Eagles open season with victory

Just as the first three games of the 61st Annual Oran Invitational Tournament had, game four started with the better seed struggling early.  But just like those opening night games, the favorite ended up winning in convincing fashion.  Last night, fourth-seeded Oran trailed fifth-seed Bell City early but ended up winning by 20, 75-55.

The underdog Cubs led 9-4 with 3:50 left in the opening frame.

Eagle head coach, Joe Shoemaker took a time out and exactly one minute later the game was tied at 9.  By the end of the quarter, Oran was on top 19-12.  By halftime the lead was 17, 43-26, and the Eagles were never threatened.

Afterward, Shoemaker said, "I felt like it was a good first game. We have some things to improve on but it is a good starting point.  Hopefully we will have a good practice to improve some things and prepare for our next game."

Both senior Max Priggel and sophomore Jacob Shoemaker had a double-double for Oran.  Priggel scored 25 and grabbed 12 rebounds, including a trey and 4 for 4 from the line.  Shoemaker had 24 and 12, respectively.  His points included two 3-pointers.

Junior Cole Priggel scored 8, while classmate Layne Johnson added 7.  Johnson had a team high 14 boards.

A trio of juniors scored off the bench.  Bradley Brooks had 6, Drew Reischman had 4 and Ben Fox chipped in a free throw.

Senior Wyatt Kinney started but did not score.

The Eagles were 30 of 65 from inside the arc for 46% and were 3 of 9 from beyond for 33%.  From the free throw line they only hit 42% on 6 of 14 shooting.

Oran will be back in action on Thursday at 6:30 pm when they take on the top-seeded Malden GreenWave.  Malden advanced with an 83-20 win over Richland on Monday.

The Eagles got some bad news before last night's game.  Todd Priggel's injury will keep him out of action for the entire season.

What the professionals have to say:  Game story    Game photos