Tigers notch first win over Harlan in over two decades

Red Oak used a 20-9 fourth quarter run to pick up its first win over Harlan in more than 20 years Friday in a 59-46 victory.
The Tigers trailed 31-22 at the half but outscored the Cyclones 37-15 after halftime in the win. Red Oak’s last win over Harlan is believed to have come in a 72-65 victory back in 1997.
“This is a great team win and a showcase of the team we are capable of being,” said Red Oak coach Jesse Taylor. “It’s a huge win.”
Taylor credits his team’s defense as the difference in the game.
“Defense won this game,” he said. “Dallas McDowell for Harlan got the hot hand and had 21 (points) in the first half. We decided to try to take him away and rotate a few guys to work their tails off to guard him. He is a good player, shoots the ball well but gets to the lane with ease. Our game-plan for the second half was if he gives the ball up, he does not get it back. Masen Fisher, Mason Gurney, and Kaleb Sebeniecher really took him away in the second half.McDowell scored just three second half points.
Reese Montgomery came up big all night for the Tigers on the offensive end. The 6-foot-4 forward scored 22 points and grabbed 20 rebounds.
A.J. Beeson chipped in 15 points and Carson Roeder added seven points and five assists. Dillan Rydberg added seven points nine rebounds and Mason Gurney chipped in seven points while playing strong defense all game long.
“Offensive aggressiveness was a huge factor,” Taylor said. “We shot 26 total free throws and got two Harlan players fouled out in the fourth quarter. Reese Montgomery was in a state of attack mode, AJ Beeson caught some fire, Carson Roeder fuels everyone’s fire doing what he does, and our guys off the bench stepped it up big time. Very proud of them for this one.”
The Cyclones head into the holiday break with. Record of 2-5 overall and 1-2 in the Hawkeye 10 Conference.

West Central Valley 60,
Red Oak 53
Four players scored in double-figures for West Central Valley in a 60-53 win over Red Oak in non-conference boys basketball Thursday in Stuart.
After getting down by as many 19 in the game, the Tigers fought back to cut the lead to four in the fourth quarter but could get no closer.
Aidan Claussen and Kade Wilson led way for the Wildcats with 13 points each. Roman Hammond added 11 points and Colton Lindsay 10.
Reese Montgomery topped Red Oak with 26 points and 17 rebounds. Carson Roeder chipped in 12 points and grabbed five steals.