West County rolls past Grandview

LEADWOOD – The West County basketball team limited Grandview to only four points during the second quarter to hold a 39-19 edge at halftime, and continued to widen its lead with an aggressive inside attack.

Noah Vinson recorded game-highs with 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Hayden Roney added 19 points plus 10 rebounds in the 71-43 win.

The Bulldogs (4-4) created their early advantage behind stellar defense and rebounding, and bounced back from a frustrating loss to St. Pius.

Ty Simily, often a valuable asset on the boards for West County, was sidelined due to a concussion suffered two nights earlier. Senior standout Koby Klaus was on the bench, but did not play for Grandview (3-6).

Vinson polished off a hard drive to the basket over two taller defenders on the opening possession of the second quarter. He secured a 27-15 West County lead one minute later by finishing a spinning layup through contact.

The Bulldogs continued on a 16-0 run with exceptional ball movement and stingy defense. Noah Richardson, who posted nine points for the Eagles, broke the streak with 3:35 on the clock by dropping in a fast-break layup.

The Bulldogs committed several turnovers late in the second quarter, but maintained their stout defensive presence nearing the break.

Vinson and Roney combined to score the first 17 points of the contest for West County before Dake McRaven sank a 16-foot jumper to gain a 19-13 lead with 1:25 left in the first quarter.

Vinson tallied 11 points and four rebounds over the first eight minutes, while Roney had seven points plus five rebounds.

Bryan Martinez and Garrett Gliedt frequently slashed into the lane to help keep the Eagles close early. Gliedt had seven points in the loss, and Martinez ended with six.

Colton McAnally received several entry passes near the rim, and notched seven of his nine points for Grandview during the third quarter. He had a team-high seven rebounds, and Martinez contributed five. 

Reid Pratt recorded five assists for the Bulldogs, and kept the ball moving early in the third quarter to help add to the lead.

Richardson made the first 3-pointer for the Eagles with 6:50 remaining in the game, and trimmed the deficit to 57-34. However, they failed to draw much closer due to multiple late turnovers.

Chayton Akers added a shot from behind the arc to cap West County scoring at 71-39 with 1:30 to play.

Nate Kinnard tallied eight points plus five rebounds in the win, and McRaven notched seven points.

The Bulldogs ended 9-of-14 from the free-throw line, and the Eagles went 11-of-15.

West County senior guard Noah Vinson spins past Grandview defender Anthony Dolde (1), and finishes a layup during the second quarter on Friday.

West County junior Hayden Roney (14) rises to grab an offensive rebound over Grandview junior Bryan Martinez during the fourth quarter on Friday night.