West Henderson in position to win first conference title in 17 years after beating Franklin
West Henderson guard Jackson Lyda dribbled right around a forward Cameron Banks’ screen, clinging to a 3-point lead in overtime vs. Franklin.
But the Panthers' defense made a mistake. Guard Josh Zoellner went underneath the screen.
Lyda recognized it. He picked up his dribble, rose up and fired a 3-pointer. Swish. His three was the second of the extra period and gave the Falcons a two-possession lead that they never surrendered on the way to a 68-62 victory at home Friday night.
The win gives West Henderson (16-7, 10-1) a game advantage over the Panthers (19-4, 10-2) for the Mountain 7 regular season title. The Falcons can clinch their first conference championship in 17 years with a victory at Tuscola on Tuesday.
“We wanted to protect our court,” coach Brandon Brooks said. “We wanted to send these five seniors out on a high note. We got ourselves an opportunity and put ourselves in a position to go win it (conference championship). And hopefully, we take care of business on Tuesday.”
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West Henderson trailed for most of the first half and was down by seven at the break, however.
Brooks reminded the Falcons that they haven’t won a conference title in 17 years. He also encouraged them to attack Franklin’s 2-3 zone and stop settling for threes.
They did just that in the second half. Lyda racked up assists by driving inside and finding forward Grant Putnam who found gaps behind the defense along the baseline for layups.
Putnam scored 20 points and also came through for West Henderson late in the fourth quarter and overtime.
He had a key putback layup while drawing the foul after a Lyda miss with 18 seconds left. Putnam hit the game-tying free throw to send the game into overtime. He then nailed a three at the top of the arc to start the extra period.
Forward Truitt Manuel said Putnam has been someone the team can count on in close games, noting that he has stepped up in several big moments this year.
Lyda, guard Lukas Kachilo and Manuel also reached double-figures, scoring 18, 11 and 10.
Lyda said the win feels great because they are changing the perception around the boys' basketball program at West Henderson.
“The history of this basketball team, not really known for basketball players but known for athletes,” Lyda said. “I think we’re starting to bring the program back and just know what West Henderson is about.”
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: West Henderson in position to win first conference title in 17 years
