ORTONVILLE – A long-standing basketball rivalry between Ortonville Brandon and Oxford ended very well for the Lady Wildcats on Friday as they rolled to a 49-39 victory in the last meeting of the Flint Metro League rivals.
Coach Al Poynter said he was a little concerned during warm-ups if his team was ready for the game at the Blackhawks? home.
‘But they came out ready and played very well,? he said.
The outcome was not in doubt after the first few minutes.
The Cats took a 16-6 lead after eight minutes and held a 28-15 advantage at halftime. Brandon cut into Oxford’s lead in the fourth quarter but the Cats held a 35-19 lead after three quarters.
Even when the Blackhawks tried to slow Oxford with fouls, the Lady Cats answered by shooting 23 of 25 from the charity stripe.
‘It was great. We could play different combinations and get girls minutes who don’t play as much,? Poynter said. ‘This was a great team win and some of the girls could be rewarded for working hard in practice.?
The victory gave Oxford a season sweep of Brandon. Last year, the lady Blackhawks swept the two-game series.
The teams have had a strong rivalry in recent years but that will end as Oxford joins the Oakland Activities Association next season.
Poynter said he has been happy with the play of the team of late. The girls have won six of their last seven games to improve their record to 8-6 in Flint Metro League play and are 8-8 overall.
Mikeala Parrish led the Wildcats with 14 points and six rebounds. Megan Tilley had 10 points and Taylor Medel contributed nine rebounds, one blocked shot and three points.
The girls are scheduled to host Lapeer East on Tuesday and Swartz Creek on Friday.