Five Takeaways: Kingfisher vs. Washington
This top-15 matchup was not supposed to be a close game, but that is exactly what we saw. The game was almost deadlocked at the half with Kingfisher hitting a buzzer beater to take a 26-24 lead into the break.…
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Continue ReadingThis top-15 matchup was not supposed to be a close game, but that is exactly what we saw. The game was almost deadlocked at the half with Kingfisher hitting a buzzer beater to take a 26-24 lead into the break. The story of the game was the two huge runs in the second half. Jett Sternberger led the charge for Kingfisher out of the second half helping the Jackets to a 14-2 run. Washington appeared to be out of the game to start the fourth quarter. The Warriors had other plans making a run of their own in the fourth quarter to cut the Kingfisher lead to just two points. Ultimately, Washington ran out of time falling short, 49-42.
Great gameplan by Washington
Washington had the best gameplan I have seen all year long against Kingfisher. They did a great job of taking the air out of the ball on offense being patient. Waiting their turn for great shots led to a high shooting percentage for the Warriors. When things got out of hand for Washington in the third they responded catching great momentum in the fourth. Although, it was not a victory Washington did a lot of positive things tonight that should not go unnoticed.
Lackluster performance by Kingfisher
Kingfisher came out not ready to go from the tip. Give credit again to Washington who was ready to go. The Jackets have to prepare themselves for the Class 4A playoffs by bringing consistent play to the floor. Yes, they escaped with a victory, however, Kingfisher knows they must improve. Give credit to the two seniors Sternberger and Green for leading the way on the big third quarter run.
Kingfisher is not going anywhere
This year Matthew Stone has taken a clear step on the court as a playmaker with the ball in his hands. Fellow sophomore Bijan Cortes has done a great job of staying patient this year in the offense. It will hurt Kingfisher once Sternberger and Green graduate, but because of the talent of Stone and Cortes Kingfisher will continue to be a state tournament quality team over the next three years.
Glue Guys have a strong showing
Washington was able to stick around in this game due to very strong play by a few seniors. Harrison Keeler was everywhere on the court coming up with tons of loose balls that led to huge plays for the Warriors. Kade Hendrix had one of his best performances of the season leading the team in scoring with 15 points on five three-pointers. The shooting from distance by Hendrix gave confidence to his team.
What does this game mean?
Washington: For Washington, this game should give the Class 3A 15th ranked squad supreme confidence through the final half of the season. If they play the way they did on Friday night they could be a possible sleeper team for the Class 3A State Tournament.
Kinfisher: This game will best serve as a good reminder to Kingfisher that they have to bring it each night. Likely, the Jackets will make this game a blip on the radar at the end of the year, but it is good to be reminded every now and then that you are human.
Extra: OBU recruiting Trey Green hard
Oklahoma Baptist has really recruited Trey Green very hard all year for Kingfisher. Keep an eye out to see what Green does as he nears a decision. He has scholarship options at the NCAA Division II level in basketball and football.
Photo Credit: Newsok.com
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