Falcons, Warriors Split Games In Tilden On Friday Night

The girls and boys basketball teams split games as Elkhorn Valley hosted Neligh-Oakdale on Friday night.

The Lady Falcons topped the Lady Warriors, 63-25, in the first varsity game of the night, and the N-O boys cruised to a 66-22 win over EV.

Elkhorn Valley jumped out to a big lead early in the girls game, holding a 22-2 advantage at the end of the first quarter. The Lady Warriors were able to match EV's 13 points in the second, but were only able to put up 10 points in the second half.

The Lady Falcons notched their season opening win with three players scoring in double digits. Hannah Ollendick led EV with 23 points, followed by Sierra Rystrom with 17 and Alyssa Rood, 10. Jaclynn Hixson came off the bench for N-O and was the team's leading scorer with six points and four rebounds. Chase Vleck, Bailey Frey and Kinsley Klabenes each added four.

In the boys game, the Warriors grabbed a 19-2 lead after one quarter of play. Cole Belitz hit a long-range three pointer right before the half, and N-O headed into the locker room with a 35-point advantage. The Warriors extended their lead in the second half for the win, and they are now 2-0 on the season.

Alex Kerkman and Tyson Belitz led the Warriors with 15 points apiece. Kerkman knocked down 6-of-9 while Belitz hit 5-of-9. Grant White also scored in double figures with 12 points. Kerkman also led the team in rebounds with six while Belitz and Austin Rice had five each. 

Austin Miller led Elkhorn Valley with 10 points and four rebounds. Dalton Smutny added six points.

On Tuesday, Elkhorn Valley will host Madison, and Neligh-Oakdale will travel to Elgin.

Girls scores by quarter:
N-O   2  13   4    6   25
EV   22  13  17  11  63

Boys scores by quarter:
N-O   19  26  13  8   66
EV      2    8    6   6   22