The Sentinel

SJO dominates Watseka in pool game, Parker Fitch leads Spartan scoring effort

ST. JOSEPH - St. Joseph-Ogden’s basketball team continued its strong start in the Toyota of Danville Tournament, cruising to a commanding 60-27 victory over Watseka on Tuesday night. The Spartans showcased their depth and efficiency, with nearly every player contributing to the team’s second win in as many days.

The Spartans set the tone early, building a 20-point lead midway through the second quarter behind junior Parker Fitch, who poured in 12 of his game-high 14 points in the first half. Senior Tanner Siems followed up Monday’s strong performance with another double-digit outing, adding 10 points, while Collin Thomey chipped in nine.

By halftime, St. Joseph-Ogden (2-0) had all but secured the outcome, taking advantage of Watseka’s cold shooting and stifling defense. The Warriors struggled to find offensive rhythm, with most of their shots rimming out despite numerous opportunities.

Watseka managed only five points in the third quarter, as SJO reserves entered the game and extended the lead. The Spartans went on a 15-point unanswered run, cementing their dominance. Aaron Greene provided a rare highlight for Watseka with a late three-pointer in the fourth quarter, but the Warriors’ offensive struggles defined the evening.

Payton Schaumburg led Watseka with three three-pointers, and Quinn Starkey contributed eight points, but the Warriors had no answer for SJO’s relentless defense and relentless quick tempo.

The Spartans look ready for showdown on Friday against Charleston (1-1), who defeated Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond earlier in the day. The winner will likely represent the B Pool in Saturday's championship game. Meanwhile, Watseka will attempt to rebound against Charleston in their matchup today at 5 p.m.

St. Joseph-Ogden girls’ basketball squad secures first win of the season

TUSCOLA - The St. Joseph-Ogden girls' basketball team notched its first win of the season Tuesday night, defeating Tuscola 38-30 in a hard-fought road game. The Spartans used a strong second-half surge to seize control after a tightly contested opening.

The Spartans (1-3) were paced by standout Kayla Osterbur, who delivered a game-high 17 points, including nine in a decisive fourth-quarter performance. Timera Blackburn-Kelley added nine points, while Hayden Dahl provided a crucial spark off the bench, sinking four of six free throws en route to seven points. Contributions from Addie Brooks and Katie Ericksen rounded out the Spartans’ balanced attack.

Tuscola (2-3) held a slim 7-5 lead at the end of the first quarter and remained in front by a point at halftime, 16-15. Ava Boyer led the Warriors with 15 points, while Reese Davis added six. However, Tuscola struggled to maintain momentum as St. Joseph-Ogden turned up the defensive intensity in the second half.

The third quarter saw the Spartans shift gears, holding the Warriors to just five points while gaining a 24-21 lead. Key three-pointers from Osterbur and Dahl, combined with Blackburn-Kelley’s field goal and plus one free throw, fueled the rally. In the final period, the Spartans found their offensive rhythm, tallying their highest-scoring quarter with 14 points to seal the win.

Looking ahead, and still on the road, St. Joseph-Ogden faces Oakwood (2-5) on Wednesday before hosting their first home game of the season Thursday against Danville.