The Oxford Blackhawks and the Unadilla Valley Storm girls basketball teams faced off in a local county match-up to start the 2024 season. Oxford secured the 49-36 victory. (Photo by Morgan Golliver)

NEW BERLIN – The Unadilla Valley Storm girls basketball team hosted local Oxford for Wednesday’s season opener, where Oxford secured a 49-36 win. Both teams featured several returners, showcasing strength and depth for both programs.

Oxford led throughout the game, taking a 34-18 lead at halftime and were once up by 20 points in the second half. The Blackhawks were strong defensively, forcing the Storm to turn the ball over and found success inside the paint or in the middle of the floor with three’s.

The Storm showed resilience in the final eight minutes with the Blackhawks pacing themselves, but struggles at the free-throw line—converting only seven of 20 attempts—hindered the Storm's comeback efforts. Oxford also dealt with foul trouble early in the game and late in the fourth quarter but maintained their edge.

Margaret Rovente led Oxford with 13 points, showing power with posting three three-pointers and strong efforts in the first half. Paige Rickard followed with 10 points, including two three’s and tried her hand at more in the second half. Abby Denz and Aubrey Rickard both had six points each while Jenna Denz and Emmalee Reiss added five points apiece. Emily Holbert capped off the Blackhawks offense with four points.