AKRON - Riley Stichter scored a game-high 19 points and led the way in Wawasee's 74-70 win over the Tippecanoe Valley Vikings, spoiling senior Saturday afternoon at Tippecanoe Valley High School.
The Warriors (15-5) caught fire early from beyond the arc, making eight of their 10 three-pointers in the first half. Logan Hatfield made four three-pointers in his 17-point contribution for Wawasee. Jake Clark finished with 12 points, while Trevor McKibben added seven in the win.McKibben left the game with a shoulder injury after diving for a loose ball with 6:39 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Wawasee assistant coach Geoff Walmer said McKibben should be OK to start in Wednesday's sectional rematch with the Vikings (7-13). Class 3A Sectional 21 will be at Wawasee High School.
"From what we're hearing, Trevor is good to go," Walmer said. "I think it was just a one-time 'get him out' just to make sure he is OK."
Walmer said they were going to prepare themselves as usual in time for the state tournament.
"Trevor is a big part of our team, and we're going to have him and prepare just like we normally would," Walmer said.
Valley's freshmen tandem of Tanner Shepherd and Tanner Andrews combined for 31 points in the loss. Nick Kindig finished with 16, while Bret Cooper added 15.
Vikings coach Bill Patrick appreciated the effort from his squad, but thinks there's enough room for improvement.
"We did a pretty good job of attacking the basket against their press," Patrick said. "We got some open shots. When we looked up-court and attacked the basket we got some easy shots, so that was key. We didn't have that many turnovers."
Valley trailed and did not convert a single three-point attempt through the entire first half. Cooper's three-point basket gave the Vikings their first lead of the game with 4:10 remaining in the fourth quarter.
A technical foul on Hatfield after fouling Kindig late in the fourth allowed the Vikings to convert a four-point play and stay close with the Warriors.
Patrick said the Vikings need to fix their errors and look at the film so they can make their adjustments in Wednesday's rematch against the Warriors.
"Obviously, we can't give up 40 points in the first half," Patrick said. "We can't give up that many points. We've got to figure out a way to keep the score a little lower."
Walmer said the Warriors prepared themselves and were well aware of how dangerous the Vikings are, despite what their record shows.
"They're a young team. They've got some really good pieces who have come along throughout the season," Walmer said. "They have good shooters and they have a good inside presence."
In preparation for their next meeting, Walmer said they were going to watch Saturday's film and find what needs tweaking.
"The way we're looking at it is one game at a time," Walmer said. "You can't look ahead. You've just got to battle for every minute that you have and every game that you play."
