Cougar lose to Carroll in final stanza

DAVE MOSIER/independent sports

The Van Wert Cougars seemed to have a handle on their game with Fort Wayne Carroll, but lost that handle in the final stanza, committing three costly turnovers down the stretch to lose 45-41 in the matchup of out-of-state boys’ basketball teams.

The Cougars got out to a quick lead, 11-6, in the first quarter, but then were outscored 12-7 in the second stanza for an 18-all tie at the half. Van Wert was back in the lead, 28-25, at the end of the third quarter, but the Cougs lost their composure down the stretch, committing turnovers that put Carroll into the lead for good.

Joey Hurless led Van Wert with 11 points, while AJ Smith added 10 points and Connor Holliday had 9 points for the Cougars. Carroll was led by Chandler White’s 13 points, while Kyle Mallers added 12 points and Mason Miller scored 10 for the Fort Wayne team.

Van Wert didn’t have a great shooting night, hitting just 9 of 24 from two-point range (37.5 percent), while canning 4 of 7 three-point attempts (23.5 percent). The Cougars were 11 of 18 at the free-throw line (61.1 percent). Carroll made 15 of 25 two-point attempts (60 percent) and were 2 of 7 from three-point range (28.6 percent). The Fort Wayne team was 9 of 14 from the line (64.3 percent).

Van Wert had the edge in rebounding, 19-17, but had 21 turnovers to 16 for Carroll.

With the loss, the Cougars are now 6-3 on the year, while Carroll runs its record to 6-7.

One bright note was the Van Wert junior varsity team, which remained perfect on the season at 9-0 with a 40-30 win over Carroll’s JVs. Nick Keber led the Cougars with 16 points, while Jeff Kalonji was Carroll’s top scorer with 10.

Van Wert will return to WBL action on Friday against Elida, and then play Marion Local of the Midwest Athletic Conference on Saturday.