The Oakland-Craig Girls Basketball Team had a memorable run at last week’s State Tournament, winning 36-22 over Ponca in last Thursday’s first round game from the Devaney Center aired on 107.9 the Bull, and then 58-39 over Crofton in last Friday’s Semifinals from the Devaney Center in action also aired on the Bull, and then losing 45-42 to Pender in Saturday’s State Championship Game from Pinnacle Bank Arena also aired on the Bull.
The Knights led the Indians 15-8 after the 1st quarter, and outscored Ponca 11-2 in the 2nd quarter to take a 26-10 lead into the locker room.
The Indians tripled up O-C 6-2 in the 3rd quarter to make it a 28-16 game at the end of three.
Oakland-Craig won the 4th quarter 8-6.
Chaney Nelson had 23 points while Adi Rennerfeldt notched 7.
The Warriors led 12-11 after the 1st quarter before the Knights outscored Crofton 19-10 in the 2nd quarter to take a 30-22 lead into the locker room.
The Warriors won the 3rd quarter 7-6 to make it a 36-29 game at the end of three.
Oakland-Craig outscored Crofton 22-10 in the 4th quarter.
Sadie Nelson had 21 points while Chaney Nelson was also in double figures with 12. Rennerfeldt added 7.
The Pender game was tied 10-10 at the end of the first quarter.
The Pendragons caught fire in the second quarter, making a couple three pointers while outscoring the Knights 15-6.
Pender led 25-16 at halftime.
Oakland-Craig got down by 10 points in the third quarter, but fought back to tie the score 30-30.
Pender made a three pointer right before the end of the quarter, taking a 33-30 lead into the fourth.
The Knights won the third quarter 14-8.
Oakland-Craig led twice in the fourth quarter, and the game was tied 42-42 with just over a minute to play.
Maya Dolliver made a pair of free throws to give Pender a 44-42 lead with 32 seconds left to play.
Dolliver added another free throw, putting Pender up 45-42 with seven seconds left.
Oakland-Craig had a chance at a game tying three pointer, but the shot missed, securing the win for the Pendragons.
Chaney Nelson led Oakland-Craig with 18 points. Rennerfeldt and Sadie Nelson notched 8 apiece while Shea Johnson totaled 9 rebounds.
Great and amazing season for the Knights!
Oakland-Craig ends the season at 24-5 overall and as the Class C2 State Runner-Up.
The Knights should be very proud of what they accomplished this year.
Chaney Nelson and Sadie Nelson each led the team in scoring this year at 13ppg.
Oakland-Craig says goodbye to Chaney Nelson, Syd Guzinski, Laryn Johnson, Sadie Nelson, and Shea Johnson.
A huge and very large Senior Class lost to graduation this year.
These kids logged in a lot of of minutes and put in a lot of time into the success of this program the last four years.
They’re largely responsible for what Oakland-Craig Girls Basketball accomplished this year and over the past few years.
They should be very proud of their careers.
Ending the season at PBA is a dream come true for every kid who ever plays High School Basketball.
And now the Knights can say they did just that.
Key returners for next year include Briar Ray, Rennerfeldt, Bailey Pelan, and Sonya Guzinski.
Oakland-Craig will be young next year, but I look for the Knights to still be successful next season.
O-C might not be as good as they were this year and might take a step back, but I still fully expect the Knights to compete at a high level and be a contender for next year’s State Tournament.
Oakland-Craig should take a moment to step back and reflect on what was this season though.
I know the Knights are probably bummed and disappointed that they didn’t get that State Championship, but the chins and heads should always be held high as this team had a remarkable run, journey, and season.
Way to go Oakland-Craig!
