Oskaloosa Starts Campaign 2-0
by Wade Steinlage
Oskaloosa–The Indian girls’ basketball team took down both a non-conference foe and a league opponent last week to begin the season at 2-0.
OHS (2-0, 1-0 LHC) won its season opener 57-29 over Fairfield last Tuesday and then held off Pella Christian 43-41 in Little Hawkeye Conference play last Friday.
OHS 57, Fairfield 29
Although both squads shot 33.3% from the floor, Oskaloosa took 24 more shots in part due to a 35-28 edge in rebounding (16-8 offensive). The Indians also found production from behind the arc with eight three-pointers, while the Trojans missed all six of their tries.
Presley Blommers guided OHS with 21 points in addition to six rebounds, six steals, and four assists. She was joined in double figures by Kassie Johnson and Dasia Foster, both of whom tallied 14 points. Johnson also secured a squad-high nine rebounds, while both she and Foster blocked two shots.
Lydia Van Veldhuizen added five points in the win.
Both teams struggled mightily in retaining possession with a combined 41 turnovers (21 for OHS).
OHS 43, Pella Christian 41
In a matchup that saw both crews get on top several times, the Indians led 23-19 at halftime. The lead continued to exchange hands in the latter half. Up just one in the final minute, Blommers was able to connect on one of two free-throw attempts and the defense came up with a stop. The senior then iced the game with a pair of charity throws to keep OHS undefeated on the year.
Headlined by a 6-for-8 effort at the line, Blommers had another all-around outing with 18 points, five steals, four rebounds, and four assists.
Foster was right behind her with 17 points; she finished off a double-double with 11 rebounds along with three blocks.
Van Veldhuizen was good for six points of her own. She and Nelson also pulled down 10 rebounds in the victory.
Heading into the game with just seven available players, the Indians outshot the Eagles 35.4%-24.3%. They hit just two three-pointers, but made seven free throws, compared to PC not even having an attempt.
Oskaloosa overcame five more turnovers than its foe (15-10).
Next Up: Oskaloosa hits the road Tuesday to face Mount Pleasant and then stays out of town Friday to take on Indianola in LHC play at 6:15 p.m.
