It was a day of celebration for the Baldwin boys basketball team.
The Highlanders (2-0) defeated Altoona, 73-49, on Saturday to give coach Jeff Ackermann his 400th career victory.
Ackermann posted a 224-116 record in 13 seasons at Moon, was 126-35 in six years at Pine-Richland and improved to 50-43 as he starts his fifth season at Baldwin.
“Winning 400 games was never a goal of mine,” Ackermann said. “I think it shows my longevity and consistency.
“I have been blessed to coach some amazing players at Moon, Pine-Richland and Baldwin.”
The Highlanders held a 31-17 halftime lead against Altoona before outscoring the visitors by 10 — 42-32 — in the second half.
Baldwin was led by senior guard Nate Wesling who connected for 35 points including seven 3’s. Wesling, a fourth-year starter, poured in 22 points after halftime, including 17 with five triples in the fourth quarter.
“Nate got in a zone in the second half,” Ackermann said. “I could tell he was on fire, so we just kept calling sets for him to get 3’s and he kept hitting them.”
Max Marzina, a junior point guard, netted 11 points for the Highlanders, who had nine players reach the scoring column against Altoona.
“We have had many different players step up for us so far,” said Ackermann, a Brentwood native who has won five WPIAL titles and one PIAA championship in his coaching career.
Josh Lowery led Altoona with 13 points.