Oneida Lady Indians Fall to Loretto 59-40

By Terry Futrell/Morgan County Today

Throughout the 2018-19 basketball season, Oneida’s strengths have been their zone defense, their 3-point shooting, and their ability to score inside. The Loretto Lady Mustangs countered each of these strengths and ended Oneida’s state championship hopes, outscoring the Lady Indians 59-40.

With a few exceptions, Oneida’s players are generally much taller than their competitors. In Loretto, the Lady Indians faced an opponent that was at least equal in size and faster. As a result, Oneida could not get open for their typical barrage of 3-point shots. Oneida’s inside play was stymied by the blocking ability of Loretto’s tall players. Loretto blocked nine Oneida shots in the game, compared to only three shots blocked by Oneida. Loretto’s speed negated Oneida’s zone defense, and the Lady Mustangs were successful driving to the basket.

Loretto took an early 7-0 lead before Oneida could score at 4:55 in the first quarter. Loretto ‘s lead grew to 10 points, 12-2, with 2:25 on the clock.  Loretto closed out the quarter leading 16-4.

The Lady Indians fought back in the second period, kick started by Shay Buttram’s 3-point basket with only seven seconds elapsed. Oneida pulled within four points, 20-16, at 3:36 with baskets by Katelyn Stiltner, Harley Boyatt, and Kendyl West. Loretta then scored seven consecutive points with baskets by Victoria Chadwell, Karly Weathers, and Shelby Ridgeway, and took a 27-20 halftime lead.

Loretto continued to roll in the third quarter, scoring ten points before Oneida could get on the board at 3:48 when Kendyl West buried a three. It was all freshman Miss Basketball finalist Karly Weathers for Loretto as she scored 17 of her 23 points in the quarter. Loretto pulled away to a 49-30 lead after three.

Oneida played competitively with Loretto in the fourth period, but could not make up any of the 19-point deficit. Loretto closed out the game with a 59-40 victory and a berth in the semifinals where they will play a tough Greenfield team.

Kendyl West led Oneida in scoring with 12 points, Shay Buttram added nine points and Katelyn Stiltner scored eight points. Weathers had a game-high 23 points for Loretto, shooting 50% from the field. Morgan Welch added 15 points for Loretto.