Oscoda wins first district title in school history

Oscoda, Mich. — The undefeated Oscoda Owls hosted the back-to-back district champion Alcona Tigers for the Division 3 district final, the same matchup in last season’s final. Alcona jumped out to an early 7-2 lead behind junior Megan Grove and senior Hailee Gordy. Oscoda closed the gap, but the Tigers led 13-10 after the first. The second quarter was very exciting. A little shoving awarded Alcona free throws off a technical and Megan Grove made both. Sophomore Izzy Hulverson was the Owl that was originally fouled and she made both from the charity stripe. The half ended with an Oscoda Macy Kellstrom triple and a halfcourt buzzer-beater from Alcona’s Grove, and the Tigers took the 27-25 lead.

The Owls are a second half team, and the seniors stepped up. Katelyn Etherton dropped six points in the third, and Brooke Nowiski’s buzzer-beater 3-pointer swung all the momentum in favor of Oscoda.

“Oh my gosh I just made that,” said Nowiski. “I was so excited. It made me feel invincible basically.”

The senior’s teammates were very proud of Nowiski.

“I was super excited,” said Etherton. “That was the best part of the entire game. Just hitting a buzzer-beater three.”

The Owls never looked back topping the Tigers 65-47, improving to (22-0) and earning their first district title in school history.

“I’m very proud of my team for this,” said Kellstrom. “We’re not done yet.”

Up next, the Owls face Lake City on Monday, March 11th at 7:30 p.m. in McBain for the regional semifinal.

Oscoda Points:
Katelyn Etherton – 20
Macy Kellstrom – 15
Izzy Hulverson – 11
Lauren Langley – 10
Brooke Nowiksi – 9

Alcona Points:
Hailee Gordy – 14
Liz Henderson – 12
Megan Grove – 10
Faith Wallenmaier – 7
Rachel Layton – 7

Interesting fact, back in 1925-26 the Oscoda girls’ basketball team won the Iosco-Alcona championship finishing the season undefeated at (19-0).