Indians roll over Knoxville

FORT RECOVERY — Friday was three things for a trio of Tribe seniors.

It was the final conference game, the end to the regular season and their last time playing at home.

Among a bunch of lasts, it was the start that made the night worthwhile.

Fort Recovery High School’s boys basketball team jumped out to an early lead and rode it for the final three quarters Friday in a 55-41 victory over the New Knoxville Rangers in the Midwest Athletic Conference finale.

The Indians (13-9, 2-7 MAC), who take on Liberty-Benton in the Division III sectional semifinal Tuesday at Elida, were out front of New Knoxville (6-16, 1-8 MAC) 17-13 after the first quarter before building a 14-point lead at halftime. The advantage remained 14 at the end of the final two periods.

Sophomore Grant Knapke had a game-high 19 points, including five 3-pointers, to lead the Tribe. Senior Trevor Vaughn had a career-high 14 points to finish second on the team, and classmate Cade Wendel made seven of his eight free throws in the fourth quarter to finish with nine points. Peyton Jutte contributed five points, as Derek Jutte and Noah Lennartz both scored three.

Ryan Braun, the third FRHS senior, had his minutes limited in his final home game because of an injury.

Fort Recovery’s junior varsity team also won, 52-36. The Indians (8-13) led after every quarter, including a 12-point advantage at halftime.

Brian Bihn led all players with 17 points, and Cobe Wendel contributed 14 points. Blayne Thobe chipped in with eight points.