Lady Bighorns claim championship in Reno

The Lady Bighorns basketball team dominated the competition during the Excel Christian tournament last week, taking home the championship trophy.

Oasis won against Coral Academy, 40-11, Excel Christian, 38-14, and Wooster High School, 29-8.

Against Coral Academy, Oasis leapt into a lead immediately; the Lady Bighorns defense pinned down the other team’s players and held them under 10 points for the first quarter. They continued the pressure in the second quarter, holding the Reno team to just three points.

Both teams came out strong when Oasis faced Excel Christian; the first quarter was hard-fought, though the Lady Bighorns gained the upper hand and held it through the game. In the second quarter, though, Oasis crushed the Lady Warriors offense and brought a hard stop to their scoring.

In the final game against Wooster’s Lady Colts, Oasis quickly overpowered their offense and built a strong lead. Both quarters had similar scoring, with the Lady Bighorns quickly building a lead and pushing past Wooster’s defense.

Oasis coach Dusty Casey said his team played “an extremely tight defense” and made good rebounds. He added they chose their shots well, but could still iron out kinks in their offense.

“I’m very happy with our intensity and toughness,” Casey said.

Brooklyn Whitaker was the leader of the team, scoring 36 points through all three games. Sadie O’Flaherty scored 26 and Mariah Snooks scored 22 with two three-pointers. Whitaker also led at the free throw line, scoring on eight of her attempts.

Next up, the Lady Bighorns play Coral Academy again this weekend at the Plumas Street Gym in Reno. They have also received the chance to play in the West Coast Jamboree in California. Casey said another team dropped out and they received an invitation last week.