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(NewsDakota.com) Ever since the flip of the calendar to 2014, the Oakes High School boys basketball team has played some of their best basketball in the last decade. The Tornadoes defeated the Sargent Central Cadets 50-49 on Thursday night to win their fifth game in a row; something that has not occurred for the boys team in at least 10 years.

The visiting Tornadoes (6-8 3-3 District 1) started out somewhat flat against the hometown Cadets; trailing 17-10 after one quarter. In the second eight minutes, Oakes regained their footing, and a quarter-court shot by Ethan Zetocha at the halftime buzzer gave Oakes a 31-27 lead going to intermission.

In the third quarter, Sargent Central (3-10 1-5 District 1) regained their footing, and with a three pointer at the buzzer by Brook Bergh, took a 40-37 lead going to the final eight minutes. Oakes rallied, and took the lead for good with a bucket by Bryce Meehl and a resulting free throw with a little over a second remaining in regulation to earn their fifth straight victory. It is the second time in 11 meetings, including post-season play, that the Tornadoes have defeated the Cadets. 

The Tornadoes, who have won six of their last seven, had 12 points from Zetocha and Brody Bartholomew, while Bryce Meehl added 11. The only loss so far in this calendar year for Oakes has been to the defending State Champions from Milnor. Sargent Central had three players in double figures as well. Devin Arp scored 19, Bergh had 13 and Brandon Wyum put in 10 points.

Oakes heads to LaMoure to play the Loboes of LaMoure-Litchville/Marion Saturday evening.