Westfall Runs Past RCCA 92-80
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There was no lack of offense in Thursday’s 92-80 non-conference battle between Westfall and Ross County Christian Academy.
The action was reminiscent of the OUC Hilltopper days of the past at OU-Chillicothe’s Shoemaker Center. Both teams had four players score in double figures and dropping three-point shots at will.
“They (RCCA) got the ball out of the net quick and got it down the floor” said Westfall’s Kyle Joseph after the game on Litter Media RADIO. “We kinda struggled containing their break, getting ahead, stopping the ball, guarding it… It was a tough challenge for us.”
Westfall opened with an early lead, but the Eagles stormed back to pull within 21-19 through the first period. Both teams slugged it out with RCCA taking a 31-29 advantage. The Mustangs went on a 16-2 run that culminated in a 33-point second quarter for a 54-39 score at halftime.
“It was a fun game. I think that’s the biggest takeaway… That’s not how our tournament game is gonna look” said Joseph. “Offensively, especially in that second quarter, we did some really good things.”
The Eagles adjusted and whittled the 15-point margin to 64-61midway through the third. Westfall responded with another run to close out the third 70-61.
The Mustangs maintained the gap for the final 8-minutes for the 92-80 win.
Westfall took advantage of hitting the boards getting second chance points and forced the Eagles into too many one-shot-and-out possessions. RCCA didn’t help themselves from the line either, making just 14-of-29. Meanwhile, Westfall dropped in 10-of-11.
“That’s just one of those things” said RCCA’s Matt Jude of the Mustangs domination on the boards. “Westfall’s physical… They definitely killed us on the glass as far as getting offensive rebounds, and we’ve got to get more second chances. The guys played hard. I’m really proud of them … We’ve just gotta keep choppin’ and hopefully learn something from this and give up a few less points next time.”
Westfall closed out its regular season at 9-13 and travels to New Lexington to open the OHSAA tournament next Thursday at 7pm.
RCCA (13-8) is on the road to heads to Millersport Friday and returns to OU-Chillicothe Saturday night to host Miami Valley Home School. The Eagles will honor their Senior players before the 7:30pm tip-off.
SCORING:
WESTFALL (92): Joe Wray, 23; Bryan Craig, 19; Hayden Rigsby, 16; Brock Williams, 12; Jacob Hicks, 8; Rick Hanley, 6; Gavin Packer, 4; Ethan Rose, 3; Caleb Lowe, 1.
RCCA (80): Nathaniel Clevenger, 19; Gabe Bevan, 19; Jayden Beverly, 16; Isaac Kellough, 15; Samuel Clevenger, 9; Daniel Garabedian, 2.
CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW TO HEAR THE POST GAME INTERVIEWS, BEGINNING WITH THE MCDONALD’S PLAYER OF THE GAME, HAYDEN RIGSBY.
