VAN WERT (WLIO) — In a battle of unbeatens atop the Western Buckeye League standings, Shawnee and Van Wert met Friday night with first place on the line. Both teams entered at 7-0 in conference play, knowing the winner would take control of the WBL race.

Van Wert, still chasing its first league title since the 2006-07 season, made its push after halftime. Xavier Kelly attacked the lane, spun through traffic and floated in two of his 13 points to keep the Cougars in front.

Shawnee answered late in the third. Trailing by four, Beckett Bertke rose up from beyond the arc and drilled a three to cut the deficit to one. Moments later, the Indians worked the ball around to Trevick Bertke in the corner, and the junior buried the triple to swing the momentum and give Shawnee a three-point edge. Trevick finished with 20 points.

Early in the fourth, Van Wert countered when Keaton Welch found Cohen Bragg on the perimeter for a go-ahead three, nudging the Cougars in front 44-43.

But with just over three minutes to play, Beckett Bertke delivered the decisive blow. The senior knocked down a straightaway three to put Shawnee ahead 48-44, igniting a closing stretch that turned into a free-throw contest.

Bertke posted a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds as Shawnee fended off Van Wert 60-53.

With the victory, the Indians lock up at least a share of their second consecutive Western Buckeye League championship.

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