Lordstown, OH -- The West Branch girls basketball team was eager to take the court Saturday in the Division IV Northeast 2 District Championship against the Streetsboro Rockets. With another opportunity to claim a district title, their first since the 2021-22 season, the Lady Warriors were determined to finish the job after falling in last year's championship game.

West Branch trailed 24 to 17 at halftime after a sluggish first half that did not reflect its usual style of play. Despite the miscues, the deficit remained within reach.

The response coming out of the locker room proved to be the difference.

The Lady Warriors opened the second half on a 7 to 0 run to tie the game at 24, igniting the crowd and shifting the momentum. From that point forward, West Branch settled in and played with confidence and composure, outscoring the Rockets 33 to 16 in the second half to secure the district championship and advance to the regional round.

Madi Hoopes led the way with 19 points and went 9 of 15 from the free throw line. Audrey Eaton and Tallie Muniz each added nine points.

Alli Kanagy contributed five points. Sammi Beatty provided valuable minutes off the bench, scoring four points including a key three pointer. Sydney Lane also finished with four points.

What's Next: West Branch will face Gilmour Academy in the Regional Semifinal on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 8:00 PM at the historic Canton Memorial Fieldhouse. Gilmour Academy entered the postseason as the No. 16 seed in its district but has made an impressive tournament run, winning its district title.