Fourth quarter run lifts Titans past Tigers

Red Oak hung with Council Bluffs Lewis Central for the better part of three quarters before the Titans pulled away late in a 46-22 win Friday in Hawkeye 10 Conference girls basketball.
The Tigers (1-3) trailed 26-18 at the end of three quarters before the Titans (1-3) exploded for a 20-4 fourth quarter run.
“While the final score isn’t what we hoped for, our girls played a very strong three quarters,” said Red Oak coach Carter Bruce. “We trailed by just one after the first quarter, five at halftime, and eight going into the fourth. Our lack of depth showed late, but the effort and competitiveness were outstanding.”
The Tigers’ defense was sharp all night as they held the Tigers to single digitis in both the first and the third quarters.
“Our defense kept us within striking distance throughout most of the night, and the girls showed a lot of heart against a very good 4A Lewis Central team,” Bruce said. “I’m extremely proud of the way we battled and stayed locked in.”
Emily Sebeniecher led the Tigers with nine points and Ellison Johnson added eight.
Macie Vetter led Lewis Central with 21 points.

Clarinda 64,
Red Oak 36
Clarinda opened the game on a 20-5 run and Red Oak could never quite dig out in a 64-36 loss in Hawkeye 10 Conference girls basketball.
“We didn’t get off to the start we’ve had in our last two games, trailing 20–5 after the first quarter,” said Red Oak coach Carter Bruce. “Despite the early deficit, our girls continued to fight and compete throughout the night.”
The Tigers were outrebounded in the loss and committed 25 turnovers.
“We’ll be placing a strong emphasis on rebounding in the next couple of practices, as well as finding ways to generate more offense heading into our upcoming games,” Bruce said. “Credit to Coach (Jacob) Privia and the Cardinals for playing a sound and aggressive game.”
Addison Wagoner scored 19 points and Carsen Wellhausen added 12 points.
Red Oak was paced by Emily Sebeniecher’s 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting.
“Emily really found her rhythm offensively tonight, and we’re excited to build on that moving forward,” Bruce said.
Keely Jones added 11 points.

Red Oak 52,
Lenox 46
Ellison Johnson scored 21 points and Red Oak snapped its 22-game losing streak dating to last season with a 52-46 win over Lenox in non-conference girls basketball last Monday.
“Our maximum effort was the difference tonight,” said Red Oak coach Carter Bruce. “Even on a night when we didn’t shoot particularly well, our toughness and energy helped us stay in the game and ultimately finish strong. I’m extremely proud of this group—every player embraced their role and contributed to this win.”
Keely Jones added 10 points and Mariel Ramirez, playing all 32 minutes, scored seven points.
“She brought a high level of physicality and relentlessness,” Ramirez said. “Even while struggling at the free-throw line (3-of-12), she continued to battle, leading us in both rebounds and steals and making winning plays throughout the night.”
Reese Reed paced Lenox with 28 points.