The Washington Court House Blue Lions picked up a win over non-conference opponent Whiteoak Friday night in their first game back after the holiday break, 60-44.
The game started out looking like it was going to be a back and forth battle with each team trading buckets. Dillon Steward knocked down 2 three point shots and ended the first quarter with 9 points while Whiteoak's Hunter Ruckel had 8 of his teams 12 in the first quarter. The Blue Lions led 15-12 after the first. Both teams shot the ball well to start the game with the Whiteoak shooting 55 % on nine shots and burying 2 three's. Washington shot 46% making 6-13 and also had 2 three's.
The second quarter saw the Blue Lions out score Whiteoak 14-9 to take a nice 8 point lead into the half 29-21. Washington outplayed the Wildcats in the half but Whiteoak kept the game close with second chance buckets, that and the Blue Lions shot just 2-8 from the free throw line in the half. The Blue Lions did knock down 5 first half three point shots, 3 of which came from Dillon Steward. The teams were even on rebounds with each team pulling down 13 but Whiteoak had 6 offensive rebounds. Turnovers weren't really a factor as Washington had 5 and Whiteoak just 3.
The third quarter belonged to Washington as they turned up the heat on the defensive side as the Wildcats couldn't get an open look. Every shot was contested and it was nearly impossible to pass the ball without a Blue Lion defender getting his hand on the ball. Washington outscored Whiteoak 20-10 in the third to take a 49-31 lead into the final quarter.
Whiteoak did outscore the Blue Lions in the final period 13-11 but it wasn't enough as Washington Court House was able to cruise to a 60-44 victory.
On the night the Blue Lions shot 25-52 for 48%, they were 9-20 from beyond the arc for 45%, committed 8 turnovers and pulled down 19 rebounds but were just 3-12 from the free throw line for 25%. Leading all scores was Dillon Steward who dropped 24 points going 5-6 from beyond the arc. Evan Upthegrove added 13 points. Washington moves their overall record to 6-2 (4-1).
Whiteoak was led in scoring by Hunter Ruckel who 10 points all in the first half. Deavin Cumberland added 9 as did Atlee Carr. Whiteoak shot 20-43 from the field for 47% and knocked down 3-11 from three point range for 27%, they committed 11 turnovers and had 19 rebounds. They were just 1-2 from the free throw line.