The West Branch freshman basketball team responded in a big way with lots of energy from all 12 players to avenge an early season 55-12 loss to Minerva  with a 44-34 double overtime victory over the Lions. With the score tied at 34 at the end of regulation, neither team could find the basket in the first OT period as Minerva chose to spread the court and hold the ball the majority of the period.  In the second OT, West Branch got a quick bucket and forced Minerva into tough shots while doing an excellent job on the defensive boards.  With Minerva forced to foul, West Branch made its free throws down the stretch to put the game out of hand.  With the win the Warriors improve to 3-8 overall and 3-4 in the EBC.

This team worked hard over Christmas break despite a record of 2-8.  The work paid off in the victory.  Leading the Warriors tonight was Michael McCartney with 11 points.  Dane Martucci added nine points while Kolin Kaley and Logan Hawk each tallied eight points.  Judah Kutz finished the day with six points and Chris Thomas had two for the winners.

Next up:  The Warriors will host Marlington on Thursday at 5:30 to close out its eight game homestand.  The game will be played in the old gym with the Fieldhouse hosting a wrestling match.