Crestview picks up ‘W’ against Tinora

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

DEFIANCE — Crestview snapped a three game losing streak by shooting 81 percent from the floor in the first half, then holding off Tinora in the second half for a 52-48 win on Saturday.

The Knights (3-7) built a 12-6 lead after one quarter, with three pointers coming from Kalen Etzler and Gavin Etzler, and buckets from Kaden Short, Michael Joseph and Carson Kreischer.

The second quarter was big for Crestview, as Short scored eight of his 10 points in the period, including a pair of triples, and the Etzlers combined for seven points, allowing the Knights to gain some separation by outscoring the Rams 19-8 for a 31-14 halftime lead.

“We did a really good job in the first half sharing the basketball and getting really good shots,” Crestview head coach Doug Etzler said. “We were 13 of 16 from the field in the first half. We finished with 15 assists on the night and our guys were really unselfish and made the extra pass.”

Each team scored 13 points in the third quarter, including nine by Kalen Etzler, and Crestview enjoyed a 44-31 lead entering the final period. The 6-8 junior went on to finish with a team high 16 points on the night.

Tinora (5-6) stormed back in the fourth quarter and outscored the Knights 21-8. Marcus Grube put in nine of his game high 23 points in the quarter, while Evan Wilitzer and Max Grube each scored five and ended the game with 13 and eight points, respectively. For Crestview, Kreischer scored four of his 10 points in the quarter and Gavin Etzler connected on a pair of free throws to finish with eight points.

“Give credit to Tinora and coach (Paul) Wayne’s team as they hit some key three pointers in the fourth to cut the lead, but I’m proud of our guys for staying composed, taking care of the ball and hitting key free throws down the stretch,” the coach said.

The Rams connected on 10 of 22 three point shots during the game and finished 17 of 39 (43 percent) overall, while connecting on 5 of 6 free throws. The Knights finished a hot shooting night 22 of 30 (73 percent) from the floor, including 6 of 14 from beyond the arc. Crestview attempted just four free throws and connected on two, while winning the rebounding battle 15-10.

Crestview will travel to Allen East on Friday and will host Arlington on Saturday.

Scoring summary

Tinora 6 8 13 21 – 48
Crestview 12 19 13 8 – 52

Tinora: Marcus Grube 7-4-23; Evan Wilitzer 5-0-13; Max Grube 3-0-8; Nolan Schafer 1-0-2; Eric Bohn 1-0-2

Crestview: Kalen Etzler 7-0-16; Kaden Short 4-0-10; Gavin Etzler 2-2-8; Brody Brecht 1-0-2; Michael Joseph 1-0-2; Carson Kreischer 5-0-10; JJ Ward 1-0-2; Isaiah LaTurner 1-0-2

JV: Tinora 30-26