Jacie Evans, Norman North
Jacie Evans brings the energy.
“If I’m radiating energy, then we all start making big plays,” Evans said. “I think that helps us win.”
Last week, Norman North did that behind Evans. The 11th-ranked Timberwolves upset No. 8 Norman and knocked off No. 12 Edmond North.
Evans was the catalyst, and she’s The Oklahoman’s Player of the Week.
“Just her competitive spirit, her will to lead on both ends of the floor has been outstanding,” Norman North coach Rory Hamilton said. “She’s just turning into a complete player. We feed off of her energy and her emotion.
“She’s really playing her best basketball that I’ve seen her play in three years.”
In Tuesday’s win over Edmond North, she scored 14 points. Friday, she scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds to get a win over rival Norman.
She was taking advantage of her teammates finding rhythm.
“I think that takes the pressure off of her,” Hamilton said. “One thing about Jacie is if we’re struggling she just wants to do it all herself. It’s let the game come to her a little bit more.”
Three straight wins over ranked opponents, including two on the road, have created momentum heading into Thursday’s regional tournament opener against Jenks.
“I feel good with my team going into the playoffs like that,” Evans said.