The basketball team picked up its first win of the season Dec. 11, defeating the Quince Orchard Cougars 42-29 and improving its record to 1-2.

Whitman’s smothering defense forced the Cougars to take contested outside shots throughout the game. QO was unable to get rebounds thanks to a dominant performance by captain Daniel Lowet, who pulled in 10 rebounds and scored 12 points for his second double-double of the season.

The team was led by Lowet and captain Andrew Castagnetti, who scored 16 points and tallied 7 rebounds. Starting guards Billy Lee, Max Steinhorn and Liam Hatch also contributed to the victory with speed on the dribble and swift passing.

With strong play off the bench by guards Alex Lesley and Robby Lund, the Vikes were able to rebound from two disappointing losses with a victory in the tough 4A matchup against the Cougars.

“This was definitely a big win for us,” Lowet said. “It gives us a lot more confidence going into Friday’s game against Magruder.”

The boys look to even their record at 2-2 Dec. 14 when they face the undefeated Magruder Colonels at home.