Leland Smith Ins. wins city men’s league

Van Wert Parks Department information

Leland Smith Insurance captured both the league and tournament titles in the Van Wert Parks Department 2011-2012 Men’s Basketball League.

A total of six teams, Leland Smith, Team Dunlap, Vorst Paving, Campbell’s Team, The Hatfields, and Don’s Custom Exhaust, competed in the league this year, playing every Wednesday from the end of November to the first part of February.

A post-season tournament concluded the season. In the championship game Leland Smith Insurance and Team Dunlap battled for the title. In the first few minutes of the game, Kirk Lichtensteiger of Leland Smith lit the scoreboard up hitting five treys for a total of 19 points in the first 20 minutes of play to lead his team to a 37-19 advantage at intermission.

Team Dunlap sparked a fire at the beginning of the second half with a 12-0 run; however, Leland Smith regained its composure and went on the defeat Team Dunlap 64-54.

Leland Smith was led in scoring by Kirk Lichtensteiger’s 22 points, while Mike Vining added 17. Top scorers for Team Dunlap were Scott Bollenbacher, with 11; and Brett Hammons, Andy Breese and Kyle Hammons, with 9 points apiece.

Van Wert Parks Director Sue Heppeard thanked all the teams that participated, as well as the officials who helped in this year’s league.

Leland Smith Insurance team members include (from the left) Luke Lichtensteiger, Scott Eickholt, Jon Van Cleave, Matt Perkins, Kirk Lichtensteiger, Mike Vining, and Jared Owens. (VW Parks Dept. photo)