Braxton plays Frankfort to decide who goes to states
By Shirley Shuman
On their way to the sectional championship, the Eagles defeated South Harrison and then took on Trinity Christian. Winning that game in double overtime gave Braxton the sectional championship and the opportunity to play Frankfort for the regional championship and a place in the WV state basketball tournament.
In the Eagles’ 53-43 win over the South Harrison Hawks, Landon Stewart led the team in scoring with 15 points. Two other players—Steve Boggs with 13 and Riley Hunt with 10 also scored in double figures. Ryken Rutherford added 3 points, Brady Toler 3, Owen Lowther 4, and Jamie Nettles 4.
Describing the win over the Hawks, Eagles’ coach Josh Lunceford said the team “played a sloppier game than what we liked but a lot of the reason for that was the game plan that South Harrison came in with.” He added, “We were able to put it together when it counted.”
The game against Trinity for the sectional championship proved more difficult, but the Eagles were equal to the challenge. Coach Lunceford called the 63-59 win in double overtime “the most complete and executed game plan we have had all season.” Continuing, the coach said, “Since starting 0-8, we have come on strong to the tune of a 10-3 record since. Players are learning their role and are doing what they need to do to help us win as a team.”
Four Braxton players scored in double figures in the win against Trinity. Once again, Stewart led scoring, this time with 17 points. Boggs put in 14, Hunt 13, and Toler 10. Other scoring included Nettles with 5, and Lowther 4.
The Eagles will take on Frankfort Wednesday at the Braxton County Armory. Coach Lunceford noted, “We will have to play a very good game. Frankfort is a very talented and very well-coached basketball team.” The game begins at 7 p.m.
