For the second time in three years, the Tinora Rams hosted the visiting Liberty Center Tigers basketball team after an extended football season for the Tigers.

Also on tap was night where the Tinora Athletic Department honored the success of the Tinora softball teams and the Cross County teams.

Having practiced as a full team only a handful of times, the Tigers jumped out to an early 7-0 lead midway the first quarter. The host Rams were able to get up just a few shots in the initial 4 minutes, turning the ball over multiple times.

Tinora’s first points of the game came with 2:03 remaining in the first quarter on a Connor Welling driving layup. Adam Spychala knocked down two jumpers for the Rams to close the first quarter with the Tigers leading 7-6.

The second quarter started with a a mini run for Liberty Center, including a reverse layup by the Tigers Hunter Spangler for a 11-6 lead. The Rams Connor Welling closed the gap to 11-9 on a bucket and made free throw with just 5:30 on the second quarter clock.

Tinora’s Josh Lieb gave the Rams their first lead of the game, 12-11, with 3:15 in the half on a three pointer from the top of the circle. Max Walker knocked down two free throws to put the Tigers back up, 13-12 with 1:55 on the second quarter clock. Cam Robinson would put the Tigers on top 15-12 before Connor Welling’s free throw closed the half with Liberty Center leading 15-14.

Welling led the Rams at the half with seven points, while the Tigers were led by Cam Robinson with five points. The Tinora defense held leading scored Gavin Geahlen scoreless in the initial 16 minutes of play.

Quarter three saw both teams dig in deep. Tinora came out firing on offense. Alex Homier’s three pointer put Tinora on top 19-17with 4:46 in the quarter. Adam Spychala’s bucket would increase the Tinora lad to 21-17 at 4:20.

A personal 7-0 run by Cam Robinson gave Liberty Center a 25-23 midway through the third stanza. Geahlin’s only bucket of the game put the Tigers on top, 27-25 at the end of the quarter.

Trailing by two to start the final eight minutes, Tinora’s Alex Homier hit a deep left corner three to put the Rams ahead 28-27. The Rams defense forced a turnover immediately following the basket. Connor welling added a bucket on a great pass from Spychala to grab a 30-27 lead with six minutes remaining.

The Tigers bounced right back, taking a 31-30 lead on a basket by Robinson, who poured in 10 second half points.

Connor Welling again put the Rams back up on another driving layup, 32-31 with just over five minutes on the clock.

Back and forth the teams went again with Liberty Center tying the game at 35-35 on the first varsity bucket by Tigers freshman Isaiah Badenhop with 3:30 remaining.

Alex Homier’s drive and score would put the Rams on top for good 37-35 with 2:40 remaining, followed by a Lieb runner in the lane, Tinora grabbed a lead they would never relinquish.

Gavin Geahlen would foul out with Tinora leading 39-35 and 1:19 on the fourth quarter clock.

Tinora would end the quarter on a 11-4 run, pulling away from Liberty Center for a 46-35 win.

This was the first win for Tinora over the Tigers since 2019.

Liberty Center 7-8-12-8=35
Tinora Rams 6-8-11-21=46

LC Tigers scoring: Garber 2, Miller 4, Badenhop 2, Kruse 2, Wilhelm 2, Robinson 15, Geahlen 2, Spangler 4, Walker 2

Tinora scoring: Ferrell 2, Welling 15, Holier 10, Lieb 7, Spychala 12

Liberty Center starts 0-1, and will play in the Meyer/Badenhop Classic on 12/27 & 28.

Tinora improves to 6-1 and will be off until 12/27 when they play at Miller City.

The Higbea Embroidery Player of the Game went to Connor Welling. Another great performance from Connor!

Watch below (audio issue initially)