PHOTOS: West Orange falls 94-70 in preseason opener to Bartow

It was a tough outing for the West Orange High boys basketball team, as the Warriors fell 94-70 in a preseason loss to Bartow Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the West Orange Dome.

For most of the night West Orange trailed Bartow by double digits — though by halftime the Warriors were only down 43-35 after chipping away at the Yellow Jackets lead with a stronger second quarter.

Ultimately the Yellow Jackets would pull away in the second half thanks to a high-scoring offense and a defense that forced the Warriors into turning the ball over a number of times. The Warriors also suffered from lack of depth, as they were without a few key players in Jayden Gibson, Jack Main and Joanes Polynice Jr. — who are all still involved with the West Orange football team, which is currently in the playoffs.

The Warriors were led by senior big man Mike McCalister, who finished the night with 26 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Junior shooting guard Brady Scott would add on 19 points, while sophomore Kyle Berhle picked up 13 points and six rebounds.

West Orange will conclude its preseason with a game against Osceola Thursday, Nov. 19, at the West Orange Dome. Game time is slated for 7 p.m.