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Westwood Boys get their first win of the year over Cannon

Basketball season was back in full force at Joel Vinson Gymnasium, and the night ended with an absolute barnburner of a basketball game Thursday, October 12. 

At first, the game was a back-and-forth battle. The Rockets had a tough time with the visitors from Woodbury, and the score after the first quarter was 16-12 in favor of the Lions.

The tide continued in favor of Cannon County, as they extended the lead to seven, with a half time score of 27-20. The Lions had built a double-digit lead in the third quarter, but the Rockets began slowly chipping away, and with 8:00 left, the score was a 45-38 Lion lead.

This is where Westwood eighth grader Mason Troxler enters the picture. After three quarters of play, he had 12 points, which would still be an admirable performance had he stopped there. However, there was still a quarter to be played, and a game to win.

Troxler scored 20 points in the final frame of regulation, including a beautiful reverse layup that tied the game at 62-62.

The battle continued on into overtime, and Troxler added seven more points in the four minute period, capping off a spectacular 39-point performance. “It was the first game of the season, I just really wanted to show out for my team,” said Troxler, “I’m just happy we got the win”.

However, Mason Troxler wasn’t the only hero for the Rockets. Zeke Jones scored 12 points, including a 3-pointer with 15 seconds left in overtime to lift the Rockets over the Lions, 72-71 and send the crowd into a frenzy.

Coach Anita Gannon said of her team, “They worked hard and didn’t give up. I’m glad that they stayed true to themselves and played their game.”

Other scorers for the Rockets included Brady Christian with 14 points, Kaden Ingle with 4 points, and Isaiah Buchanan with 3 points.

Westwood continues their season at the World Tournament at Forrest Middle School, before a crosstown clash with the Coffee County Red Raiders on Oct. 23.