Mike Wilder’s  game-high 23 points wasn’t enough for Wilson, as the Bruins fell just short, 45-43, in the North Orange County Basketball Tournament championship game to host Sonora Saturday night.

Wilson (7-3) beat Capo Valley Fri night to win the Gold Bracket, while Sonora defeated Tesoro to win the Blue Bracket.  Wilder scored with .06 of a second to pull Wilson to within 45-43, but the Raiders (9-1) were able to run out the clock.

Wilder and center Joel Bitonio were named to the All-Tournament first team after Wilder averaged over 27 points per game and Bitonio was an artist in the paint.  The senior center scored 13 points and grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds on Saturday.  Wilder and Bitonio scored 36 of the 43 Wilson points and it was that lack of balance that cost the Bruins. In fact, Wilder outscored Sonora 11-5 himself in the fourth quarter

Sonora had five players with at least six points and used a 17-8 third quarter to take a 40-32 lead after three periods of play.

Despite the loss, Wilson leaves the NOCB Tournament much stronger than when it entered.  The balance that Wilson showed in wins over La Mirada, Laguna Hills, Capistano Valley and Orange Lutheran was lacking Saturday night.  Wilson will need more performances like the one from sophomore forward Zack Reince, who scored five points off the bench and was solid on defense for Wilson.

If Wilson can continue to mature and mix in some balance with performances like this one, it’ll not only look to make the playoffs, but also battle Jordan and Poly for Moore League supremacy.