Varsity Eagles hold off Risco Tigers

It wasn't pretty last night, but it was still a win as the Oran High School boys varsity basketball team managed a 61-52 victory over the visiting Risco Tigers.  The junior varsity let one slip away, losing in their season-opener 54-51.

In the main event, the Eagles doubled-up the Tigers 16-8 after one and expanded the lead in the second, with a 30-20 half-time margin. Oran pushed the lead to almost 20 after the break but the lead as only 13,  48-35 heading into the final frame.

Risco continued their  rally during the last eight minutes, fueled by Eagle turnovers and hot long range shooting.  The Tigers hit 5 treys during the final half and cut the lead down to six,  but during this game it was Oran that benefited from late game fouling.  The Eagles hit 7 of 9 from the free throw line to hold on for a nine point victory.

A balanced scoring attack saw four reach double figures for Oran,  Cole Priggel led the team with 16, including 8-8 from the line.  Max Priggel had 13, while Layne Johnson and Garrison Mangels both added 11.

Preston Hahn and Jacob Shoemaker each chipped in six to round out the scoring.

From the line the Eagles hit 71% on 17 of 24 shooting.

They struggled from long-range, hitting no three pointers after averaging over five a game thus far.

Their record is now 2-2.

Coach Joe Shoemaker said, "The varsity played more of a consistent game with I believe a 16 point lead with around 5 minutes to go in the game but did not close out the game correctly. Hopefully this is something that we can learn from and do a better job of in the future."

During the opener, Oran trailed by double-digits during the first half before tying the game at the intermission, 20-20.  The Eagles led late before a spate of turnovers allowed Risco to take the lead and hold on for the win.

Drew Reischman score 24 for Oran and Ben Fox added 10.  Denver Elfrink chipped in 6 and Peyton McVay had 4.  Bradley Brooks connected from beyond the arc for his 3 points. Calen Read scored 2.

The Eagles hit 14-22 at the charity stripe for 65%.

On the jv's first game, Coach Shoemaker said, "I thought the jv started out playing a little tentative but picked it up after that.  We have guys who are playing a different role this year with some of the other kids being moved up to the varsity.  As time and game experience is gathered I am sure that they will improve in their new roles with the team."

The junior varsity is now 0-1.

Both teams will be back in action Friday, when they travel to Scott City for a 6 pm conference match up.