Eagles win big and Cauble passes 1000

The last time the Oran High School girls basketball team took the court it was 17 days ago when they hosted the Meadow Heights Panthers and picked up an 80-36 victory.  Last night, during the opening round of the Delta New Year's Tournament, the Eagles took on the same Meadow Heights team and the results were very similar but also had a nice bonus.  Not only did Oran pick up an 87-50 win, but sophomore Leah Cauble surpassed the 1000 point mark in only her 35th career game.

Leah Cauble eclipses 1000 point mark
during the 2nd qtr of last night's game.

The Eagles now 8-0, scored early and often with Cauble leading the way.  Needing 26 points to reach the milestone, she hit 23 of her team's 29 in the first quarter, as Oran raced out to a 29-7 lead after 8 minutes and never looked back.

Cauble broke the plateau with on a patented left-handed lay-up with just a tick under 5 minutes remaining in the second period and the Eagles up 37-14.  When she left the game with 4:54 remaining, she had outscored her opponents 49-45.

From inside the arc, Cauble was 16-21.  From beyond she hit 3-7 and also added 8 of 10 free throws.

Kaylee Payne also hit for double-digits, dropping in 18.  She hit all 8 of her free throws, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished out a team-high 6 assists. Jessie Long added 8 points, 8 boards and 3 blocked shots.  Claire Ramsey scored 6 points, while Kenzie Graviett had 4 and Heather Gosche chipped in 2.

Every player saw action during the blow-out.

Overall, Oran hit 62% from two-point range (29-47) but only 13% from three (3-23).  They hit a very respectable 20-26 from the line for 77%.

Coach Ethan Evans said after the game, "I thought we played very well offensively, especially in the 1st half. Our defensive effort just wasn't there, especially in the 2nd and 3rd quarters. We weren't turning them over during those quarters on our press and gave up way too many easy baskets."

On Cauble's accomplishment, Evans said, "It's a great milestone to be able to score 1000 points, especially only 8 games into her sophomore year. It's a great testament to her work ethic."  She will be recognized during a pre-game ceremony later this season.

The Eagles will be back in action on Wednesday for semi-final action when they face the No. 4 seed St. Vincent Indians, who are 7-4.