Oskaloosa Drops Ottumwa in Overtime

by Wade Steinlage

Ottumwa–The Indian boys’ basketball team concluded its pre-holiday slate on a winning streak as it defeated Ottumwa 58-53 in overtime in non-conference action back on December 20.

In a back-and-forth affair, OHS (2-5) outshot the Bulldogs (1-4) by a 41.9%-36.2% margin to notch its second-straight win. While shooting just 25.0% from behind the arc, the Indians were able to claim victory with an impressive 19-for-23 (82.6%) effort at the free-throw line.

Keaton Flaherty led the charge with 29 points, including a 10-for-15 performance from the field and a perfect 9-for-9 showing at the charity stripe.

Waylon Bolibaugh was also effective at the line, going 6-for-8 en route to a 12-point effort. Aidan Scholes connected on a team-best two three-pointers for eight points, while Carson Genskow added five points in the victory.

Oskaloosa dominated the rebounding category 38-20 with Flaherty corralling eight boards and Bolibaugh finishing with seven. Flaherty and David Nelson both distributed the ball well with four assists each, while Bolibaugh was the defensive leader with three steals and a block.

“This was a slugfest all night,” Head Coach Brandon Lenhart said. “Our guys were so tough, gutting it out, with some even being sick. I am really proud of them and how they fought to get stops and make big free throws down the stretch.”

Next Up: Oskaloosa travels to Pella Tuesday for a Little Hawkeye Conference battle at 8 p.m.