WESTON -- Brett Vincent was in a whole new environment, but he appeared to be very comfortable on the Lewis County bench. With assistant/father, Don, by his side, the Minutemen fought their way to a 46-32 victory over Grafton in both teams' season opener.
"It's definitely different tha coaching in the (West Virginia) conference," said Vincent, who served as the head coach at Alderson-Broaddus prior to taking the boys job at Lewis County this year. "But I'm happy here. I have been well received, and the people in the community have treated me well."
Trailing 15-13 at halftime, the Minutemen (1-0, 1-0 Big 10) used an 18-4 third quarter run to assume control of the game. Defensively, they allowed only eight points by the Bearcats in the second and third quarters combined. At one point, Grafton (0-1, 0-1) could only manage one field goal in an 11 minute span.
Juniors Kevin Butcher and Jordan Parker each led Lewis County with 11 points. Butcher added a game-high seven rebounds.
The Bearcats' Mike Manning led all scorers with 12 points and was complemented by Joey Keener, who added eight points. Grafton was particularly hurt by its total of 18 turnovers.
"I thought we moved the ball well and really showed some patience offensively," Butcher said.
Parker, however, was more pleased with his team's defensive effort.
"Coach (Vincent) has really been stressing the 'D.' I thought we were aggressive on the defensive end tonight."
Lewis County returns to action Friday when it visits rival Buckhannon-Upshur. Grafton plays host to Bridgeport.
