OXFORD – On Wednesday evening, the Oxford Blackhawks boys basketball team hosted Newark Valley, where they suffered a 71-55 loss to start the 2022 season.

For most of the game, Oxford stayed consistent with the Cardinals, but struggled with turnovers against a pressured defense.

Leading the way for the Blackhawks was Donovan Rickard with 20 points, including four three-point shots. Caden Rifanburg also finished with 14 points and knocked down four three’s as well.

Newark Valley had four players in double-digits as Dan Pirger led with 19 points, including 10 points scored in the second quarter, which put the Cardinals up 42-27 at the half.

Oxford tried to battle back in the second half, but their efforts were cut short.

Oxford (0-1) appreciated a challenge for the first game of the season and know what they have to work on to prepare for league opponent Unadilla Valley on Tuesday evening. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Score by Quarters:

NV 18 24 18 11–71

OX 16 11 13 15—55

NV (1-0): Dan Pirger 19, Ryan Rhodes 15, Joe Rombach 13, Landon Spoonhower 11, Troy Middendorf 7, Will Craparo 4, Caleb Karp 2.

OX (0-1): Donovan Rickard 20, Caden Rifanburg 14, Sylas Emerson 9, John Rovente 7, Eli Bennett 2, Jared Sheridan 2, Adyn Ross 1.

Three-pointers: NV 3 (Spoonhower 1, Rombach 1, Middledorf 1); OX 9 (Rickard 4, Rifanburg 4, Emerson 1)