After losing five straight games and failing to win a home game all season, the West Branch boys basketball team was determined to turn things around on Hall of Fame Night in Beloit. The Warriors welcomed rival Salem, and their stifling defense proved to be a major problem for the Quakers all night. In a low-scoring contest, West Branch came away with a 48-30 victory.
From the opening tip, it was clear that the Warriors were focused and ready to play. The intensity was high, led by a strong first quarter from Kasen Weaver, who contributed both offensively and defensively. Weaver scored 7 of his team's 15 points in the first quarter, including a big three-pointer to end the period, giving West Branch a commanding 15-5 lead.
The second quarter was a grind for both teams, with West Branch maintaining a 24-13 lead at halftime. After the break, Salem made a push, cutting the deficit to just six points. However, Coach Loudon's squad responded by applying consistent pressure, forcing tough shots and turnovers. Jeremiah Thomas was key in the second half, attacking the basket and knocking down six free throws to finish with 8 points after halftime.
West Branch's defense remained suffocating, holding Salem to just seven points in the final quarter. The Warriors closed out the game strong, securing a crucial 48-30 rivalry win.
Top Performers:
- Camden Lane had a standout performance, finishing with 13 points to lead the Warriors offense.
- Jeremiah Thomas scored 10 points, going a solid 8-of-10 from the free-throw line.
- Kasen Weaver added 9 points while also playing a key role defensively, contributing with tight coverage and energy on both ends.
- Zach Coffee made an impact off the bench, finishing with 4 points, along with several key rebounds and a couple of blocked shots.
- Cooper Anderson chipped in 9 points, contributing solid scoring and effort throughout the game.
What's Next:Â With the win, West Branch improves to 4-7 on the season and 2-3 in the EBC. The Warriors will look to build on their momentum as they travel to Louisville tomorrow to face the Leopards, with tip-off scheduled for approximately 7:00Â PM, following the JV game.
