Byron blitzed out: Beeter, Lambrigtsen spur Oregon to regional win

OREGON – A high school basketball game lasts 32 minutes. In Oregon’s 54-38 regional win over Byron on Tuesday, the game was over with 6 1/2 minutes left in the second quarter.

That was when McKaylee Beeter’s 3-pointer put Oregon ahead 32-10. Byron barely cut the lead under 20 points the rest of the game, in a surprisingly easy 2A Oregon Regional win for the Hawks.

“We came out really strong, hitting shots,” Oregon coach Kristy Eckardt said.

It was the fourth time Oregon (20-10) beat Byron (12-18) this season, though the last two contests came down to the final minute of play.

“We just didn’t play with intensity,” Byron coach Eric Yerly said. “Credit to Oregon for the way they came out tonight. Sam [Lambrigtsen] and McKaylee took it to us.”

With Lambrigtsen penetrating to the basket and Beeter hitting long-range jumpers, the two sophomores combined for 24 points in the 32-10 Hawk run.

“In our last game [at Rock Falls on Thursday], McKaylee struggled a lot,” Eckardt said. “She had all the confidence in the world tonight.”

Lambrigtsen scored 19 points, but it was her floor presence that made the biggest impact, grabbing numerous loose balls and directing the offense.
 “Sam’s our captain and leader,” Eckardt said. “Her mindset is to do everything she can to help us win the game.”

Byron’s main offensive weapon, 6-foot-2 Sophie Reecher, was held to four points and was out-rebounded throughout the game by smaller Hawk post players.

“We knew Oregon’s strength is penetration, but their other strength is rebounding,” Yerly said. “Jordan Pontnack (5-8) was grabbing boards right and left for them.”

Oregon will play No. 1 seed Stillman Valley for the regional championship on Thursday. Stillman beat Oregon twice this season.

“We know [Stillman Valley’s] press is strong and they have five good people on the court,” Eckardt said. “We just need to take care of the ball. We are focused and our eyes are set on Thursday.”