OUCH, Newton thumps Indian boys 67-36

Oskaloosa Indians

by Doug DeKock

The Oskaloosa boys’ basketball team has had a terrible run of bad luck in recent weeks having lost 4 games by a total of 8 points. It all came unraveled Tuesday night in Newton as the Indians faced the red hot Cardinals. Newton came into the game with 3 consecutive impressive wins over ranked DCG, Grinnell, and blew out Chariton on the road by 28. The Indians were in trouble from the start as Newton jumped out to an 8-0 lead and never trailed in winning by 31 points. Connor Gholson, Newtons’ all-time leading scorer was blistering hot right from the start and lit the Indians up for a game high 26 points. Newton led by 7 points after the 1st quarter 13-6 and 8 points at half 22-14. The wheels fell completely off in the 3rd quarter as Newton outscored Oskaloosa 16-9 and opened up a 22 point lead 51-29 after 3 quarters. It was more of the same in the 4th as Newton raced away 67-36.The game, much like the girls game, in that the Indians didn’t commit a bunch of turnovers they just could not put the ball in the hoop. The Indian offense has been in a funk for the last 2 weeks and needs to get untracked as post season play quickly approaches.

Cole Henry had a nice game with another double double scoring 11 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Jarad Kruse equaled Henry’s scoring by knocking down 11 points. Rian Yates and Jack Moore each scored 6 points. Gholson led Newton with 26 points and Garrett Sturtz dropped 19 on the Indians. Oskaloosa drops to 8-7 overall and 3-7 in the Little Hawkeye Conference. Newton improves to 12-4 and 7-4 in the conference. The Indians will try to get back on the winning side Friday night when Norwalk visits for a girl-boy doubleheader starting at 6:15pm. Oskaloosa will also host Albia for a rare Saturday game.