Paulding, OH – The Defiance Bulldogs secured a hard-fought victory over the Paulding Panthers on December 6, escaping The Jungle with a 58-49 win. Both teams displayed grit and determination in a game that remained competitive until the final quarter.
Defiance leaned on their top scorer, Josiah Schlatter, who delivered a stellar performance with 26 points. Schlatter’s offensive outburst, which included six made free throws and four two-pointers, proved pivotal in keeping the Bulldogs ahead. Teammates Matthew Walter (15 points) and Logan Hutcheson (11 points) added crucial baskets to round out the Bulldogs’ scoring attack.
The Panthers didn’t go quietly. Jordan Manz led Paulding with 13 points, showing poise on both ends of the floor. Meanwhile, Xander Kuckuck contributed 15 points, including a pair of critical three-pointers that kept the Panthers in the game during the second half. Grady Barton added a strong showing with 17 points, displaying his knack for scoring both inside and beyond the arc.
Despite a close first quarter, where Defiance led by only two points, the Bulldogs began to pull away in the second half. Defiance’s defense came alive, forcing key turnovers and holding Paulding to just nine points in the final quarter. The Bulldogs capitalized on their opportunities, outscoring the Panthers 18-11 in the fourth to seal the win.
The game’s physicality was evident, with both teams racking up fouls. Paulding’s struggles from the free-throw line hurt their chances, while Defiance capitalized on theirs to maintain their lead.
Coach Bryn Lehman of Defiance credited his team’s resilience, saying, “This was a great road win for us. The Jungle is a tough place to play, but our guys stuck together, especially in the second half.”
On the other side, Coach Logan Stoller of Paulding remained optimistic despite the loss. “We fought hard against a tough team. Our players left it all on the floor, and I’m proud of their effort,” Stoller said.
With the victory, Defiance improves to 3-2 on the season, while Paulding falls to 2-4. The Bulldogs will look to extend their winning streak in their next matchup, while the Panthers aim to regroup and protect their home court in upcoming games.
