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The Western Indians are one step away from the State Final 4 after advancing to Friday’s title game with a 63-55 win over SOC foe Lucasville Valley in the Division 4 Regional Semis at the Ohio University Convocation Center. They will face Berlin Hiland as the Hawks advanced with a 63-62 double-overtime win over Newark Catholic.
The (25-2) Western Indians will be attempting to make their first state tournament appearance since 1968.
Western fell behind 7-0 to start the game, but went on a tear the rest of the first quarter, taking a 13-12 after one quarter. They held a 30-28 halftime advantage and got their biggest lead at 46-34 at 2:37 of the third quarter and held that spread at 47-35 after 3 quarters.
(20-5) Valley made a fourth quarter run, cutting it to 48-42 with 5:03 to play, but a jumper by Noah Whitt and a couple of free throws putting Western up 51-42 with 4:05 left.
Valley brought it back to within 51-45 with 2:13 remaining, but Bryce Stuart fouled out after a break-away dunk, followed by two Western free throws for a 53-45 lead. With 2 minutes remaining, Western led Valley 55-47.
Valley cut it to 55-49 with 1:32 left and had the ball after a pair of free throws by George Arnett and a Western turnover.
Western would not allow Valley to get any closer, winning 63-55 behind Chase Carter’s game-high 21 points and 10 rebounds. Noah Whitt added 15 points/11 rebounds and Drew Haggy had 13 points. Kolten Miller added 9, Reed Brewster 4 and Kam Janes 1. Valley was led by Bryce Stuart’s 17, 14 from George Arnett, Colten Buckle with 10, Levi Stewart 6, Copley, Nickle, Edwards combine for 6 points.
Western shot 22/53 from the field- including 4/14 from the arc for 45%. They were 15/27 from the charity stripe.
Valley was held to 21/60 from the field- including only 1/16 from the arc for 35%. They added 10/14 from the free throw line.
Western won the rebounding battle 42-37, but committed 17 turnovers to 14 for Valley.
Western will play Berlin Hiland in the D-4 Regional Championship at 7pm Friday at the Convo. Hiland rallied from a 62-58 deficit to beat Newark Catholic heartbreaking 63-62 double overtime loss in the Division 4 regional semifinals. Sammy Detweiler was one of three Hawks in double figures, leading with 17 points.
The Hawks improve to (22-4) while Newark Catholic’s season ends at (14-12).
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