The Oskaloosa 8th grade boys’ quest to have an unbeaten season is still alive after they posted 2 wins over Pella Christian and 1 over Grinnell.

On December 17th, the Indians faced their toughest challenge of the year against a tall and talented Pella Christian team. Oskaloosa jumped out early and lead 25-11 at halftime. The Eagles made a run cutting the lead to 7 before Osky pulled away for the 53-39 win. Tyler Miller had his best all-around game of the year leading the Indians with 19

Tyler Miller had his best all-around game of the year leading the Indians with 19 points, 5 steals, and 5 assists. Xavier Foster had 11 points 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Noah Van Veldhuizen also had 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. Iszac Schultz had a big game on the boards with 9 rebounds. Schultz also chipped in 6 points. Reese Sarver, Colton Butler, and Walker Newman all scored 2 points. Van Veldhuizen and Sarver both played great defense in the game. Schultz was key in handling P.C. half-court press by making good decisions with the ball.

The “B” team fell 46-8 with Sullivan Tighe leading the way with 4 points. Collin Bambrook and Andy Scholes each scored 2 points.

The Indians then hosted Grinnell on 1-4-16 in the first game after Christmas break. Once again Oskaloosa jumped out to a big lead and coasted to the 46-23 win.

Tyler Miller and Reese Sarver led the Indians with 11 points each. Iszac Schultz and Noah Van Veldhuizen were next with 8 points each and they pulled down 5 and 7 rebounds each. Colton Butler had 6 pints and Dalton Deney rounded out the scoring with 2 points.

The “B” team picked up their first win of the year 26-12 over Grinnell. Sullivan Tighe led the way with 7 points while Owen Gordon had his best game of the year scoring 6 points and pulling down 3 rebounds. Caden Bambrook had 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals. Dalton Deney had 3 points with Treyton Shilling, Mason Barnhart, and Andy Scholes all chipping in with 2 points. Shilling led the team with 7 rebounds.

On 1-11-16 the Indians traveled to Pella for a rematch with the Eagles. Oskaloosa would be without the services of 6’5 center Xavier Foster for this game due to a broken bone in his foot which occurred in the last meeting verses P.C. The Indians switched from a pressure man to man defense in the 1st game to a sagging zone defense in this game and the strategy worked as the Indians built a 12 point lead in the first half.

The Eagles would battle back and take a 31-30 lead before Tyler Miller scored 5 points on a 3 point play after a steal and a bucket. The Indians would hold on for a 43-39 win in the hard fought contest. Miller and Noah Van Veldhuizen led the way scoring with 10 points each. Colton Butler had 9 points while Iszak Schultz scored 7 points and had 6 assists. Reese Sarver had 5 points and Walker Newman scored 2 points and pulled down 5 rebounds. Treyton Shilling gave the Indians some much-needed minutes off the bench and pulled down 2 rebounds.

Oskaloosa hosts Sigourney on Friday at 4:30 pm.

Story provided by Credit Coach Doug DeKock