NLL: All Eyes North: Volume 1

<p>Heading in the 2021-2022 High School Basketball season in the Northern Lakes League there were two teams that everyone around the area were buzzing about Perrysburg and Northview (NV). On Friday night, in Sylvania Ohio, the two premier teams in the league collided. This is what high school basketball should be - packed gyms, two great teams, and amazing school spirit.  </p> <p>The battle for first place in the Northern Lakes League is a two team race. With both teams being undefeated in the conference, Perrysburg 11-1, traveled to Sylvania to take on the 9-1 Sylvania Wildcats. The first half was a back and forth battle with [player_tooltip player_id="809616" first="Sean" last="Craig"] (who scored at will) and [player_tooltip player_id="921806" first="Kasey" last="Hunt"] (who was in the zone) leading the way with 15 points and 12 points respectively. Joey Bohman paced the Jackets with 15 first half points, as Perrysburg led 36-35 at the half. </p> <p>The second half started with a different vibe as Northview cranked up the defense going on a 9-2 run to take a 44-38 lead. The Wildcats controlled the 3rd quarter with stifling defense that led to easy scores as Hunt and Craig continued their scoring assault, [player_tooltip player_id="809616" first="Sean" last="Craig"] assisted on a Drew Barnesky bucket to give Northview a 55-44 lead late in the 3rd. The Wildcats led 59-46 to start the 4th, Hunt’s hot shooting along with Craig, who was unguardable, seemed to really take the wind out of Perrysburg sails. It really was a tale of two halves. Bohman who was on fire in the first half was held to two points in the second, thanks to Craig who drew the defensive assignment. The stars for Perrysburg were held in check, Matt Watkins was held to just 6 points and [player_tooltip player_id="1360257" first="Kannon" last="Klusmeyer"] had a quite 11 points with Luke Manges chipping in 10. Kenny Biggs had a steal for a layup to put NV up 67-53 with 4:33 to go, it seemed to be the final blow as NV cruised to a 73-66 victory. </p> <p>This game was one of two halves, both teams are VERY well coached. The Northview crowd was the difference in giving the Wildcats that extra energy to push through. The two teams play again in mid-February in Perrysburg. It is expected that the Jackets crowd will lift their team in the rematch. Also expect Watkins and Klusmeyer to have big games, Northview will be ready as Craig and Hunt will bring it, as well as Grant Kopan who added 12 points in this game. Let’s hope the sequel is just as good as the first one.  </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>