(December 18th, 2014) – WAUSEON: For three quarters, Wauseon controlled the game against North Western Ohio Athletic League foe Swanton.
Then the fourth quarter happened.
After opening the game on a 15-5 run which took up the first quarter, the Indians held steady in the second and third periods with 12 points each. Entering the fourth quarter enjoying a 39-34 advantage, the Wauseon boys had to like their chances of winning the contest. Yet they were outscored 10-2 down the homestretch, suffering from an agonizing 44-41 defeat.
Both sides were remarkably efficient with the basketball. Wauseon turned the ball over just 7 times against the Bulldog defense. Swanton, in turn, only gave the ball up 5 times. This made for one of the cleanest high school games in recent memory.
By not turning the ball over, the Wauseon offense was allowed to run unimpeded. Zach Johnson was a huge beneficiary from this, scoring 16 points to go along with his 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. Noah Castle contributed 7 points to the Indian cause, also bringing in 5 rebounds while making 4 assists and 2 blocks. Unfortunately, he also fouled out of the game. Jacob Newlov also totaled 7 points.
Both sides shot the ball well. Wauseon managed to maintain a 47% average from the floor, while Swanton kept a 46% average. The Indians took 7 shots less than the Bulldogs.
Overall, these two teams were evenly matched, at least statistically. Wauseon built a lead early, and Swanton slowly leveled the playing field before dominating the fourth quarter. This one could have gone either way.