Girls Game
Sioux Center used a 21-6 fourth quarter to pull out a 54-40 home win over Okoboji on Tuesday night. Okoboji jumped to a 7-2 lead before the Warriors would bounce back and take a 12-11 lead into the second quarter. The Pioneers would take the lead back at 20-19 on a basket by Montana Wilson and then take a 25-23 lead into halftime. Neither team could create separation in the third quarter with Okoboji’s biggest lead being at three and Sioux Center at one; the Pioneers would cling to a 34-33 lead entering the final quarter. Sioux Center got hot from the three-point line in the fourth quarter, hitting four fourth quarter triples to take control of the game. Ava Packebush led Okoboji with 14 points with two assists, Montana Wilson added 12 points and 8 rebounds and Olivia Lorenzen had six steals. Willow Bleeker led Sioux Center with 18 points. Okoboji ends the regular season 10-12 while the Warriors end at 12-9. Okoboji will travel to Spirit Lake on Saturday night for First Round Regional action against the Indians.
Comments From Okoboji Coach John Adams
We are really proud of the effort and fight of the girls tonight. We struggled last week, and it was great to see them bounce back with outstanding energy and togetherness. Give Sioux Center credit, they hit some big shots in that fourth quarter, and we just couldn’t put the ball in the basket to stem their momentum. Ava did a great job getting in the paint and scoring and Montana had another strong game inside. We got great minutes from our bench and am very proud of that group for stepping up when their number was called. We know Spirit Lake will be a tough game but we are excited to start postseason play and are looking forward to getting back on the court for practice this week with this group.
Boys Game
Okoboji traveled to Sioux Center to take on the Warriors Tuesday night. The first quarter ended in a 14-14 tie. The second quarter saw the Pioneers take a 32-25 lead. The Warriors came back in the third quarter to take a 47-46 lead. The Warriors won the game 61-50. The Pioneers were led by Lucas Lorenzen’s 32 points. Okoboji drops to 10-10 and will finish the regular season Friday at home against Sheldon for senior night.
Comments From Okoboji Coach Ryan Stumbo
We played a good half of basketball but struggled to put together a full game. Give credit to Sioux Center for knocking down shots in the second half. We did not put enough pressure on them defensively tonight, and they made us pay. We also settled too much again in the second half which gave them additional run outs and looks. We have work to do as we finish the regular season and go into the tournament.
