Nighthawks Senior Night ends stellar home play

OAKESDALE - With one road game left to play for the Oakesdale Nighthawks girls basketball team in the regular season, Oakesdale took care of business on their home floor for senior night.

Three seniors were recognized before the game began, they were: Payton Davis, Brieyn Henley, and Samantha Holling.

"Our three seniors are exceptional young ladies and each of them brings a leadership quality that is essential to our team's cohesiveness and chemistry. Sam is our veteran leader and her team's unanimous choice for team captain. We can't put in to words what her toughness and consistency mean to our team. Payton makes everyone feel seen and important. She's always looking out for the underclassmen, especially the 8th graders and Karen. It's been very special to see the bonds she's made with the younger girls. Brieyn's constant positive talk brings energy and enthusiasm to our practices, locker room, and games. She always has a smile on her face and her willingness to take on any role or assignment for her team is admirable. We are fortunate to have three seniors who are servant leaders. They care about their teammates and demonstrate it through their words and actions every single day," said Oakesdale head coach Heidi Perry.

The Nighthawks played three games last week, winning all three by an average of 46 points.

Their first game was against Cusick, played on Tuesday, Jan. 23, in Cusick.

Nine players scored for Oakesdale in the game as the Nighthawks cruised to a dominant 84-24 victory.

Grace Perry led the way with 22 points, four rebounds and five assists. Davis had 14 points and seven rebounds.

Bradyn Henley was close to a triple-double, she had seven points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists.

After defeating Cusick, Oakesdale traveled home to take on the Dayton Bulldogs, Friday, Jan. 26, in Oakesdale, for senior night.

This game saw 10 Nighthawks score including freshman Karen Crider, as the Nighthawks took down Dayton 63-21.

Crider finished with six points in the game off the bench.

"I made three shots, one for each senior," Crider said after the game.

Crider has been the heart and soul of the team throughout both the fall volleyball season, and now the winter volleyball season.

"Karen brings JOY to every practice, every game, the locker room, and our bus rides. She's a constant reminder to squeeze everything we can out of our opportunities. She's an inspiration to her teammates and coaches, and she brings out the best in everyone around her. She also isn't afraid to speak her mind and she's mentioned a time or two that "our defense isn't good enough," said coach Perry.

Davis, Henley, and Holling each had nothing but positives to say about Karen.

"Karen is the true heart of our team. She brings a smile to everyone's faces when she enters a room and is always so positive. I am honored to have played with her my senior year," said Davis.

"Karen brings fire and joy to this team. She always has a smile on her face and brings laughter to this team any chance she gets. She's a true asset to the family-like team," said Henley.

"There aren't enough words to express how much Karen brings to our team. She never fails to make everyone laugh, lighten the mood when we need it most, and give constant encouragement to everyone at all times," said Holling.

Oakesdale took their home momentum on the road, as they took down Whitman County opponent Tekoa-Rosalia on Saturday, Jan. 27, in Tekoa.

The Nighthawks would lean on Davis and Henley as the game ended in favor of Oakesdale, 60-21.

Davis finished with 17 points and seven rebounds, and Henley had 10 points, three rebounds, and two assists.

Lucy Hockett had 11 points in the game as well.

The last regular season game for Oakesdale will be Friday, Feb. 2, in Colton for the Wildcats senior night game. The game will tip at 6 p.m.