Jaden Gales Sinks Buzzer Beater to Send Westerlund to Perfect Record

- May 28, 2026
Eurobasket News
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Jaden Gales
Jaden Gales

Below you will find the game write ups for Game 3 and Game 4. Followed by the Player Breakdown of each players performance during the Westerlund 4 game trip to Portugal. The team competed against Lisbon Select, GDAS Braga, Galitos Aveiro, and Porto Select. The team consisted of players from East Coast D3 schools and was coached by Sean Westerlund from Penn State Abington. If teams/coaches/agents have any interest in these players please feel free to reach out to Eurobasket Director Dustin Simcox at dsimcox@eurobasket.com.


Westerlund Hold Off Furious Galitos Rally to Earn 8-Point Victory

Westerlund survived a late comeback attempt from Galitos to secure an 8-point victory after building a lead of more than 20 points earlier in the game. Behind hot shooting and balanced scoring, Westerlund controlled much of the contest before Galitos mounted a strong second-half rally that cut the margin down late. Despite the pressure, Westerlund made enough key plays in the closing minutes to hold on for the win.


JoJo Kelly (188-G) led the offense with 28 points, knocking down five three-pointers while adding 4 assists. Dylan Harris (185-G) provided another huge scoring effort with 21 points and four made threes, while also contributing 7 rebounds. Jaden Gales (198-F) filled the stat sheet with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, helping steady the team during Galitos' comeback push. Westerlund also received strong support from Pete Laidley (198-F) and Troy Hixson (188-G), who each scored 10 points, as the team showed enough composure late to close out another hard-fought Eurobasket victory.

Westerlund Finish Perfect 4-0 Tour with Dramatic Win Over Porto Select

Team Westerlund capped off a perfect 4-0 Eurobasket tour with a thrilling 2-point victory over Porto Select, a talented group of professional players from the Porto region. The game came down to the final moments, where Jaden Gales delivered the biggest play of the night, knocking down a game-winning driving floater to seal the dramatic win. Gales finished with a dominant all-around performance of 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists, leading Westerlund on both ends of the floor.


Westerlund also received major contributions from Pete Laidley, who recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, including 9 offensive boards. JoJo Kelly added 12 points and 8 assists, while Dylan Harris scored 11 points with three made three-pointers. Troy Hixson chipped in 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists as Westerlund used balanced scoring and relentless effort to complete an unbeaten trip in memorable fashion.


Player Breakdowns


This group completed an impressive undefeated run through Portugal, finishing the tour with a perfect 4–0 record. The team's success came from outstanding balance, strong perimeter shooting, and contributions throughout the lineup. Multiple players stepped into major scoring roles while others impacted the game through rebounding, defense, and playmaking, creating a complete team effort from start to finish.

Dylan Harris

15.3 PPG | 5.8 RPG | Team-High 16 Made 3FG | 2.0 STL | PER 18.3

Harris was one of the team's most dangerous perimeter threats and one of its best two-way players. He knocked down a team-high 16 three-pointers while also contributing strongly on the glass and defensively. His ability to stretch defenses and create momentum with outside shooting was a major factor in several victories.

JoJo Kelly

Team-High 17.5 PPG | 5.0 APG | PER 12.3

Kelly served as the team's offensive leader throughout the tournament, finishing as the top scorer while also leading the group in assists. His ability to create his own shot, attack the basket, and distribute to teammates made him a difficult matchup every game. Kelly consistently delivered in key moments and played a major role in the team's undefeated finish.

Jaden Gales

15.3 PPG | Team-High 9.5 RPG | 3.3 APG | PER 16

Gales delivered one of the strongest all-around performances on the roster. He tied for second on the team in scoring while leading the group in rebounding, consistently creating second-chance opportunities and finishing inside. His versatility allowed him to impact every phase of the game, making him one of the key contributors to the team's 4–0 run.

Pete Laidley

10.3 PPG | 6.8 RPG | PER 12.8

Laidley provided steady production on both ends of the floor throughout the tournament. Averaging double figures in scoring while also rebounding at a high level, he gave the team another reliable offensive option and strong interior presence. His consistency and physical play helped AAC maintain balance across all four games.

Quentin Wells (188-G)

8.0 PPG | 4.3 RPG | 3.3 APG | PER 6

Wells contributed as a steady all-around player throughout the tour. He helped facilitate the offense while also rebounding well and providing valuable secondary scoring. His ability to move the ball and make smart decisions gave the team consistency in transition and half-court situations.

Troy Hixson

9.0 PPG | 6.8 RPG | 2.5 APG | 1.8 STL | PER 10.3

Hixson was a strong two-way contributor throughout the trip. He combined scoring with solid rebounding and active defense, consistently impacting the game in multiple areas. His ability to stretch the floor with outside shooting while also competing on the glass made him an important part of the rotation.

