The Senators Keep SOC III Hopes Alive

WEST PORTSMOUTH - The Portsmouth West Senators hosted the Wheelersburg Pirates in a matchup that had SOC III implications.

Senators' Will Kegley attempts a jump shot with Wheelersburg's Landon McGraw contesting.

The Wheelersburg Pirates were entering this contest with a 12-5 record and standing at the top of the SOC III. Portsmouth West on the other hand entered with a 13-6 record and tied for second place in the SOC III.

The Senators jumped out to a hot start as they took an early 12-0 lead over the Pirates. But Wheelersburg battled back and took the lead 21-18 with a Landon McGraw three-pointer. Both teams would then trade field goals until halftime where the Senators would lead the Pirates 29-27 after a Braxten Kammer triple before the buzzer.

To begin the second half, West came out of the gates hot as they went on a 10-2 run to take a double-digit lead. The Senator's relied on their tough defense and efficient free throw shooting to secure the win.

Portsmouth West would win the game 55-51 and keep their hopes of sharing the SOC III title alive. The Senator's will need to finish the regular season strong and defeat South Webster on Friday, and they'll lock in a share of the conference title.

Wheelersburg is firmly in control of their own destiny as they are alongside the Senators at the top. The Pirates look to finish off their conference games with a home contest against Minford.