OAKES, ND (NewsDakota.com) – In a nail biter the RV Oakes Tornadoes took down the #7 Central Cass Squirrels in girls basketball action on January 14th by a score of 48-45.

The Tornadoes started out strong leading after the 1st quarter by a score of 12-7 however that lead would quickly vanish as Central Cass would lead for most of the rest of the game.

The Squirrels would play some frustrating basketball with a full court press that would hamper the Tornadoes the entire 2nd quarter. Oakes would inbound the ball only for it to be stolen away by a Central Cass player who would normally score. The Tornadoes would trail 26-20 at the half.

The 3rd quarter was more of the same with Oakes starting to figure out how to break the press. They would keep up with the Squirrels for the entire quarter and would trail going into the final frame 36-31.

The Tornadoes were then able to fully break out of the press for the 4th quarter and really started turning it on. They would fight back to take a 37-36 lead early on in the quarter and were able to play a lot more aggressively after Central Cass put themselves into foul trouble early on. Oakes would be playing in the bonus for most of the quarter.

With under 4 minutes left the score was tied 41-41 however the Tornadoes were able to take  a 43-41 lead quickly with a Brynn Dethlefsen baseline floater and then a 45-41 lead after Emma Muggli went to the charity stripe. Central Cass would wittle it down to 45-43 soon enough then tie it with 35.9 seconds left. They would then steal the inbound pass for what could have been the final possesion however Kassidy Jackson would steal the ball and start it up the other way with Muggli. She would then be fouled at midcourt putting the Tornadoes in the double bonus with 11.3 seconds left. Muggli would drain her two to give Oakes the 47-45 lead. With 3 seconds left Avah Cotton would be fouled by Lily Thorpe sending her to the line to shoot two. She would miss both shots however and Laikyn Roney would collect the rebound with .1 seconds left. She would be fouled and get 1/2 to fall to secure the Tornadoes victory.

This was the Tornadoes ninth straight victory and they are now 9-1.

The Bank North Player of the Game was given to Emma Muggli.

The Tornadoes next play Enderlin on Monday January 16th at home with pregame starting around 7:00 on 1220/100.3 KDDR.