Indians Suffer Two LHC Setbacks, Pummel Chariton in Non-Conference Play
by Wade Steinlage
Oskaloosa–The Oskaloosa boys’ basketball team was unable to collect a league win last week, but did still manage to end the stretch on a positive note.
OHS (5-13, 1-11 LHC) fell to Little Hawkeye Conference rival Pella last Tuesday 80-66 and then came up short versus Indianola last Friday 73-50. The Indians bounced back, though, with a 68-28 defeat of Chariton in non-conference action last Saturday.
Oskaloosa was strongest in the middle two periods in Tuesday’s matchup. Unfortunately, the hosts did not hold up as well in the bookend periods, including falling behind 26-13 after eight minutes on the hardwood.
OHS played nearly even in the second quarter at 21-20 and then bettered Pella in the third stanza 19-13 to close within eight at 60-52. The Dutch, which held a 62.2%-50.0% shooting edge, were not to be denied, however, in finishing the season sweep of the Indians.
Oskaloosa also came up short in rebounding at 28-16, but stayed relatively close overall by committing just seven turnovers (13 for Pella).
Keaton Flaherty made 10 of his 17 shots en route to a 24-point performance. He hit all three of his free throws, but the Indians were limited to just five total attempts; conversely, the Dutch were 14-for-19 at the charity stripe.
Flaherty added three rebounds, four assists, and two steals as well.
David Nelson made two of OHS’ eight three-pointers as part of his 12 points, while Waylon Bolibaugh also added a pair of trifectas to reach double figures with 10 points. Will Schultz contributed seven points as well.
The Indians were on their heels from the opening tip against the LHC’s other Indians last Friday, trailing 15-5 after one quarter and 36-18 at intermission.
Oskaloosa was outshot 47.5%-41.9%, but much more disparaging was its 23 turnovers (five for Indianola).
Flaherty got to double digits with 14 points (6-for-13 FG), while Nelson hit the mark as well with 11, highlighted by three long balls.
Bolibaugh notched nine points along with eight rebounds, and Aidan Scholes managed seven.
OHS rebounded well from the loss the day before as it shot 46.7% overall and thoroughly dismantled the Chargers, who had only just earned their first win of the season two days earlier.
Flaherty’s team-high 17 points came on 7-for-15 shooting, while Carson Genskow was hot from deep, going 4-for-7 for 15 points. Flaherty corralled nine rebounds and assisted five times, while Genskow matched Bolibaugh with four steals.
Bolibaugh gave the Indians a third double-digit scorer with 12, while Jakob Stek added six and Scholes was good for five.
