Tiger girls start season with wins

ODESSA – The Tiger girls got their season off to a winning start, defeating both Wellpinit and Valley Christian last weekend on Dec. 10 and 11. Ashlyn Neilsen was the leading scorer in both contests and was named Odessa Player of the Game for both.

Friday's home game initially looked like it was going to be a blowout, as Wellpinit had trouble finding the basket in the first quarter. Shots aplenty were made from all over the court but failed to drop through the net. By the fourth quarter, however, the Redskins were fully warmed up and had found their range. An injury to starter Grace Nelson in the first half put her out of the game and no doubt contributed to the Redskins comeback attempt, which fell short.

Wellpinit 1 10 15 18 44

Odessa 11 12 15 12 50

Neilsen scored 30 points against the Redskins. Hayden Schuh added 12 points and also led the team in rebounds with 10.

The victory over the VC Panthers in Spokane on Saturday was an easier win for the Tigers. The team consists of several juniors, plus sophomores and freshmen. With no seniors at all, there is general optimism among fans that the outlook for this season and the next one is quite good.

Odessa 17 14 10 12 53

VC 7 2 8 7 24

Neilsen once again was high scorer with 19, but other players stepped up as well. Schuh had 16 and Melloney Deife added 12. Laela Hardung and Schuh each had six rebounds to lead the team defensively. Kaytlyn Shafer, Lily Starkel and Deife also had one blocked shot each.