VARSITY GIRLS — West Liberty-Salem 52, Mechanicsburg 46
West Liberty-Salem leaned on stifling defense and late-game composure to fend off a furious Mechanicsburg rally and earn a 52–46 rivalry win Monday night.
The Lady Tigers came out firing, using suffocating on-ball defense and quick transition offense to seize control early. Mechanicsburg struggled to find any rhythm in the opening quarter, as WL-S raced out to a 12–3 lead after one.
The momentum carried into the second quarter, with the Tigers stretching the advantage to 17–3 before Mechanicsburg began to settle in offensively. The Lady Indians closed the half on a 9–4 run, but West Liberty-Salem still held a 21–12 edge at the break.
West Liberty-Salem briefly pushed the lead higher early in the second half, but Mechanicsburg stormed back behind senior guard Taylor Heizer. Heizer caught fire from beyond the arc, knocking down multiple three-pointers as the Lady Indians ramped up their full-court pressure, forcing turnovers that led to transition buckets. The comeback peaked when Heizer drilled a three-pointer with about 2:30 remaining to tie the game at 46.
From there, however, Mechanicsburg’s offense went cold. West Liberty-Salem answered with crucial defensive stops, controlled the glass, and knocked down clutch free throws down the stretch to seal the hard-fought win.
Ava Astorino led the Lady Tigers with 16 points, followed by Addi Wallen with 13 and Ellery Wygal with 10. Ava Poppe and Lucy Cole added six points apiece, while Arianna Weaver finished with one.
Heizer led all scorers with 24 points for Mechanicsburg. Clair Rodgers added 13 points, Isabella Rodgers scored five, and Clara Forrest finished with four.
With the win, West Liberty-Salem improves to 16–2 overall and 14–2 in the OHC, clinching at least a share of the OHC North title with Fairbanks for the second straight season. The Lady Tigers can secure their first outright league championship since the 2020–21 season if Fairbanks falls to Northeastern on Tuesday, February 10.
Head coach Dennis McIntosh talks about the feeling of earning the conference title and about the performance from his players during the contest.
With the win, West Liberty-Salem improves to 16–2 overall and 14–2 in the OHC, clinching at least a share of the OHC North title, for the second straight season, with Fairbanks. The Lady Tigers can secure their first outright league championship since the 2020–21 season if Fairbanks falls to Northeastern on Tuesday, February 10.
Full highlights of the game will be available later today.
JV — West Liberty-Salem 53, Mechanicsburg 36
Karlee Lucas led the Lady Tigers with 12 points.
VARSITY BOYS — Bellefontaine 68, Vandalia Butler 57
Bellefontaine picked up a big non-league win Tuesday night, defeating Vandalia Butler 68–57.
The Chiefs placed four players in double figures, led by Grayson Lotts with 16 points. Jair Mundy added 14 points, CJ Butler scored 12, and Blake Loomis finished with 11. Patrick Stolly chipped in seven points, while Jamison Clement added six.
Bellefontaine improves to 9–9 on the season.
JV — Vandalia Butler 45, Bellefontaine 34
AJ Conaway led the Chiefs with 14 points.
FRESHMEN — Vandalia Butler 68, Bellefontaine 38
Matthew Dearwester scored 12 points for Bellefontaine, while Tyrin Johnson added 10.
Bellefontaine returns to action Friday night, traveling to Jonathan Alder for a CBC matchup.
VARSITY BOYS — Benjamin Logan 69, Elgin 43
The Raiders earned a convincing road win Tuesday night, rolling past Elgin 69–43.
Maddox Vermillion led all scorers with 19 points, adding seven rebounds and two steals. Christian Rogan finished with 15 points, three assists, and two steals, while Clayton Jenkins contributed 14 points, three rebounds, and two blocks. Roman Maxwell scored eight points with four rebounds and two steals, Peyton Vermillion added nine points along with three rebounds, two assists, and two blocks, and Cayden Brown chipped in two points, seven rebounds, and a steal.
JV — Raiders 65, Elgin 31
Adam Tinsman led the Raiders with 19 points. Owen Stratton added 13.
JVB — Raiders 50, Elgin 6
Gabe Predmore scored 10 points, while Micah Gregg added eight and Karson McCoy finished with seven.
VARSITY BOYS — Indian Lake 77, Kenton Ridge 75
Indian Lake edged Kenton Ridge in a pivotal, tight CBC matchup Tuesday night, pulling out a 77–75 victory.
Brodey Reisinger led the Lakers with 26 points. Avery Pequignot followed with 17 points, while Cooper Hall scored 12. Tyler Tidwell and Weston Campbell each added eight points in the win.
JV — Indian Lake 39, Kenton Ridge 26
Reed Strayer led Indian Lake with 12 points.
