Oxford’s Jocie Finch (#11) passes the ball off to teammate Ava Benjamin (#12). Finch led the Blackhawks with eight points and Benjamin had six points, including the game-winner against Walton/Downsville. Oxford won 31-29. (Photo by Morgan Golliver)

OXFORD – Coming off a strong 2022 season, where they finished second in New York State Class D, the Oxford Blackhawks girls’ basketball team won a tight game against Walton/Downsville in the 2023 season opener. The defending Section IV, Class D champions were down one with under a minute remaining in regulation but pushed through in the final seconds with a 31-29 victory.

With both teams battling it out throughout the contest, the fourth quarter was the deciding factor in this MAC league match-up. Walton/Downsville, who had an early start to the season and won their first three games, turned the ball over to help Oxford settle in with their final game-winning shots.

Senior Ava Benjamin made the game-winning layup while Taegan Manwarren put on the final touches with a free-throw with seven seconds to go. Walton/Downsville had one last opportunity, but Oxford held on for an exciting finish and start to the season.

Jocie Finch led the Blackhawks with eight points while Taegan Manwarren and Ava Benjamin tied with six points in the win. Margaret Rovente scored four points on offense and along with Benjamin, picked up five defensive rebounds and added three blocks.

Oxford (1-0) heads to Unatego on Wednesday, Dec 13 at 7:15 p.m.

Scores by Quarter:

OX 12 4 9 6—31

WD 8 2 10 9—29

OX: Jocie Finch 8, Ava Benjamin 6, Taegan Manwarren 6, Margaret Rovente 4, Emily Holbert 4, Emmalee Reiss 3.

W/D-Gracie Walley 13, Ella Beardslee 8, Eve Foster 6, Kahrin Vesterfelt 1, Alivia Conklin 1.

Three-pointers: OX 2 (Finch, Reiss); W/D 2 (Beardslee).