VW independent weekend hoops preview

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

Two Van Wert County boys’ basketball teams will try to snap losing streaks, while another will try to extend a winning streak. Below are brief previews of this weekend’s games.

Van Wert vs. Shawnee, at Bryan

The Cougars (3-7, 0-3 WBL) will try to reverse their fortunes this weekend. Van Wert will host WBL opponent Shawnee on Friday, then will travel to Bryan on Saturday.

The Cougars currently average 49.2 points per game while giving up 57.2 points per contest.

Shawnee (10-2, 2-0 WBL) is considered the surprise of the league so far this season. The Indians dropped their opener to Elida (58-45) and lost to St. Henry (62-48) in Week No. 2, but since then Shawnee has won nine straight.

The Indians are averaging 58.3 points per game while allowing 51.2 points per game.

Bryan is 4-7 (0-1 NWOAL) entering the weekend and the Golden Bears will travel to Swanton on Friday before hosting Van Wert the following night.

Bryan has lost two straight and averages 52.5 points per game, while giving up 52.2 points per game.

Both of Van Wert’s weekend games will air live on WERT 1220AM/104.3FM.

Lincolnview at Allen East, at Antwerp

After winning six consecutive games, the Lincolnview (6-5, 2-0 NWC) has lost four straight.

For the first time since December 22, the Lancers will play an NWC opponent (Allen East) on Friday, then will travel to Antwerp on Saturday.

Lincolnview averages 56.7 points per game, compared to 41 for Allen East (3-7, 0-3 NWC). In terms of defense, the Lancers allow 54.9 points per game, while the Mustangs give up 56.4 points per contest.

It should be noted that Allen East has lost two straight and six of seven.

Antwerp (5-4) will play at Hicksville tonight before hosting Lincolnview on Saturday. The Archers are averaging 44.6 points per game while allowing 45.3 points per game.

Crestview at Ada

The Knights (8-3, 3-0 NWC) will try to make it five straight wins when they travel to Ada on Friday.

Crestview is averaging 58.7 points per game, while allowing just 42.8 points per contest.

The Bulldogs (2-10, 1-1 NWC) have lost eight straight and average 42.8 points per game while giving up 57.3 points per game.

The Knights are off on Saturday, but will host Shawnee (0-2) in what should be an intriguing game on Tuesday.