Hoops roundup: Knights, Lancers fall

VW independent sports

Spencerville 54 Crestview 43

SPENCERVILLE — Spencerville started fast en route to a 54-43 win over Crestview in the Northwest Conference opener for both teams on Friday.

The Bearcats (4-0, 1-0 NWC) exploded to a 17-4 lead in the first quarter, with Grady Smith and Judge Stemen combining for 13 points. Owen Sensabaugh put in six points in the second quarter, but Crestview’s Will Sheets countered with six points of his own and Tommy Heffner added four points as the Knights closed the gap to 27-20 at halftime. Sensaugh knocked down a pair of treys in the third quarter and the Bearcats carried a 41-32 lead into the fourth quarter.

Sensabaugh led all scorers with 19 points and Spencerville finished 17-of-40 shooting and 13-of 19 on free throws. Sheets and Heffner each finished with 12 points for the Knights, who finished 18-of-43 from the floor and 3-of-5 from the foul line. The Bearcats won the battle of the boards, 24-16.

Both teams return to action tonight, with Crestview (2-3, 0-1 NWC) traveling to Wayne Trace and Spencerville hosting Ottoville.

Lima Central Catholic 84 Lincolnview 55

At Lincolnview High School, the Lancers trailed Lima Central Catholic 41-31 at halftime, then then a big second half led the Thunderbirds to an 84-55 win in the NWC opener on Friday.

Lima Central Catholic (3-1, 1-0 NWC) outscored Lincolnview 27-14 in the third quarter and carried a 68-45 lead into the final period. Thunderbird guard Jordan Priddy led all scorers with 32 points, including 12-of-14 from two point range. Max Hammons led Lincolnview with 19 points and Bennett Kill added 13.

The Thunderbirds finished the night 32-of-65 from the floor, including just 5-of-24 from three point range, and 15-of-19 from the free throw line. Lima Central Catholic had just seven turnovers, compared to 16 by Lincolnview. The Lancers were 20-of-51 shooting, including 2-of-10 from beyond the arc. Lincolnview went 13-of-24 from the free throw line, had 16 turnovers, and outrebounded the visitors 33-30.

Lincolnview (2-2, 0-1 NWC) will travel to Ottoville next Friday.