Minot, ND (NewsDakota.com) – The Oakes Tornadoes first trip to the State Tournament in 30 years  started with a gutsy performance as they battled back from an 18 point deficit to fall short to #2 Our Redeemers in the opening round of the State Tournament.

The game started well for both teams as it was a back and forth affair with it being a Knights 7-6 lead after 1 quarter of play. The second quarter saw Oakes getting their first and only lead of the game at 8-6. After that however Our Redeemers would get 4 straight 3 balls to get to a 22-10 lead at the end of the half.

The Knights would get that lead all the way to 18 before Oakes began to battle back cutting it to 33-17 at the end of the 3rd quarter and getting back to within 8 in the 4th quarter. Our Redeemers would be able to do just enough to hold on though in that 4th quarter to win the game 50-39.

Oakes would be led in scoring by Braysen Sagert with 13 points. The leading all around scorer would be Jace Weeley with 17. As a team Oakes shot 15-44.

Next up for Oakes they’ll play against Hankinson in the Consolation Semifinals tomorrow night at 6:30 pm.