MIDDLEBURY – Doug Ogle was "admittedly disappointed" with the way his team finished Friday night's Northern Lakes Conference game at Northridge. The 10th-year Warsaw boys basketball coach, however, couldn't have been happier with the outcome, as the Tigers beat the host Raiders 62-56 to remain unbeaten in conference play. "We don't have a chance to win the NLC if we lose any games before we go to Concord," said Ogle. "I'm admittedly disappointed with the way we finished the game. I wasn't happy with our defense at the end." Though they gave up 25 points in the fourth quarter after giving up just 31 through the first three periods, the Tigers improved to 8-1 overall and 2-0 in the NLC. In search of its third-consecutive conference championship, Warsaw has won 20 of its last 21 NLC contests. The Tigers are tied with Class 4A No. 9 Elkhart Memorial, which improved to 9-0 overall and 2-0 in conference play Friday with a 57-52 win over 3A No. 9 Plymouth. Concord, Goshen, NorthWood and Plymouth are all 1-1 in NLC play, while Northridge and Wawasee are 0-2. "Credit Northridge with a valiant effort," said Ogle. "They didn't quit. It's not easy to win on the road in the NLC." The Raiders, who fell to 4-5 overall with their fourth-straight loss, trailed by as many as 16 points in the fourth quarter before making a late charge. Led by Nate Richie, Northridge led 13-9 after the first quarter. The sophomore standout scored 10 points in the opening frame and finished with a game-high 25 points, but it was Warsaw's dynamic duo of seniors Lucas Grose and Jordyn Coon that helped their team build the double-digit lead in the second half. Grose finished the game 6 of 10 from the field and 8 of 11 at the free throw line, as he had team highs of 20 points and nine rebounds. Coon was 4 of 7 from the field and 9 of 12 at the charity stripe, as he chipped in with 17 points, seven boards and three assists. Senior Brock Anson came off the bench and chipped in with eight points, including a 6-of-6 effort at the charity stripe. Classmate Rhett Kesler scored seven points. "Brock Anson had his best game of the year," said Ogle. "He came off the bench and did a great job." Nine players saw action for the Tigers, eight of them scored. Warsaw led 24-21 at halftime and 37-31 after three quarters of play. "It was 31-29, and then we went on an 8-0 run," said Ogle. "That run gave us some momentum." The Tigers certainly got a lift at free throw line, where – in a six-point game – they outscored Northridge 32-12. Warsaw was 32 of 40 at the charity strip, while the Raiders were 12 of 19. In the second half alone, the Tigers converted 22 of 27 free throws. "Our ability to get the ball inside and get to the free throw line was the difference in the game," said Ogle. Sophomore Sam Ahonen and senior Gavin Blyly scored 10 and eight points, respectively, for the Raiders. The Tigers are in action again Tuesday when they host Elkhart Central, followed by home games Friday and Saturday with Goshen and Culver Military Academy.
