PAULDING, Ohio (WLIO) — Van Wert Cougars used a fast start and balanced scoring to defeat Wauseon Indians 51-30 in a Division IV district semifinal at Paulding High School.

Representing the Western Buckeye League, Van Wert controlled the game from the opening quarter in the first meeting between the programs since 2022.

The Cougars grabbed early momentum in the closing seconds of the first quarter. After Keaten Welch’s drive came up short, Zach Crummey cleaned up the miss at the buzzer to give Van Wert a three-point lead heading into the second.

Van Wert broke the game open in the second quarter. Senior Griffin McCracken knocked down a 3-pointer as part of a strong stretch that pushed the Cougars’ advantage to 28-15 at halftime.

The momentum carried into the third quarter, where junior Keaten Welch added to the lead with a smooth floater in the lane.

The Cougars relied on a balanced offensive attack throughout the night, led by sophomore Xavier Kelly’s team-high 11 points.

With the victory, Van Wert advances to the district final and will face Galion Tigers on Saturday at Paulding. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Tags