Knights get win over Ottoville boys

Van Wert independent sports

Crestview's Preston Zaleski (2) goes up for a layup over an Ottoville defender during Tuesday night's game won by the Knights 60-36. (Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent) — Crestview’s Preston Zaleski (2) goes up for a layup over an Ottoville defender during Tuesday night’s game won by the Knights 60-36. (Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent)

CONVOY — The Crestview Knights blew a close game open in the third quarter to earn an easy 60-36 victory over Ottoville at home on Tuesday evening.

The Knights had a seven-point lead, 14-7, at the end of the first quarter, but then cooled off as Ottoville went on a 15-11 run in the second quarter to trail by just three points, 25-22, at the half. Crestview apparently benefited from a locker room chat with Coach Jeremy Best, though, and came out strong in the third quarter to outscore the Big Green 20-4 and led by 19 points, 45-26, at the three-quarter mark.

The Knights had a balanced scoring attack, with four players in double figures, led by Connor Lautzenheiser’s 26 points. Cody Mefferd had 12 points for Crestview, while Mitchell Rickard scored 11 points and Preston Zaleski added 10 points for the Knights.

Lautzenheiser had a double-double for the game, adding 10 rebounds to go with his 26 points.

Ottoville had no one in double figures, but Tyler Roby was close, leading the Big Green with 9 points in the game.

Both teams were fighting injuries, with Braden Van Cleave out for the Knights and Ottoville center Kyle Bendele also on the bench because of injuries.

With the win, Crestview is now 5-2 overall on the year, while the Big Green fall to 4-3 on the season.

POSTED: 12/31/14 at 8:04 am. FILED UNDER: Sports