Hoops preview: VW, C’view, L’view

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

All three county schools are riding winning streaks entering the weekend. Van Wert and Lincolnview ended losing streaks with victories, while the Crestview Knights extended their winning streak to six. All three schools are in action Friday and Saturday. Below is a brief preview of the games.

Van Wert at Kenton, vs. Coldwater

Van Wert (6-7, 1-3 WBL) snapped a four game losing streak with wins over Shawnee and Bryan last weekend, then earned a 54-40 win over Kalida on Tuesday.

During the three game stretch, the Cougars averaged 54 points per game while allowing 45. On the season as a hole Van Wert averages 51 points per game, while giving up 54.

Kenton (8-4, 1-2) split last week’s games, losing to St. Marys 55-47 on Friday, then edging Tiffin Columbian 52-51 on Saturday. The Wildcats have won three of their last four and average 58 points per game, while allowing 53 points per contest.

Entering the weekend, Coldwater (6-6, 1-2 MAC) has hit a rough patch with three losses in four games. However, those losses have come to Shawnee and Minster, plus an overtime loss to Delphos St. John’s.

The Cavaliers, who host state-ranked St. Henry (No. 5 in Division IV), average 58 points per game and give up the exact same number.

Crestview vs. Lima Central Catholic, at Celina

The Knights (10-3, 4-0 NWC) missed three shots during the first half of Tuesday’s game against Shawnee and went on to win 71-55.

Crestview has won six straight and is averaging 61 points per game, while giving up just 43.

Playing an independent schedule, Lima Central Catholic (5-10) started the season 4-3, but has lost seven of eight since then. The Thunderbirds average 49 points per game and give up 52 points per contest.

Celina (1-12, 1-3 WBL) will play at Defiance on Friday. The Bulldogs average 48 points per game and allow 64 points per game.

Lincolnview vs. Delphos Jefferson, vs. Parkway

The Lancers (8-5, 3-0 NWC) snapped a four game skid with impressive wins over Allen East and Antwerp last weekend.

Lincolnview is averaging 59 points per game, while allowing 53.

Delphos Jefferson (4-9, 2-1 NWC) ended a five game losing streak with a 54-41 win over Paulding last Friday. It’s fair to note that the five losses came to Shawnee, Wapakoneta, Crestview, Kenton and Wayne Trace.

The Wildcats average 49 points per game and give up 56.

Saturday will be a bit different at Lincolnview High School. Junior varsity games will be played during the afternoon, followed by a varsity doubleheader against Parkway. The Lady Lancers are scheduled to tip off at 6, followed by the Lancers and the Panthers.

Ahead of Saturday’s game, Parkway (7-6) will play at Delphos St. John’s. The Panthers are averaging 58 points per game, while giving up 54 points per contest.