Little Dutch Survive Indians Upset Bid 68-63
Oskaloosa Indians
by Doug DeKock
The last time these two teams met it was a barnburner with Pella pulling out a one point win. Tuesday night did not end as close but the Indians put another scare into Pella. Oskaloosa was hoping to continue a little 2 game win streak and more importantly continue to play well at always tough Pella. The 1st quarter was tight throughout with the Dutch holding a slim 3-point lead after 1 quarter 15-12. The Indians needed to contain Pella’s scoring leader Ryan van Wyk and they did a good job of that in the 1st quarter. Fellow senior Donavan Holterhaus picked up the slack by hitting 3-3 pointers. The fireworks really started in the 2nd quarter as both teams were playing run and gun. Jack Moore and Jarad Kruse were clicking on offense, but Pella loves to play fast and was able to extend their 3-point 1st quarter lead to 7 at half 42-32. The 2nd quarter was one of the most exciting quarters of the year as both teams scored in the 20s with Pella scoring 27 and Oskaloosa scoring 20. The Indians realized at half that running with Pella was probably not in their best interest even though they held their own in the 2nd quarter. The Indians would come out in the 3rd quarter a little more deliberate on offense and much better on defense. The result was Oskaloosa cut into the Pella lead and was within striking distance, entering the 4th quarter trailing 54-47. The defense brought Oskaloosa back by limiting Pella to 12 points in the 3rd quarter. The 4th quarter would be similar to the 3rd quarter as the Indians kept playing good defense and were patient on offense. Pella maintained around a 7-point lead until, with 2 minutes left, Spencer Tucker would drain a 3 pointer that brought the huge Oskaloosa crowd to their feet and the Indians within 4 points. The Indians had a couple of opportunities to get closer than 4 points but couldn’t capitalize and fell short 68-63. The defense played well in the 4th quarter also holding Pella to 14 points. The Indians outscored Pella 31-26 in the 2nd half to keep it close.
Kruse led the Indians with 17 points and 7 rebounds while Moore continued to play outstanding basketball with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Tucker dropped 3-3 pointers for 9 points. Tanner DeKock played his best game of the year as he scored 6 points, had 4 assists and drew 4 charge calls against the Pella offense. DeKock also held Pella Sr. guard, Nick Finney to 11 points, 6 coming late from the free throw line. Xavier Foster scored 8 points and Cole Henry chipped in 6 points. Holterhaus led Pella with 19 points and van Wyk added 16 points. Oskaloosa drops to 10-8 overall and 4-8 in the Little Hawkeye Conference. Pella clinched the conference championship and is 18-2 overall, 11-2 in the conference. The Indians are back in action on Friday night at home as they host Indianola following the girls’ game that starts at 6:15 pm.
