Storyline: RuNN this town

<p>6A No. 7 Norman North is playing its most impressive basketball since the 2016-17 season. Back then, the Timberwolves boasted the two-time Gatorade Player of the Year and Current Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young.</p> <p>Today, the Timberwolves looked <em>better than ever.</em></p> <p>"We are very much still here," said Head Coach Kellen McCoy.</p> <p>Led by a group of seniors who were mostly late-game sophomore during Young's senior year, the T-Wolves defeated Mustang 66-45 tonight in the first round of regional play. With what is now an automatic bid for area, the Timberwolves have one message to convey: they can play with anybody.</p> <p>"I think the biggest thing that we have is just playing as a team," said senior wing Joshua Robinson. "That helps us even when some guy is having an off night, just the chemistry we have really helps."</p> <p>Despite having a senior-heavy roster, the Timberwolves are not necessarily an experienced bunch. Senior forward and University of Central Oklahoma commit Shemar Smith is the only player who has seen significant minutes and been a consistent starter before this season. But Norman North doesn't believe that will stop them.</p> <p>"(The senior class) is super mature, but doesn't have a lot of experience," McCoy said. "We've had to get through some of those battles, but they're hungry for the opportunity to play. They really, really want it."</p> <p>Starting on a 7-0 run tonight, the Timberwolves rely heavily on tempo and intensity early-on, Smith said.</p> <p>"It's always important for us to start out like that," Smith said. "Players that haven't played as much in the past have been doing a really good job of getting out early."</p> <p>Furthermore, defense plays into Norman North's success, Smith said.</p> <p>"Throughout the season, the one thing that was really hurting us was defense," Smith said. "Towards the end of the season, right now, we've been really locked-in on defense and playing really well."</p> <p>Carrying a 17-6 record to this point in the season, the Timberwolves have clearly overcome their lack of floor experience.</p> <p>"We don't have a lot of experience, but we've had a lot fo good players in front of us," Robinson said. "Now <em>is</em> our time. We've bonded a lot through sitting on the bench over the years and we kinda feel like this is the moment and we're all ready for it."</p>