Region 1-AAA: West-Oak vs. Walhalla
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Two weeks remain in the 2023-24 regular season. In spite of the campaign coming down the home stretch, there is still plenty to be decided. Region 1-AAA in the Upper State is a classic example. West-Oak and Walhalla came into…
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Continue ReadingTwo weeks remain in the 2023-24 regular season. In spite of the campaign coming down the home stretch, there is still plenty to be decided.
Region 1-AAA in the Upper State is a classic example. West-Oak and Walhalla came into Tuesday’s big region battle with identical 5-2 region records, but neither top was atop the 1-AAA standings.
That distinction belonged to Daniel (moving to 4A starting next season) and its 6-1 region mark (despite an 11-9 overall showing).
Both the Warriors and Razorbacks entered Tuesday evening’s matchup looking to keep pace with the Lions. The Razorbacks would do just that as they earned a 71-40 victory over the Warriors.
“I (knew) it’d be a pretty tight game, I thought,” Walhalla coach Byron Wimphrie says. “But it was spread more than I thought it would be. But the girls played well.”
Remember What Happened Last Time?
Walhalla got the better of West-Oak the first time these two teams linked up on Jan. 12. The Razorbacks scored a 48-31 win over the Warriors on West-Oak’s home floor.
“I thought the biggest difference is we hit a lot more shots,” Wimphrie says. “We forced them to turn the ball over a bit more. (The Warriors) are a scrappy team, They play hard, they played well together. I think they got rattled a little bit – couple of spurts and then we got away (from them).”
Quarter-By-Quarter
The contest began auspiciously for those sporting the Warriors colors as they jumped out to an early 6-2 advantage. The Razorbacks then responded with an 8-0 run to get back in the matchup. The lively atmosphere was complimented by both West-Oak and Walhalla being knotted up at 11 apiece with eight minutes complete.
Early in the second, the Warriors had a 13-11 advantage. That lead proved to be every bit as short-lived as it was slim. A 15-0 scoring barrage from the Razorbacks tilted the get-together greatly in their favor in frame no. 2. As halftime commenced, Walhalla’s lead over West-Oak was 29-17.
Even the third quarter did not give too many indications that this one would be the blowout it became. Walhalla maintained a double-digit lead, but it was still only 17 points following three quarters. There was still time for West-Oak to make it interesting, but they trailed by a margin of 48-31.
Then…. the first quarter happened and it was a frame that would see the Razorbacks outscore the Warriors 23-9. What appeared to be a competitive matchup on paper would be a 31-point rout when the teams actually took to the court.
Primetime Performers
The Warriors were invited guests to the Kami Roach Kami Roach 5'4" | PG Walhalla | 2026 State SC show on Tuesday evening. Roach tallied 25 points to lead all scorers for either team. The sophomore displayed an ability to score at all three levels – including the four 3-pointers she made. Roach also made plays on defense.
“She’s a go-getter,” Wimphrie says. “She’s a ballplayer, has a really good IQ. I just enjoy coaching her. She’s a great teammate. If she gets hot, she gets hot. So that’s one of the good things. If she’s open, she going to shoot it and that’s what I tell her.”
Another one of the Razorbacks’ guards – Marnie Baxter Marnie Baxter 5'4" | PG Walhalla | 2024 State SC – also was difficult for West-Oak to contain. Baxter added 14 points to Walhalla’s total. She displayed an ability to make 3-pointers, attack the rim and make accurate passes.
Gianna Ortiz Gianna Ortiz 5'11" | PF Walhalla | 2025 State SC was an anchor for the Walhalla frontcourt. The 5-foot-11 standout big concluded her evening with an 11-point showing. Ortiz got things going early for the Razorbacks after they trailed 6-2 early.
West-Oak is a team that has plenty of youth – so it was only fitting that youth was what keyed the Warriors’ efforts. These included the 11 points that were placed on the scoreboard courtesy of freshman Ashton Sosby Ashton Sosby 5'10" | PF West-Oak | 2027 State SC .
Another bright spot for the Warriors came in the form of a sophomore as Joey Burgess contributed 10 points to the West-Oak cause. The Warriors made a total of five 3-pointers for the game. Two of those five departed from Burgess’ hands.
Zoe vs. Zebras
An early sign of trouble for the Warriors occurred in the second quarter when Zoe Sheriff Zoe Sheriff 5'4" | CG West Oak | 2025 State SC , one of West-Oak’s premier players, found herself in early foul trouble. She compiled three personals before the midpoint of the second quarter.
Up Next…
Both teams have two games remaining on their schedules – but neither is against Daniel. The Razorbacks will have Senior Night this Friday vs. Seneca before finishing the season on Feb. 6 at Pendleton. West-Oak will also have its Senior Night this Friday vs. Crescent before traveling to Seneca on Feb. 6 to finish the regular season.