Cagers Win in Coshocton
December 30, 2025
Outside the weather was cold. Inside the gym was exceptionally cold. But the Cagers overcame the elements to walk out of the Arena at Kid’s America with a 53-40 win over the host Warsaw Warriors.
The Cagers started the game fast with a quick bucket by Quintin Steiner. Junior Peyton Casto would follow that with a 3-pointer, and the visitors were in the lead. After that it was tough sledding for the Cagers. Rusty to say the least, the offense wasn’t moving and neither was the defense. Even though Steiner would add a hoop along with Luke Kinser, Warsaw had the upper hand in the frame taking a 15-9 lead after one.
The second quarter was almost a complete reversal of fates as the Cagers took command. Offensively, the Cagers started to move the ball effectively and efficiently. QJ Anderson split the Warriors 2-3 zone, drove to the hoop and at the last minute kicked it across to Jordan Berens. Upon the catch, Berens set his feet and let it fly from 20 feet…SWISH! That play really sparked the Cagers offense. Kinser would add an old-fashioned 3-point play along with another bucket to help propel the Cagers. “That drive and kick by QJ was huge. It kind of got us going and with Jordan burying it, just added to the momentum,” said Head Coach Doug Hamsher. Midway through the quarter the scoreboard stopped working. For coaches, players, and fans alike, it was hard to play not knowing the score or the time. In the final moments of the half, the score table counted down the seconds as the Cagers worked the ball around. Conner Henderson found Anderson with just enough time to finish at the rim before the “TIME” was called. That bucket cut the Warsaw lead to 24-23.
The momentum of the last second bucket seemed to propel the Cagers into the second half. Steiner and Kinser would go to work. The inside duo would dominate the boards at both ends. Defensively limiting Warsaw to one shot and offensively they would have many opportunities for putbacks cashing in on 10 points between them. “Those two guys go 6-5 and 6-3 along with Jacob (Bricker) at 6-2 really control the boards. Until we get the outside shots going, this is our strength,” said Hamsher. The game was tight going back and forth with several lead changes. Brody Shultz would make his presence known. First, he fought for an offensive board and got fouled in the act of shooting. He calmly went and nailed both foul shots. The next time down the ball found the junior wide open on the right wing. Not known for his outside shot, Shultz did not hesitate to fire up a 21-footer and bury it, giving the Cagers a 3-point lead going into the 4thquarter at 39-36.
The fourth quarter proved to belong to the Cagers. Steiner and Kinser continued their strong play inside. Kinser nailed two foul shots that were book ended with buckets. Steiner found a crease behind the zone for a bucket and followed that up with a kiss off the glass from 13 feet. Defensively the Cagers got better and better as the game went on and held the Warriors to just four points. Winning this game was important going into the new year. “We needed to come out and play as a unit. And we did. I told the guys afterwards that we are really starting to find our roles and come together. I’m excited to see how this team progresses in the coming weeks,” said Hamsher. For the game, Steiner and Kinser fired in 18 and 17 respectively. Shultz had 7, Anderson and Casto added 4, and Berens rounded out the scoring column with 3. Shultz was awarded the Dravenstott’s Big D Player of the Game.
