Staff report

CONCORD — It’s a challenging closing week for West Rowan’s boys basketball team — Robinson, Cox Mill and Hickory Ridge— the three teams at the top of the South Piedmont Conference and a trio ranked in the top 10 in 3A.

The Falcons got it started well on Monday, rolling at Robinson, 79-63, behind 21 points and 21 rebounds from Caleb Mauldin and 21 points and four 3-pointers from Kortez Weeks.

West swept the season series from the Bulldogs (15-6, 12-4 South Piedmont Conference). The teams now are tied for third place.

The Falcons (16-6, 12-4) took advantage of the absence of Robinson big man Jamari Roberts and hammered the Bulldogs on the glass, 43-31.

West started strong and led 14-6 after four minutes. The Falcons were in charge after a quarter, 19-13, and were up at halftime, 38-32.

Besides scoring, Weeks contained Lavar Batts Jr., arguably the state’s top senior, especially the first half.

West not only maintained its lead in the second half, it expanded it.

Paris Hillie (13 points) and Austin Love (12) provided more points for the Falcons, who shot 50 percent from the field. West posted terrific shooting percentages, with Mauldin shooting 8-for-13, Weeks 6-for-9, and Love 6-for-11.

Robinson managed a 15-12 advantage in forcing turnovers, but the Bulldogs couldn’t overcome 36-percent shooting. They were only 5-for-24 from 3-point range.

Batts went 11-for-12 at the foul line to finish with 21 points and  had six assists.

Isaac Boothe scored 16 points. Javonte Misenheimer had nine points and 10 rebounds.

West hosts Cox Mill tonight. Robinson is home against South Rowan.

West Rowan 79, Robinson 63

WEST ROWAN (79) —Weeks 21, Mauldin 21, Hillie 13, Love 12, Kure 5, Rankin 5, Lawrence 2, Delgado, Hogue.

ROBINSON  (63) — Batts 21, Boothe 16, Misenheimer 9, White 9, Means 4, Gallagher 4.

West Rowan                   19   19    17    24 — 79

Robinson                      13     19     12   19   — 63