SUNBRIGHT, Tenn. | Oneida’s defense gave Sunbright fits early, and for much of the game, as the Indians rolled to a 64-38 win here Tuesday to wrap up a regular season District 3-A championship and the No. 1 seed headed into postseason play.
Mason Keeton was a big reason for Sunbright’s offensive struggles. He recorded eight of Oneida’s 15 steals on the night — a night that saw the Indians force Sunbright into 24 turnovers and limit the Tigers to under 40% shooting.
Sunbright scored only four points in the first quarter, as Oneida built a double-digit lead before the game was even eight minutes old. Things evened out somewhat after that, but Sunbright never led in the game, and Oneida built as much as a 27-point lead in the fourth quarter.
All in all, it was a much different game from the first time the two teams met, when Sunbright turned in a valiant effort at OHS Gymnasium before fading down the stretch.
This time, Garrett Rogers scored 15 points to lead all scorers, but he was the only Sunbright player in double figures.
Meanwhile, Mason Keeton scored 12 points to go along with his eight steals, and was named the IH Sports Network’s First National Bank Player of the Game. Grady Keeton added 11 points.
Zeb Spradlin scored 10 points and had a team-high six rebounds.
Oneida shot 44% from the field and 67% from the free throw line. The Indians held a 29 to 22 rebounding advantage over Sunbright.
With one district game remaining — a visit from Oliver Springs on Friday to close out the regular season — the Indians are still unbeaten in league play.
ONEIDA (64): M. Keeton 12, Gr. Keeton 11, Spradlin 10, Ga. Keeton 8, Brawner 6, Rector 4, Gilbert 3, Limburg 2, Morgan 2.
SUNBRIGHT (38): Rogers 15, Sexton 7, Kreis 5, Simmons 3, Carson 3, Bunch 2, Ward 2, Jones 1.
