Swifts defeat Elks, 51-39

The Nazareth Swifts claimed a win over the Stratford Elks, 51-29.

Nazareth took charge of the first quarter outshooting the Elks by 13 points to take the lead, 18-5.

The second quarter saw the Elks offense battling to narrow lead but closing the first half out still trailing the Swifts 28-18.

The Swifts continued widened the lead in the third quarter, again outscoring the Elks, 40-25.

Nazareth took the victory in the fourth quarter 51-29.

The Swifts hit 19 of 54 field goals for 35 percent and seven of 14 free throws for 50 percent.

Top shots for the Swifts were Kaden Cleavinger with 23 points, two assists, six offensive rebounds, six defensive rebounds, three steals and four fouls; Carsen Heiman with eight points, one assist, one steal and two fouls; Jayden High with six points, one defensive rebound and two fouls; Aidan Moore with five points, one assist, three offensive rebounds, two defensive rebounds and one foul; Derek Dyer with four points, one offensive rebound, one steal and three fouls; Trent Gerber with three points, one offensive rebound, three defensive rebounds, and three fouls; and Luke Betzen with two points, five assists, one offensive rebound and two defensive rebounds.

The Swifts are set to play Wall on Dec. 11 and will head into district play against Happy on Dec. 15, followed by another district game on Dec. 18 against Hartley.