West Branch High School girls’ basketball preview

BELOIT, Ohio (WKBN) – It’s no secret, West Branch’s girls basketball program has been one of the bench marks in the area. The Warriors closed out the season with their second straight Eastern Buckeye Conference championship and another 20-win campaign.

“Our expectations are always very high,” said coach Walt DeShields. “We think that we have several girls that are capable of competing at the varsity level this season, which will make our team exciting to watch.”

The Warriors return six letter winners including a pair of starters from last year’s 22-win team in center Tallie Muniz (7.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg) and guard Audrey Eaton (8.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg) – each were named first-team all-league. Hallie Vie Burton (5.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg), Sammi Beatty (4.6 ppg), Ally Kanagy (2.4 ppg) and Alinee Bacconi (1.2 ppg) will be back for the Warriors this winter.

As always, West Branch’s focus is on their defense. Over the past two seasons, that defense has permitted averages of 27.1 (2023-24) and 27.3 (2024-25).

West Branch gets by rival-Salem in playoffs

“We feel this year’s team can also be an excellent defensive team,” remarks DeShields. “It’s always interesting, to see how our offense develops throughout the season. We only averaged 44.2 points per game last year. So, we’re definitely looking to improve and for some girls to step up, become more aggressive and consistent as scorers.”

Look for newcomers Ciara Evans, Sydney Lane and Carly Loper to contribute to the program’s success also with an influx of talented freshmen – Stella Bacconi, Elli Colian, Madi Hoopes and Iris Nezbeth – to all be in the mix this season as well.

“The team has a good off-season and are looking forward to competing against a challenging schedule,” DeShields mentioned. “Our team motto entering this season is that: ‘It’s not about one of us; it’s about all of us’.”

The Warriors’ season tips off at Green on Saturday, November 22.

West Branch Warriors
Fast Facts
Head Coach: Walt DeShields, 21st season (379-119, overall)
Assistant Coaches: Chris Adams, Mike Butcher, Tony Lucente, Lou Sellaroli, Bob Shepherd, Jana Stitle
2024-25 Record: 22-3 (10-0), 1st place in EBC
2024-25 Post-Season Finish: Lost in District Final to Perry (38-28)

Team Stats
Scoring Offense: 44.2
Scoring Defense: 27.3

2025-26 Schedule
Nov. 22 – at Green
Dec. 1 – Lake
Dec. 3 – Minerva
Dec. 6 – Boardman
Dec. 10 – Marlington
Dec. 13 – at Alliance
Dec. 17 – at Carrollton
Dec. 22 – at Norton
Dec. 27 – vs. Shelby at Canton McKinley
Jan. 3 – Fitch
Jan. 7 – Salem
Jan. 10 – at Minerva
Jan. 12 – Cardinal Mooney
Jan. 14 – at Marlington
Jan. 17 – vs. Magnificat at Berlin Hiland
Jan. 21 – Alliance
Jan. 24 – Carrollton
Jan. 28 – at Salem
Jan. 31 – at Ursuline
Feb. 4 – Canfield
Feb. 7 – Girard
Feb. 9 – at Howland