Westfield’s Colby Bills (23) backs down Forestville’s Luke Szumigala (25) during the Wolverine’s win over the Hornets Friday night. Westfield and Chautauqua Lake will play in the final tonight at 7:30 p.m. (Photo by Braden Carmen)

WESTFIELD — The Wolverines came prepared to represent as the host of the Westfield Winter Classic on Friday night, and they did so in dominant fashion.

The Westfield Wolverines defeated the Forestville Hornets, 72-51, in the first varsity boys basketball game of the season for both teams on Friday night at Westfield Academy.

Westfield (1-0) was held in check in the first quarter, with only a one point lead after the period. However, the second quarter was a different story. The Wolverines went on a 21-4 run during the second quarter to take a commanding lead. Forestville (0-1) trailed 41-26 at halftime.

“When we move the ball, and we’re unselfish, we’re very good,” said Westfield head coach Bob North. “I told my guys before the game that if we want to be a really good team this year, we’ve got to share the ball.”

The Hornets cut into the deficit in the third quarter and got as close as nine, but the Wolverines did not relinquish the lead for the rest of the game.

“I tell my team that basketball is a game of runs. We’ve got to make sure our runs are longer than theirs,” said Forestville head coach Ralph Jackson. “In the second quarter, Westfield went on a pretty big run… we went on a little bit of a run, but it wasn’t nearly as big as theirs.”

Andrew Baribeau led the way with 15 points for Westfield.

“Andrew Baribeau, who is coming off an ankle injury, finally looked good in that second half,” said Coach North. “Andrew showed in that second half that if we get the ball inside to him, he’s a force to be reckoned with.”

Westfield had five scorers in double figures. Ryan Jafarjian had 12 points and seven rebounds, while Evan Hauser had 10 points and five assists. Mike Johnson added 12 points, while Dylan Scriven had 10.

Javier West led Forestville with 18 points, along with seven rebounds, six assists and four steals. Luke Szumigala led the Hornets with 11 rebounds.

Forestville will play Sherman tonight as the consolation game of the tournament.

“We’ve been in this tournament for years. It’s great to be here and it’s always good competition,” said Coach Jackson. “There’s definitely a lot of positives to take from this game. I thought we were active, we moved around on defense. Our effort was there. The potential is there for our guys.”

Westfield now moves on to face Chautauqua Lake tonight in the Westfield Winter Classic final.

“Some good guards are going to be on the floor for both teams,” said Coach North. “The difference could be inside, if Andrew (Baribeau) and Colby (Bills) show up, who knows.”

Tip-off for the championship game is expected around 7:30 p.m.

Twitter: @bradencarmen