The Tigers were led by standout sophomore Reese Montgomery, who scored 20 points and helped Red Oak build an early advantage. Montgomery’s efforts included a long-range basket and 3-of-5 shooting from the free-throw line and 18 first half points. Red Oak jumped to an 18-8 lead in the first quarter and extended it to 31-17 by halftime. Brett Erickson added to the first-half dominance with two critical three-pointers in the second quarter.
Atlantic’s Shelton Mualia had a strong first half, scoring eight points, but foul trouble limited his opportunities.
Red Oak widened the margin to 44-30 midway through the third quarter before Atlantic mounted a comeback. The Trojans were powered by Grant Petty and Kinnick Juhl, who combined for 31 second-half points. Petty scored 16 in the half, including two three-pointers, while Juhl added 15 points, highlighted by 4-of-5 shooting from the three-point line. Atlantic ended the third quarter on an 8-0 run, cutting Red Oak’s lead to 47-40.
Red Oak senior Brayden Sifford stepped up, scoring 19 points in the second half to keep the Tigers in control. The 5’10” guard hit one three-pointer, made five field goals inside the arc, and converted 6-of-8 free throws.
In the fourth quarter, despite Sifford’s heroics, Atlantic continued to chip away, narrowing the deficit to 62-60 with less than a minute remaining.
With time running out, Atlantic was forced to foul. Sifford delivered under pressure, sinking four crucial free throws, including one that extended Red Oak’s lead to a two-possession game at 64-60 with five seconds left, securing the win for the Tigers.
Atlantic Head Coach Dalton Franken had this to say during his postgame on 95.7 F.M., and live video stream on westerniowatoday.com
Scoring Leaders
Red Oak:
- Reese Montgomery: 20 points
- Brayden Sifford: 19 points
- Brett Erickson: 9 points
- Carson Roeder: 9 points
- Landon Gigstad: 6 points
- Ethan Fouts: 1 point
Atlantic:
- Kinnick Juhl: 17 points
- Grant Petty: 16 points
- Shelton Mualia: 12 points
- Gavin McLaren: 11 points
- Hudson McLaren: 4 points
The victory improves Red Oak to 5-9. The Tigers will face Glenwood on the road Friday. Atlantic, now 2-11, will travel to Creston on Monday.
