The West Washington (WW) boys basketball team won the Sectional Championship on March 7th! The team defeated their opponent, Borden, 54-39.
“Sectional week is always tough, no matter how many games you end up playing. Of course, you are hoping to play three, but it is a tough week regardless. Records are thrown out the window, everyone is 0-0, and every game has the opportunity to be your last. Emotionally and physically, it takes a toll on everyone for sure,” WW head coach Ashton Minton said.
WW played three rounds of sectional. In game one against Henryville, they won 62-55, and in game two, they beat Lanesville 81-54.
“Our team played very well in big stretches in all three games. Basketball is a game of runs, and we had major runs in all three games that ultimately decided each game. It started with our defense and led to transition points on the other end,” Minton said.
Every athlete on the team showed up and showed out for sectional play. ”Everyone has stepped up. Everyone had the same goal this Fall and that showed this sectional week. No one cared who scored the points or got the recognition, as long as we conquered our goal of winning a championship. I do want to give a big shoutout to senior Hayden Morrow for playing and leading as a senior should in sectional. As well as Brennen and Jack, both of whom are huge pieces for our team that no one sees behind the scenes,” Minton said.
Before the Sectional Championship, Coach Minton spoke with the team about each game being a battle. The team had faced two battles against Henryville and Lanesville, and it was time to win the war against Borden. Minton led the team to a sectional win in only his second season as head coach.
WW fans supported the team in the best way by showing up in their school colors and cheering on the team. Loud and proud! “We want to thank the entire community for coming out to the game. It was a home game for Borden, but it did not feel like one because of our amazing crowd. Seeing all the blue and red was just amazing to witness. We are thankful for all of the donations, meals, and decorations we have been blessed with throughout the last few weeks. Also, a big shoutout to Rick and Rita for our sectional championship shirts,” Minton said.
The team feels the school spirit and thrives off the energy! “Our fans were amazing all the way through, and we can’t thank them enough. Our kids feed off energy, and that is where they started. They were all very excited to see the huge crowd every night. We encourage everyone to grab whoever they can and come to Washington on Saturday. Barr-Reeve has one of the biggest followings in the state and will fill the Hatchet House. I know our kids will really appreciate the support to match their crowd energy,” Minton said.
This season, athlete Holden Russell set the new single-season assist record. He has 170 and counting. The 2025-26 team also tied the single-season win total Saturday night with 20.
Don’t miss out on your chance to support this special team! WW will face Barr-Reeve this Saturday (3.14) at 1 p.m. Regional will be hosted in Washington, IN. Student fans, please note that if you sign up for the fan bus, you will also gain free entry into the game!