Junior High boys season ends with disappointing loss

The Oran Eagles Junior High School boys basketball season came to an end last night in the championship game of the Scott-Mississippi conference tournament at home.  The second-seeded Eagles could not hold on to a double-digit halftime lead and lost to top-seeded East Prairie 43-36.

Oran led 11-4  after one and 25-14 at the intermission.  They took a six-point lead into the final six minutes before losing by seven.

Coach Joe Shoemaker said, "I was very proud of our effort last night.  We made a few mental mistakes and missed a couple of shots we normally make.  We also struggled to stop the dribble penetration from East Prairie’s guard.  I was proud of our season and we won the regular season conference championship.  I am looking forward to good things from this group in the future.  I would like to thank the parents and fans for their support over the year for both teams."

Only three players scored for the Eagles.

Kolten Payne led the way with 18 points.  He had two treys and was 2 of 2 from the line.

Robby Menz scored nine, including one from beyond the arc.  Camdyn Triblett also had nine before fouling out late in the contest.

Oran hit 5 of 8 from the line for 63%.

They finished the year at 11-3 overall.  They went undefeated during the conference regular season (6-0) to claim first place.

In the 8th grade championship game second-seeded East Prairie made it a clean sweep by beating top-seeded Kelly in a thrilling overtime affair,  30-28.