Bulldogs look to snap 2-game skid in WBL opener
Elida and Shawnee will tip off their Western Buckeye League (WBL) campaigns Friday night in a matchup that sets the stage for their conference seasons. The game, hosted by Shawnee, will be broadcast live on 93.1 The Fan.
The Bulldogs (1-3 overall) enter the game looking to snap a two-game losing streak. Their most recent outing ended in a tough 75-47 defeat at the hands of unbeaten Delphos St. John’s. Senior guard Zori Island paced Elida Saturday against DSJ with 20 points.
Struggling on both ends of the floor, the Bulldogs have averaged 51 points per game while allowing 58.5 points to opponents. The team’s lone win of the season came in a strong performance against Bath in the Tip-Off Classic, but consistency has been an issue, and they’ll need a sharper effort on Friday to contend with Shawnee.
On the other side, the Indians (3-1 overall) come into the game riding high after a 64-55 win over Patrick Henry. Led by the dynamic duo of Trevick and Beckett Bertke, Shawnee has found success on both offense and defense, averaging 61 points per game while limiting opponents to 54.5 points. Against Patrick Henry, Trevick Bertke showcased his all-around game with 18 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks. His brother, Beckett, added 17 points and 4 rebounds, further proving the pair’s ability to dominate.
Statistically, Trevick leads Shawnee in scoring with 20.5 points per game, while Beckett is not far behind, averaging 19 points and a team-high 7 rebounds. The Indians also benefit from efficient shooting, with Tate Bender converting 65% of his field-goal attempts and Trevick following closely at 62%.
Shawnee swept the season series against Elida last year, and the Indians will be eager to maintain that momentum in their first home WBL game of the season. For Elida, the game represents an opportunity to reset after early struggles and make a statement in the league. To do so, the Bulldogs will need to tighten up defensively and find ways to match the scoring firepower of Shawnee’s balanced attack.
Tipoff is set for Friday night at Shawnee’s Lappin Gymnasium with the JV contest starting at 6 p.m. and the varsity game will follow. With both teams looking to start their Western Buckeye League schedules on the right foot, fans can expect an intense and competitive battle. Be sure to catch all the action on Lima’s Sports Radio 93.1 The Fan.
-David Mansell