Knights clinch share of NWC crown

Crestview girls’ basketball news

CONVOY — The young Crestview Lady Knights did something Thursday they haven’t done since their magical undefeated regular season back in 2009: win a Northwest Conference championship. Crestview clinched at least a share of that title by defeating Allen East 59-43.

The game went back and forth for three quarters as both of these talented teams delivered their best shots. Crestview took the lead by two at the three-quarter mark. However, the last stanza was a different story as the Knights tightened up the defense and hit crucial shots down the stretch to outscore the Allen East 26-12 and close out the game.

Crestview continued its hot shooting, going 13 of 23 from two-point range (56 percent) and a sizzling 6 of 12 from three-point land (50 percent), including a perfect 4 for 4 in the second half. The Lady Knight defense forced Allen East into shooting just 13 of 55 (28 percent) from the field.

Mackenzie Riggenbach was the hot shooter for Crestview in this game, as she led the Knights with a total of 23 points. Emily Bauer and Terra Crowle chipped in 10 and 9 points, respectively.

Crestview is now 17-1 on the season and a perfect 7-0 in NWC play. They will next battle the Celina Bulldogs (15-2) Tuesday night at Ray Etzler Gymnasium in a matchup of two of the area’s marquee teams.

Crestview’s junior varsity team also defeated Allen East, 40-28, to remain unbeaten in conference play and move to 11-5 overall.