But this game actually signified a turning point in the history of the Wolverines’ program.

Coach Bob North announced that he will be retiring following the playoffs this season. North, who has coached at Westfield High School for the last 34 years and amassed 412 wins in 650 games, seven league titles, as well as capturing three Section VI titles, was honored following the game with a video presentation and a speech from longtime assistant coach Nolan Swanson. The video featured memorabilia and photographs from his many years at the helm, as well as videos from several of his former players, including his sons, and coaches as well.

“It’s bittersweet,” North said. “A lot of years, and a lot of fun. It’s tough after a loss. To see all of those things from my past players and my boys meant a lot to me. It’s been a great ride.”

North said he made the decision to move on from Westfield about a month ago, and it’s something he was on the fence about. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, coaching in 2021 isn’t exactly what his heart desired.

“I was on the fence,” North said. “Just with COVID and everything and being a phys-ed teacher it just wasn’t what I signed up for. I was glad we got the full season in, but I had the years, I was old enough, and I thought it was time to enjoy myself a bit before I’m too old to enjoy it.”

Although North, 58, could be around for a few more games based on his team’s performance in the playoffs, his career resume isn’t lacking in victories. Throughout his 34 years, North has served as a near impossible benchmark for other Chautauqua County coaches, as he’s one of only three in Chautauqua County history to hit the 400-win plateau. But to him, the wins are more a sign of how long he’s been around.

“Like I always tell people, if you coach long enough, you should get some wins,” North said.

As Swanson figured, between all of the games North coached, in addition to the number of practices over the years, and summer league games, North gave over eight years of his life teaching basketball at Westfield Academy, leaving behind an insurmountable legacy, and many of these people North has impacted were in attendance in some shape or form on Tuesday night.

On top of all of the players on his current roster and assistant coach Swanson, North’s wife, Amy, his sister, Terri Rosier, and his biggest fan, his mother, Carol McEntarfer, were all in the crowd as well. One other face in attendance was referee Jeff Beadle, who put in a specific request to officiate North’s last game. Beadle’s history with North has now come full circle, as on top of officiating North’s last game, he also played in his very first.

“He was the first player I had,” North said. “That was the first year of the three-point line. It’s been a while.”

As for what’s next for North, he’s not actually leaving the coaching scene just yet. North has recently moved to North East, Pennsylvania, and is staying in the coaching game, as he’s helping out with the varsity volleyball team, and “dipping his feet” into the girls varsity basketball team as well, as some of his volleyball girls also play basketball. And, of course, he’s hoping to find more time to improve his golf game.

“I hope to play a lot of golf,” North said.

North has always prided himself on emphasizing team over any one player and, as Swanson pointed out in his speech following the game, prioritized “playing the game the right way.” And those messages North gave his players has been influential in the development of so many, including junior guard Darien Swanson.

“I’ve been around him since I was in second grade as a water boy,” Swanson said. “It’s been awesome growing up with him the last 10 years. He’s one heck of a coach, and he doesn’t shy away from any challenge. He’s special. He’s made me the player I am.”

As for the game, it started off pretty even. The Wolverines and Bears traded baskets for the entirety of the first half, as Frewsburg inched into halftime nursing a 33-30 lead. But the Wolverines offense went completely cold in the second half, and the third quarter specifically, letting the Bears pull away heading into the fourth.

Swanson led the Wolverines with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, while junior Ethan Weingart had 10 points and 12 rebounds. The Bears were led by Traden Gray, who scored 27 points, while Zach Winters had 18, and Connor Murray scored 12 points on four 3-pointers. The game was also Westfield’s Senior Night, and Brayden Kneer, Easton Seger, and Andrew Dunlap were all honored prior to tip-off.

The Bears (6-6) are next in action against on Thursday when they entertain Panama, while the Wolverines (5-8) will also play the Panthers, on Friday, at Panama High School.