Okoboji won their second game in a row and third out of four with a 58-52 win over Unity Christian on Friday night in Milford. Unity Christian got out to a 7-0 lead, but Okoboji would respond with a 9-2 run to knot the game at 9-9. The Pioneers took a 15-13 lead late in the quarter, but the Knights ended the frame with a 5-0 run to take an 18-15 lead into the second quarter. Unity Christian led 24-20 and would go on an 11-5 run to take a 35-25 lead late in the quarter before Lydia Bunde scored for Okoboji to cut the lead to 35-27 at halftime. The Pioneers went on an 11-0 run to start the third quarter to take a 38-35 lead midway through the quarter. Riley Meyer hit a three-pointer and Ava Packebush hit a pull-jumper at the buzzer to give the Pioneers a 45-40 lead entering the fourth quarter. The Knights would trim the lead to 47-45 but Okoboji answered with a 5-1 run to take a 52-46 lead late in the game. A late basket by Peyton Schmitz and free throws by Ava Packebush would salt the game away at the end to give the Pioneers the victory. Peyton Schmitz led Okoboji with 20 points to go along with 5 rebounds; Riley Meyer had 11 points and 3 assists; and Ava Packebush had a complete floor game with 6 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assist. Jaelye Woudstra led Unity Christian with 15 points while Ruby Zylstra added 14 points. Okoboji improves to 5-12 on the season while Unity Christian falls to 7-8.
Quotes from Coach Adams
“We’re so proud of this group for how they just continue to battle for each other and play hard. We came out with great energy and then Unity went on a nice run in the second quarter to take that 10 point lead. We talked at halftime about guarding without fouling, and the girls did a great job of that in the second half. That third quarter was one of the better quarters we’ve had this season, and then it was great to see us make plays and get stops to win the game. Peyton has continued to play so well for us in the paint and on defense; Riley hit some huge shots for us and guarded really well and Ava had an outstanding floor game, especially playing with not feeling 100%. Harper Rable also guarded and rebounded really well for us, and our bench gave us huge minutes and energy. It’s been so much fun to see this group stick together and be rewarded with a couple of really nice wins these last 10 days. Our captains have done a great job of leading this group and it’s a good time of the year to be playing our best basketball.”
