Norwalk Rolls Indian Boy’s 68-31

Oskaloosa Indians

by Matt Saville

Tuesday night the Osky Indian boys’ basketball team looked to take the next step in becoming a consistent threat in the Little Hawkeye Conference, but what they got was a lesson in what physical basketball is all about.

It was apparent that the Warriors were all about ball pressure at every position on the floor, and the Indians were affected by it all night long. The Indians came out trying to contend with the Warriors height, as they held a significant advantage at all positions. They also out rebounded the Indians on the offensive and defensive glass.

One bright spot in the first quarter was senior Ki-Jana DeJong, who went inside and hit a turnaround jumper from 5 ft. and a layup. Sophomore Jack Moore then drained a 3 pointer as Osky was trying to stay in the game. The Indians trailed just 12-7 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter was hard fought by both teams. The Indians took advantage of a Norwalk technical foul as Moore drained both shots and DeJong hit a three pointer from the top of the key, keeping the Indians within striking distance. Moore was continuing to be Osky’s go to player, like he has been over the last three games, as he nailed a long bucket and converted on, what is becoming a patented move, a baseline reverse. Osky went into the locker room trailing 29-20 at the half.

Osky came out in the second half and it seemed that they lost any and all momentum they may have had from the first half, as Norwalk completely dominated the second half. The Warrior’s defensive pressure was causing turnovers for the Indians, in what seemed to be every trip down the floor. In turn, Osky could do nothing to stop any part of the Norwalk offense, as the Warriors rolled over the Indians 68-31.

Leading the way for Osky was Moore with 11 points and DeJong with 7 points. Oskaloosa is now 4-5 on the season and is in action Friday night when they play host to the Pella Little Dutch in Little Hawkeye Conference action.