The Crestview Middle School boys' eighth grade basketball team defeated Wawasee in the opening round of the NELMSC tournament, 50-41, on Thursday, Jan. 24, to advance to the semifinals.

Hunter Hollowell led the Cougars, 16-4, with 12 points and seven rebounds. Luke Pulver and Ben Bentz added 10 points apiece to the team's cause, Matt Guhl tossed in seven and Dylan Wynkoop came up with six.

The seventh grade team defeated Wawasee, 25-20, to advance to the semifinals as well.

Crestview, 8-10, was led by Collin Landrum's eight, Ian McCutcheon's six, Mason Landrum's four and Logan Moreland's three.

On defense, the Cougars held Wawasee to 22 fewer points than in their first meeting loss.