Girls’ Basketball

Oxford 50, Groton 30

OXFORD – Oxford won its Section IV playoff opener for the third straight season eliminating Groton from Class C play Tuesday night at Oxford High School.

Senior Haley Witchella had a game-high 22 points in just half a game of playing time, and added 13 rebounds and eight steals for the Blackhawks (14-5), who play at top-seeded and defending Section IV champion Tioga on Friday.

“Tioga has ended our season the last two years, and they lost last year’s state championship game on a buzzer beater,” said Oxford coach Chris Palmer. “They are a legit Class C school.”

The Blackhawks smothered Groton (8-10) on defense forcing 21 turnovers in the first half, and barely allowed the Bulldogs past halfcourt much less a shot at the basket. Allie Nelson had two steals in the game’s first 30 seconds for Oxford to set the tone on defense. On the night, the Blackhawks induced 33 Groton turnovers – most of those over the first three quarters.

Witchella scored 10 of her team’s first 12 points as Oxford moved to a 12-0 lead with 3 1/2 minutes left in the first quarter. Witchella scored on an assist from Jackie Heggie to start the run, and before taking a seat in the opening quarter, Witchella had a steal and driving layup.