HANOVERTON Size matters in basketball. It played a big role in West Branch defeating United on the road 64-53. The Warrior front court trio of Brandon Ferguson (6'8"), Jake Gonci (6'5") and Tylor Rockwell (6'4") was too much to handle for a United team who's tallest player is only 6'3".

As a team, West Branch blocked nine United shots and they prevented the Golden Eagles from getting many good looks close to the basket.

"We got shirts printed up this year that say 'block party' on them," West Branch coach John Hancock said. "It was meant to help fire up our crowd but the guys took it to heart. They did a nice job altering shots and keeping them away from the hoop."

"With our size, if we can get our hands up and get in the passing lanes it's really going to help us out."

Although West Branch only had a 33-30 rebounding edge, United coach Mike Ward felt that is where the Warriors' size mattered the most.

"Rebounding was a big factor," Ward said. "Their size was very dominant and it showed. They had a lot of multiple shots by the basket which is something we can't allow."

Rockwell led West Branch with 21 points and he also pulled down seven rebounds. He credits the help inside for his big night.

"With (Ferguson) in the middle it really opens things up," Rockwell said. "When they ran their zone and doubled down, it left things open a bit and I could drive to the hoop."

Hancock believes Rockwell is one of the best workers on his team and that translated into his performance.

"He just lives the game," Hancock said. "All summer he's in the weight room. His work ethic is amazing. He's our go-to scorer. Tonight he didn't force things and they came to him."

The biggest bright spot for United on the night was the play of Zack Tyalor who scored a game-high 28 points and pulled down 10 rebounds in addition. However, their next highest scorer was Matt Gatchel with seven points and no other Eagle had more then four.

"We got to find other guys that can score," Ward said. "I think we have that in some of these guys. We got players that can really develop into good scorers."

United was the team that jumped out to the fast start on the night taking an early 9-2 lead before West Branch scored eight in a row to end the first quarter. The lead changed hands four times in the second quarter before the Warriors finally grabbed the lead for good. They worked the lead up to five points before halftime and then put the game away by outscoring United 14-4 in the third quarter.

"We came out slow and missed a lot of shots," Rockwell admitted. "We got to finish on defense, but a wins a win."

United was able to cut the lead to 10 points in the fourth quarter but could never get any closer. They had chances from the foul line but only made 3-of-10 foul shots in the quarter.

West Branch played a good portion of the second half with foul trouble. Ferguson fouled out midway through the final quarter and Gonci played the stretch run with four fouls. The Warriors were able to counter that with good performances from their bench.

"We're not real deep but our bench gave us good minutes," Hancock said. "Michael Underwood and Scott Muckleroy played really well for us. Austin Rekolt gave us good minutes handling the ball. It was a big lift for us."

Gonci scored 12 points, had five rebounds and blocked three shots. Mike Smith added 10 points for the Warriors.

West Branch also won the jayvee game 48-43. Troy James scored 12 points and Chad Apple scored nine for the Warriors. Jesse Mitchell and Tyler Dunn each scored 11 for United.

West Branch next plays Tuesday in their home opener against Ravenna Southeast. United will travel to Salem that same night.

WEST BRANCH 10 19 14 21 64

UNITED 9 15 4 25 53

WEST BRANCH SCORING: Luke Butcher 2-4-8, Jake Gonci 4-3-12, Mike Smith 4-2-10, Scott Muckelroy 3-1-7, Austen Rekolt 0-0-0, Tylor Rockwell 8-5-21, Brandon Ferguson 3-0-6, Michael Underwood 0-0-0.

TEAM TOTALS: 24, 15-24, 64.

UNITED SCORING: Jansen Sneltzer 0-2-2, Brett Albright 2-0-4, Josh Miller 2-0-4, Tyler Dunn 0-0-0, Brett Ward 1-0-2, Ryan Sarchet 1-0-2, Zack Taylor 11-3-28, Kyle Smallwood 1-0-2, Matt Gatchel 3-1-7, Zach Noll 1-0-2.

TEAM TOALS: 22, 6-15, 53.

THREE POINTERS: West Branch 1 (Gonci), United 3 (Taylor 3).