Summerland dominates O'Neill, Improve to 6-0

The Summerland Bobcats continued their undefeated season with an impressive 58-36 victory over the O'Neill Eagles on Tuesday night. The win moves the Bobcats to a perfect 6-0 as they head into the holiday break.

The game was a tale of two halves, as the Bobcats' defense tightened after halftime, holding the Eagles to just eight points in the final two quarters. O'Neill managed to stay competitive early, trailing 13-16 after the first quarter and 23-26 at halftime. However, a dominant third quarter by Summerland saw the Bobcats outscore the Eagles 20-7, effectively sealing the game.

The Bobcats' balanced attack was led by Michael Koenig, who turned in a stellar performance with 27 points, seven rebounds, four steals and a block. Preston Hoke added 13 points, four rebounds and six assists, while Alec Schindler chipped in six points and five boards.

Head coach Brett Kaczor reflected on the team's performance and their 6-0 start to the season. "We have been fortunate to get through this first quarter of the season without offensive rebounds really biting us. It's something we are going to keep working on and stressing to get better at as we continue through the season," Kaczor said. "The break is coming at a good time so we can regroup and refocus along with getting our bodies and minds refreshed for the long haul and grind of the rest of the season."

The Bobcats will return to action on Dec. 27 at 7:30 p.m. when they take on Winside in the Summerland Holiday Tournament.

Stats v O'Neill:

Parker Napier: 5p, 3r, 1a, 1s

Sam Cheatum: 2p, 5r, 5a, 2s, 2to

Dylan Rotherham: 1r, 2to

Schindler: 6p, 5r, 1a, 2s

Carter Bergman: 3p, 3r, 2a, 2s, 1to

AJ Hobbs: 1r, 1to

Koenig: 27p, 7r, 1a, 4s, 1bl, 1to

Hoke: 13p, 4r, 6a, 3s

Ryan Rifer: 2p, 1r

Mason Schwager: 1to