Win by Westinghouse really rates

Westinghouse wanted to make a statement Saturday at the GentileCenter that it should be ranked among the nation's top teams.

The message came through loud and clear.

The Warriors rolled to a 51-31 victory over Bloomington South,rated No. 13 in the nation and No. 1 in Indiana. And they did itwith their best player, David Bailey, out with a broken wrist."This was this team's best performance of the season,"Westinghouse coach Chris Head said. "(Bloomington South) sawsomething that they just weren't used to. Most teams pressure yousometimes, but we keep pressure on you all the time."Leading 23-19 at halftime, the Warriors (5-0) took control inthe third quarter behind their defense, limiting the Panthers to2-for-14 shooting from the field. They did not allow a field goaluntil 2:04 remained in the quarter and built a 36-24 lead at theclose of the quarter.The only person who may not have been impressed withWestinghouse was losing coach J.R. Holmes, who is looking forward toplaying the Warriors again next year."The referees let the game get turned into an alley game, andthat benefitted (Westinghouse)," Holmes said."If the game is played like a high schoool game instead of acollege game, then the results would've been much different. If theyplayed in Indiana, they would not have gotten away with traveling,hand-checking and carrying the ball. And we would've been at thefree-throw line all day."Holmes' son, Jon, was the only Panther in double figures with 10points. Dennis Trammell led Westinghouse with 12 points; Bobby Sharpand Cedric Banks each had 10.Dave Krider, who rates teams for USA Today, was impressed withWestinghouse."They played great defense," Krider said. "They definitely willbe considered for a ranking when a spot opens.""If they are the No. 13 team in the country, where should webe?" Head said.Milwaukee Vincent 54, Gary Westside 41: Marshall Williamsscored 16 points and James Wright added 15 points and eight reboundsto lead Vincent (2-1). Kenneth Lowe scored 15 for Westside (3-1),which shot 28 percent from the field.