Hoops preview: A flurry of games is in store

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

Another busy weekend of boys high school basketball is on tap, with Lincolnview scheduled to play on Friday, while Van Wert and Crestview are slated to play Friday and Saturday. In addition, sectional tournament pairings will be announced on Sunday (see related story).

Van Wert at Bath, vs. St. Henry

After topping state ranked Elida, the Cougars (9-7, 3-3 WBL) will try to add to their six-game winning streak Friday at Bath before hosting state ranked St. Henry on Saturday.

Van Wert is averaging 53 points per game and allowing 54 per contest. However, during the current winning streak the Cougars are averaging 58 points while giving up 48 points per game.

Bath (7-11, 1-5 WBL) averages 49 points per game and gives up 57 points per game. The Wildcats are 3-3 in their last six games, alternating between wins and losses. Bath lost to St. Marys last Friday and topped Bowling Green on Saturday. Also of note: Bath has won two straight games just once this season, December 8 and 9 against Bluffton and Columbus Grove.

St. Henry (15-3, 5-1 MAC, No. 5 in Division IV) will host Versailles (16-2, 5-0 MAC No. 5 in Division III) on Friday, then will travel to Van Wert on Saturday.

The Redskins had their 11 game winning streak snapped during Saturday’s stunning loss to Celina. St. Henry averages 56 points per game and gives up 48 per game, including 40 or less six times.

Both games will air live on WERT 1220AM/104.3FM

Crestview vs. Paulding, vs. Wayne Trace

Crestview’s winning streak is up to 10 games, and the team appears to be completely in sync. The Knights (14-3, 5-0 NWC) are averaging 62 points game, while giving up 44 points per contest.

Paulding (8-8, 4-1 NWC) is tied for second with Lincolnview in the Northwest Conference. The Panthers have won three straight and knocked off state ranked Hicksville (No. 9 in Division IV) 74-69 on Tuesday.

Paulding averages 56 points per game and allows 53 points per contest.

Wayne Trace (15-3, 4-1 GMC) will host Hicksville in a big Green Meadows Conference showdown on Friday before traveling to Convoy on Saturday. Entering the weekend, the Raiders have won five straight, and average 60 points per contest while giving up 55 per game.

Both games will air live on WKSD 99.7FM.

Lincolnview at Ada

The Lancers (11-7, 5-1 NWC) lost two games last weekend but bounced back with Tuesday’s 58-46 win over Bluffton.

Lincolnview averages 57 points and allows 52 per game, and the Lancers remain in the NWC title discussion, but will need help to claim at least a share of the conference championship.

Ada (4-14, 2-3 NWC) is coming off a double overtime win over Spencerville last Friday. The Bulldogs average 45 points per contest and give up 58 points per game.