Jul 30, 2010
Oilers run past South Houston; fall short at Deer Park
January 30, 2010
PEARLAND — The Pearland Oilers hosted the South Houston Trojans last week with both teams entering the contest in a three-way tie for second place in the District 22-5A standings at 3-1. La Porte was also at 3-1 while Deer Park leads the standings at 4-0.
It was Teacher Appreciation Night at The Pressure Pit and the players selected a teacher who has had a great impact on their life. Those teachers were escorted by each player and introduced to the crowd in attendance. It is always encouraging to know members of the PHS teaching staff who are providing great influence for our future leaders of America.
The Oilers came out highly charged at the opening tipoff to quickly build a 16-5 lead as Shai Fields pumped in eight points and Terrell Taylor fired in six points to lead the charge.
However, the Trojans hit two late 3-pointers to close out the opening quarter trailing 16-11.
Pearland's defense limited the Trojans to a single field goal in the second period while Fields continues his offensive assault with a 3-pointer and a short jumper as the Oilers outscored the Trojans 15-11 for a 31-22 halftime advantage.
While South Houston scored only one bucket - the Trojans hit 9-of-10 from the free throw line to keep the game in reach.
Pearland's offense was cold to begin the second half notching only six points while the Trojans closed the gap with nine points leaving the Oilers with a 37-31 lead entering the final eight minutes of action.
Once again - it was Fields who led the offense with nine fourth quarter points. The junior sharpshooter finished the game as the leading scorer with 24 points. Taylor finished with nine points.
One area of concern for the Oilers should be in the area of free throw shooting. Head coach Steve Buckelew saw his team hit only 7-of-17 from the charity stripe with Fields knocking down 4-of-4 leaving the rest of the team at 3-for-13.
The Oilers staying in control down the stretch outscoring the visitors 15-10 to register the 52-41 win and improve to 4-1 in district. The loss dropped the Trojans to 3-2.
Deer Park 57 - Pearland 55
Pearland traveled to face league-leading Deer Park (6-0) last week and returned home with a disappointing 57-55 loss leaving the Oilers tied for third place with South Houston at 4-2 with La Porte alone in second-place at 5-1. Dobie is currently 3-3 and still in the playoff picture. Pasadena Memorial, Sam Rayburn, and Pasadena have pretty much been eliminated and can only play spoilers in the district race.
Shai Fields continues to lead the Pearland offense as he scored a season-high 27 points against the Deer, but it was enough as Deer Park used a third quarter surge to nip the Oilers 57-55 in the district showdown. Harley Nussman chipped in 12 points.
Pearland outscored the home team 15-10 in the opening stanza before Deer Park took the second quarter 14-13 leaving the Oilers with a slim 28-24 halftime lead.
But the third quarter proved to be the difference in the game as the Deer outscored Pearland 17-11 for a 41-39 lead entering the final eight minutes of play. Both teams scored 16 points in the final quarter leaving Deer Park with the two-point margin of victory.
Pearland played Dobie on Tuesday (late) and then will host Pasadena on Friday, January 29 at 7:30 p.m. to begin second round district action. The Oilers will travel to face Sam Rayburn on Tuesday, February 2 at 7:30 p.m.