Beloit, OH -- There's always at least one instant classic-type game each season for the West Branch varsity boys basketball team, and last night's game was a perfect example. The Warriors welcomed visiting Dalton to Beloit for a non-conference clash.
Dalton came out firing from the start. The Bulldogs couldn't miss from three-point range, burying three triples, while also controlling the boards and attacking the basket. West Branch knew they were in for a tough battle, but they came to play as well. Cooper Anderson and Joey Jackson got off to hot starts, and the Warriors trailed just 18-17 after the first quarter.
Meanwhile, Dalton continued its three-point barrage, knocking down another three in the second quarter, each coming from a different player. Despite not hitting a single three-pointer as a team in the first half, Jeremiah Thomas used his quickness to get to the rim, scoring seven out of his team's 13 second-quarter points. At halftime, West Branch trailed 36-30.
Third quarters have been a struggle for the Warriors this season, and last night was no exception. The quarter started slow, and the Warriors found themselves down by as many as 10 points at 49-39. However, things started to turn around as they went on a run to close out the quarter strong. A made layup by Gavin Gregory at the buzzer cut the deficit to 51-48.
Kasen Weaver hit a big three to tie the game at the start of the fourth, but Dalton responded with a quick 6-0 run, courtesy of back-to-back threes to go up by six. Once again, Coach Loudon's team didn't back down. They answered with big shots from different players, managing to tie the game. The defense stepped up, not allowing Dalton to get a final shot, sending the game into overtime.
In overtime, no shot was bigger than Camden Lane's three-pointer, paired with solid defense and Cooper Anderson stepping up in key moments as the Warriors secured a thrilling 76-71 victory over Dalton.
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What's Next: West Branch will be back in action on Friday against Girard. It will be Senior Night, and the seniors will be recognized after the JV game.
