Cougars’ frigid shooting leads to WBL loss

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Although the temperatures were cold outside, the Van Wert Cougars’ shooting was even colder as they fell 51-31 to Defiance in a Western Buckeye League boys’ basketball game in the Cougars’ Den.

Van Wert made just 7 of 31 field goal attempts in the game (22.6 percent), but shot well from the free-throw line, making 13 of 16 attempts at the line (81.3 percent). By comparison, the Bulldogs were 20 of 36 from the field (55.6 percent), and made 5 of 8 from the charity stripe (62.5 percent).

With the loss, the Cougars fall to 5-15 overall and 1-7 in the WBL. Defiance is 17-3 and 8-0 in league play.

Van Wert trailed by seven points, 11-4, in the first quarter and a 13-4 run by the Bulldogs made it 24-8 at the half. Defiance again outscored the Cougars 20-7 in the third quarter to go up by 29 points, 44-15.

The Bulldogs’ Kameron Singleton was the only player in double figures, with 17 points, while Shay Smiddy scored 9 for Defiance. The Cougars were led by Jacoby Kelly and Josh Braun, who each had 8 points on the night. Ryan McCracken, one of Van Wert’s more prolific scorers, was held scoreless.

The Cougar junior varsity team was a brighter spot, winning over Defiance 53-46 to go to 14-6 overall on the year.

Nate Place scored 30 points in the contest, while Drew Bagley added 10 points for Van Wert. The Bulldog JVs also had two players in double figures, led by Alex Naton’s 16 points, while Easton Gerken scored 13 for Defiance.

The Cougars will play their last regular home game of the season on Monday, against Ottoville, and then travel to Wapakoneta on Friday for their final WBL contest against the Redskins.