There is something about Shorewood that brings out the best in the Oak Harbor High School boys basketball team.

For the third consecutive year, the Wildcats upset the Thunderbirds. Two of those wins came on the Thunderbirds’ court, including the latest, 65-54, Tuesday, Jan. 14.

The first two surprise wins occurred in the opening round of the district tournament.

Oak Harbor headed to Shorewood this week with only two wins in 11 games, while the Thunderbirds held an 8-4 record.

No matter. The Wildcats led throughout, cruising to a 15-7 first-quarter lead and raising the bulge to 27-16 at the break.

The gap swelled to 18, 38-20, when Oak Harbor started the third quarter on a 9-4 run.

Both teams scored 15 points in the third quarter and 23 in the fourth.

Oak Harbor produced one of its best shooting nights of the season, connecting on 42 percent of its shots (22 for 52).

Its defense, which was the difference in the game, according to coach Mike Washington, limited Shorewood to 31 percent (19 for 61).

The Wildcats out-rebounded the T-birds 46-34 and held an 11-4 advantage in second-chance points.

Oak Harbor (15 for 22) also outscored Shorewood (8 for 16) by seven at the foul line.

Shorewood made up some ground by outscoring the ‘Cats 17-11 off turnovers. Oak Harbor committed 18 turnovers to the Thunderbirds’ 14.

Zach Gibbs led the Wildcats will a strong all-around game: 14 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks and a steal.
Dyllan Harris lit up the scoreboard with 25 points; he also had six rebounds.

Drew Washington chipped in with 15 points, six boards and two blocks; and Gabe Groenig added seven points and nine rebounds.

Jordan Davenport scored two points, and Zach Jones and Elijah Smith one each.

“Great team effort,” coach Washington said. “(I’m) very proud of the team.”

Oak Harbor (3-3, 3-9) stays on the road for a game at Meadowdale (2-4, 8-5) at 7:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17.