Etzler, Kreischer lead Knights over Leipsic

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

BLUFFTON — After trailing by 10 at halftime, Leipsic made things interesting in the second half, but Crestview was able to convert 10-17 free throws in the fourth quarter, enough to help the Knights to a 64-55 Division IV sectional semifinal win at Bluffton University on Wednesday.

Both teams got off to a fast start, with Crestview enjoying a 20-15 lead at the end of the first quarter. Gavin Etzler hit a pair of treys, while Kalen Etzler and JJ Ward each added five points in the period.

“I thought we got off to a really good start and shot the ball extremely well in the first quarter to build a little lead,” Crestview head coach Doug Etzler said. “Kalen Etzler, Carson Kreischer and JJ Ward all had very good games scoring and rebounding for us.”

The 6-8 Etzler, who scored a game high 22 points and 10 rebounds, added five more in the second quarter and Carson Kreischer chipped in with four of his 18 points, and Crestview led 31-23 at halftime. Kreischer also finished with 12 rebounds in the game.

However, the Vikings (11-12) poured in 18 third quarter points, including six by Mason Brandt and four by Drew Liffick, while Kreischer scored six for the Knights and Crestview led 43-41 entering the fourth quarter. Brandt finished with 20 points and Liffick added 11.

“We struggled with their pressure tonight and turned it over too much,” Etzler said. “It was the first tournament experience for most of our guys and I think the nerves showed a little, but credit Leipsic for the pressure they put on us.”

The Vikings hounded the Knights into 16 turnovers during the game.

Leipsic trailed by just four late in the fourth quarter, but the Knights were able to use free throws to cement the win. Ward, who tallied 11 points, was 4-6 from the foul line in the fourth quarter.

Crestview (12-11) will play No. 3 seed Delphos St. John’s in the sectional championship game at 6:15 p.m. on Friday at Bluffton. The two teams met on December 27, and the Blue Jays won 58-37.

“We will have to play a much cleaner game against St. John’s on Friday,” Etzler said.

Scoring summary

Crestview 20 11 12 21 – 64
Leipsic 15 8 18 14 – 55

Crestview: Kalen Etzler 8-4-22; Gavin Etzler 2-2-8; Carson Kreischer 9-0-18; JJ Ward 3-4-11; Nathan Lichtle 2-0-5

Leipsic: Mason Brandt 7-2-20; Trey Schroeder 2-0-5; Jaden Siefker 1-1-3; Dillan Niese 1-0-2; Drew Liffick 3-4-11; Lorenzo Walther 2-3-7; Tyler Sickmiller 1-1-4; Mitchell Lammers 1-1-3