Both Warrior Teams Fall To Ponca In Holiday Tournament

The Neligh-Oakdale girls and boys both fell to Ponca in the holiday tournament on Wednesday night.

In the girls game, Ponca jumped out to a big lead early in the game, holding a 20-point advantage after just one quarter of play, 22-2. They continued to extend their lead and went on to win 58-23 over the Lady Warriors. Neligh-Oakdale will play Wakefield at 10 a.m. today.

Bailey Frey led Neligh-Oakdale scorers with 6, followed by Shelby Keetle with 5, Whitney Beacom 4, and Danae Smith, Heather Pellatz, Kayla Wright and Jaclynn Hixson each with 2.

The Neligh-Oakdale boys suffered their first loss of the season as Ponca grabbed a 42-40 victory over the Warriors. Ponca knocked off previously-undefeated Battle Creek the day before. They will go on to play Winnebago in the championship today and Neligh-Oakdale will play Pierce at 2:30 p.m. for third place.

The Warriors trailed most of the game, fighting back from a 14-6 first quarter score to a 23-20 score at the half. Neligh-Oakdale tied up the game, 40-40, with just over one minute to play, but Ponca answered to regain the lead and pick up the win.

Tyson Belitz led the Warriors with 20 points, followed by Grant White with 9, Alex Kerkman with 6 and Chris Bentley with 5.