Hoops preview: Knights, Lancers, Cougars

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

It’s hard to believe the end of the 2017-2018 boys’ high school basketball season is around the corner, but that’s the case. Games will be played this weekend and next week. League and conference champions will be crowned during that time and teams will begin preparing for the postseason. Below is a brief look at this weekend’s games.

Crestview vs. Spencerville, at New Knoxville

In terms of the Northwest Conference title, it’s quite simple for the Knights (16-3, 6-0 NWC) – a win at home against Spencerville on Friday night will clinch at least a share of the NWC title, and a win at Columbus Grove next Friday would mean an outright title.

First things first. Spencerville was the 2016-2017 NWC champion, but the Bearcats (2-16, 1-5 NWC) have struggled during the current season. Spencerville’s two wins have come against St. Marys and Allen East, and scoring has been a major issue. The Bearcats average just 38 points per game, while allowing 51 per game.

The Bearcats have lost five straight entering the weekend, while Crestview has won 12 straight, including last week’s wins over Paulding and Wayne Trace. Against Paulding the Knights won the fourth quarter scoring battle 28-8, and Crestview outscored Wayne Trace 44-12 in the second half of that game.

New Knoxville (6-13, 1-6 MAC) will host Marion Local on Friday, then will entertain Crestview on Saturday. The Rangers average 44 points per game and give up 55 points per contest.

Lincolnview at Paulding, vs. Arlington

Lincolnview (12-7, 6-1 NWC) remains alive for at least a share of the NWC title, but the Lancers need to win their remaining two conference games and get some help from Crestview’s opponents.

Friday’s game at Paulding (the final conference game of the season for the Lancers) won’t be easy. The Panthers (9-9, 4-2 NWC) beat previously state ranked Hicksville last Tuesday then led Crestview by as many as 14 before falling last Friday. Paulding has scored 1015 points this season and has given up the same amount (56 points per game).

Arlington (12-7, 6-3 BVC) will host Vanlue before traveling to Van Wert County on Saturday. Entering the weekend the Red Devils have won four straight and seven of eight. Arlington averages 51 points per game and gives up 48 points per contest.

Van Wert at Celina

The Cougars (10-8, 4-3 WBL) beat Bath last Friday, then saw their seven game winning streak come to an end vs. St. Henry on Saturday, a contest that saw Jacoby Kelly join the 1000 career point club.

The Celina Bulldogs (4-15, 2-5 WBL) have won two of last three games. One was a stunning upset over state ranked St. Henry and the other was a 60-48 victory over Troy last Saturday.

The Bulldogs average 50 points per game and allow 61 points per outing.

Van Wert is off Saturday, but will play at Lima Central Catholic on Tuesday before ending the regular season at home against Defiance next Friday.