Jack Mekalson scored 20 points, secured 11 rebounds, dished out 4 assists, had 2 steals and blocked 2 shots to lead the Battlers.  He was joined in double figures by Drew Johnson and Bradyn Roisum with 13 points each.  Johnson added 4 rebounds, while Roisum had 2 steals and 2 blocks.  Owen Buehler had a team high 13 rebounds and added 3 assists and a pair of steals.

"Our guys played extremely well tonight and executed our game plan," commented Battle Lake Head Coach Brady Cameron.  "We got great minutes from our bench tonight as we had a lot of foul trouble in the 1st half.  West Central plays a physical, aggressive brand of basketball and our guys handled that with great composure tonight."

The Knights were led by Bryce Kjesbo with 13 points.  Cole Anderson and Jacob Strunk added 8 points apiece and Strunk had a team high 7 rebounds and 5 steals.

“Tough loss for us tonight,” stated WCA Head Coach Kraig Hunter.  “We have had some guys battling illnesses and it showed.  Regardless, shooting those percentages isn’t going to get it done.  Our effort was there, but when we had chances to take the lead we didn’t finish.”

Battle Lake will host Breckenridge on Tuesday night and Rothsay next Thursday to continue their three game home stand to begin the season.

West Central Area will open their home season with a Friday night contest against Park Rapids.