Oakes, ND (NewsDakota.com) – The Central Cass Squirrels came into Oakes Monday night with an undefeated record and a #1 ranking in the state, and they got everything they could handle from the Tornadoes, ultimately escaping with a 57-48 win.  The win moves the Squirrels to 17-0 on the season.

The Tornadoes played with the Squirrels throughout the entire game, as the teams were tied at 17 at the end of the first quarter, and the Tornadoes led 30-29 at halftime and 40-36 heading into the fourth quarter.  Sophomore Laikyn Roney fouled out a few minutes into the fourth after picking up an offensive foul, and the Squirrels were able to seize control after that time.

Junior Jaylin Cotton came out hot, scoring the first seven points for the Squirrels on the way to 11 in the first quarter.  Cotton led all scorers with 20 points.  Sophomore Decontee Smith added 12 for the Squirrels, 10 of which came in the fourth quarter.  Smith had back-to-back plays in the final quarter where she stole the ball and scored uncontested layups.

Senior Sadie Hansen led the Tornadoes with 17 points, including three three-pointers, and Roney added 12, all in the first three quarters.  Junior Abby Cox and sophomore Emma Muggli each added eight.

The Tornadoes end the regular season with a 12-4 record, and they will begin play in the District 5 tournament Friday at the Jamestown Civic Center.  The Tornadoes will play the Barnes County North Bison in the second game of the day, with action set to begin around 6 pm.  The next action on KDDR 1220 am/95.9 fm will be Tuesday night when the Tornado boys host the Carrington Cardinals.  That game will begin around 7:15 pm.