Memorial’s Tennial leads with defense against Norman HIGH SCHOOLS
Edmond Memorial senior Drew Tennial knows what comes first.
Even though his team has more offensive firepower this season, Tennial said defense is always the Bulldogs’ priority.
“Edmond Memorial is known for its defense,” Tennial said. “We try to establish things on that side of the ball right away.”
Edmond Memorial did just that Friday night, dispatching Norman 58-34 and limiting the Tigers to just 13 first-half points and just three points in the second quarter.
“Knowing their actions and what they try to do offensively was key,” Tennial said. “We really just focused on taking that away.”
Tennial led the way for Edmond Memorial with 17 points while also grabbing 13 rebounds. Freshman JV
Seat scored 11 points and chipped in five rebounds. Bulldogs senior forward
Jacob Thionnett contributed eight points, eight rebounds, dished four assists and had one steal.
“Drew kinda takes a heavy mantle for us,” Edmond Memorial coach
Shane Cowherd said. “He’s capable of a double double every night, and his length, his strength, athleticism and power, he can go and make plays and shoulder a bit more.”
SHANNON’S HUGE FOURTH LEADS WAY FOR EDMOND NORTH
Each night, it’s likely a different young player will step up for Edmond North.
Friday night was sophomore Delante Shannon’s turn.
The 6-foot-2 guard scored 13 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter to propel No. 12 Edmond North to a 55-50 upset of No. 6 Norman North.
“He’s got a lot of ability,” first-year head coach Scott
Norris said. “Every night he’s learning more and more of what he can do and situations he shouldn’t put himself in. I’m extremely proud of him going to the free throw line and knocking down free throws.”
Shannon made 7 of 8 free throws in the final eight minutes, including two with 16.3 seconds remaining for a 53-50 lead. He then blocked the game-tying 3 from Norman North’s
Jaylon White and was fouled. Shannon made both free throws with 8 seconds remaining.
TIP-INS
Class 3A No. 2 Millwood pushed past Casady 64-56 behind the work of junior forward Isaiah Williams’
19 points and 17 points from senior center Justin
Wilson ... Mustang senior
Dayton Walker scored 20 points while junior Cade
Schroeder added 16 as the Broncos blew past Westmoore 63-48 ... Sophomore guard Trey Alexander scored 27 points as Class 4A No. 2 Heritage Hall took care of Crossings Christian 74-44 ... Drae Wood scored
19 points, and Parker Hall added 12 as Bethel dispatched Harrah 57-42.