Defiance High School’s boys basketball team secured its fourth consecutive victory with a commanding 54-39 win over Bowling Green on Saturday. The match took place at ‘The Dawg Pound’ in Defiance, where the Bulldogs improved their record to 7-2, showcasing a strong defensive performance while keeping the Bobcats at bay throughout the game.
The Bulldogs faced significant defensive pressure aimed at junior guard Josiah Schlatter, who had previously scored 32 points against Findlay. In response, the team rallied, with four players contributing to the scoring in the first quarter and senior point guard Jordyn Wright adding 10 points in the first half. “We came out well in each half and then got kinda methodical and stagnant, but hats off to our guys for a rally to do enough to win,” stated Bryn Lehman, head coach of Defiance. He highlighted the importance of offensive rebounds and physical play, noting that these areas were crucial for the team’s success.
Bowling Green, now at 3-4, had not played since December 20, when they faced a tough defeat against Ottawa-Glandorf. Despite the long break, the Bobcats started strong, matching Defiance shot-for-shot early in the game. However, the Bulldogs responded with a 7-0 run to begin the second quarter, pushing the lead to 23-12 after a dunk by Noah Shank and a three-pointer from Peyton Mseis.
The Bulldogs extended their lead to as much as 13 points before Bowling Green made a late push in the first half, narrowing the gap to 30-21 by halftime. The Bobcats mounted their most significant charge early in the second half, reducing the deficit to six points. Yet, foul trouble for key players, including Kiptyn Shank, hampered their momentum. Following a critical series of fouls, Defiance capitalized, allowing Jackson Becker to convert a three-point play that restored a nine-point lead.
Bowling Green struggled offensively, particularly in the second half, where they shot just 26.3 percent from the field. They were held scoreless for nearly two minutes at one point and did not convert a field goal for an extended stretch. Despite these challenges, Kiptyn Shank led the Bobcats with 12 points and five rebounds.
Defiance’s offense thrived in the second half, with Schlatter scoring 11 of his team-high 16 points after the break. Wright matched his season-best with 13 points, contributing crucial baskets that helped maintain the Bulldogs’ lead. “If you give Bowling Green two or three threes, they’ll get confidence. Us coming out and punching them in the mouth in the second quarter gave us a lot of energy,” Wright remarked.
Coach Lehman acknowledged that while the win was significant, there were areas for improvement. He pointed to defensive lapses and rebounding issues that need addressing as the Bulldogs prepare for upcoming matches. With this victory, Defiance is now 5-1 at home this season.
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs will return to action on Friday against St. Marys, while Bowling Green is set to face Sylvania Northview on Tuesday, followed by a matchup against Sylvania Southview. Both teams are eager to build on their current form as they continue their campaigns in the Western Buckeye League.
