Trailing most of the game, the Lady Warriors basketball team used a strong second half defensive effort to erase a double digit deficit on its way to a 45-41 overtime victory in the season opener for both teams.  West Branch is now 1-0 on the young season.

The Warriors had an early 5-4 lead, but did not take the lead again until overtime as the Panthers built a 24-8 lead early in the second quarter.  West Branch used strong defense in the latter half of the quarter and converted on some offensive chances to shrink the Panther lead to nine at the break 24-15.  In the second half, the Warriors continued to pressure Norton causing turnovers and bad shots holding the Panthers to just four third quarter points.  The Warriors again chipped away and after three periods, West Branch trailed 28-25.  Halfway through the fourth, West Branch tied the game with solid play by Hallie Vie Burton, but Norton answered with a two pointer and a three to take a five point advantage.  Late in the quarter it was Carter Shepherd, held scoreless until the end, who came up big for the Warriors with a two and a huge three to tie the game eventually sending the two teams to overtime tied at 35.

In overtime, the Warriors took a quick lead and held on for the victory outscoring the Panthers 10-6 in the final frame.  Audrey Eaton led the Warriors tonight on the scoreboard with 13 points including going a perfect six for six at the line.  Burton and Tallie Muniz each finished with eight points while Sammi Beatty knocked down seven in her Warrior debut.  Also scoring for the Warriors was Alli Kanagy with four points all coming from the charity stripe as she was a perfect four for four.

West Branch will travel to Minerva on Tuesday to take on the Lions in an EBC opener for both teams.  Tip off for the JV game is 5:30 while the varsity plays at 6:45.