OREGON — The Amboy Lady Clippers started their season last Thursday, Nov. 21, at the Oregon Tipoff Basketball Tournament. 

Amboy took on Erie-Prophetstown in game one.  The varsity girls missed some early shots, but they went on to an easy 59-16 win.

Ten of the 11 Amboy girls scored. Mallory Powers led the attack with 16 points, 5 assists and 6 steals. Abi Payne was next with 12 points and 4 assists. Gabby Jones added 8 points and 5 rebounds. Kyleigh Donna dropped in 6 points while grabbing a team high 6 rebounds. Olivia Dinges chipped in with 5 points, 2 assists and two blocked shots. Other scorers in the game were the following: Brianna Blaine, 3 points; Haidyn Zimmerly, 3 points; Ashley Althaus, 2 points; Eden Lindenmeyer, 2 points; and Hannah Blanton, 2 points. 

The second game was the next night against a talented, tall team Lena-Winslow. The Lady Clippers exploded for 68 points and came away with a hard-fought victory 68-45. Abi Payne had a great night with 23 points and 12 assists. Payne also had 4 rebounds from her point positions. Gabby Jones had 13 points and 7 rebounds while having her best game in her early varsity career. Kyleigh Donna shot a perfect 6 for 6 for 12 points and grabbed 5 rebounds Mallory Powers was the fourth Amboy starter to score in double figures. Powers added 11 points, 6 assists and 3 steals. Ashley Althaus and Olivia Dinges each scored 4 points and had 2 assists. Althaus tied for the game high 7 rebounds. 

Brianna Blaine did a good job on the boards with 5 caroms.

Game 3 was on Saturday. Amboy played the Oregon Lady Hawks. Amboy and Oregon both won their pools and were 2-0.  Amboy jumped out to a 15-3 first quarter lead. The Lady Clippers never looked back and won by a score of 54-28. Kyleigh Donna made 8 of 9 field goals and scored 16 points while grabbing 6 rebounds and blocking 3 shots. Mallory Powers also dropped in 16 points and had a game high 5 assists. Gabby Jones added 8 points (4 for 4) and a game high 7 rebounds. Jones also had 3 steals and 3 assists. Payne and Donna also had 3 steals each. Abi Payne had 6 points and 3 rebounds. Olivia Dinges had 3 assists. 

The second game on Saturday was for the championship against Mendota. Amboy led 12-8 after the first quarter. Amboy exploded for 20 points while holding Mendota to 2 points for a 32-10 halftime lead. Mallory Powers led Amboy with 14 points and dished out 5 assists. Gabby Jones scored 12 points and was a perfect 4 for 4 from the free throw line. Jones had a great rebounding night with 13 rebounds. Abi Payne scored 10 points and a spectacular 13 assists to teammates. Payne grabbed 5 rebounds. Ashley Althaus added 8 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals. Brianna Blaine had a great night of shooting (4-5) for 8 points. Kyleigh Donna had 6 points and 5 caroms. 

Olivia Dinges pulled down 5 rebounds. Eden Lindenmeyer scored 2 points. Amboy finished the game with a 60-28 victory for the Oregon Tournament Championship. The team defense was great all night.

Amboy had two all-tournament players. Abi Payne and Mallory Powers were both named to the 10-player team.