West Branch dropped a heart breaker to Beaver Local on Tuesday night 56-55.  The Warriors fall to 3-4 on the season while Beaver Local improves to 8-1.

West Branch overcame a slow start outscoring the Beavers 18-10 in the second quarter to take a one point halftime lead at 24-23, but Beaver Local would come out on fire in the third building a 42-36 lead heading into the final period.  After falling behind by eight points, West Branch used full court pressure and quick transitions to turn an eight point deficit into a two point lead in a matter of a minute halfway through the fourth.  The two teams battled back and forth throughout the final minutes and with :13 left Gavin Gregory made a lay up to tie the game at 54 and was fouled in the process.  Gregory's free throw gave the Warriors a one point lead, but the Beavers quickly responded taking the ball the length of the court and hitting a shot with just under :05 to play.  

Greogry led the Warriors tonight with 17 points.  Grady Hirst added 11 points and despite being held scoreless in the first three periods, Jeremiah Thomas finished with 10 points including a triple.  Chase Gee chipped in six on two three's and Brock Woost had six.

Next up:  The Warriors will host Canfield on Saturday, January 3rd at 7 PM.  The game is the annual Hall of Fame game with the new inductees being announced between the JV and Varsity game at approximately 6:30 PM.