Western’s Dream Season Closes With Regional Final Loss to Hiland

Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc.

The Western Indians saw their fantastic boys basketball season come to a close Friday, falling to the Berlin Hiland Hawks 56-46 in the Division 4 Regional Championship at Ohio University’s Convocation Center.

The Indians had the edge after the first quarter with a 12-9 lead, but the Hawks ended the first half on a 6-0 run and 12-5 down the stretch for a 26-19 halftime advantage. 

Western shot a chilly 8/24 from the field in the first half- including 3/10 from the arc and never went to the foul line. Hiland was 11/19 from the field in eluding 1/4 from the arc and 3/4 from the charity stripe.

In the third quarter, the Hawks grabbed their largest lead at that point with a 28-19 advantage, but the Indians got to within four- three times before falling behind 40-34 with 2:02 in the period. That’s when the Indians went on an 7-0 run for a 41-40 lead after three quarters.

The game’s momentum turned to the Hawks with an 8-0 start in the fourth quarter for a 48-41 lead.

Western made 2 steals but turned it over both times as Hawks went up 50-45 lead at 1:29 remaining. The Hawks lead went to 52-46 with :43 left and timeout called. The Hawks took care of business at the foul line to close out the game, en-route to their 56-46 victory. 

The Indians close out their best post-season since 2016 with a (24-3) record, SOC 1 co-championship, sectional and district title and regional runner-up.

Chase Carter led Western with 16 points, Noah Whitt 11 points and Drew Haggy with 7 points. Reed Brewster added 5, Kolten Miller 4 and Kam Janes with 3. The Indians shot 16/40- including 6/16 from the arc for only 40%. They were 3/4 at the free throw line.

Hiland was led by Chris Shetler’s 17 points, 11 from Sammy Detweiler, Tony Yoder with 8, Alex Yoder 6, 5 each from Grant Miller and Caden Miller and 2 each from Phin Killy and Dyland Weaver.

Hiland was 21/36- including 2/10 from the arc for 58%. They added 12/21 at the foul line.

Western had 15 turnovers to 12 for Hiland and both teams had 21 rebounds.

(23-4) Hiland plays Richmond Heights in the State Semis at 10:45am Saturday, March 19th after they beat St. Thomas Aquinas 77-54. The boys state tournament is at the University of Dayton Arena.