Boys basketball: South Central edges Westville for Mid-Winter Classic title

Updated: December 29, 2011 12:10AM

UNION MILLS — South Central regained the Mid-Winter Classic title against defending champion Westville, but it didn’t come easy. The Satellites needed overtime to secure the 69-64 win.

“We sure made it interesting,” South Central coach Dan Warkentien said. “And unfortunately, we have lost big leads a few times this season, but I am pleased that the boys were able to keep their composure and focus and hold off a very competitive opponent in Westville.”

It was a tale of two halves as South Central dominated the first half, and Westville the second.

Leading by as many as 13 points, the Satellites were in command throughout the first half. Hot 3-point shooting by South Central’s Ben Rosebaum helped carry the Satellites to a 35-22 half time lead.

The second half was all Westville as the Blackhawks came out the aggressor both offensively and defensively and turned the game around early. Westville got within one of South Central with solid shooting and an impressive defensive attack. The defensive pressure applied by Westville caused havoc for the Satellites, forcing them to commit costly turnovers.

South Central regained its composure late and was coasting with an eight-point lead in the fourth quarter, but Westville kept up the pressure and got within three with time running out.

Westville’s Brian Popp was the hero late, hitting a clutch 3-point shot with time running out to tie the game at 60-60.

The overtime period was a back-and-forth battle, but South Central held off the late surge to take the win and the tournament title.

 South Central (4-4) had solid offensive performances from Marcus Kammrath (16 points), Adam Clindaniel (14 points), and Blaine Howell (13 points).

 

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