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| West’s Andrew Bodenheimer soars above a North Davidson opponent in CPC play. |
Coach David Laton’s credo paid off in a big way for the West Forsyth boys varsity basketball team last week. Faced with the possibility of an 0-2 start in Central Piedmont Conference play, the Titans used strong defense in pressure situations to withstand a fierce challenge from North Davidson.
The resulting Titan victory in overtime proved that West’s recent loss to Reynolds had not been in vain. In that game, the West defense had been unable to get stops during pivotal moments of the second half. As a result, the Demons walked away with a 13-point victory.
Against the Black Knights, the Titans built a 10-point lead in the first half but were facing defeat when North controlled the ball with 10 seconds to play and the score tied 65-65. But this time the West defense responded in positive fashion and forced a bad shot in the closing seconds of regulation.
In the extra period, West dominated from the outset and went on to capture an 85-78 victory.
Pacing the West attack were Kyle Boardman and Alan Jones. Boardman finished with 29 points and 12 rebounds while Jones dropped in 21 points. Justin Johnson also reached double figures with 14 points.
The win left both teams with 1-1 records in league play.
In a nonconference game played late last week, West fell to Winston-Salem Prep 82-72. Boardman led West offensively with 19 points. Johnson and Phil Kostelic followed with 14 each while Andrew Bodenheimer scored 12. Jones finished with eight points and also hauled down 10 rebounds.
This week West will pursue a Frank Spencer Holiday Classic championship. The Titans will meet Parkland in the first round of the local bracket on Wednesday night at 8:30.
“We’re looking forward to it,” Laton said. “The local bracket has some very good teams in it. This will be a good test for us.”
• In girls play, West fell to North Davidson but crushed Winston-Salem Prep 50-11.
Against Prep, Amber Miller led the way for the Titans with 11 points.
West, now 6-4, will compete in a holiday tournament at Morganton Freedom this week.