Varsity boys extend Woodland Cardinals before falling in overtime

Heading into last night's road game at Woodland High School,  the Oran boys varsity team had it's work cut out.  The Cardinals had defeated the Eagles on December 26th by 8 points, even though they had lost their best player due to an injury during the game's third quarter.  On Tuesday, Woodland had pulled off a very impressive victory over class 5 Jackson on Jackson's home floor.  And, Oran's thin bench was even thinner because Cole Priggel was unavailable due to an injury.  Still, the Eagles hung tough and forced the game into overtime, before losing 64-63.

The junior varsity lost 64-55.

In the night cap, Oran trailed 9-8 after the first quarter but evened the score at the half, after both team heated up in the second period.  The score was knotted at 26 heading into the break.

The Eagles held a one point, lead after three, 40-39.  But after the next eight minutes it was deadlocked at 57.  Woodland won the extra frame, 7-6 to snag the victory.

Coach Joe Shoemaker told the blog today, "I thought the varsity battled all night and just came up a little short in the end. We need to make sure we continue to improve each day."

Max Priggel topped Oran in the scoring category as he poured in 18.  He hit 5 threes on the evening.  Layne Johnson and Jacob Shoemaker both scored 14.  Johnson hit one trey and Shoemaker made 2.

Preston Hahn and Garrison Mangels both added 7.  Hahn connected on one from beyond the arc.  Blake Schlitt chipped in 3 points.

Wyatt Kinney and Drew Reischman both played but did not score.

They were only 10-20 from the line on the night for 50%

The Eagles, who fell to 8-7, hope to have Cole Priggel back before the district tournament in late February.

Junior Varsity

In the opener, Oran led after the first two periods, 18-15 and 34-29 respectively.

The hosts, however, went on a 20-8 run in the the third and never looked back, taking the 9 point win.

Bradley Brooks and Ben Fox tied for top point-producing honors with 14 each.  Brooks had 2 treys and was 2 for 2 from the line. Fox had one triple. Denver Elfrink added 11 points with one from beyond the arc.  Drew Reischman rounded out the double-figure scorers with 10.

The trio of Peyton McVay, Avery Mitchem and Joey Phillips all had 2 points apiece.

William Kluesner, Calen Read and Jon Shipley all logged minutes but did not dent the scoring column.

The junior varsity, with the loss, fell to 3-7.

Coach Shoemaker said, "I thought both teams played with good effort and attitude. We need to execute a little better in certain areas."

The Eagles will be back in action this evening when they host the Indians from St. Vincent of Perryville at 6 pm.