Best lives up to his name for EP

The senior guard helped the Bulldogs pull away from Springfield.

By CHUCK HOUSTEAU

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

NEW MIDDLE-TOWN — Wes was “best” when it counted for the East Palestine Bulldogs.

Senior guard Wes Best scored a career-high 21 points including 11 in the final period to ignite a 15-4 run and close out a 53-42 victory for the Bulldogs over rival Springfield.

With the Inter Tri-County League Tier One contest knotted at 38-38, the Bulldogs rallied behind Best who hit four of seven shots from the field and scored three more at the foul line as East Palestine pulled away from the Tigers.

“It doesn’t take these guys much to get motivated to play our rival Springfield,” East Palestine coach Tom Bingham said. “This guy [Best] certainly rose to the occasion.”

The Bulldogs also turned up the defense down the stretch and shut down the Tigers.

Springfield averages over 56 points per game but was only able to make just three of 14 shots in the fourth quarter.

The Tigers also shot poorly from beyond the 3-point arc as they connected on only one 3-pointer in 17 attempts.

“Our defense really stepped it up tonight,” Best said. “We just wanted to pack it in as much as we could and limit them to as few as shots as possible.

“I think we did a good job.”

The defense led to the Bulldogs playing good transition basketball and that led to a lot of open shots in the final quarter.

“I think we ran the ball better than we have,” Best said. “Especially in the fourth quarter.”

The Bulldogs also got a strong game from sophomore forward Ben Gysin who scored nine points and grabbed nine rebounds.

Gysin got all but one of his points in the second half and played a strong game on the boards which helped neutralize Springfield strong inside play by Nate Schuler and Todd Kibby.

Kibby did manage to get eight points but he and Schuler battled foul trouble early in the game.

Eric Lipp came off the bench to lead the Tigers in scoring with nine points and the junior also had six rebounds.

“We didn’t play real well Tuesday night but we made up for it tonight,” Bingham said. “This is always a big rivalry game for us. This was the last time our five seniors get to play Springfield so it was nice to get them a win.”

Both teams are trailing league leading Columbiana but the game is always an exciting matchup.

The Tigers battled all night to keep the game close for just over three quarters but Best saved his best for last.

“This is Wes’ game,” Bingham said. “This is the game he looks forward to more than any other and Wes really stepped it up tonight.

“He was outstanding.”

J.C. Bolinger scored eight points and Nick Dicello added seven for the Bulldogs.