COLUMBUS GROVE — Columbus Grove opened Putnam County League play in emphatic fashion, rolling past Leipsic 71–30 in the spotlight game of the night between two longtime conference rivals.

The Bulldogs entered the contest beginning league play, while Leipsic was searching for its first PCL win after starting 0–2. The two teams had split their previous four meetings.

Columbus Grove set the tone early in the first quarter by swinging the ball around the perimeter before Trevin Baxter finished an alley-oop that energized the home crowd. A few possessions later, Landon Best knocked down a corner three to extend the Bulldogs’ lead. Best finished the night with 17 points as Grove built a six-point advantage.

Leipsic answered with Calvin Miller connecting from beyond the arc, three of his 10 points, keeping the Vikings within reach early.

In the second quarter, Columbus Grove created offense off defense when Gage Sautter jumped a passing lane and capped the play with a two-handed dunk. Leipsic continued to battle, with Kash Walther converting a layup right in front of the basket.

The Bulldogs responded with back-to-back highlight finishes from Baxter, including a tomahawk dunk. Baxter and Brady Basinger led Columbus Grove with 18 points apiece as the Bulldogs steadily pulled away.

Columbus Grove cruised the rest of the way to secure its first conference win of the season, while Leipsic continued its search for its first league victory.

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