St. Paul overpowers Oswego

By: Aaron Pyle

         The St. Paul Indians were back in action Tuesday, Feb. 13 in a conference matchup against the Oswego Indians. Both teams looked to find their groove as sub-state play is right around the corner.

Following the Lady Indians previous matchup, Feb. 9, against the Olpe Eagles, St. Paul was not able to handle an undefeated, red-hot Eagles team as they fell 63-31. In their game Tuesday against Oswego (8-7, 3-4), the Lady Indians (11-4, 8-0) looked to continue their undefeated league streak as no TRL team has been able to slow down St. Paul.

Offensive production came to a minimum for both teams in the first half as it would turn to become a low-scoring affair. The Lady Indians aggressive, pressuring defense-maintained composure throughout as St. Paul led 16-12 at halftime.

Junior Katie Coomes became a major focal point for the Lady Indians offense in the second half scoring 12 of St. Paul’s 23 baskets. The defense once again prevailed for Coach Tuck and his Lady Indians as they went on to win 39-32 over Oswego.

St. Paul continues their undefeated league tear (12-4, 8-0) as TRL title is on the horizon for the Lady Indians.

Coomes finished the night leading the game in scoring with 15 points total. Junior Emily Hutcherson made a key contribution as well as ending the game with 8 points for St. Paul.

For the boys, they come off a narrow 46-45 victory over the Olpe Eagles, Feb. 9. Following the victory, the Indians (7-8, 5-2) faced a struggling Oswego (5-10, 2-5) that was hungry for a league victory.

The Indians offense went unconscious in the first quarter off a helpful 8 points from senior Kenny Haney as well as other key efforts. St. Paul’s offense would be slowed down in the second quarter being held to only four points. But the Indians offensive outpour in the first helped them maintain a 28-23 lead at halftime.

As Oswego’s offense slowly tried to get their way back into the game, the Indians caught fire once again outscoring Oswego 35-20 in the second half. The Indians (8-8, 6-2)went on to defeat Oswego (5-11, 2-6)63-43 capturing a league victory.

Haney had a career night for the Indians finishing the game with 21 points leading all scorers. Multiple other Indians’ junior players broke double-digits as well Tuesday night; Bradshaw (14), Albertini (10).

For their next game, the St. Paul Indians will travel to Yates Center Friday, Feb. 15 in a highly-anticipated TRL matchup.