WARRIORS CANT OVERCOME SLOW START

BARBERTON OH- West Branch made their sixth trip to regionals in the last 10 seasons on Tuesday night. The Warriors were coming off a big district championship win over conference rival Marlington. Norton stood in their way of making a trip to the regional final.

The Panthers came out of the gates and hit a three before you could blink. That set the tone for the whole first frame, as Norton had the energy, and the Warriors were fighting against momentum. Morton’s 13-2 lead after one frame was really all they needed. The game stayed pretty even after that point. West Branch won the second quarter, but only by a point taking a 18-8 deficit into the locker room.

In the second half, even though the Warriors came out firing cutting the lead to 18-13 in their first two possessions, the Panthers kept their patient offense in cruise control. Norton would hang on to win 36-31.

Sophie Gregory and Anna Lippiatt both held the team lead in points for West Branch with 8 a piece.