VW comeback falls short against Wapak

DAVE MOSIER/independent sports

After falling behind early, the Van Wert Cougars gave Wapakoneta all it could handle in the second half, but missed scoring opportunities stymied the comeback, as the Redskins edged Van Wert 53-50 in a Western Buckeye League boys’ basketball game played Friday in the Cougars’ Den.

Wapak led by seven points, 16-9, at the end of the first eight minutes of play, and extended that lead to 11 points, 34-23, at the half. The Cougars got back in the game in the second half, outscoring the Redskins 13-8 in the third quarter to trail by six points, 42-36, heading into the final period of play.

Van Wert had its chances to win, but the Cougars inability to score consistently in the paint cost them in the long run as outscored Wapak 14-11 in the final stanza, but still lost by three points.

With the loss, Van Wert is now 6-13 overall and 2-6 in league play, while the Redskins are now 11-9 overall and 4-4 in the WBL.

Connor Holliday led the Cougar offense with 14 points, while Nick Keber and Gavin Cross each scored 8 points on the night. Keaton Metz was Wapak’s top scorer with 15 points, while Adam Henderson and Corey Crawford each scored 9 points in the contest.

Both teams shot well from three-point range, with Van Wert making 6 of 12 three-point attempts (50 percent) and the Redskins 7 of 12 from behind the arc (58.3 percent).

The problem for the Cougars was Wapak’s stingy defense in the paint, which limited Van Wert’s ability to score inside. The Cougars made just 13 of 32 two-point attempts (40.7 percent), including a number of layups missed while under defensive pressure.

Wapakoneta was 12 of 20 from two-point range (60 percent).

Both teams shot well from the free-throw line, with Holliday, who took all of Van Wert’s free throws, a perfect 6 of 6 from the line. The Redskins made 8 of 12 free-throw attempts (66.7 percent).

The Cougars had the edge in rebounding, 16-15, while also turning the ball over fewer times (5 to 8) than Wapak.

The Van Wert junior varsity team got another win, beating the Redskin JVs 43-37. Davis Munroe was the only player in double figures for either team, with 15 points. The Cougar JVs are now 12-7 overall.

Barring another weather cancellation, Van Wert is scheduled to play a non-conference make-up game at St. Henry tonight.