Cougar girls outlast scrappy Kenton

DAVE MOSIER/independent sports

The Van Wert Cougars outlasted the Kenton Lady Wildcats, 50-43, in girls’ Western Buckeye League basketball action on Thursday in the Cougar’s Den.

With the win, the Cougars are now 9-2 on the year and 3-1 in the WBL, while Kenton falls to 6-6 overall and 2-2 in league play.

The game was close most of the way after Van Wert got out to a seven-point lead, 17-10, in the first quarter. The Wildcats began to chip away at that lead during the middle two quarters and trailed by just a basket, 33-31, at the end of the third period.

However, the Lady Cougars managed to hit their free throws and some key baskets down the stretch to preserve the victory.

Kenton’s offensive efforts were pretty much a two-player show, with Chyenne Hedges scoring 19 points and Brooke Bostelman adding 18 points for the Lady ‘Cats. In contrast, Van Wert had scoring from nine players, led by Erin Morrow’s 13 points, while Alexis Dowdy added 11 points for the Cougars.

The difference in the game came at the free throw line. Kenton actually outscored the Lady Cougs from the field, but Van Wert had 25 free throw attempts, making 17, while the Wildcats were 8 of 14 from the line.

Van Wert’s junior varsity team also eked out a 46-45 victory over the Wildcat JVs to go to 4-7 on the year.

The Cougars will again play Saturday, hosting the Lincolnview Lady Lancers in a non-conference game at home. Start time is 1:30 p.m.