Junior High splits with Woodland

The Oran Junior High School girls basketball team split their games with the Woodland Cardinals last night at home.  The seventh grade fell 31-14, while the eight grade picked up a 33-18 victory.

In the opener, the Eagles fell behind 8-4 after the first period and never got closer.  They trailed 16-6 at half-time and 26-12 after three.

Coach Ethan Evans had this to say, "We played decent defense but were once again beat up on the boards. We have to get more physical as a team and get the mentality that we can win ball games."

On a positive note, free-throw shooting improved as Oran hit 4-8 for 50%.

Kara Phillips and Mallory Lowes led the Eagles, now 1-3, with 6 points each.  Irelyn Kelley chipped in 2.

During the eighth grade game, Oran jumped out to a 12-2 lead after the first six minutes and was able to maintain the lead throughout.

Heather Gosche scored 11 of her game-high 16 points during the first half as the Eagles expanded the lead to 11, 19-8 at the intermission. The lead was 10 after three, 26-16.  Oran extended the lead by 5 in the final quarter for the 15 point win.

Besides Gosche's 16, including 2-3 from the free throw line, Taylor Lowes had 11 (3-4 free throws).  Samantha Welter added a 3-point field goal.  Lydnsi Bryant had 2 points while Mallory Lowes score 1.

Coach Evans commented, "We got off to another fast start and kept our lead at double digits most of the game. We show flashes of being a really good basketball team but need our leaders to step up and take charge to give the girls that killer instinct to put teams away."

The eighth grade also shot 50% from the charity stripe, hitting 6-12 and improved their record to 4-2.

Both teams will be back in action on Monday as they travel to Kelly for conference games.

Also, Monday is McTeacher's Night at McDonalds in Benton.  A portion of sales from 4 pm to 8 pm will help fund the AR program at Oran Elementary School.