LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The Northwest Conference returned to action out of league play as Lima Central Catholic welcomed the Kalida Wildcats to Msgr. Herr Gymnasium for a boys basketball matchup.

The Thunderbirds and Wildcats have gone back and forth in the series, trading wins in each of the last seven meetings dating back to the 2018–19 season. Kalida entered the night having won the most recent matchup nearly one year ago.

Lima Central Catholic set the tone early, swinging the ball around the perimeter before Jaxon White attacked a rotating defense and finished at the rim to get the Thunderbirds started.

Kalida answered from long range, as Parker Vorst knocked down a three-pointer from the wing to keep the Wildcats within striking distance. LCC responded when Brady Parker was left open on the wing and made the Wildcats pay with a triple of his own.

Kalida continued to battle, running a two-man game on the wing that resulted in Nathan Kahle driving the baseline and finishing a tough leaning shot. Moments later, Logan Kerner came off a screen and delivered a bounce pass to Paul Stechschulte rolling to the basket for an easy bucket.

As the game progressed, Lima Central Catholic began to take control. Jordan Priddy drew multiple defenders before kicking it out to Hunter Williams in the corner, where the junior drilled a three. The Thunderbirds followed that up in transition when Parker found Cole Mack in the corner, and the freshman connected from beyond the arc.

Lima Central Catholic pulled away in the second half and cruised to a 77–47 victory over Kalida.

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