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McLean’s boys basketball team ended a four-game losing streak against district opponents Feb. 10, defeating Wakefield 48-36 in the Highlanders’ 21st game of the season.

Sophomore forward Nahome Kidane and senior forward Jake Bell combined for three early 3-pointers, powering McLean to a 9-0 advantage. Wakefield answered with a 6-2 run, but the Highlanders still led 11-6 after the first quarter.

“We started off super hot,” senior guard JW Riggins said. “We knew that if we played like that all game we would easily win.”

The Warriors opened the second quarter with several difficult baskets and trimmed the deficit to two. McLean regained control behind a burst of layups from seniors Roman Ludwikowski and Nick Karageorgos and sophomore Lucas Van Order, stretching its lead to eight before taking a 25-15 advantage into halftime.

The teams traded scores during the third quarter. Kidane scored again, while Bell added several more points for the Highlanders. McLean’s offense also became sloppy, allowing Wakefield to pull within 35-27 heading into the final period.

Riggins began the fourth quarter with a fast-break layup. Wakefield responded from 3-point range, but McLean kept the Warriors at least seven points behind. Ludwikowski then broke free for a layup that pushed the score to 45-36.

The Highlanders added several free throws to secure the 48-36 victory and halt their district slide.

“We had been working hard but the results just weren’t there,” Van Order said. “This one felt good for us.”

McLean’s next game is on the road against Herndon, where the Highlanders will try to earn another district win.

“I’m super confident in our squad,” Riggins said. “I truly believe that we can win the district if we continue to play how we did today.”