In a rematch of last season’s Class 3A State boys’ basketball title game, Norwalk defeated Osklaoosa 73-64 Tuesday night (1/7) in Oskaloosa.  Norwalk’s All-State guard Bowen Born scored 51 points on the night, including a perfect 10 of 10 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter as Norwalk came back from a one point halftime deficit (33-32) to pull away in the final frame.  Were Born and his teammates looking for revenge from last season’s 3A title game (which Oskaloosa won)?

“It was probably in the back of your head, but obviously it’s a completely different team.  They’re completely different and we’re completely different.  I knew it wasn’t going to be exactly the same kind of vibe.   Obviously anytime you’re playing them, they’re going to come to play and they did tonight and luckily we came out on top.”

Oskaloosa Coach Ryan Parker had to tip his hat to Born.

“He’s just such a great player that does, like I said, does it the right way, doesn’t complain, doesn’t showboat and (is) somebody I really, really respect.”

Iowa State recruit Xavier Foster, who had missed Oskaloosa’s last four games, scored 36 to lead the Indians, who are now 4-4 on the season and 0-4 in the Little Hawkeye Conference.  Oskaloosa’s next game is Friday night (1/10) at Pella.