Junior High Boys open with split

The Oran Junior High School boys basketball teams tipped off their seasons last night on the road at Woodland.  The seventh grade picked up an exciting 29-27 victory, while the eighth grade dropped their opener 39-28.

In the first game, the Eagles fell behind early 8-0, before denting the scoreboard.  Oran trailed 8-4 after 1.  The Eagles managed a one point lead at the intermission, 13-12.  The Cardinals regained the lead in the see-saw affair after quarter 3 by a score of 19-18.

Woodland led by 3 late in the final period, but then Nick Romas was fouled twice on moves to the hoop and he hit 3 of 4 free throws to tie the game.  Then, with less than 30 seconds to go Samuel Shoemaker forced a turnover under the Eagle basket and scored the winning field goal.

Shoemaker and 6th grader Kolten Payne each ended up with a game high 10 points.  Fellow 6th grader Robbie Menz had 4,  Romas finished with 3 and Seth Cauble added 2.

Landon Cochran, Landon Avery and Nic Massey played but did not score.

They hit 50% from the line (7-14).

In the night cap, Oran fell behind early, made a comeback, but this time could not pull out the win.

The Eagles trailed 6-0, then took a brief lead, but Woodland responded and Oran trailed 9-8 after the first six minutes.  The margin increased to 6, 20-14 at the half and the Eagles would get no closer enroute to the 11 point loss.

Oran was led by Ty Johnson and Drew Smith, who each scored 8.  Dane Shands added 5.  Shoemaker put in 3 while Kaleb Gosche and  Keaton Stepp scored 2 apiece.

Gage Phillips, Cauble and Romas all saw action but did not but tallied no points.

The Eagles were only 4 of 12 on free throws for 30%.

Head Coach Joe Shoemaker told the blog, "I thought both teams played hard. It was a good test for us to show us where we are at and some areas that need improvement. Now the challenge we have is to improve these things before the next game."

That next game will be next Wednesday. It will be the home opener and first conference game of the season. Scott County Central will be the opponent.  Game time is 6 pm.