Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

WILLOW WOOD — Turnovers proved to be the biggest enemy of Symmes Valley.

The Vikings had 17 turnovers including one at the end of the game that led to the winning basket as the Western Indians took a 45-43 Southern Ohio Conference win on Tuesday.

Tied at 43, Symmes Valley was holding for the final shot only to turn the ball over that led to the winning layup.

The Vikings were playing their fifth game in eight days and coach Donnie Saunders admitted fatigue was a factor in the increased number of turnovers.

“(Turnovers) hurt us and a lot of them were unforced. A lot of that is from tired legs,” said Saunders.

“The boys tried, but you could tell Western was a little fresher and was more aggressive. We’re playing hard and we’re proud of them, but we have to learn how to win the close ones.”

Collin Webb and Derrek Smith scored four points each in the first quarter but Bryce Brewster and Tanner Perdue combined for 10 points as Western took a 14-13 lead.

Payton Hayes hit two 3-pointers in the second quarter as the Vikings tied the game at the half 23-23.

Each team scored nine points in the third quarter and it was 31-31.

Chayden Renfroe scored all five of his points in the fourth quarter for the Vikings, but Perdue had six points including 4-of-4 from the line while Brewster had four points — 2-of-3 at the line.

The Vikings plays at Portsmouth Notre Dame on Friday in an SOC game.

In the Vikings’ junior varsity won and is now 17-1, splitting their games with Beaver Eastern for their only loss.

Western 14 8 9 14 = 45

Sym. Valley 13 9 9 12 = 43

WESTERN (7-6): Ethan Dunn 0 0 0-0 0, Dylan Stevens 4 0 0-2 8, Adam Smithson 0 0 0-0 0, Lane Brewster 1 0 2-2 4, Zach Herman 3 0 0-2 6, Tanner Perdue 5 0 6-6 16, Austin Hersman 0 0 0-0 0, Bryce Brewster 3 1 2-3 11. Totals: 16 1 10-15 45. Fouls: 13. Fouled out: None.

SYMMES VALLEY (7-11, 4-8): Levi Cade 0 0 0-0 0, Chayden Renfroe 1 1 0-0 5, Collin Webb 4 0 1-2 9, Shawn Belville 2 0 0-0 4, Payton Hayes 0 3 0-1 9, Derrek Smith 3 0 2-3 8, Lakin Gothard 0 0 0-0 0, Hunter Adams 0 0 0-0 0, Forrest Humphrey 0, Jarod Sheppard 4 0 0-0 8. Totals: 18-46 3-6 43. 3-point goals: 4-16. Rebounds: 26 (Sheppard 7, Belville 6). Assists: 6. Blocks: 2. Steals: 5 (Cade 2). Turnovers: 17. Fouls: 14. Fouled out: None.