Bighorns improve in California tournament

Despite two losses during the weekend, the Oasis Academy Bighorns boys basketball team saw areas of improvement.

The team fell to Mt. Shasta and Quincy during the Lassen Tournament in Susanville, Calif.

Against Mt. Shasta, the Bears were able to run out to a 24-13 first quarter lead.

Mt. Shasta’s defense was strong in the second quarter as the Bears took a 37-19 lead into halftime.

The teams were even in the third quarter as Mt. Shasta took a 55-33 lead into the final quater.

Oasis coach Donald Schank said it was a good tournament for them and they “faced quality competition.” He said the games helped the team increase their toughness against more experienced teams.

“Because of these games they are learning how the game flows and moves,” Schank said. “Understanding the flow and movement gives them a better understanding of where they need to be positioned both offensively and defensively.”

The coach said he saw improvements and evidence the Bighorns were growing. He recalled there were good scoring opportunities and the players were positioning themselves well on defense and offensive rotations.

In the second game, Quincy jumped out from the opening tipoff. Running to a 25-3 lead that Oasis would never recover from.

Oasis outscored Quincy 15-14 in the second quarter but Oasis found itself down 40-19 at halftime.

The second half saw Quincy lead 68-35 at the end of the third quarter.

Schank said he’s happy to see them growing and evolving as a team.

Oasis Academy’s athletics are on break until after the new year. The Bighorns’ first game of 2018 will be in Tonopah Jan. 6, then hosting Excel Christian at Venturacci Park on Jan. 8.