Late Game Dramatics Lead to Osky Boy’s Win
Wade Votroubek seen here scoring the final 2 points putting the Oskaloosa Boys Varsity team up 46-45. Votroubek then hustled back, picking up the block, helping to hold off Fairfield.
The 2014-15 Oskaloosa boys’ basketball season has a lot of new changes, which has the fans and team excited. With the new season brings the start of the head coach Ryan Parker era. With this new era comes a new system and attitude, which has all those involved excited.
Coach Parker could not have asked for a better script in the season opener against the Fairfield Trojan’s. He received a hard fought gutty performance which led to a 46-45 win.
Osky came out with guns-a-blazing, as Senior Ryan Ryder hit two big 3’s and Osky was off and running. With the crowd in a buzz and, the student section louder than they have been in recent years, the game was set. Fairfield and Osky did not disappoint, as they traded buckets in the early going. Senior Max Johnson was in assist mode as he fed Ryder on one of the 3’s, then Jack Moore hit a 3 from the top of the key for a 9-4 lead. Moore found himself on the bench in early foul trouble after picking up his second foul. Junior Wade Votroubek came off the bench after the Trojans made a run to tie the game, he hit a basket and was fouled ending the quarter tied 14-14.
As Osky came out in the second quarter, Ryder had a layup to put Osky up 16-14. However, the Indian’s continued picking up fouls as Johnson and Votroubek both picked up their second ones. The Indian’s were battling themselves as they had trouble blocking out and had turnovers, which lead to a couple of Trojan baskets. Ryder hit a huge 3 pt. and luckily the Trojans missed several free-throws. As the quarter was coming to a close Votroubek and Senior Ki Jana De Jong hit a short jumper and Osky led 23-22 at the half.
Whatever Fairfield was told at halftime they came out on fire. Guard Jordon Reid was hot, hitting back-to-back 3 pointers and a couple of other baskets. This quickly produced a 12 point lead for Fairfield, with only 3 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. Coach Parker called a timeout which seemed to wake the Indians up. They put a press on the Trojans that flustered them into several turnovers. With a jumper by Senior Tanner Lanphier and a great reverse layup by Moore, the Trojan lead shrank to 41-35 at the end of the quarter.
The stage was set for the Indians as the 4th quarter started. Osky continued to press the Trojans, causing all sorts of trouble. The Indians turned up the defensive pressure in the half court, which allowed Fairfield only two baskets in the final 8 minutes. With the Indians trailing, Votroubek got a basket and drew the foul, drawing the Indians within striking distance. Meanwhile, Ryder grabbed the last of his 8 rebounds, starting the heroics, as he hit Moore with the outlet pass. Moore threaded the needle with a perfect pass to a streaking Votroubek, who hit the go ahead layup with 15 seconds to go. This action sent the Osky faithful into a frenzy. Fairfield still had time, but Votroubek sprinted back down court and swatted away the layup attempt. With 1.2 seconds remaining, the Trojans had a good look at a 3 pointer, which ended up long. With that missed shot by Fairfield, Osky got the victory 46-45.
Coach Parker was pleased with his team’s effort and willingness to follow the game plan. He also liked the fact that the Indians didn’t get down when they were trailing in the third quarter. Oskaloosa was led by Ryder with 17 pts., 8 rebs.; Moore with 11 pts., 6 rebs., 3 steals and 3 assts.; Votroubek with 10 pts., 4 rebs., and 5 blocks; Johnson with good floor game and 7 assists.
Oskaloosa is 1-0 and is in action this coming Friday night, at home against the Knoxville Panthers.
