Boys win, girls lose against Weatherford Eagles

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Published on Tuesday, 21 February 2012 13:27

By Dale Denwalt & Mary Loveland

Postseason basketball playoffs continue on to regionals

BOYS

With under a minute to go, the Weatherford Eagles had pulled to within reach of the Big Elks on a turnover and put-back, but the surging defense of Elk City prevented a late-game three-pointer that would have tied the game.

After hitting three of their final four charity shots, Elk City wound down the clock to win the 4-A District 1 Championships on their home court Friday. The final score: 55-49.

“In the fourth quarter, our team defense was as good as it’s ever been,” said head coach Garrette Mantle. “Donnie Jones’ energy was contagious. Being a senior he played with tons of emotion and energy. Brock Walker got a huge rebound for us late. There were just a lot of individuals that led and allowed us to make plays.”

The Elks now look to Thursday night’s game against Bethany. The game, which will take place in Weatherford at 8 p.m., could be the toughest the team faces.

“Bethany’s probably got the 2nd most talented team in class 4A in the boys,” said Mantle. “They’ve only lost one game all year long and that was right after football season. I think they’re 22-1 right now. They’re basically kicking the dog out of everyone they play.”

However, the coach noted that the Elks took the Bronchos into overtime and nearly beat them.

The underclassmen played a significant role in Friday’s win. Sophomore Luke Lewallen played the most minutes and scored in double digits. Joby Gray, a junior, was second on the team inscoring with 12 points. Gray also snagged seven rebounds and drained five of six free throw attempts, including two late in the game that gave Elk City a six-point cushion.

Mantle said using the underclassmen wasn’t anything new.

“I don’t think it’s anything I gave them. I think it’s something that they earned,” he said. “They’ve kind of stepped up and earned the right to play. They haven’t disappointed. They played well for us Friday.”

Mantle said Cody Love is out another few weeks with an ankle injury and senior David Garza is out for the year with an injured finger.

If Elk City wins against Bethany, they go on to the area playoffs. If they lose, they have to win again Friday and Saturday to get into the area competitions.

GIRLS

The Elkettes faced a tough opponent Friday night for 4A District-1 competition.

It was the third time the Elk City girls played Weatherford and still fell short of a win with a final score of 62-39.

“Weatherford’s pretty good,” Mantle said. “They’ve been in the final four the last two years. They’ve got a team that’s a hard matchup for us.”

The Elkettes trailed 9-19 by the end of the first quarter and only scored an additional four points by halftime that ended the first half with a score of 13-36.

Junior Erin Hutchinson was the high scorer on the team with a total of 13 points that included six of nine field goal attempts and a free throw shot.

“I thought she played very well for us on Friday,” Mantle said.

Sophomore Mikayla Harrison shot 10 points.

Other scorers on the team included sophomore Kelsi Wilson, two points, sophomore Kailan Craig, six points, senior Hope Merrifield, three points, and sophomore Nikyla Clinton, five points, but it wasn’t enough for a District win.

“They just kind of came in and had their way with us,” Mantle said. “No doubt we’ll bounce back and be ready to go Thursday.”

The Elkettes are set to begin Regional play against Star Spencer on Thursday at Weatherford at 1:30 p.m.

“I doubt Star Spencer played as hard of a schedule as we did,” Mantle said. “Our girls probably played the toughest schedule there is in 4A basketball and that helps prepare us for playoffs. We’ve had to play against the best. We’ve seen the best. If we can keep things in perspective I think we could make a little playoff run.” 

Because the girls are on the loser’s side of the bracket, they will have to win all three games on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in order to advance to Area.