The Van Wert County Courthouse

Friday, Mar. 29, 2024

Crestview slips by Paulding 52-50

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

PAULDING — In a thrilling end to the 2019-2020 regular season, Crestview held on to defeat Paulding 52-50 on Thursday night, ending an 11-game winning streak by the Lady Panthers.

It was the second time this week the Lady Knights ended an 11 game winning streak by a Paulding County team. Crestview defeated Wayne Trace 43-37 on Tuesday night.

Crestview head coach Mark Gregory and daughter Lexi Gregory talk strategy during Thrusday night’s game against Paulding. Wyatt Richardson/Van Wert independent

“This was two high caliber teams on the road,” head coach Mark Gregory said. “We made some big shots and got some great stops on defense when we need them the most.”

The difference during Thursday’s game was the free throw line, where Crestview (13-9, 5-3 NWC) converted 14-22 foul shots, including 10 in the second half. Bailey Gregory led the way by going 7-10 from the foul line, while Paulding did not attend a free throw the entire game.

Crestview led 13-12 after one quarter, with Kylie Etzler and Olivia Cunningham each pumping in a triple and freshman Laci McCoy scoring five points. Cunningham added five more points in the second quarter, while McCoy added a bucket and Gregory hit a trey to help give the Lady Knights a 24-22 halftime lead.

Crestview extended the lead to 35-31 after three quarters, but Paulding (18-4, 5-3 NWC) came roaring back in the fourth quarter. Audrey Giesige drilled back-to-back triples to give the Lady Panthers a 37-35 lead, but a bucket by Lexi Gregory tied the game 37-37. Sadie Estle and Bailey Gregory traded baskets to make it 39-39 before Janae Pease hit a trey that gave Paulding a 42-41 lead with 3:29 left.

Lexi Gregory fired in a three of her own with 1:41 left, giving Crestview a 48-47 lead, and the Lady Knights would hang on from there.

Lexi Gregory led Crestview with 14 points, including 11 in the second half, and eight rebounds. Bailey Gregory had 13 points and Cunningham chipped in with 11 and as a team, Crestview enjoyed a 25-19 rebounding advantage.

“We rebounded so well out of our 2-3 zone, which is not easy to do,” Gregory said. “Our effort on both ends of the floor was tremendous.”

Audrey and Chelsi Geisige each had 11 points for Paulding, while Syd McCullough finished with eight.

Crestview will face Ayersville in the Division IV sectional semifinals at 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Paulding High School, and Paulding will play either Patrick Henry or Coldwater in the Division III sectional finals at Lincolnview at 6:15 p.m. Saturday, February 22.

Scoring summary

Paulding 12 10 9 19 – 50
Crestview 13 11 11 17 – 52

Paulding: Jalynn Parrett 2-0-5; Syd McCullough 3-0-8; Janae Pease 3-0-7; Leigha Egnor 1-0-2; Chelsi Giesige 4-0-11; Audrey Giesige 4-0-11; Katie Strayer 1-0-2; Sadie Estle 2-0-4

Crestview: Bailey Gregory 2-8-13; Kylie Etzler 2-0-5; Lexi Gregory 5-3-14; Laci McCoy 3-3-9; Olivia Cunningham 4-0-11

POSTED: 02/14/20 at 4:51 am. FILED UNDER: Sports