The West Branch boys basketball team faced Aliquippa Wednesday night in the PIAA Sweet 16. The Warriors stayed close in scoring with Aliquippa in the first quarter. Unfortunately, their shots were not falling, and at halftime, Aliquippa led 50-20. The game would end with a score of 84-29.
Sophomore Joel Evans led the team with eight points and eight rebounds. Owen Koleno chipped in with seven points and six rebounds. Lone senior Kyle Kolesar finished his career with two points and four rebounds.
Senior Kyle Kolesar says, “This season meant a lot to me. Going out there and having fun everyday and having one of the best records in school history made it so much more special.”
The Warriors had a great run this season by making it to the District 6 Championship and passing the first round of states. The Warriors made history playing in the second round of states by it being their 29th game of the season, which is the most ever in the program’s history. They finished their season with a record of 20-9.
Coach Danny Clark says, “It was a great season! That is the 4th time in our program’s history we have reached 20 wins. It was such a fun season with them and their determination. I knew we would be a tough team to beat this year, but they exceeded our expectations. We played 29 games. They improved as the season went on and won a home state playoff game, 1st ever in school history. We made the Sweet 16 only the 2nd time ever. We were a very young team with only one senior in Kyle Kolesar, and we will have everyone back for another big run next winter. I am so proud of all of the guys and the season they all had.”
With only graduating one senior from this year’s team, the Warriors expect to have a similar lineup next year and hope to have just as incredible a season as they did this year.
