Oakesdale splits two games to begin state tournament

SPOKANE -Jessie Reed was the difference as Oakesdale defeated Wellpinit 46-41 in the 1B Girls State basketball Tournament at the Arena, Wednesday, March 1.

The teams traded baskets in a first half that ended with the Redskins holding a 22-21 lead. The Nighthawks' Reed controlled the offensive glass and capitalized with several putback baskets as she scored 11 of her team's 22 first half points.

In the third quarter, Oakesdale outscored the Redskins 18-11, in part due to an 11-3 run. Reed, Marilla Hockett and Lucy Hockett each scored six points in the quarter.

The Nighthawks led 39-33 at the end of the quarter and held on for the 46-41 victory.

Reed led all scorers with 20 points and pulled down 13 rebounds. The Hockett sisters each scored nine points. Bradyn Henley, Grace Perry and Samantha Holling scored five, two and one points, respectively.

"We knew we would have to play Wellpinit hard," Reed said. "At this point, everybody's fighting to survive. We gave it all we had and played for each other. With only eight players, we have to play with heart."

Marissa Seyler led Wellpinit in scoring with 14 points.

"We had to grit it out tonight," Oakesdale head coach Heidi Perry said. "We stuck together and found a way to win."

With the win, Oakesdale played Neah Bay in the quarterfinals Thursday, March 2.

Neah Bay's depth proved too much for the under-manned Nighthawks as the Red Devils beat Oakesdale 60-45.

Neah Bay started fast, jumping out to a 10-2 lead before Oakesdale found its rhythm. At the end of the quarter, the Red Devils led 12-6.

In the second quarter, Lucy Hockett got hot for the Nighthawks. She scored 12 of her team's 18 points to keep the game close at halftime.

The Red Devils led 29-24 at intermission.

Neah Bay took control in the second half, outscoring Oakesdale 31-21, en route to their 60-45 victory.

Hockett led the Nighthawks in scoring with 15 points.

Jessie Reed scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Bradyn Henley scored six points and pulled down 11 rebounds.

"I think we played pretty well," Hockett said. "There are things we could have done better. When we play Odessa tomorrow, we need to come out on fire."

Perry said her team dealt with sickness in both of their tournament games.

"We battled hard," she said. "I'm really proud of them. I know we can play with anybody, so it's disappointing we can't play for the gold ball. We have some girls who are pretty ill but we competed hard. I'm proud of what we've done, and we're not done yet."

Oakesdale will play Odessa in a loser out game at 9 a.m. Friday, March 3.