Henry von Hollen calmly knocked down a pair of clutch free throws with about 20 seconds left in overtime, his only two attempts of the game, to lead the Big Walnut boys basketball team to its first win of the season: a thrilling 40-39 victory over visiting Franklin Heights Friday in Sunbury.
“I’m just really happy for our guys to be able to celebrate and enjoy the win,” BW coach Brett Bartlett said. “I’m also really happy von Hollen was the one to step up to the line and make those free throws after struggling all night.”
Ben Saxe led the way with 13 points while Carson Becker finished with nine. Brody Lawhun and von Hollen finished with six points apiece.
Liberty 59, Westerville Central 44
The Patriots trailed by a point at halftime, but dominated the second half en route to a lopsided league win over the Warhawks Friday in Westerville.
Liberty outscored Central 19-8 in the third quarter and 15-9 in the fourth.
Ben Roderick led the way with 23 points while Jack Barnett finished with 16 in the win.
Marion Harding 51, Buckeye Valley 43
The Barons kept the Presidents close, but never quite could pass them up during Friday’s MOAC showdown in Delaware.
With first place on the line, Harding raced out to a 15-10 lead after one. The Presidents added to their edge with a 12-11 second and, after BV closed the gap a bit with a 12-10 third, won the fourth 14-10 to smooth out the scoring summary.
Ethan Crawford had a big night, finishing with 23 points, but no other Baron managed more than six in the setback.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Teegan Pifher finished with a game-high 12 points as Liberty used a balanced attack to knock off visiting Westerville Central 53-32 Friday in Powell.
Bre Yashko backed Pifher with 11 points while Kennedy Kashmiry and Katie Harrop added nine and eight points, respectively.
BOYS BOWLING
The Buckeye Valley boys bowling team picked up a key win over the only team that beat it last season, topping Cardington 2,244-1,855 Friday afternoon.
Leo Wells led the Barons, now a perfect 11-0, with games of 222 and 214 for a 436 series. Jimmy Davis also made some noise, finishing with games of 221 and 162, while Tony Ruark smoothed out the team’s top three with games of 198 and 177.
Also: Liberty def. Orange 2,130-1,991.
GIRLS BOWLING
Buckeye Valley improved to 8-3 Friday, handling Cardington 1,865-1,712.
Tara McClure led BV with games of 178 and 175 for a 353 series. Sydney Lenart was also solid, closing with games of 199 and 148.
Orange 1,976, Liberty 1,812
SarahKate Palmer had a match- and team-high game of 235 to lead the Pioneers to a win over the Patriots Friday afternoon.
Palmer also had a game of 165, giving her and match-high 400 series.
