Osky Girls Riding Hot Streak to Close Regular Season
Oskaloosa’s Alexis Westercamp shares her excitement with teammates Friday night.
by Matt Saville
The Osky girl’s basketball team is playing its basketball at the perfect time of the season, as they are now the owners of a two game winning streak courtesy of a 48-37 win over Norwalk. Earlier in the season Norwalk beat the lady Indians by more than 30 points, but the Indians had a different idea coming into Friday nights game.
Osky, for the second game in a row, set the tone early. They were getting after it on the defensive side of the court by containing ball handlers and hitting the boards, while going hard after every loose ball. Osky was finding the going tough on the offensive side, as the first quarter ended with Osky down in a low scoring affair 7-6.
The rest of the first half is what Osky had been working towards, by playing solid defense they caused numerous turnovers and were hitting the boards. It was quickly becoming the Taylor Richardson and Alexis Westercamp show for what turns out for the remainder of the ball game. Westercamp was imposing her will on the inside and Richardson’s speed were too much for Norwalk, as it led to break away lay ins and short jumpers, and along with that hitting a key 3 point basket. Osky found themselves going into the half with a 25-16 lead. Sophomore Paige Howard and Junior Asia Laudermilch were two more of the unsung heroes to go along with the other Lady Indians as Howard helped with a great all around floor game and, for not being one of the taller players, Laudermilch was all over, helping keep the ball alive for easy Osky baskets.
The second half brought out a good intensity and Osky would answer any little run that Norwalk would have. Osky kept up the stingy defense, but the one thing it didn’t bring was the offense as Norwalk clamped down and Osky couldn’t find the bottom of the basket. Osky did not panic as it still kept up the great play on the defensive side. Osky still had the lead going into the 4th quarter with 29-24.
Osky came out in the 4th quarter and everything was firing on all cylinders…the crowd, the girls, and the Coaches. With baskets by Westercamp and Richardson, followed by a jumper from Howard, Osky was on their way to victory. The Indians were continually fouled over the last 5 minutes and nailed free-throws when they were most important. The girls found themselves with a well deserved and all-around great game as they won 48-37.
Osky was led by Richardson with 20 pts. and 2 rebs.; Westercamp with 17 pts., 8 rebs. and 3 assists; Howard with 5 pts., 4 rebs.,3 assists and 2 steals; Chace Moyer with 3 pts. and 3 rebs.; Brittany McQueen with 2 pts. and 2 rebs.; and Laudermilch with 1 pt. and 7 rebs. Osky closes the season 3-18 and will now face Carlisle Wednesday night in the first round of the State Tournament at Carlisle.
