Basketball Roundup – December 11, 2018
By Terry Futrell
Girls
Coalfield 38, Oakdale 44
The Oakdale Lady Eagles ran their District 3-1A record to 2-3 with a 44-38 victory over the Coalfield Lady Jackets. Although the Lady Jackets outscored Oakdale 27-25 from the field, the Lady Eagles racked up a 19-11 scoring advantage at the free throw line. The Lady Jackets successfully shot 52% of their free throws, while the Lady Eagles connected on 76%. Oakdale connected on 13 of 15 free throws in the 4th quarter to seal the victory. Coalfield’s Brooklyn Seiber led all scorers with 21 points. Leeah Henry, who returned from a foot injury, added 10 points for the Lady Jackets. Victoria Jones poured in 17 points for the Lady Eagles, followed closely by Delaney Hicks with 14 points. The Lady Jackets are now 0-3 in district competition.
Wartburg 58, Rockwood 15
The Wartburg Central Lady Bulldogs continued their dominance in District 3-1A by defeating the Rockwood Lady Tigers 58-15. Wartburg moves to 4-0 in district play while the Lady Tigers remain winless at 0-3 in the district. The game provided an opportunity for Wartburg reserves to get valuable playing time – ten players scored against Rockwood. The Lady Bulldogs were led by Callie Johnson and Madison Holley, each with 10 points, and Madison Williams with nine points. Five Lady Bulldogs scored 3-point shots, including two each by Madison Holley and Elizabeth Keathley. Rockwood was led by Karlee Bowling with 12 points.
Boys
Coalfield 62, Oakdale 64
After a slow start in the 2018 season due to football playoffs, the Coalfield Yellow Jackets have been coming on strong. The Yellow Jackets ambushed the Oakdale Eagles and almost pulled off the upset, losing 64-62 in a very close contest. The Yellow Jackets jumped all over the Eagles from the outset, leading 18-11 after the 1st quarter. The Eagles fought back in the 2nd period, but still trailed the Jackets 32-30 at the half. Coalfield once again had the scoring advantage in the 3rd period, 15-14, expanding their lead to 47-44. The Eagles managed to squeak by in the 4th quarter, winning 64-62.
As has happened in several other close games in District 3-1A, the losing team had the scoring advantage from the field and free throws were the deciding factor in the game. Coalfield outshot Oakdale 57-49 from the field. In free throws, Oakdale had a 15-5 advantage. Oakdale sank 8 of 13 free throws in the deciding 4th quarter, while Coalfield was 0 for 1. Oakdale was led by Rhett Nelson’s 20 points and Garrett Best’s 17 points. Nathan Harvey had 18 points for the Yellow Jackets, followed by Alex Hawk with 10 points and Keigan White with 9 points. Coalfield is now 1-3 in district play and the Eagles are 4-1.
Wartburg 62, Rockwood 52
The Wartburg Central Bulldogs advanced their District 3-1A record to 4-0 by defeating the Rockwood Tigers 62-52. The Bulldogs were able to build a 3-point lead at the half, 24-21. Wartburg came out in the 3rd quarter and outscored the Tigers 16-9, taking a 40-30 lead into the 4th quarter. Both teams put 22 points on the board in the 4th quarter, giving Wartburg the victory by 10 points. Wartburg was led by Colby Justes with 14 points and Elijah Langley with 12 points. Rockwood’s Nate Brackett and Tahj Bazel each contributed 17 points for the Tigers. The Bulldogs sit atop District 3-1A as the only team undefeated in district play, but face a tough Harriman team on Friday.