Cougars fade as Shawnee wins WBL tilt

DAVE MOSIER/independent sports

The Van Wert Cougars had the advantage — for the first half — but then faded in the second half as Lima Shawnee won 59-47 in a Western Buckeye League clash played Friday at Shawnee.

The Cougars led by four points, 13-9, in the first quarter and extended that lead to seven points, 26-19, at the half. Unfortunately for Van Wert, the second half belonged to the Indians, who outscored the Cougars 40-21 to get the WBL victory.

As it has most of the year, Van Wert struggled offensively, hitting just 4 of 14 three-pointers (28.6 percent), but also were cold from two-point range, hitting just 11 of 31 two-point attempts (35.5 percent). The Cougars were also lackluster at the free-throw line, making just 13 of 22 attempts at the line (59.1 percent).

Shawnee made 3 of 8 three-point attempts (37.5 percent) and 17 of 35 two-pointers (48.6 percent). The Indians were 15 of 26 at the free-throw line (57.7 percent).

Van Wert had three players in double figures, led by Connor Holliday’s 11 points. Drew Myers and Jacoby Kelly each had 10 points in the game for the Cougars.

Jaden O’Neal was a one-man wrecking crew for Shawnee, scoring 26 points, including 9 of 14 from the line. JaQuan Tucker was the next highest scorer for the Indians, with 9 points in the game.

Shawnee had the edge in rebounding, 27-22, while the Cougars had two fewer turnovers, 13-15 in the game.

With the loss, Van Wert falls to 2-6 overall and 0-2 in the WBL, while Shawnee is 3-6 overall and 1-1 in league play.

The Indians’ junior varsity team also edged Van Wert 46-45, with both teams having three players in double figures. Dylan Lautzenheiser scored 14 points for the Cougar JVs, while Ryan Keber and Ryan McCracken each scored 12 points for Van Wert. Brady Sweeny led Shawnee with 14 points, while Riley Rosabo scored 13 points and Tyler Hall added 11 points for Lima.

Van Wert will next host Kenton this coming Friday and then travel to Maria Stein to take on Marion Local on Saturday.