Indians Close Season with Consecutive Losses
by Wade Steinlage
Oskaloosa–The Oskaloosa boys’ basketball team made strides throughout the year, but could not get over the hump to claim an opening-round upset in postseason play.
OHS (6-16) wrapped up its regular season with a 60-55 road loss to Burlington on February 14, and then ended its entire campaign with a 70-60 loss to then-#8 Fort Madison in the Class 3A Substate 5 first round on February 21.
The even-numbered quarters were good to the Indians against Burlington (+4), but the odd-numbered periods would prove to be too much to overcome (-9), including falling behind 14-8 after the first eight minutes.
Oskaloosa, which outshot the Grayhounds 45.7%-41.5%, were beat up on the boards to the tune of a 36-22 deficit. The Indians permitted Burlington to corral 15 offensive rebounds, and a 21-11 disadvantage in fouls gave their foes 22 looks at the free-throw line (just 11 for OHS).
Keaton Flaherty was Oskaloosa’s top scorer with 23 points on 9-for-15 shooting. He also tallied team highs in rebounds (7), assists (5), and steals (2).
Aidan Scholes reached double figures as well with 13 points, headlined by a trio of three-pointers. Waylon Bolibaugh and Carson Genskow managed seven points each as well.
Both teams were competent in ball control as they combined for just 17 turnovers (eight for OHS).
The Indians proved to be more than a formidable foe against the Bloodhounds, tallying a 54.0%-48.1% shooting edge.
The visitors blew out of the gates, leading 14-6 after the opening period. They continued to keep Fort Madison in the rearview, holding a 29-21 edge at intermission.
Unfortunately, the Bloodhounds, who were eventually ousted from the postseason in the next round by Clear Creek-Amana, dominated the third and fourth quarters with a 49-31 advantage. The game was tied at 43-43 entering the final eight minutes, but Fort Madison was unstoppable with 27 points down the stretch.
In addition to committing 28 turnovers (19 for FM), the Indians were on the losing end of a severe foul discrepancy that led to Fort Madison going 17-for-24 at the line and OHS getting just one attempt at the charity stripe (it was missed).
Oskaloosa was outrebounded 29-25 (15-8 offensively) with Bolibaugh having a career night with 13 boards. That helped him post a double-double, having also scored 12 points.
Flaherty closed out a remarkable season with 28 points (12-for-17 FG, 4-for-7 3-PT). He assisted on six baskets as well.
Will Schultz, with eight points, and Jakob Stek, with five, were also solid offensive contributors in the season-ending setback.
“The dedication that this team put forth this year was second-to-none; their effort and work ethic was unmatched” Head Coach Brandon Lenhart said. “We wanted to play our best ball at the end of the year and for 22 minutes against Fort Madison, we were at our best, but we just fell short.”
“I appreciate the leadership and dedication that our senior class put forth,” Lenhart added. “They were a great group of young men to coach. They have helped set the standard for Oskaloosa basketball and helped to move the needle forward for many years to come.”
