Cougars down Jefferson in non-league tilt

DAVE MOSIER/independent sports

Few teams can deal with the Van Wert Cougars when they’re penetrating inside, as Delphos Jefferson found out Monday night during a 68-43 non-conference loss in the Cougar’s Den.

Van Wert made an amazing 20 of 28 two-point attempts — mostly from inside the paint. While the Cougars didn’t shoot all that well from three-point range, making just 8 of 21 attempts, the 71.4 percent two-point shooting still left them with an overall field-goal percentage of 57.1. The Wildcats were 3 of 9 from three-point range (33.3 percent), and made 14 of 33 two-point attempts (42.4 percent) for an overall field goal shooting percentage of 40.5.

The first quarter was the toughest for the Cougars, who led by only a basket, 16-14, when it was over. Van Wert then ratcheted down the defense and upped the offensive pressure, outscoring the Jeffcats 22-11 in the second stanza to take a 13-point lead, 38-25, at the half. The Cougars had another big quarter after the break, outscoring Jefferson 17-8 to lead by 22, 55-33, heading into the final stanza.

Van Wert then brought in its reserves, but still outpointed the Wildcats 13-10 in the fourth quarter.

The Cougars were led once again by Jacob Myers, who scored 25 points, including five three-pointers, against Jefferson. Two other Van Wert players were in double figures: AJ Smith had 12 points, while Reggie Phillips added 10 points for the Cougars. The Wildcats were led by Ross Thompson’s 14 points, while Shayn Klinger had 11 points for Jefferson.

Van Wert had the edge in rebounds, 19-15, while forcing 21 turnovers from the Jeffcats, compared to 13 for the Cougars.

Both teams shot well from the free-throw line. Delphos was 6 of 7 at the line (85.7 percent), while the Cougars were 4 of 6 from the charity stripe (66.7 percent).

With the win, Van Wert is now 14-5 on the year, while the Wildcats fall to 2-17 overall.

The Cougar junior varsity team also blew out Jefferson, 61-23, to take their record to 18-1 on the year. Chris Miller led the Van Wert JVs with 14 points, while Joey Moreland had 10 points for the Cougars. Ryan Bullinger led the Jefferson JVs with 8 points.

Van Wert’s last regular season game will be this Friday against Western Buckeye League foe Ottawa-Glandorf. Both teams are tied for third place in the WBL with identical 6-2 records, while the Titans have one more loss, 13-6, overall.