Times Observer Photos by Cody Elms Mason Silvis locks in on defense as Kane’s Dane Anderson attempts to make a move during Sheffield’s 60-49 win on the road.

KANE — The Sheffield Wolverines’ December win over then-visiting Kane for the Sheffield Sports Boosters’ Holiday Tournament championship was proven not a fluke Friday night as Sheffield traveled to Kane for a 60-49 win over the Wolves.

“It’s easy to take a situation for granted after you’ve already beat a team,” said Sheffield head coach Jordan Copley. “We harped on them the importance of staying focused. Every game we’re the underdog. Especially after a game like we had against Eisenhower (Wednesday), you come back and try to set the tone and right the ship.”

The first quarter for both teams saw highly energized defenses and slow-starting offenses, as the two combined for just 14 points, with Sheffield trailing 8-6 going into the second quarter.

In the second, the Wolverines, led by Connor Finch, dropped 20 on the Wolves, and held Kane to 12. Finch posted 8 points in the quarter, and added another 8 in the second half, which included going 4 for 4 at the free-throw line.

“I feel the like the defensive intensity was there the entire game,” said Copley. “You’re going to have slow starts to offense. We made some adjustments in what we do normally to open Finch in the high post. Slim to the low, brought him up to the high. You’re going to have slow games offensively, but they really kicked it in gear the last three.”

Coming into the second half, with a 20-12 lead, Copley instructed Lucas McNeal and Leihden Wotorson to go to the basket and telling them nobody could stop them. The direction paid off, as Wotorson scored 10 of his team-leading 17 in the second half, while McNeal created opportunities running point, and also going 4 of 6 at the line.

McNeal totaled 11 points and three rebounds.

Sheffield racked up 18 points in the third and another 16 in the fourth to take the 11-point win.

Finch also had eight rebounds and five steals.

Kane’s Sam Lundeen led the Wolves with 18 points.

SHEFFIELD (60)

Wotorson 5 4-7 17, Finch 6 4-4 16, McNeal 3 5-10 11, Silvis 2 0-0 7, Mott-Macalush 2 0-0 4, Barr 2 0-0 4, Chapman 0 1-2 1. Totals 20 14-22 60.

KANE (49)

Lundeen 6 3-3 18, Zampogna 5 1-2 11, Zook 3 0-0 6, Szymanski 3 0-0 6, Darr 2 1-6 5, Anderson 1 1-4 3. Totals 20 6-15 49.

3-point goals–Wotorson, Silvis, Lundeen

Sheffield 6 20 18 16 — 60

Kane 8 12 11 18 — 49