Cougars get convincing win over Wapak

DAVE MOSIER/independent sports

WAPAKONETA – The Van Wert Cougars played tough defense and executed their transition offense well in a 59-44 victory over Wapakoneta in Western Buckeye League boys’ basketball action.

The Cougars led by 14, 24-10, at the end of the first quarter and maintained that lead, 35-21, at the half. Van Wert pushed its lead to 22 points, 47-25, before Coach Dave Froelich sent in reserve players to get some playing time in the final stanza. The Redskins outscored Van Wert 19-12 in the final quarter, but it was far too little, too late to help the Redskin chances for a win.

In addition to maintaining defensive pressure on Wapakoneta, the Cougars also kept the tempo of the game from lagging, which tired out the bigger Redskins and negated their height advantage. Van Wert had only two fewer rebounds than Wapakoneta, with the Cougars bringing down 15 caroms to 17 for the Redskins.

Van Wert also had fewer turnovers, 10-17, than Wapak.

The Cougars were again led in scoring by Jake Myers, who had 17 points on the night. Joey Hurless added 13 points while Reggie Phillips scored 9 points for Van Wert. The Redskins were led by Jake Buzzard’s 13 points.

The Cougars shot well from the field, hitting 25 of 41 for 61 percent (4 of 8 from three-point range for 50 percent), while Wapakoneta was 16 of 36 (44.4 percent) from the field (7 of 10 three-point attempts for 70 percent).

Van Wert hit only 5 of 10 free throws (50 percent), however, while the Redskins were 5 of 7 at the line (71.4 percent).

The win gives the Cougars a 12-4 record overall, while Van Wert is now 5-2 in the WBL. Wapak is 4-13 overall and 2-5 in league play.

It was another good night for Van Wert’s junior varsity team, which won 52-31 to up its record to 15-1 overall and 5-1 in the WBL. The Cougar JVs were led by Matt Bidlack’s 11 points, while Michael Smelser scored 10 points for Van Wert.

The Cougars will play Midwest Athletic Conference opponent St. Henry tonight in the Cougar’s Den.