JHBB-Eagles sweep Rams

For the second time in just less than two weeks, Oran's Junior High School boys basketball teams faced the Rams from Scott City.  And, for the second time in just less than two weeks, The Eagles came out on top in both games.

When these two teams met the first time on October 29th, it was Scott City's first games of the season, and it showed, as Oran's 7th grade jumped out to a 19-0 first quarter lead en route to a 54-31 victory.

Last night it was a much closer contest, as the Eagles's lead was only two (7-5) after one and only one (19-18) at the half.  The two teams were tied at 25 heading into the final six minutes. Oran was able to outscore the Rams 10-4 in the fourth to pick up the 35-29 road win.

Afterwards, Head Coach Joe Shoemaker said, "I could see improvement in the 7th grade's end of game execution as they managed the clock very well."

"It is always tough when you play a team more than once especially when it is so close together. I felt Scott City really improved from the first meeting which was their first game of the year," he added.

Ty Johnson poured in 21 to lead all scorers as Oran improved it's record to 6-2.

Dane Shands contributed 9. Kaleb Gosche and Kaden Hargrove added 2 apiece, while Drew Smith chipped in a free throw.

From the line, they were 8 for 15 for 53%.

The first time to two 8th grade squads met, it was a 30 point Eagles victory.  Last night it was closer but Oran still managed a comfortable 18 point margin, 44-26.

The Eagles expanded a three point first quarter margin (8-5) to seven at the half,18-11.

The game was all but over after the third, as Oran out scored Scott City 16-10 to lead after three, 34-21, before closing out with 10-5 margin in the fourth.

Todd Priggel led the Eagles, now 8-0, with 18 points.  Jakob Findley and Tyson Goodale each had 8.  Landon Stanberry and Gabe Fox added 6 and 4, respectively.

Oran was 2-6 from the free throw line for only 33%.

Coach Shoemaker also said, "I didn't think either of our teams shot very well. It is nice to see we can win when we aren't shooting vey well."

The Eagles will be back in action on Thursday when they host the Blue Jays from Oak Ridge at 6 pm.

Thank you Michael Stevens for the photos.