Presented by Rathkamp Financial
It’s been thirteen years since the boys from Latham, Ohio have celebrated back-to-back Sectional Championships. At that time, some of the current players were just taking their first steps.
Western’s 69-37 win over Miller Friday harkened emotions from 2008 when the Indians last reached the District Final.
Celebrating has been fresh in their minds on the heels of beating Symmes Valley a week ago for a share of the SOC I title.
Coach Doug Williams says his team knows the job’s not done. They’ll face Federal-Hocking in the D-IV District semi-finals at Wellston HS on February 26th at 3:30pm.
Western blistered the nets Friday against Miller, pouring in nine three- pointers in the first half.
The Indians complemented a 21-11 performance in the 1st Quarter with a 15-0 run to open the second. They outscored the Falcons 27-7 for a 48-18 lead at the break.
The offensive attack was led by Noah Whitt’s 16-points. But there was plenty of action spread across the board for the Tribe’s starting five. Kolten Miller added 15-points, Reed Brewster dropped in 12, including three 3’s in the first period while Drew Haggy and Chase Carter had 8-points apiece.
Western’s aggressive offensive approach has been their modus operandi in 2021-22. “We always want to go punch somebody in the mouth right off the bat” said Williams. “If that other team is supposed to beat us, it’s a surprise. If they’re not supposed to beat us, maybe they stop playin’. We always want to strike first.”
The moniker displayed on the back of the team’s warmup is “Attack” which is what Williams wants his team to be known for.
“We know we’re not gonna be the biggest team on the floor – we’re not always the most athletic team on the floor, but we talk everyday about being blue collar, workin’ hard, sitting down and guarding” all elements that will help a team win a game.
Equally impressive were the defensive efforts, which frustrated Miller into multiple one-and-out possessions.
The one bright spot for the Falcons came in the fourth when Kylan McClain hit a free throw to reach 1,000 points for his career. McClain was limited to just 6-points.
Western (21-2) heads to Wellston High School next Saturday to face Federal-Hocking, a 68-61 winner over Whiteoak Friday night. The winner advances to the District Final on March 4th.
For those planning to attend game, tournament tickets are not available at the door of the facilities. Tickets can be purchased in advance online here.
SCORING:
MILLER (37) – Kylan McClain, 6; Tre McCoy, 0; Jack Hoskinson, 0; Conner Kaido, 0; Logan Doughty, 8; Cory Elson, 3; Austin Perry, 2; Quin McCabe, 3, Sam Rutter, 10, Ethan Wilson, 5.
WESTERN (69) – Reed Brewster, 12; Sean Kerns, 6; Tyler Kerns, 0; Kam Janes, 0; Logan Lightle, 0; Drew Haggy, 8; Nic Lightle, 0; Kolten Miller, 15; Colt Henderson, 0; Wyatt Grooms, 1; Dylon Shelpman, 0; Noah Whitt, 16; Gavin Myers, 3; Chase Carter; 8; Zavier Tilley, 0.
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