WARRIORS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THIS OVERTIME THRILLER

The varsity boys basketball team used solid free throw shooting in overtime to defeat Akron Garfield this afternoon in a rare weekday matinee game.  The Warriors are now 7-2 on the season while Garfield falls to 6-3.

The Warriors took control early leading 19-7 after one and 30-19 at the half.  The Rams started to chip away in the third quarter but a strong start to the fourth on both ends of the court led to the comeback, eventually tying the game and taking the lead late.  With :17 second left in the game and down 48-46, Camden Lane was fouled on the in bounds pass and went to the line.  Lane would sink both free throws tying the game.  The Rams would get two decent looks at the hoop in the final seconds but failed to convert sending the game into overtime.

In overtime, the Rams would score first taking a 50-48 lead, but West Branch would ramp up the defensive pressure along with some good rebounding helping the Warriors limit Ram opportunities while finding a way to the line on the offensive end.  All eight of the Warrior overtime points came from the free throw line.  Joey Jackson would hit two of four from the stripe, while both Jaxon Robb and Lane would knock down 3-4 each to help lead the Warriors to the win.

Robb would finish the day with 22 points including three 3-pointers, while Lane finished with 18 including two 3’s.  Gavin Gregory would add eight for West Branch.

The Warriors will return home on Friday to take on Alliance for the lead in the EBC as the Aviators also sit at 2-0 in the league.  Game time is scheduled for 6:45 following the JV game.

*Contributed By Ryan Wolf at wbathletics.org