Redskins collect first WBL victory
VAN WERT — A long run on a Friday night.
That can mean different things depending on which sport is being played. For Wapakoneta, it was a scoring run in their favor that proved key in a 51- 39 victory over Van Wert.
The game was played on even terms in the first half, with Wapakoneta holding a four- point edge at the break. They were still ahead by two late in the third when they hit back- to- back 3- pointers.
The Redskins then carried the momentum well into the the final period, scoring 10 more points while keeping the Cougars off the board entirely to put the game out of reach.
Coach Trey Elchert of Wapakoneta said, “Overall, we were pretty steady. The end of the third, and the start of the fourth we locked it down. We executed and finished around the rim.”
He also praised the play of senior Garrett Siefring for his job defending Van Wert’s Owen Treece. Treece, who helped lead the Cougars to a state football championship, had 18 points, but only had one stretch where he was able to string together some scores. “( Siefring) made ( Treece) work for those points,” said Elchert.
For the Redskins ( 1- 1 WBL, 5- 2 overall), Noah Ambos had 16 points and Kaden Siefring scored 12. Jackson Courter came off the bench to add eight.
Kaden Siefring had the first three baskets of the contest for the Redskins, the last one set up by a nice pass from Zach Rogers. The Cougars kept pace with a three by Ethan Rupert and a two by Treece.
Van Wert took a 9- 7 lead late in the period. Ambos then scored with four seconds left. He was fouled on the play and completed the play with the free throw to put the ‘ Skins back up by one.
Both teams went dry for the first part of the second quarter. They then started exchanging scores. Nate Jackson hit for Van Wert, with Courter answering for the Redskins.
Courter then nailed a 3- pointer, with Treece responding.
A layup by Rogers was answered with a short jumper from Garrett Gunter.
Van Wert again nudged ahead with one free throw each by Aidan Pratt and Treece.
Kaden Siefring hit a shot with 1: 25 to play. Ambos then drew up from the top of the arc, but several steps back, and found nothing but net. That would prove to be the last word in the half, with Wapakoneta taking a 22- 18 lead to the locker room.
It was Garrett Siefring who got the Redskins rolling in the second half with two
scores in the first 90 seconds to make the spread eight.
Treece then made two free throws and a 3- pointer. After a free throw by Pratt, Treece connected again to tie the game. Wapakoneta called time with 3 1/ 2 minutes left to break things up.
Ambos hit from long range coming out of that break. After Ty Jackson made one free throw, scores by Ambos and Braeden Goulet kept the Redskins in front.
Two free throws by Treece and a bucket by Pratt got Van Wert close.
Rogers splashed a 3- pointer, and Courter hit one just before time expired right in front of the Redskins’ bench.
The ‘ Skins defense forced a turnover and Rogers sent the ball ahead to a streaking Ambos for the first score of the fourth.
Kaden Siefring then made four free throws, Rogers hit one of two, and Ambos finished off the run with a basket and free throw.
Meanwhile, Van Wert had a few opportunities but could not come up with anything. Treece broke the drought with a 3- pointer with 3: 45 to go, but the Cougars were still down by 15 points.
Rogers scored the final points of the con
test for Wapakoneta. Van Wert got a couple more scores as the reserves were sent in to finish out the contest on both sides.
Game Notes
In the JV game, Wapakoneta defeated Van Wert 53- 42. Landon Brandt had 17 points and Grant Bauer scored 12. Other points: Logan Crow 9, Nate Metzger 5, Jackson Courter 5, Jordan Schneider 3.
Wapakoneta will be back in action on Wednesday when they host Liberty Benton. JV play will begin at 5 p. m. instead of the
usual 6 p. m. start. After being off for Christmas, the Redkskins will host Perry on Dec. 29.