In a much-needed victory, the West Branch boys basketball team ended its recent struggles with a nail-biting 58-55 win over Beaver Local on Tuesday night. With this win, the Warriors improved to 5-8, while the Beavers’ five-game winning streak came to an end, leaving them at 8-3.
The game showcased a closely contested battle, with West Branch’s Jeremiah Thomas hitting a crucial jumper late in the game, giving his team a narrow lead with just 41 seconds remaining. Camden Lane, who led the Warriors with 17 points, secured the lead further by splitting two free throws, making it 56-54 with under 20 seconds left. Despite a last-ditch effort from Beaver Local’s Luke Rettos, who managed to split a pair of free throws, it was Thomas who sealed the victory for the Warriors by hitting two more from the line after being fouled.
West Branch coach Scott Loudon emphasized the importance of this win as they prepare for three consecutive league games. “We needed something like this,” Loudon stated, reflecting on the team’s struggles. Despite the setback, Beaver Local coach Nick Miller maintained a positive outlook, noting the experience gained from playing against a competitive team like West Branch would serve his younger roster well in future games.
A significant highlight for Beaver Local was junior Owen Hill, who delivered an impressive performance with 22 points. However, West Branch’s defensive efforts, particularly from Cooper Anderson, Landon Coffee, and Zach Coffee, who aimed to challenge Hill’s impact, proved effective at crucial moments in the game.
The Warriors have faced challenges with 6-foot-7 junior Gavin Gregory sidelined due to a lower leg injury. Loudon expressed hope for Gregory’s return as the tournament approaches, noting his incredible field-goal percentage and valuable contributions to the team’s offense.
Beaver Local surged to an early lead but West Branch showcased their resilience by battling back. Strong performances from Thomas and Joey Jackson, along with Lane’s ability to create scoring opportunities, were vital for the Warriors as they moved into the fourth quarter with the momentum on their side.
Overall, the win serves as a significant confidence boost for West Branch, potentially setting the stage for a stronger finish to the season. As they look ahead to their next match against Minerva on Friday, there is renewed hope and motivation within the team to continue building on this victory. With a positive spirit, both teams can learn and grow from this competitive encounter, paving the way for future success.