Game preview: Van Wert vs. Wauseon

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

At least on paper, it’s the biggest challenge of the season for Van Wert.

Fresh off a sectional championship at Findlay High School, the Cougars will face undefeated and Associated Press poll champion Wauseon in the Division II district semifinals at Ohio Northern University. Wednesday’s game will be the second one of the night (approximately 8 p.m.), after Defiance and Shawnee.

Van Wert head coach Mark Bagley said the No. 1 seed Indians (23-0) present all sorts of matchup problems.

“Wauseon has five outstanding players that play well together and are led by Brooks Gype (6-3) and Austin Rotroff (6-9),” Bagley explained. “They rebound the ball at both ends and move the ball to use height to their advantage. Offensively they run a ton of motion to find the mismatch and defensively they play a very aggressive man and 1-3-1 zone.”

Rotroff averages 14.6 points and eight rebounds per game, while Gype averages nine points per outing. Starting point guard Trent Armstrong averages 9.4 points per contest. As a team, Wauseon averages 59 points per game while allowing just 35 points per contest.

“The No. 1 must for us is we will need to defensive rebound and push the tempo to make it a fast game,” Bagley stated. “Offensively, we will need to move the ball and get our feet ready to shoot and be aggressive against their pressure. Our kids are excited and will be ready as they have accepted this challenge with no fear.”

The Cougars (13-10) average and allow 53 points per game, and have had their share of ups and downs this season. After opening with wins over county rivals Lincolnview and Crestview, Van Wert lost seven of eight games before reeling off seven consecutive victories. The Cougars lost three straight after that, then ended the regular season with a win over Defiance.

Van Wert topped Maumee 58-40 in the sectional semifinals, then knocked off Bath 72-61 in the sectional title game. The 72 points represented a season high, and the entire starting five – Nate Place, Jacoby Kelly, Owen Treece, Blake Henry and Drew Bagley – finished in double figures.

“Van Wert has five guys on the floor at all times that are capable of scoring and making plays,” Wauseon head coach Chad Burt said. “You have to guard them all. They have a very experienced point guard that does a great job of running the show, and they have scorers on the wings along with players that can go inside and outside.”

“They run a number of sets and execute very well,” Burt added. “They are one of the most athletic offensive teams that we have seen this year. They do a good job of mixing up defenses as well.”

Wednesday’s Van Wert-Wauseon game will air live on WERT 1220AM/104.3FM, and will stream live at www.thevwindependent.com.