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Just like last season, the West Canada Valley boys basketball team entered the Section III, Class C-2 championship game with an 22-0 record. But unlike last season, the Indians are moving on this time, beating Watertown IHC 69-56 Wednesday night at Oneida for their first sectional championship since 1996.

West Canada, ranked No. 1 in the state in Class C and the top seed in the C-2 bracket, was on a mission since losing its perfect season to Frankfort-Schuyler in double-overtime in last year's final, but Watertown, seeded second and ranked 10th in the state, was ready for the challenge, leading 22-20 after the 1st quarter and stretching the margin to 24-20 to start the 2nd. West Canada came back in the 2nd, though, closing the half in style with Anthony Ambrose banking in a buzzer-beating three-pointer for a 7-0 run and a 39-34 lead at the half.

In the 3rd quarter, the deep and balanced Indians started to wear down IHC's seven-man rotation, using a 6-0 opening run to go up 45-34. The Cavaliers cut it to 45-39, but they never got any closer, as West Canada stretched its lead to 14 points in the 4th quarter and made its free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.

The Indians advance to the C-1 vs. C-2 crossover final against the C-1 winner (No. 2 Onondaga or No. 5 Mohawk) Sunday at Manley Field House at 12:45. The Cavaliers end the season 18-4.