West Holmes Boys Edge Garaway, Girls Suffer Two Close Losses
West Holmes boys held off Garaway 53, 48 in a Dec. 2 nonconference game as Nate Sprang paced the Knights with 17 points and nine rebounds. The West Holmes girls fell to Waynedale 40, 31 on Dec. 1 and to Triway 55, 45 in overtime on Nov. 26, underscoring both competitive promise and challenges for local teams.
West Holmes boys basketball claimed a narrow nonconference victory over Garaway on Dec. 2, finishing 53 to 48 as the Knights relied on timely defense and interior scoring. Senior forward Nate Sprang led the way with 17 points and nine rebounds while Cooper Maltarich added 12 points and five rebounds. Coi Beachy and other contributors helped control the glass and anchor the defensive effort that preserved the margin in the closing minutes.
The outcome offers a boost to the boys program and to local supporters who have rallied around the team early in the season. The win highlights West Holmes depth in the post and a defensive identity that could be decisive in upcoming matchups. Junior varsity action accompanied varsity play, with younger players receiving valuable minutes and gaining experience that coaches said will matter as the schedule intensifies.
On the girls side, the Lady Knights endured two tough nonleague defeats. Waynedale beat West Holmes 40 to 31 on Dec. 1 in a game that emphasized defensive pressure and halfcourt execution. Earlier, on Nov. 26, Triway edged West Holmes 55 to 45 in overtime in a contest that pushed both teams physically and mentally. Those results illustrate competitive balance across the region and the fine margins that separate victory from defeat at this stage of the season.
Beyond wins and losses, these games matter to Holmes County communities for reasons beyond the scoreboard. High school athletics provide important opportunities for physical activity, social connection, and mental wellbeing for student athletes. They also serve as community gathering points that strengthen school spirit and local networks. At the same time these contests highlight broader conversations about equitable resources for athletic programs in rural districts, including access to sports medicine services, training staff, and safe facilities.
As the season progresses, teams, families, and local leaders will watch how on court development pairs with investments off the court to support student athlete health and opportunity. For now the Knights leave the week with momentum on the boys side, and the Lady Knights with lessons to carry into practice and future matchups.
