Botkins boys trim Redskins

BOTKINS - The host Botkins boys basketball team knocked off Fort Loramie 4740 in a Shelby County League battle for third place Friday night.

The Trojan record improved to 7-4 overall and 3-2 in SCL play with the big win to grab sole possession of third place. The Redskins fell to 9-3 overall and 3-3 in the SCL after the loss.

The Trojans led 13-8 after the first period and 24-20 at halftime. The lead stayed four after the third period, 33-29. The Trojans took the final stanza 14-11 to win by seven.

“The kids stepped up and hit big shots, they played hard,” said Botkins head coach Phil Groves. “It was the best overall team performance we’ve had this year. We fought through adversity.”

Trojan senior Carter Pleiman topped all players with 22 points.

Rylyn Paul netted seven markers, while Brandt Boerger and Topp each added six points. Topp hit both of his triples in the first period to help Botkins gain a five-point lead.

“Carter was amazing, he is Mr. Consistent,” Groves noted. “Brandt and Noah Topp each hit two key three’s. Rylyn Paul also knocked down two big three’s.”

Caleb Maurer led FL with 15 points and three treys. Austin Reiman added 10 points.

FL sank 10 deuces and six triples. The Redskins canned two of three foul shots.

Botkins connected on nine two-pointers and hit seven treys. The Trojans converted eight of 14 foul shots (57 percent).

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Bot 13 11 9 14 47 FL 8 12 9 11 40

Botkins plays at nonleague Parkway (4-8) Saturday night. “They are a good, well-coached team,” said Groves. “We will have to come ready to play in a tough environment.”

The Panthers are guided by former Botkins head coach Doug Hughes. Parkway lost 60-40 at Delphos St John’s Friday.