Western Tech Fends Off Late Run, KOs New Town in Region Final

After a sluggish first half and a 14-point deficit midway through the third quarter, New Town found themselves amid a potential milestone comeback with about 70 seconds play in Friday’s region championship at Western Tech. 

Trailing by five, Sydney Hines sliced through the defense, connected on an off-balanced runner and was fouled to pull the Titans within one score at 39-36.

However, before New Town could even think about getting a crucial defensive stop on the other end, Western Tech’s Deja Dennis grabbed Hines’ missed free throw and—rather than slow up the pace to take time off the clock—kicked it into full gear.

The seldom used freshman raced the length of the court and sank a layup while absorbing a reach-in foul from New Town’s Keiyara Wilson. Dennis drilled her free throw and Western Tech’s defense preserved the 42-36 score to knock off the Titans and take home the Class 1A North title.

“I called on her tonight. I preach always to stay ready,” Wolverines head coach Nolan Roe said of Dennis. “She stepped up tonight. There’s nothing you want more from somebody on the bench than that.”

Western Tech’s late stand erased a feverish comeback led by Titans guard Jannah Tucker. After a scoreless first half, the junior tallied 23 of New Town’s final 31 points and spearheaded a wild, 12-0 run that pulled the Titans within two at 29-27 at the end of the third quarter.

However, Western Tech (22-4) pestered Tucker all night and made her work hard for every shot attempt.

“When she’s shooting jumpers with a hand in her face, that’s exactly what we wanted to do on defense—make her work,” Roe said. “If she beats us that way, then hey, that’s fine.”  

Constantly pressuring the opposing ball handler, Western Tech maintained the lead for the entire game after falling behind 2-0 in the opening minute. As a result New Town (20-6) struggled for quality looks at the basket and played at almost too frenetic a pace, at times.

“We were trying to overcome the crowd and trying to get the girls to settle down, but it was tough,” New Town head coach Gena Young said. “But, the better team won.”

With the win, Western Tech advances to take on the winner of the Class 1A West final between Fort Hill and North Carroll at UMBC’s RAC Arena March 9 at 9 p.m.

Meanwhile, despite the loss, New Town and coach Young can look ahead to next year, where the Titans will return all but two players.

BOX SCORE

Western Tech 42, New Town 36

WT – 14 9 6 13 ---- 42

NT – 5 10 12 9 ---- 36

WT – Clopton 10, Coles 9, Ade 8, Duncan 8, Dennis 5, Montgomery 2.

NT – Tucker 23, Cole 6, Hines 4, Davis 3.