Coldwater burns nets in beating Cougars

DAVE MOSIER/independent sports

The Van Wert Cougars played pretty much even with the Coldwater Cavaliers for three quarters of Saturday’s non-conference boys’ basketball game. Unfortunately, the Cavs started out with a 12-point lead, which helped them to a 71-52 victory over Van Wert.

The Cougars got out slow on Saturday as Coldwater got out to a 25-13 lead in the first quarter. The lead stayed the same at the half, as both teams scored 13 points in the second stanza for a 38-26 Cavaliers’ lead. Coldwater upped the lead to 17 points in the third quarter with a 20-15 run.

The Cavaliers had three players in double figures, led by Dylan Thobe’s 15 points. Neal Muhlenkamp added 13 points, while Andy Brunet scored 11 points for Coldwater.

Van Wert’s Jacoby Kelly led all scorers with 18 points, with Colin Smith adding 9 points, and Gavin Cross 8 points for the Cougars.

With the loss, Van Wert falls to 4-11 overall, while the Cavaliers are now 9-4 on the season.

The Cougars shot well from three-point range, hitting 6 of 15 (40 percent) behind the arc, but only made 11 of 29 (37.9 percent) two-point attempts. Coldwater was red hot from everywhere, knocking down 8 of 13 three-pointers (61.5 percent) and 16 of 23 two-point attempts (69.6 percent).

Van Wert did shoot better from the free throw line, making 12 of 18 (66.7 percent), versus 13 of 21 (61.9 percent) for the Cavaliers.

Coldwater used its height to advantage on the boards, bringing down 22 rebounds to 14 for the Cougars, while Van Wert also had more turnovers, 14-10.

The Cougar junior varsity team was a bright spot, with a 60-42 win over Coldwater to go to 11-4 on the year. Blake Henry scored a game-high 23 points, while Lawson Blackmore added 10 points for Van Wert. The Cavs’ JVs were led by Derek Albers’ 12 points, while Trey Wolters added 10 for Coldwater.

The Cougars will next play Friday at Lima Bath, while also traveling Saturday to Fort Wayne (Indiana) Carroll High School.