Oasis opens with a win

The Oasis Academy girls basketball team started the season off with a 31-12 win over Sierra Lutheran on Tuesday.

It was the team’s first game recognized by the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association.

Oasis was able to gain a slight lead with the first quarter ending 3-2. In the second quarter, however, the Lady Bighorns took off, overwhelming the Lady Falcons’ defense and climbing to 15-4 by halftime.

The second half saw Oasis continue to dominate the court, doubling Sierra Lutheran’s points each quarter. Both quarters came out with 8-4 totals giving the Fallon team the winning score.

Oasis Academy’s Sadie O’Flaherty was the leading scorer for the evening, tallying 10 points. Just behind her were Janelle Pike with 9 and Brooklyn Whitaker with 8. Oasis coach Dusty Casey noted O’Flaherty also played strong defensively, causing numerous turnovers. He said post players Pike, Whitaker and Taryn Barrenchea were also strong on claiming rebounds, allowing Sierra Lutheran to only take one shot most of the time.

“I asked our girls to focus on two things for our first game, tough defense and rebounding,” Casey said. “I told them I wasn’t concerned about running a crisp offense, or being completely in sync on defense; I simply wanted them to play hard and they delivered.”

During practices this week, the team has been working on their defensive rotation, offensive continuity as well as shooting and ball handling.

The Lady Bighorns’ next game will be Dec. 7 and 8 during the Excel Christian Tournament in Sparks. Their Dec. 1 game against Incline Village was canceled.