Mason, Johnson lead West in small school hoops game
TULSA — Coryon Mason always wanted to play in an All-State basketball game.
The Douglass guard finally got his chance on Thursday, pouring in a game-high 25 points for a West squad that beat the East, 87-71, in the small school All-State game at the Mabee Center.
“Ever since I became a freshman, I’ve seen all the older (players) play in the All-State game,” Mason said. “I was like, ‘dang, I hope I get to make it that far.’”
Mason made it, making the East pay with three triples and finding ways to score in the paint.
The future Northeastern State guard received help from Quinton Johnson. The versatile Oklahoma City Centennial guard scored 15 points.
The two players were instrumental coming off the bench around the four-minute mark each period and igniting the West offense.
“Oklahoma has a lot of talent,” said Mason when asked what it felt like to team up with other players from around the state.
“It kind-of seems like a lot of people don’t know that, so it felt good to come out with other players I know that can really play and just go out there.”
The East was led by Verdigris guard Brewster Peacock, who had a team-high 20 points. Sequoyah-Talequah’s Tyeus Daugherty had 13.
Large school game ends in tie
El Reno guard Callen Haydon pumped to his left and blew past an off-balance Tylor Arnold and Khalil Morris with five seconds remaining in regulation in the large school All-State basketball game.
Haydon went up for the game-winning score as the buzzer sounded, but couldn’t convert the layup. The Mabee Center public address announcer then declared the game was over to the dismay of a crowd clamoring loudly for “O-T.”
“It’s disappointing, but win or lose, it’s all fun out here,” Haydon said of the game ending in an 84-84 tie. “I’m just glad I got to represent my high school one more time.”
Tulsa Memorial guard Kobe Rose finished with a gamehigh 20 points for the East. Harrah forward Brady Manek scored a team-high 17 for the West.
Okarche coach honored at All-State game
Okarche coach Ray West was recognized for eclipsing the 800-win mark during the 2016-17 season.
West has spent the past 22 years of his 43-year career with Okarche. West has won 807 games as a head coach.