Knights capture outright NWC title

Van Wert independent sports

COLUMBUS GROVE — The Crestview Knights put the finishing touches on an outright Northwest Conference boys’ basketball championship with a 75-49 road victory against Columbus Grove on Friday night.

It’s the 18th NWC basketball title for Crestview, and the Knights finished the regular season with 15 consecutive wins and a record of 19-3 (8-0 NWC).

Crestview wasted no time, leading 24-13 after one quarter and 46-28 at halftime.

Derek Stout led all scorers with 19 points, while Drew Kline finished with 14. Wade Sheets, Javin Etzler and Kalen Etzler each had 10 points.

Crestview will return to action next Friday night at the Division IV sectional at Van Wert High School. The Knights will enjoy a first round bye, then will play the winner of Wednesday’s Parkway winner at 6:15 p.m. The winner of the upper bracket sectional championship will advance to the Elida district.