Highlanders' Defensive Pressure Sinks Braxton County

A second half full court press by the Highlanders helped Webster to break open a tight game at halftime and Webster ran away with the win 72 to 43 over the host Braxton County Eagles at the Braxton Armory Tuesday evening.

The pesky Eagles held a surprising 14 to 13 lead at the end of the first quarter after Webster had jumped out to an early 6 to 0 lead. Webster edged Braxton 12 to 9 in the second quarter, and the Highlanders went into halftime with a precarious 25 to 23 lead.

According to junior guard Stephen Cogar, head coach Jerry Dean at halftime "lined us out on a couple plays and we started running them better" and "our press really helped us." That might be the understatement of the game as Webster's press in the third quarter caused countless Eagle turnovers and the Highlanders outscored Braxton 32 to 6 to lead at the end of the quarter 57 to 29. The Highlanders then coasted during the fourth quarter to the final margin of victory at 72 to 43.

Cogar was one of four Highlanders scoring in double figures. He finished with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists. Joining Cogar in double figures were: Brett Morris, 19 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 blocked shots; Hunter Given, 11 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists; and Dalton Davis, 10 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal.

Others playing for Webster on the stat sheet provided by Diane Morris included: Tyler Anderson, 7 points, 1 rebound; Jake Thayer, 4 points, 1 rebound; Lance Stout, 3 points, 2 assists, 1 steal; David Muzny, 3 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 assist; Logan Taylor, 3 points, 4 rebounds; Guy Cowger, 3 steals, 3 assists; Robbie Cogar, 1 steal; and Rick Holcomb, 3 rebounds.

As a team, Webster made 22 of 53 shot attempts (43%), which was a marked improvement from halftime prior to which they had made only 30% of their shots. Webster also made 21 of 31 free throw attempts (67%).

With the win, the Highlanders improved to 8 wins, 1 loss on the season. They now face perhaps their toughest opponent of the season thus far when they host the Liberty-Raleigh Raiders this Thursday, January 17, 2013, at the Highlanders' gym. All fans are encouraged to wear white for a "white out" of the Raiders.