MIDDLE POINT, Ohio (WLIO) — Lincolnview had a chance to clinch its first Northwest Conference title since 2015, but standing in the way were the rival Crestview Knights at The Barn.

The Lancers entered the night 5-1 in NWC play, while Crestview came in at 3-2 and having won nine of the last 10 meetings between the two programs.

Crestview struck first in the opening quarter as Liam Putman came up with a loose ball and finished at the rim to break the scoreless tie. Lincolnview answered quickly with Max Hammons cutting backdoor for a smooth finish as the two teams traded baskets early.

The Knights kept the pressure on. Haden Perrott battled inside for the bucket and drew the foul, though he missed the free throw. Will Sheets added a tough two later in the quarter, finishing with a team-high 13 points for Crestview.

But the Lancers had the final say.

Gavin Evans powered his way to the rim for an and-one opportunity, igniting a key stretch for Lincolnview. The senior poured in a game-high 22 points to lead the charge.

When the final buzzer sounded, Lincolnview secured a 57-44 victory over Crestview, clinching the Northwest Conference title outright — the program’s first since 2015.

Tags