WCH Snaps Decade Long Hoops Title Drought- Beating Miami Trace 51-28

Article Written By Hometown-Motors, Inc.

After 10 years of waiting, the Washington Blue Lions boys basketball team has won a conference championship, doing it in convincing fashion with a 51-28 drubbing of rival Miami Trace on the Panthers home court.

The title is the first for Washington in the Frontier Athletic Conference for boys basketball. The common denominator in this title and the last- Shannon Bartruff was head coach of both squads, with the one 10 years ago in the former SCOL.

Miami Trace drives against to basket vs WCH: Litter Media/Mike Smith

The Blue Lions swept the regular season series against the Panthers, winning 74-53 at home and 51-28 at Miami Trace, to win the title with a (9-1) FAC record. They also improve to (17-4) on the regular season, while Miami Trace falls to (8-2/16-4).

The Blue Lions led 10-4 after the first quarter, 25-8 at halftime, 46-19 after three quarters, then ate up most of the fourth quarter clock holding the ball when the Panthers were content to stay in a zone for most of the period.

Washington’s defense was outstanding, holding Miami Trace to only two- first half field goals at 2/12 for 17%. For the game, the Panthers were 9/28 for 32%- including 3/8 from the arc and went 7/9 from the foul line.

The Blue Lions shot 17/42 for the game for 40%- including 4/9 from the arc and added 12/18 from the charity stripe.

WCH won the rebounding battle 25-18, but also committed 17 turnovers to only 10 from Miami Trace.

Washington had four players in double figures, led by Tanner Lemaster and John Wall with 11 points each. Lemaster also had 5 rebounds and held 6’8 Miami Trace center Andrew Guthrie to 2 points. Isaiah Haithcock had a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Michael Beardon added 10 points and 6 rebounds. Raleigh Haithcock added 5 points while Garrett Rickman and Gabe Tayese each scored 2 points.

Litter Media’s Mike Smith interviewed Isaiah Haithcock after the game. WATCH THE INTERVIEW BELOW:

Washington’s Isaiah Haithcock one of four Blue Lions in double figures with 10 points/10 rebounds as WCH wins FAC title 51-28 over Miami Trace. pic.twitter.com/RYq8s0SP14
— Litter Media (@litter_media) February 5, 2023

Miami Trace was led by Austin Boedecker’s 6 points, Isaiah Reisinger scored 4, Zachary Warnock, Coledon May and Trey Robinette each with 3, Andrew Guthrie, Shay Salyers, Tate landrum, Bryson Osborne each with 2 points, and Adam Guthrie with 1 point.

Mike Smith also spoke with Washington Head Coach Shannon Bartruff after the game. CLICK the YouTube Arrow below to see the interview: