SHAWNEE (WLIO) — Shawnee continued its perfect run through Western Buckeye League play, holding off Defiance 55-47 to improve to 4-0 in conference action.

The Indians set the tone early with defense fueling offense. Trevick Bertke jumped a passing lane for a steal and went coast-to-coast for Shawnee’s first points of the night.

Defiance answered behind Josiah Schlatter, who knocked down a three-pointer in the first quarter. Schlatter stayed hot, coming off a screen and pulling up just inside the arc for two of his team-high 18 points, giving the Bulldogs a four-point lead late in the opening quarter.

Shawnee responded in the second quarter. Luke Marshall connected from the corner for three, part of his 12-point night. Defiance countered with size inside, as 6-foot-5 junior Jackson Becker scored in the paint to keep the Bulldogs close.

The Indians regained control behind Beckett Bertke, who scored 13 points in the post as Shawnee built a seven-point advantage. As time expired in the half, Trevick Bertke pulled up from the logo and buried the buzzer-beater, pushing his total to 20 points on the night and giving him 1,001 points for his career.

Shawnee maintained its edge the rest of the way, holding off Defiance down the stretch to secure the 55-47 victory and remain unbeaten in WBL play.

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