The Westside Rebels opened conference play with wins over Danville and Acorn the week of Jan. 5-9.
Danville
Westside hosted the Danville Little Johns on Tuesday, Jan. 6, and earned a 52-43 win over the visitors.
The Rebels jumped out to a 20-7 lead in the opening quarter. In the second period, Westside added 14 points to the board and allowed 12 by the Little Johns for a 34-19 halftime lead. Danville outpaced the Rebels 15-10 in the third quarter and 9-8 in the fourth but Westside held on for the nine-point victory.
Baylor Payne scored a team-high 14 points in the win. Also in double figures were A.J. Elizondo with 12 points and Noah Osornio with 10.
Zane Smith and Isaiah Munoz each finished with six points, while Moose Yarbrough and Payton Williamson added two points each.
Acorn
The Rebels were on the road at Acorn on Friday, Jan. 9, where they earned a 53-49 win over the Tigers.
Westside held an 11-9 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Tigers poured in 19 second-quarter points and limited the Rebels to 12 to carry a 28-23 lead into the break. Westside responded in the second half, however, outscoring the Tigers 12-7 in the third period and 18-14 in the fourth to secure the four-point win.
Payne led the team with 19 points, and Elizondo finished with 13.
Cameron Cloos contributed eight points. Braxton Marlow scored five points, and Williamson and Munoz each tallied three points. Osornio rounded out the scoring with two points.
The Rebels will be on the road at Danville on Friday and will host Acorn on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
FREE THROW—Westside junior Baylor Payne prepares to shoot a free throw in a home game against Danville on Jan. 6. Payne led the Rebels with 14 points in the 52-43 win.
–Photo courtesy Taylor English
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