Westran wins in overtime

By Kris Childs

The Westran Hornets played the Harrisburg Bulldogs in the first round of district play Tuesday night at Westran high school. Westran being a three seed and Harrisburg being a six seed in the tournament would seem to favor Westran’s chances. Harrisburg had only won five games during the regular season but after talking to Westran coach Scott Floyd he made it clear that Harrisburg was not to be underestimated.

Harrisburg won the tip off and scored the first points of the game and dominated Westran through the first quarter. After one Harrisburg was up 22-13 and seemed to be in control of the game. The Bulldogs were able to get inside and score and keep Westran on their heels for much of the first half. Although Westran’s leading scorer Bryce Enyard was injured in the half they managed to tighten the gap before halftime and only trailed by five.

After the half Westran was back to full strength but still couldn’t manage to click on all cylinders. The Hornets had no trouble getting the ball to their inside men Tycie Linneman and Tyler Hunt, but often struggled to finish. After three quarters Harrisburg still held a healthy lead of 46-39.

Going into the fourth Westran had to put something together if they wanted keep their season alive. Midway through the fourth Harrisburg imbounded the ball which was stolen by Bryce Enyard and in doing so proceeded to steal the momentum of the game after a quick dunk that all but blew the roof of of Westrans gymnasium. The Hornets continued to chip away at the lead and with :59 seconds left in the game they were within 3 points of Harrisburg. As the clock continued to wind down the Hornets drew to within one trailing 56-55. Westran intentionally fouled to save the clock and sent Harrisburg to the free throw line. Tyler Hudlow of Harrisburg made one of his two free throws giving them a two point lead with :18 left in regulation. With enough time for one more play Westran ran down the court and Bryce Enyard put up a ten foot jumper that was no good. Tycie Linneman rebounded and with two defenders on him powered through the defense and tied the game at 58-58 with a lay up with :07 seconds remaining. Harrisburg was unable to score sending the game in to overtime

In overtime Harrisburg took the lead at the free throw line but soon after Westran took its first lead of the game at 60-59. Both teams spent ample time shooting free throws in overtime. Westran’s Drake Buffington went up for a lay-up and was fouled but managed to make the bucket and convert the three point play giving them the lead 65-63. After Tyler Hunt was fouled with 0:26 remaining he made one of his two free throws giving Westran a three point lead. Harrisburg ran down the court and managed to get an open look from behind the three point line but was no good. The Bulldogs maintained possession of the ball and went up for one more three but was blocked by Drake Buffington. The Hornets added one more point before the time expired and sealed their victory 67-63.