Bulldogs claim WCAL crown in low-key fashion

PHOTOS BY LISA McGINTY | LMc Photography

Dalton’s Kyrie Gaut up against some tough defense.

Dalton’s Quentin Lehman

Dalton’s Jalen Wenger

By ARIEL STAHLER
DGKN sports writer

During the course of the week, Dalton High School’s boys varsity basketball team earned a close win over Hiland, defeated league foe Hillsdale, lost the final game of the regular season to Rhodes and claimed the WCAL championship in a fashion more low-key than previous seasons. The Dawgs finished the regular season with an 18-4 overall record and a 13-1 WCAL record.

Dalton took down Hiland 61-60 Feb. 15 after Jaden Schlabach blocked the Hawks’ game-winning shot at the buzzer. Jalen Wenger moved into third place all-time league scoring during the game.

“The kids played very well in the second half of the game,” said Dalton’s head coach Kaleb Reed. “We defended better and also hit some key shots to take the lead, as well as extend our lead to five points late in the game. One thing we can learn from this game is that we need to finish the game better.”

Dalton defeated host Hillsdale 80-49 Feb. 18. Jalen Wenger was on fire from 3-point range as he recorded eight triples on his way to finishing with 36 points, two rebounds and two assists. Schlabach’s lucky number of the game was 13. He scored 13 points and pulled 13 boards for a double-double. Kyrie Gaut dished out 14 assists in addition to scoring six points and nabbing five rebounds. Quentin Lehman finished with 11 points, six rebounds and one assist.

Braylon Wenger totaled nine points, one rebound and four assists. Keller McFarren added three points and one board. Braden Fiesler scored two points. Grayson Lehman grabbed five rebounds and passed one assist.

The Dawgs fell to visiting Rhodes 74-67 Feb. 19 in the season finale. Jalen Wenger scored 23 points, snagged seven rebounds and dropped three dimes. Braylon Wenger added 17 points, four rebounds and four assists. Schlabach had another double-double night with 10 points and 11 boards. Gaut finished with 11 points, four rebounds and five assists. Quentin Lehman snatched 10 boards, scored six points and dished two assists.

No. 2 seed Dalton will play the winner of No. 7 Andrews Osborn/No. 11 Hillsdale in the sectional final Feb. 25.

Central Christian School

The Comets traveled to Temple Christian Feb. 15 and left with the 50-29 victory. Caden Granger guided Central with 21 points. Tyler Bonner added 15 points. Silas Cole-man contributed 10 points. Dakota Kerby and Thatcher Rohrer combined for four points.

Central finished the regular season with a 49-43 road win over Crestline Feb. 18. Bonner led the Comets with 13 points. Granger added 12 points. Andrew Miller contributed 10 points. Rohrer scored nine points. Kerby and Coleman combined for five points.

The Comets finished the regular season with an overall record of 14-8 and a MBC record of 8-2.

They took second place in the MBC behind champion Lucas. No. 10 seed Central will face No. 5 Mogadore in the Division IV sectional semifinal Feb. 22.

Follow Ariel on Twitter @AStahlerDGKNews