Indians Open Up The Season With A Win Over Centerville

by Jamie Brockman

For the first time since 2016, the Oskaloosa Girls Basketball team is 1-0 following a thrilling 61-58 win to open the season at Centerville Tuesday night as seen and heard live on the Indians Network.

After struggling to score points the past couple of seasons, the Indians showcased some stout offense using a seven-player rotation, scoring 14 points in each of the first three quarters and 19 points in the fourth quarter. Even more impressive was how they fought every possession and didn’t fold when the Redettes would make a run, including late in the game to secure the win.

Oskaloosa led 14-12 after the first quarter, but Centerville controlled much of the second quarter and took a 28-25 halftime lead. Osky fought back to gain a 42-40 advantage heading into the fourth quarter and held on for the 61-58 win.

Six players scored for the Indians, including five in double figures. Early on Junior, Amanda Fay made her presence known, and despite being shut down most of the second half came up big in the closing minute with a big rebound and two free throws to ice the win. Fay led all scorers with 13, Junior, Jillian Jennings added 12, including 10 in the second half, Sophomore Macie Krier, Junior Kaylee Johnson, and Senior Mary Nelson each added 10 points. Makenna Schaffner also added eight points off the bench.
Afterward, Coach Jacie White said it feels great to be 1-0. She says the girls executed their game plan well even though they made some mistakes down the stretch. She liked the fact the girls were taking shots and looking to score.

Oskaloosa is 1-0 on the season and returns to the floor at Fairfield next Tuesday, which will also be the season opener for the defending 3A State Champion Oskaloosa Boys. You can watch both games next Tuesday from Fairfield on the Indians Network, starting with pre-game coverage at 6 pm.