32 Friday night to reach the title game.

The Tigers and Warriors played quick basketball in the first quarter and were knotted at eight until a three-pointer by tournament MVP Phil Pierfy (Wilson) made it 16-9 with 3:23 left in the first half.

The Tigers fought back before half when a three-pointer from sophomore Parker Jones (8 points) after a timeout swung the momentum toward Northwestern.

Down only four coming out of halftime, the Tigers stayed close, facing a 23-19 deficit until a jumper by Javante Tooley with 2:27 started an 11-0 run for the Warriors that closed out the third quarter and gave Wilson a 34-19 lead.

"Ever since I have been here we always seem to have a lull somewhere along the way [in a game]," Eddinger said. "And against good teams those come back to bite you."

Down 43-24 with 5:10 left in the contest, junior Josh Williamson converted a three-point play to make it 43-27 and kick start the Tiger offense.

Northwestern fought back and got to within seven courtesy of junior Logan Schwartz dropping eight of his 10 points in the fourth quarter, but that is the closest they would get as the Warriors made their free throws down the stretch.

"We are happy with 1-1," said Eddinger. "Obviously 2-0 would have been better. We are realists though.

"We realize there is going to be a learning curve early on and to be competing with them on their own turf is great. I'm pretty proud of the kids right now."

Northwestern begins league play Friday against Northern Lehigh on Friday and then takes on Catty Monday after hosting Hamburg on a nonleague game Saturday night.