Pirates plunder the Knights 58-40

Van Wert independent sports

CONVOY — Undefeated Bluffton led by just one at halftime, but the Pirates pulled away in the second half, outscoring Crestview 39-22 in the second half on the way to a 58-40 win at Ray Etzler Gymnasium on Friday night.

In a tough, physical first half, the Pirates led 8-4 after the opening quarter and 19-18 at at the break. Kalen Etzler scored six of his eight points in the second period, while Gavin Etzler added a pair of treys in the same quarter. He went on to lead Crestview in scoring with 12 points, all from three point range.

Bluffton’s Luke Denecker took over in the third quarter by scoring eight of his 22 points, while Mason Soper added six of his 11 points in the period, and he finished with a game high 10 rebounds. Armed with a 41-27 lead, the Pirates outscored the Knights 17-13 in the fourth quarter.

Bluffton (5-0, 2-0 NWC) was 22-46 shooting, 9-12 from the foul line and had 23 rebounds. The Knights were 17-37 from the floor and 2-6 from the free throw line with 22 rebounds, with Kalen Etzler accounting for nine boards. Crestview also committed 17 turnovers, compared to just six for the Pirates.

The Knights (2-5, 0-2 NWC) will host Delphos St. John’s on Friday.

Scoring summary

Crestview 4 14 9 13 – 40
Bluffton 8 11 22 17 – 58

Crestview: Kalen Etzler 3-2-8; Gavin Etzler 4-0-12; Brody Brecht 1-0-2; Michael Joseph 1-0-2; Carson Kreischer 3-0-6; JJ Ward 4-0-8; Nathan Lichtle 1-0-2

Bluffton: Jon Schriner 2-0-4; Baylor Garmatter 1-0-2; Mason Soper 4-2-11; Jared Piercefield 3-3-9; Luke Denecker 7-4-22; Nic Essinger 4-0-8; Mickey Ault 1-0-2

JV: Bluffton 61-42