DANVILLE The Oakwood Comets were in a position to beat the top-seeded Bismarck-Henning Blue Devils earlier this week, but they didnt finish strong enough.

In the fifth-place game of the Vermilion County Tournament against the Georgetown-Ridge Farm Buffaloes on Saturday, Oakwood went on a 18-3 run in the final eight minutes to secure a 48-30 victory.

Im excited because this is the team that Ive wanted to see a team that can finish ballgames, Oakwood coach Doug Robinson said. Weve had a rough go of it recently, losing a close one to Salt Fork and losing an even closer one to Bismarck.

They fought hard even when things werent going our way.

According to Oakwood junior Landon Turner, the turning point for the Comets was a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by senior Brian Rice at the end of the third quarter giving Oakwood a 30-27 lead

Turner then got a layup and a 3-pointer as part of the Comets 11-0 run to start the fourth quarter.

We picked up the intensity a lot in that fourth quarter, Turner said. When Brian hit that buzzer-beating 3-pointer, it really motivated us for the fourth quarter.

We just had a slow start in this game and we really struggled offensively, turning the ball over a lot.

According to Robinson, it was about time that Turner came up with a few big baskets.

He is a kid that will do anything you say, without question, Robinson said. He works hard and he gets results. He gave us a spark, especially with that big 3-pointer. Im really proud of him.

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Comets finish off Buffaloes