Try as the could, Central couldn't contain Matt Costello. Costello tallied 31 points to lead the Western attack. (MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

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Western Boys Dominate Bay City Central 76-39

January 30, 2011
By: John Keuvelaar

With Western entering the game with nine wins and Central having nine losses, the packed Central gymnasium was just as much about seeing if lighting would strike for the host Wolves as it was to watch the dynamic duo of MSU committed Matt Costello and his talented teammate Brandon Havercamp.

It didn't take long before it became clear that Western came ready, not taking Central lightly as the Warriors rattled off an impressive 13-0 run to start the game. The Warriors kept up the domination throughout the game as they scored a 76 to 39 win.

The opening quarter was spearheaded by a fifteen point attack by Matt Costello. The powerful junior scored both inside and outside including a crowd raising jam. Equally impressive was his defensive play as he blocked two shots in the first stanza keeping Central from getting any offensive momentum. Tyler Ellis added five points of his own in the period as he directed the Warrior attack.

The Warriors demonstrated in the second quarter that they are more than a one man team. Aaron Tithof hit two three pointer shots with Tyler Ellis adding a one of his own to give them outside punch. Brandon Havercamp added to the inside game knocking down three baskets of his own matching Costello for the quarter as Western matched their first quarter output. Central's Andrew Butts scored six points for the Wolves in the quarter with Stephen Hardwick adding four as Western entered halftime with a 46-20 lead.

Western increased their lead as Aaron Tithof scored 7 points to go along with Matt Costello's 10 before the big man departed for the night. Central was unable to mount an attack against Western as the Warrior defense stayed sharp. The third quarter ended with Western on top 65-28.

Both teams played their entire bench in the second half allowing everyone to see action. Sid Saghir, Issac Kokaly and Paul Jacobs each nailed a three point shot for Central as they kept pace with Western. In the end, Western had a 76 to 39 win.

Western was led by Matt Costello who tallied 31 points in his three quarters of work. Aaron Tithof knocked down 13 points while point guard Tyler Ellis and Brandon Havercamp scored 8.

Central was led by Andrew Butts who scored 8 points while teammate Stephen Hardwick added 7.