The West Branch 7th and 8th grade boys basketball teams traveled to Austintown to face the larger and highly competitive Austintown Fitch Red squads. Both teams battled hard but came up short against a talented Falcons defense.

The 8th grade Warriors kept the game close throughout, cutting the lead to 12 by the end of the third quarter. However, they struggled to find offensive rhythm in the final period and couldn't close the gap, ultimately falling 38-23. Austin Hawk led the Warriors with 11 points, while Mason McCartney added 6.

In the 7th grade game, the Warriors trailed by just two, 10-8, at the end of the first quarter. However, a tough Falcons defense held West Branch to just three points in the second quarter. The Warriors struggled to find their rhythm for the remainder of the game and ultimately fell 44-21. Drake Peterson led the team with 6 points, Colt Campbell scored 4, and Beau Runk added a 3-pointer, finishing with 3 points.

Both teams will return to action this Saturday at home vs Canton South.