OELRICHS - The Oelrichs Tigers boys travelled to Edgemont on Monday, February 5, for their first of three games last week. On Thursday, February 8, they hosted Takini, and on Friday, February 9, they matched up with Edgemont again at Oelrichs. Unfortunately, the Tigers could not place any games in the win column.
Monday’s game on Edgemont’s home court started with only five Oelrichs players. Their lack of players did not slow them down, though. All scored multiple points, with senior Keenan Youngman being the leader with 17 points.
The night was plagued with challenges. When Daniel Catches fouled out, that left only four players on the court during the fourth quarter. Riley Bear Robe’s glasses broke early in the game, and in the fourth quarter, he was stricken with leg cramps. For a few minutes, Oelrichs was down to three players until Bear Robe was able to go back into the game. They continued to play hard but were unable to get ahead of the Moguls. Oelrichs lost 69-36.
Thursday night’s game was at home against Takini. Oelrichs had nine players, giving them the opportunity to rest when not on the floor. Takini led from the beginning, although Oelrichs did a good job of keeping them from the basket. Andre Warrior was the high scorer of the night with 22 points, followed by Keenan Youngman with 16 points. At halftime, the score was 15-39. Takini kept the lead to the end, with a final score of 46-76.
Oelrichs hosted Edgemont on Friday for the final game of the week. The Tigers had a full roster of players again and began the night with high energy and anticipation. It was a good matchup and exciting to watch. As the grandmother of one of the Edgemont players pointed out, “I think we are getting as tired watching the game as they are playing it.”
At halftime Edgemont led by only 4 points. Oelrichs was unable to pull ahead, and Edgemont took home the win with a score of 3950.
The Tigers are a very young team, and with each game, it is evident how much they have learned and how well they play together. Head Coach Ruth Dreamer shared, “We are having fun learning the game, and next year we will worry about the win/ loss column. But for now, I really want them to learn the game.”
Oelrichs travels to Cheyenne River to play the Tiospaye Topa Thunderhawks on Friday, February 16. The Tigers then host the Hot Springs Bison on Saturday, February 17.