ONEIDA | The Lady Indians advanced to a District 3-A championship game rematch against Coalfield on Thursday, breezing to a 64-31 win over Sunbright at OHS Gymnasium.
Kelsey Pike scored 18 points, and Rachel Elmore scored a season-high nine points, as Oneida cruised to the semifinal win over Sunbright in what was likely the teams’ last meeting as district foes.
Pike, Braelyn Russ and Grace Shoemaker tied for high-rebounding honors, each with six, while Raylie Bush had a team-high six steals.
A total of 11 different players wound up in the scoring column for Oneida, on a night where everyone got to play.
The Lady Indians have had more proficient nights on the offensive end, shooting only 36% from the field, including 23% from 3-point range, and 62% from the free throw line.
But Oneida’s defense was as stout as usual. The Lady Indians teamed up for 23 steals, and forced Sunbright into 28 turnovers while limiting the Tigers to less than 30% shooting. Alley Shannon led Sunbright with eight points.
The Lady Indians also dominated on the glass, with a 37 to 24 rebounding advantage.
With the win, Oneida returns to the district championship game against Coalfield. It’s a scenario that is eerily similar to a year ago, when Oneida won the regular season district championship but met Coalfield in the district title game, which the Lady ‘Jackets won.
Coalfield defeated Wartburg on Thursday, 70-50, to advance to the championship game.
With Thursday’s win, Oneida locked up a region quarterfinal game at home. That game, which will be played on Feb. 24 at 7pm, will be against either Oakdale or Greenback, before the region semifinals shift to Wartburg.
Monday’s district championship game will tip off at 8pm at OHS Gymnasium.
ONEIDA (64): Pike 18, Elmore 9, A. Terry 7, Russ 7, Marcum 5, Smith 5, Bush 4, Kline 3, K. Shoemaker 2, Jones 2.
SUNBRIGHT (31): Al. Shannon 8, Freels 5, Ad. Shannon 5, Coleman 4, Massey 3, Nichols 2, Smith 2, Petrey 2.
