In a resounding triumph, the Warren Warriors extended their winning streak to four games by showcasing their strength against the Fort Frye Cadets, dominating the contest with a final score of 65-14. The matchup took place on Wednesday night at Dan Liedtke Court in Beverly, where the Warriors established an early 14-point lead and never looked back.
Warren’s performance was particularly impressive in the second quarter, during which they held the Cadets scoreless and increased their lead to 38-6 by halftime. Head coach Blane Maddox praised his team’s energy and defensive efforts, noting that they capitalized on the Cadets’ youth and injury troubles.
Despite senior guard Julian Stadelman, who scored a career-high 34 points in a previous game, having an off night with only 11 points, several of his teammates stepped up. Connor Barry led the Warriors with 13 points, while Colin Anthony contributed 12. Warren displayed a balanced attack, with eight players recording assists and a total of 15 assists throughout the game.
The defensive prowess of the Warriors was a key factor in the lopsided score, forcing Fort Frye into a staggering 21 turnovers, with 19 occurring in the first half alone. After the Cadets managed to score in the second half, Warren quickly responded with an 8-0 run, further extending their lead to nearly 40 points and enacting a running clock.
Chase Lupardus also made a significant contribution for the Warriors, scoring nine points and leading in rebounds and steals. As the game drew to a close, Maddox utilized his bench extensively, giving all players valuable experience.
The season has been challenging for the Cadets, now 0-5 in league play and 4-9 overall, as they cope with injuries and a young roster. Conversely, the Warriors improved to 9-2 and are on track to contend for the TSL title alongside Marietta, who themselves secured a win over Point Pleasant, 66-51.
As the Warriors look ahead, they are preparing for an important matchup against the undefeated Minford this Saturday. Maddox stated the need for continuous improvement, particularly with the tough competition on the horizon, emphasizing the importance of bringing their best game against a highly-ranked team.
Overall, Warren’s performance not only highlights their current success but also sets a positive tone as they aim for further victories in the season and potentially a league title.