Oak Ridge steals consolation title from SCC

Oak Ridge's Makayla Rangel (22) scores during a 55-54 win over SCC in the consolation finals of the Scott-Mississippi Conference Tournament at Kelly High School on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

BENTON, Mo. — One point separated victory from defeat, glory and grief.

Oak Ridge clawed back from a halftime deficit to snatch the consolation crown and secure its 11th win — a program best — with a 55-54 victory over Scott County Central in the Scott-Mississippi Conference Tournament at Kelly High School on Thursday, Jan. 25.

“It was such an intense and wild game right down to the end,” said Oak Ridge coach Julie Ward. “SCC is such a well-coached team that is very scrappy. We weren't perfect and got a little ahead of ourselves at times. But when we needed to buckle down, we did. We played tough, hung in there and came out with a huge win. This team keeps showing heart, and that's what makes me proudest."

SCC's Nikki Adams (12) drives to the basket during a 55-54 loss to Oak Ridge in the consolation finals of the Scott-Mississippi Conference Tournament at Kelly High School on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The sixth-seeded Bravettes (7-9) controlled the first half, leading 27-24 at halftime and extending the lead to six points early in the third quarter after Lainey Glueck hit a jump shot.

But the fifth-seeded Bluejays (11-9) rallied, with Makayla Rangel scoring three straight baskets inside, including a 3-point play, to give the team a 35-34 advantage with 2:44 left in the third quarter.

"These girls aren't just here to go through the motions,” Ward said. “They dive for loose balls, sprint back on defense, and fight for every rebound. No play is too small for their effort. That's the kind of hustle that wins games and makes me proud."

Oak Ridge's Jayleigh Price (1) shoots during a 55-54 win over SCC in the consolation finals of the Scott-Mississippi Conference Tournament at Kelly High School on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

SCC kept pace the rest of the quarter, tying the game twice on three-pointers by Camarie Perdue and Ellie Britt.

Heading into the final frame the score was knotted at 40-40.

The opening minutes were tight, with both teams trading baskets. But midway through the quarter, Oak Ridge surged to a two-possession lead, thanks to dominant inside play and crisp ball movement.

SCC's Raegan Evans (23) drives during a 55-54 loss to Oak Ridge in the consolation finals of the Scott-Mississippi Conference Tournament at Kelly High School on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

With under two minutes left, the drama reached a fever pitch. SCC clawed back to within one after Nikki Adams grabbed an offensive rebound and put it back to make it 50-49.

But in a flash, Rangel cooly converted a wide-open backdoor layup, restoring a 52-49 cushion.

“We did a good job of finding the open man,” said Ward. “Opponents like to focus a lot on [Raegan Howe], and once they collapse on her, she does a great job of getting the ball down low. [Madyson Reuhling] does the same thing, trying to find that open man. My guards are all sophomores, so I’m proud of them for taking those open shots with confidence. We moved the ball around well to find the open shot. Late in the game were able to get a lot of easier shots.”

SCC's De'Laya Banks (24), Nikki Adams (12) and Ellie Britt (4) pressure Oak Ridge's Madyson Ruehling during the consolation finals of the Scott-Mississippi Conference Tournament at Kelly High School on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The pressure intensified in the final minute as the third Bravette fouled out, but their fight wasn't over.

With just over 10.2 seconds left, Britt snagged an offensive board and scored, bringing the score to a nail-biting 54-53.

The Bluejays edged ahead 55-53 with 4.4 seconds left.

Oak Ridge's Reese Morrison (23) looks for an open teammate during a 55-54 win over SCC in the consolation finals of the Scott-Mississippi Conference Tournament at Kelly High School on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

A desperate 3-point attempt by SCC drew a foul with 0.7 seconds remaining but missed free throws handed the dramatic victory to Oak Ridge.

While the missed free throws undeniably stung, attributing the loss solely to them would be shortsighted. The reality is, that the Bravettes encountered a series of hurdles throughout the game, and mental lapses and costly fouls gift-wrapped opportunities for the Bluejays.

“I hate for a game to come down to that,” said SCC coach Andrew Pullen. “It was a real sloppy game and we had a bunch of foul trouble. We have to clean it up and do better. They killed us on the offensive boards. We were giving them two or three shots. We just have to do a better job of boxing out and getting those boards.”

While SCC fell short in the end, the silver lining came in the form of their young reserves. Stepping up due to foul trouble among starters, these players didn't flinch. They hustled, played smart, and showed flashes of their potential.

“They did some amazing things and were able to keep the game close,” Pullen said. “We just wanted to keep it close and try to win it at the end. But we saw some great things from some of these younger girls that we know that we can build from.”

Oak Ridge's victory saw several individuals step up with key contributions. Leading the charge was Reagan Howe, who delivered a double-double of 15 points and seven rebounds. In the paint, Madyson Ruehling dominated the boards, securing 11 rebounds while chipping in four points. Rangel provided a well-rounded performance with 13 points and eight rebounds, while Hayley Hahs added valuable depth with six points and six rebounds.

Britt led the Bravettes with 14. She was followed by Adams (12) and Glueck (10).

SCC travels to Chaffee (7-6) on Monday, Jan. 29, while Oak Ridge hosts Meadow Heights (7-7) on Thursday, Feb. 1.

OAK RIDGE 55, SCOTT COUNTY CENTRAL 54

Scott County Central (54) — Ellie Britt 14, Nikki Adams 12, Lainey Glueck 10, Camarie Perdue 8, Bella Sutton 5, Raegan Evans 5. FG: 19. FT: 11-22. F: 25. (3-pointers: Britt 2, Sutton 1, Glueck 1, Perdue 1. Fouled out: Sutton, Adams, De’Laya Banks).

Oak Ridge (55) — Raegan Howe 15, Makayla Rangel 13, Kinsley Bogenpohl 7, Hayley Hahs 6, Reese Morrison 5, Madyson Ruehling 4, Madalyn Schemel 3. FG: 21. FT: 13-33. F: 20. (3-pointers: None. Fouled out: Schemel).