Bulldogs avoid upset by Valle with second-half play

By DONN ADAMSON / Daily Journal Sports Editor

LEADWOOD - The West County Bulldogs came into their Saturday Homecoming Game leading the Small-School conference at 5-0, but the Valle Warriors, at 2-3, had upset on their minds as they gave the Bulldogs a handful of trouble, before West County was able to put the game away with excellent free throw shooting.

“Their kids were really prepared. Coach (Kyle) Marquart really had them ready for us tonight,” said West County coach Chad Mills in respect for Valle's effort.

West County sank their last six free throws to hang on for the 44-40. Falling behind in the final minutes, Valle was forced to foul as the Bulldogs were not willing to shoot the ball.

“Our boys executed the delay game really well,” said Coach Mills. “They were able to run two-and-a-half minutes off the clock, and then did an excellent job of hitting their free throws at the end.”

The game started with neither team having a handle on scoring points. Three minutes plus had run off before Nathan Grass mad a conventional three for Valle. West County answered right back with a basket by Sam Luebbers. Luebbers would go on score all seven of West County's points and pull down five rebounds in the first quarter.

With West County going 3-15 in the first quarter, only Valle's turnovers kept the Bulldogs close. West County continued to struggle in shooting, but Valle were able to get to the free throw line and pull out to a nine point lead at the half.

The Bulldogs became more patient on offense in the second half and were able to work the ball in for closer shots and going on a 13-2 run. Brandon Dane took over shooting leadership in the third quarter for West County. The 6'1” senior pulled down four boards and scored eight points in the quarter to help the Bulldogs pull ahead by two points at the break.

Early baskets by Luebbers and Dane gave West County a six point lead. The Bulldogs defense denied Valle easy shots, but Dan Rozier hit a three, and West County went into their delay game forcing Valle to eventually foul. Valle would close to within two with a three-pointer by Kyle Basler, but Luebbers sank his third and fourth free throw in a row to close out the scoring.

Valle 9 15 8 8 - 40

West County 7 8 19 10 - 44

Valle - Odneal 10, Grass 7, Hermann 7, Basler 7, Meyer 4, Rozier 3, Sexauer 2.

West County - Luebbers 19, Dane 10, Whelehon 6, Mosier 5, Miller 4.

3-Pointers: Rozier, Basler.