Article written by Jack Gleckler, Chillicothe Gazette
WILLIAMSPORT − Casey Cline and Brody Clark are a difficult duo to match in the Scioto Valley Conference.
The pair have been the driving force behind a Westfall offense that caught fire during the final stretch of its regular season schedule. Over its last four games, Westfall has averaged 77 points per game and outscored its opponents 308-212. Not to mention its three highest-scoring games of the entire season came during that span. Its hot streak appeared at the right time. The postseason is on the horizon, and Westfall's sectional semifinal against Piketon looms ever closer.
Much of the Mustangs' recent offensive boom comes thanks to Cline and Clark. The two rank among the top five scorers in the Scioto Valley Conference, with Cline averaging 16 points per game and Clark picking up 14 points per night. The duo, whether intentionally or not, dictate the rhythm of the Mustangs offense. If one or both of them hit their stride, the rest of the rotation is quick to match their pace.
"Brody being able to shoot the ball allows other teams to lock on him, and that leaves me open," Cline said. "It's more synchronized shots. It helps out a lot, and then Blaec (Bugher) gets going, and that's when our bigs get going."
Not to mention the two each provide Westfall with an irreplaceable presence beyond the arc. Neither are shy when faced with an open look at long range. Clark is second in the SVC for total 3-pointers made with 46, while Cline's 37 tie him for the third-most in the conference.
Clark relishes opportunities to showcase his 3-point shooting. He's built that repertoire since he first picked up a basketball and developed it further once he waded into high school ball. But it never clicked for the junior until a game against Madison Plains during his freshman season. Clark hit five 3-pointers in that game, and since then he's dived headfirst into refining his shots beyond the arc.
"My freshmen year, I was small," Clark said. "I wasn't really built or anything, so I was like, 'Shooting's the only thing I've got.' Then it just kind of carried on with me."
Cline, much like Clark, has an innate confidence in his skills from 3-point range. He stuck out during his own freshman season with the Mustangs due to his knack for 3-point shooting and aptitude on the defensive end. As he progressed through his sophomore and junior years, however, Cline hammered away at his mid-range capabilities and worked to round out his skillset.