William Lawder (193-F)

4.3 PPG | 6.8 RPG | PER 9

Lawder embraced the role of interior presence and rebounder throughout the tour. Despite limited scoring opportunities, he consistently impacted the game on the glass and helped provide toughness in the paint. His rebounding and physical play helped AAC control possessions and establish a strong defensive foundation.

Michael Gaines (196-F)

3.5 PPG | 2.5 RPG

Gaines provided valuable energy and depth throughout the tournament. While his offensive opportunities were limited, he contributed through hustle plays, rebounding, and team defense. His willingness to embrace his role helped strengthen the overall chemistry and balance of the team.

Tour Summary

The undefeated 4–0 finish was built on outstanding parity and team basketball. Kelly led the offense as both scorer and facilitator, Harris provided elite perimeter shooting, and Gales anchored the rebounding effort with strong all-around production. Laidley and Hixson added important scoring and toughness, while Wells, Lawder, and Gaines contributed valuable depth and energy.


Game 3 Box Score


Eurobasket - Westerlund @ Galitos (05-26-2026)
Eurobasket - Westerlund Roster
AthletePTS FGM FGA 3FGM 3FGA FTM FTA OR DR TR AST STL BLK TO PER
2 Quentin Wells413012202221034
5 JoJo Kelly2810195933011420620
11 Dylan Harris218124711257410227
12 William Lawder4240100437110110
15 Jaden Gales14510024801010520715
25 Michael Gaines002020002220112
30 Troy Hixson10383712088200311
32 Pete Laidley10580200033110012


Game 4 Box Score


Eurobasket - Westerlund @ Porto Select (05-27-2026)
Eurobasket - Westerlund Roster
AthletePTS FGM FGA 3FGM 3FGA FTM FTA OR DR TR AST STL BLK TO PER
5 JoJo Kelly12414064822480046
11 Dylan Harris11410360004402029
12 William Lawder214010023520015
15 Jaden Gales2591613663811311430
25 Michael Gaines315140230301001
30 Troy Hixson1041521100246521211
32 Pete Laidley1571601119312220121


Cumulative Stats (4 games - plus highlights)

AthleteVideoPTSFGM FGA 3FGM 3FGA FTM FTA REBAST STL BLK PER
2 Quentin WellsLink8832317584.33.30.70.36
5 JoJo KellyLink17.525627211318351012.3
11 Dylan HarrisLink15.322421631115.822018.3
12 William LawderLink4.381502126.810.309
15 Jaden GalesLink15.3225321015239.53.31.30.316
25 Michael GainesLink3.5514412022.50.80.50.34.3
30 Troy HixsonLink91342830236.82.51.80.310.3
32 Pete LaidleyLink10.31840211346.810.8012.8




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Authors
Standings
1
4-1
2
4-1
3
4-1
4
4-1
6
3-2
7
2-2
8
2-3
9
2-3
11
0-5
Full Standings
Last Updated: 11/1/2026
Full Standings
Last Updated: 11/1/2026
Standings
Group A
1
0-0
2
0-0
3
0-0
4
0-0
5
0-0
6
0-0
7
0-0
8
0-0
Group B
2
0-0
3
0-0
4
0-0
5
0-0
6
0-0
7
0-0
Group C
1
0-0
2
0-0
3
0-0
5
0-0
6
0-0
Group D
1
0-0
2
0-0
4
0-0
5
0-0
7
0-0
League Standings
1
3-0
2
1-2
3
1-2
4
1-2
Standings
Group A
1
5-0
3
3-2
4
3-2
5
1-4
6
0-5
Group B
1
4-1
2
3-2
4
2-3
5
2-3
6
1-4
Group C
4
2-3
5
1-3
6
0-4
Group D
1
4-1
2
4-1
Group B
1
2-3
Group D
2
1-4
Group E
1
4-1
2
3-2
5
2-3
Group C
Group F
Group G
1
4-1
3
3-2
4
2-3
6
1-4
Group H
1
5-0
3
3-2
6
0-5
Full Standings
Last Updated: 11/5/2026
Stats Leaders
PPG
RPG
APG
SPG
BPG
Young_Zion_1

Esgueira
(193-SG-)
Avg: 24.0

24.0
21.4
19.6
19.3
Stats Leaders
PPG
RPG
APG
SPG
BPG
Terry_Markus_1

Sampaense
(188-G-1995)
Avg: 29.0

29.0
26.8
20.5
Stats Leaders
PPG
RPG
APG
SPG
BPG
Polite_Ronald_1

Craiova
(188-G-2002)
Avg: 23.6

23.6
22.0
21.4
Player of the Week: Round 5(RS)
Brody Whitaker

Povoa
(190-G-02)

Player of the Week: Round 5(RS)
Markus Terry

Sampaense
(188-G-95)