17-02-2025
Rivals meet in district semifinals on Game of the Week
BELOIT, Ohio (WKBN) – It's playoff time across the state. WKBN has the privilege of bringing you one of the best rivalries in the area – Salem and West Branch – with an added twist – win and move on; lose and go home.
This Tuesday, you'll get to watch all the action live on MyYTV or stream on as the High School Basketball Game of the Week will be in Beloit for this big-time showdown.
The winner will move on to the Division 4 Northeast 3 District championship game.
High School Girls Basketball Game of the WeekTuesday, February 18, 2025, at 7 pm LIVE on MyYTV; streamed LIVE on (11-12) at West Branch (20-2)
*Same-day tape delay on MyYTV at 10 pm
Last 5 MeetingsJan. 29, 2025 – West Branch, 36-32Dec. 11, 2024 – West Branch, 34-24Jan. 31, 2024 – West Branch, 40-34Dec. 13, 2023 – West Branch, 49-23Feb. 1, 2023 – Salem, 43-29
Recent MeetingWest Branch outscored Salem – 11-8 – in the final quarter to post a 36-32 win over Salem at the end of January. Audrey Eaton led the Warriors with 12 while Tallie Muniz added 8 points. Reese Davidson-Chuck led all scorers with 14 points to go along with 5 assists and 5 steals for the Quakers.
Team StatisticsScoring Offense: West Branch, 45.3; Salem, 43.5Scoring Defense: West Branch, 27.2; Salem, 39.3
Game Notes
West Branch has won its last four meetings with Salem.
The series has seen four of the past five contests decided by 10 points or less.
The Warriors have won 14 of its last fifteen games; only loss during that stretch was a 4-point setback at Canfield (35-31).
Coach Walt DeShields' focus is on defense. The effort has been there once again as West Branch has not allowed a single opponent in their last 15 outings to score 40 points or more.
In West Branch's regular-season finale, the Warriors topped Howland – 39-32. Trailing by 3 (20-17) at halftime, the Warriors outscored the Tigers in the final sixteen minutes by 10 points. Audrey Eaton paced West Branch with 10 points; Mati Hawk and Hallie Vie Burton each scored 9.
Salem finished the regular slate by going 3-2 over its final five outings including a 5-point win over Ursuline (45-40) and a 1-point victory over Canton South (51-50).
Karli Sampson connected on a game-winning 3-point shot with 2 seconds remaining in the Canton South win. It was her lone field goal of the day. Reese Davidson-Chuck led all Quakers with 24 points while Abby Knickerbocker posted 11.
The Quakers recorded an even 6-6 mark away from John A. Cabas Gymnasium this year.
Reese Davidson-Chuck finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds and eight steals in Salem's 56-34 victory over Struthers on Saturday in their playoff opener. Abby Knickerbocker also scored 14 and hauled in 5 boards.
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