Winnebago Sweeps N-O And Ends Warriors' Perfect Start

In what could be the Warriors' toughest match of the season, Neligh-Oakdale saw its perfect start to the season end at the hands of one of the state's best - Winnebago.

Playing in the Shootout on the Elkhorn Holiday Tournament, both Warrior squads went home with a loss in the opening round against Winnebago.

The boys lost 94-67 to move to 6-1 on the season. Despite shooting a solid 45 percent from the floor and getting a double-double out of senior Tyson Belitz, the Warriors were unable to keep up with the high-scoring Indians.

Belitz's double-double consisted of 22 points and 13 rebounds while dishing out five assists. Unfortunately, he also was responsible for seven of Neligh-Oakdale's season-high 17 turnovers.

Grant White added 21 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. Alex Kerkman added 15 points and five rebounds.

Earlier in the day, the girls fell 67-46 after picking up their first win of the season last week. The Warriors shot just 22 percent from the floor and gave up 40 turnovers. 

Bailey Frey led the Warrior attack with 11 points on the night while Jayda Chance and Heather Pellatz added eight each. Chance also pulled down eight rebounds and took away five steals.

The Warriors will be back in action Thursday with the girls playing Ponca at 2:30 p.m. and boys taking on Pierce at 4 p.m. 

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