Wellpinit boys rout Odessa

ODESSA–Defending 1B state champion Wellpinit showed why it is again one of the top teams in the state by its 83-42 thrashing of the Tigers, Friday. Jan 5. The 8-2 Redskins' only losses on the season are to 1A Lakeside and 2B Reardan.

Wellpinit's superior quickness was clear from the start as it blew by Tiger defenders for easy lay-ins. Throughout the game, the Redskins outworked and out-hustled Odessa, seeming to come up with each loose ball.

Corbyn Neilsen was Odessa's offensive threat in the first quarter, scoring eight of his team's 14 points. The Redskins countered with a balanced attack in which five players made buckets. After one quarter, Wellpinit led 22-14.

The second quarter played out much like the first. Dakota Steward and Holden Iverson each scored four points and Jacob Scrupps and Zach Claassen hit long three-pointers, but they couldn't keep pace with the Redskins.

Four Wellpinit players scored five or more points to help extend its halftime lead to 43-30.

In the third quarter the Tigers started leaking oil and in the fourth, their wheels came off. Wellpinit outscored them 42-12 in the half, to secure the 83-42 win.

Neilsen and Steward led the Tigers in scoring with 12 and 10 points, respectively. Claassen and Scrupps each scored seven points.

Five Redskins scored in double figures. They were led by Andrew Moyer and Grant Denison, who each scored 17 points and Jordan Montgomery, who scored 15.

"Our boys were complacent in the first half," Wellpinit head coach Billy Flett said. "In the second half, we got after it. But honestly, I've got to give it up for Odessa. In the first half, they hung with us."

With the loss, Odessa dropped to 4-5 on the season. Wellpinit improved to 8-2.

The Tigers rebounded with a 56-54 win at Valley Christian Saturday, Jan. 6 and a 63-42 thumping of St. John/Endicott LaCrosse Tuesday, Jan. 9.

Odessa's next game will be against Almira/Coulee-Hartline Friday, Jan. 12.