Blue Lions win season opener

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CHILLICOTHE — The Washington Blue Lion varsity basketball team opened its 2016-17 season with a game at Southeastern High School Saturday night, Dec. 3.

The Blue Lions won the game, 59-44.

Washington started slowly, offensively, but increased its scoring output in each successive period.

“We had some first game jitters and that showed in our play,” Washington head coach Shannon Bartruff said. “I felt like we were tentative on offense early on and we took bad shots that allowed them to rebound and get in transition. Once we got into the flow, we started to make better decisions and settle down.”

Washington senior Griffin Shaw was the game’s leading scorer with 18 points.

Sophomore Evan Upthegrove had the second-highest point total for the Blue Lions (and the game) with 15 points.

Senior Kory Proby had nine points for the Blue Lions.

Ethan Smith led the Panthers with 13 points. Dawson Steele had nine points and Aaron Benson added eight for Southeastern.

Southeastern held a 10-6 lead at the end of the first eight minutes of action.

In the second quarter, Washington played better, offensively and defensively, outscoring Southeastern 12-4 to take an 18-14 halftime lead.

Southeastern won the third quarter, 16-15, but the Blue Lions won the fourth quarter, 26-14 for the final 59-44.

“Jarett’s energy was tremendous tonight,” Bartruff said of the senior, Patton. “He didn’t score a lot, but he made a lot of plays with hustle for our team.” Patton led Washington with seven rebounds and eight steals.

“I felt like Dillon’s energy off the bench was great also,” Bartruff said. “Griff made some nice plays in transition, he ran the floor well in spots.

“Kory was in foul trouble all night, but the minutes he gave us were positive,” Bartruff said. “He guarded the post well and got some key rebounds.” Proby led the Blue Lions with three offensive rebounds.

“Evan had a big second half and especially fourth quarter,” Bartruff said. “He’ll grow and we’ll grow as the year goes on.” Upthegrove had four rebounds and led the team with four assists.

“We have to have all eight guys feeling comfortable and contributing each night,” Bartruff said. “Every practice and game will be a learning experience for this group.”

The Blue Lions are back in action Tuesday evening at home for the SCOL-opener against Chillicothe. The j-v game starts at 6 p.m. (The Blue Lions do not have a freshman team this year.)

SCORE BY QUARTERS

W 6 12 15 26 — 59

SE 10 4 16 14 — 44

WASHINGTON — Dillon Steward 0 (1)-2-5; Jarett Patton 2-2-6; Evan Upthegrove 2 (2)-5-15; Kory Proby 3-3-9; Blaise Tayese 0-0-0; Kenny Upthegrove 2-2-6; Griffin Shaw 6 (1)-3-18; Richard Burns Jr. 0-0-0. TOTALS 15 (4)-17-59. Free throw shooting: 17 of 30 for 57 percent. Three-point field goals: E. Upthegrove, 2; Steward, Shaw. Combined field goal shooting: 19 of 46 for 41 percent. Three-point field goal shooting: 4 of 17 for 24 percent. Rebounds: 29 (11 offensive). Assists: 10. Steals: 20. Blocks: 2. Turnovers: 15. Personal fouls 13.

SOUTHEASTERN — Zach Bodary 1-1-3; Dawson Steele 1 (2)-1-9; Travis Arledge 0-1-1; Rex Hartman 1-0-2; Lane Ruby 1 (1)-3-8; Cody Welch 0-0-0; Ethan Smith 1 (3)-2-13; Aaron Benson 4-0-8. TOTALS — 9 (6)-8-44. Free throw shooting: 8 of 12 for 67 percent. Three-point field goals: Smith, 3, Steele, 2; Ruby. Combined field goal shooting: 15 of 37 for 41 percent. Three-point field goal shooting: 6 of 17 for 35 percent. Rebounds: 26 (5 offensive). Assists: 7. Steals: 4. Blocks: 0. Turnovers: 24. Personal fouls: 19.

Beat Ross SE, 59-44

By Chris Hoppes

[email protected]

Reach Chris Hoppes at 740-335-3611, ext. 1104, or on Twitter @choppes1

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