Basketball Recap: Summerland [Clearwater/Ewing/Orchard] Starts Season with Loss on the Road

Summerland [Clearwater/Ewing/Orchard] had to start their season on the road on Thursday, and it wasn't the start they were hoping for. They took a 51-40 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Neligh-Oakdale Warriors. The Bobcats were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Warriors apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in February.

Despite the loss, Summerland [Clearwater/Ewing/Orchard] still got an impressive performance from Ryan Rifer, who almost dropped a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds. Mathias Wagner was another key player, putting up seven points.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Summerland [Clearwater/Ewing/Orchard] and Hartington-Newcastle will face off at 8:00 p.m. on Friday without much rest, having both just played. As for Neligh-Oakdale, they won't have much time to rest: their next game is against Elkhorn Valley at 7:45 p.m. on Friday.