West continues unbeaten run
Byron Keyes pushes the ball for West during Thursday’s big win over Morrison.
No test has been too tough for the West Wizards so far this season. The program, which is on the verge of getting a new gym and hoping to establish a winning culture before it's even ready, continues to be on the rise this year, with Thursday's matchup proving to be another stepping stone of success.
West beat perennial county powerhouse Morrison 32-14, staying perfect at 4-0 as it continues to hold the top spot in the standings.
Even though the Wizards have to travel even for home games – Thursday's matchup, like all the Wizard home games, was at Bobby Ray – they seem to make themselves comfortable on any local hardwood. The matchup with the Eagles played out like all the other matchups this season – a relatively close first quarter that was followed by the Wizards slowly pulling away.
Cam Chadwell again showed his point guard skills, slashing his way to a team-high 10 points while also setting up teammates with easy layups and open jumpers. Malik Ellis had the hot hand from the perimeter against Morrison, sinking jumpers on his way to eight points.
West led 10-4 after the first quarter, but saw the lead balloon to double figures – 21-6 – by the break. And the team's relentless defense was a big reason why.
Morrison had trouble getting any open looks against the West press and the Wizards turned any steal or rebound into a track meet. Nobody has shown they can keep up with that speed for four quarters yet.
"(We) Got to finish around the rim better, but they are figuring out the recipe of what it takes for them to succeed," said West coach Bracton Womack. "We strive for relentless pursuit from opening tip to final horn, and they are definitely gaining confidence with each game."
Morrison did punch back in the third, getting a bucket and free throw from Trey Hawkins and a layup from James Starkey, but West countered with baskets from Ellis and Byron Keyes as the double-digit lead stayed intact the final 20 minutes.
Keyes finished with seven points, followed by four points from DJ Ramirez and two from Princeton Scott. Karson Jones rounded out West's scoring with a late free throw.
Trey Hawkins led Morrison with seven points, followed by two points each from Luke Harris, Mason Kuehnhold and Starkey. Sawyer McCormick finished with one point.
The Wizards have now won all four games by double figures, including victories over Hickory Creek, Eastside, Centertown and Morrison. While the early results have established West as the team to chase, Womack isn't overlooking the challenges still ahead.
"We just gotta keep taking it one opponent at a time. There are a lot of very capable teams in this league," said Womack.
More coverage from the 3-5 grade games Thursday night will follow on The Warren County Way website.
