The Van Wert County Courthouse

Friday, Mar. 29, 2024

Crestview boys down Van Wert at home

DAVE MOSIER/independent sports

CONVOY — The Van Wert Cougar boys fought hard but lost 54-43 to a talented Crestview squad in both teams’ opener on Friday at Crestview.

Crestview's Cody Mefferd (22) goes up high over two Van Wert defenders for a basket in Friday's game won by the Knights, 54-43. (Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent)
Crestview’s Cody Mefferd (22) goes up high over two Van Wert defenders for a basket in Friday’s game won by the Knights, 54-43. (Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent)

Josh Braun of Van Wert and Cody Mefferd of Crestview led their respective teams with 19-point offensive performances, but the Knights’ more balanced offense was the difference in the game.

Connor Lautzenheiser added 13 points for Crestview, while Derek Stout added 8 points for the Knights. No other Cougar player was in double figures, but Jacoby Kelly had 8 points in the game, while Ryan McCracken added 7 points for Van Wert.

The Knights had a good first quarter, opening up a 10-point lead, 18-8, over Van Wert. That, in essence, was the ballgame as the Cougars struggled the rest of the game to catch up, but never quite made it.

The Cougars cut the Crestview lead to nine points in the second quarter and trailed 31-22 at the half.

That lead was just four points at the end of the third quarter, as Van Wert outscored the Knights 13-8 in the third stanza.

Crestview kept its poise, though, outscoring the Cougars 16-8 in the final period for the 11-point victory.

Van Wert was 14 of 39 from the field (35.9 percent), including a dismal 3-of-19 performance from three-point range (15.8 percent). The Cougars were also subpar from the free throw line, hitting just 12 of 26 free-throw attempts (46.2 percent).

The Knights weren’t much better from the field, hitting 16 of 44 attempts for 36.4 percent. Crestview was 4 of 15 from three-point range (26.7 percent). The Knights were much better at the line, hitting 18 of 29 free throws (62.1 percent).

Crestview had the edge in rebounding, 28-22, while also having one fewer turnover than the Cougars (5-6).

The Van Wert junior varsity team won their contest, 45-33, with Nick Place the Cougar JVs’ lead scorer with 10 points. Brett Schumm led all scorers in the JV game with 15.

Van Wert will host Lincolnview at home this evening, while Crestview will play Wayne Trace.

VW boys vs Crestview boxscore 11-2015

POSTED: 11/28/15 at 8:56 am. FILED UNDER: Sports