Beloit, OH --
The West Branch Lady Warriors captured their third straight EBC championship Saturday, grinding out a 30-27 defensive battle over Carrollton on Senior Day.
Offense was a struggle for both teams in the first half as Carrollton led 11-10. The Warriors found themselves in a slugfest, which was exactly what Carrollton wanted.
Madi Hoopes kept West Branch in it, scoring all seven of the team's points in the second quarter to trim the deficit to just one at halftime. She wasn't done yet—Hoopes poured in seven more in the third to give the Warriors a slim two-point lead heading into the fourth.
Down the final stretch, senior Alli Kanagy stepped up when it mattered most. She drilled four straight free throws to push the lead to three. Carrollton had their chances, getting two looks to tie at the buzzer, but neither shot fell.
The win was the perfect way to honor seniors Alli Kanagy, Tallie Muniz, Ciara Evans, Sammy Beatty, and Hallie vos Burton as West Branch secured back-to-back-to-back conference titles.
What's Next: The Warriors (15-2) head to rival Salem on Wednesday for their final EBC conference game of the season. Tip-off is set for 6:45 p.m.