Varsity boys pick up 20th win in key district match up

The Oran High School boys basketball teams traveled to Perryville last night to take on the St. Vincent Indians.  the game was originally scheduled for Jan. 17th but was postponed because of the potential of bad weather.  The Eagles won both contests.  The jayvee defeated their hosts 35-24 and the varsity picked up a 57-51 victory.

In the opener, Oran led 10-4 after one, but it was tied 14-14 at the break.  The Eagles outscored the Indians 21-10 in the second half.

Robbie Menz led all scorers with 20 points.  He hit three threes and was 5-5 from the line.

Kolten Payne scored five.  Diesel Cato and Seth Cauble had four apiece.  Luke Peterson added a field goal.

They were 12 of 13 from the line for 92.3% and improved to 19-2.

Coach Joe Bickings said, "Last night's game was a really good challenge for us.  St. Vincent's length gave us some problems inside and we weren't able to hit shots early on.  Our press wasn't as effective because we had some miscommunication at times.  It was nice to see us handle the pressure at the end of the game when St. Vincent's was trapping.  I also thought Robby Menz had another good game shooting for us.  We needed someone to hit outside shots and he was able to step up and do it.  We have Scott County Central on Friday and that will be a tough matchup for us as they have some length as well."

The nightcap could very well have decided the number one seed in the upcoming Class 2 District 3 tournament.  The meeting is today.

The Eagles led after one 17-4 but only 34-33 at the half. Oran won the final 16 minutes 33-28 and held on for the narrow six-point win.

The Eagles used a balanced scoring attack with four in double-digits.  Langdon Scheeter led all scorers with 15, including one three.  Dane Shands had 11 with three treys. Tyson Goodale and Cooper Priggel both scored 10.  Priggel had a pair of threes.

Ty Johson had nine and Samuel Shoemaker two. Shoemaker had a team-high four assists.

They were 17 of 24 from the line for 70.8%.  They were 13 of 18 in the fourth for a 72.2%, They were 11-19 from inside the arc for 57.9% and 6 of 16 from beyond for 37.5%.  The hosts had 27 rebounds and Oran had 23.  Each team committed 16 turnovers.

Coach Joe Shoemaker said, "We were able to get a nice win at St. Vincent last night.  We lost focus in the second quarter and gave up some offensive rebounds and had a few turnovers that allowed them to get into an offensive rhythm.  We were able to use some clock and hit free throws at the end of the game and secure the victory. "