On Tuesday night, the Varnado boys’ basketball team had a crucial game against Crescent City.

Varnado entered with a 7-1 district record and Crescent City began with a 6-1 mark in league play, so the winner had a leg up on winning the district. It was also Senior Night.

The Wildcats got down 23-11 after one quarter, as Crescent City came out strong.

During the first quarter, Crescent City was getting open looks and was taking advantage.

It’s a tough spot for the players, who are teenagers, to be in. You’re in a big game that could decide the district, you’re down 12 points in the opening period and your opponent is hitting one shot after another.

But the team responded on both ends of the court. The defense pretty much shut down Crescent City over the next two quarters, holding Crescent City to a total of 11 points. That is not a typo. Varnado gave up 23 points in seven minutes and 11 in the next 17.

Over that time, they came back to tie the game at 30-30 by halftime and used a 24-2 run over the final 6:23 of the third quarter to break the game open.

By the time the fourth quarter began, Varnado was up 56-34.

Not only was the 73-54 win a big victory in getting ahead in the loss column for the district lead, but it’s the kind of lesson that can help the Wildcats if they get off to a slow start in a playoff game. It’s also a very valuable lesson in everyday life that when things aren’t going your way, things can turn in your favor quickly.

The season’s not over. The district title is not Varnado’s yet, but Tuesday was a big step forward.

On Wednesday, the team followed up Tuesday’s win with a 77-41 victory over Ridgewood at home.

Good luck to the Wildcats down the stretch.