Etzlers combine for 37, Crestview wins

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

CONVOY – A strong second half, especially on defense sparked Crestview led to a 61-35 victory in the home opener over Edgerton on Saturday.

The Knights led the Bulldogs 30-24 at halftime, then outscored Edgerton 14-3 in the third quarter and 17-8 in the final period. In addition to the second half blitz, Crestview won the rebounding battle in a big way, 26-13, and the Knights shot 50 percent (24 of 48) from the floor, while the Bulldogs were held to 37 percent (14 of 37) shooting, including just 2 of 13 from three point range.

Kalen Etzler, Javin Etzler and Brant Richardson each scored four points in the third quarter, then Javin Etzler scored five more in the fourth. He went on to finish with a game high 19 points, while the younger Etzler scored 18 points and had seven rebounds. Richardson also cracked double digits with 10 points.

Brayden Cape led Edgerton (1-1) with 13 points.

“It was beneficial for us to get right back into a competitive situation on Saturday night,” Crestview head coach Jeremy Best said. “As we continue to be exposed to scenarios that come about in game situations, our reactions to those situations get better, and Saturday was an example of this.”

Crestview enjoyed a 16-9 lead after the first quarter, with Javin Etzler scoring eight points and Kalen Etzler five. The two combined for six points in the second quarter, while Richardson chipped in with four.

Crestview (3-1) will host Fort Jennings on Tuesday and Allen East on Friday. Both games will air live on WKSD 99.7FM.

Scoring summary

Crestview 16 14 14 17 – 61
Edgerton   9  15  3   8 –  35

Crestview: Kalen Etzler 6-3-18; Javin Etzler 8-0-19; Drew Kline 3-1-7; Brant Richardson 4-2-10; Carson Kreischer 1-0-2; Derick Dealey 1-0-3; Brock Stauffer 1-0-2

Edgerton: Jaron Cape 2-0-4; Braydon Cape 5-2-13; Clayton Flegal 1-2-5; Greg Roth 1-0-2; Logan Showalter 3-1-7; Gannon Ripke 2-0-4

JV: Crestview 57 Edgerton 28