Norman’s Washington sparks late surge to beat North
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
NORMAN — Freshman point guard Kelbie Washington nearly threw up Friday from her nerves.
Her first Crosstown Clash was a big one, and she knew it.
But she didn’t play like it. Instead, she looked like a savvy veteran in a huge fourth-quarter spurt that propelled No. 8-ranked Norman to a 57-47 victory over No. 10 Norman North at Norman North High School.
“I didn’t know what else to do,” Washington said of her nerves. “When that whistle blows you have to tell yourself to stay calm, and you’ll forget about it.”
Washington scored only seven points, but three of her four assists came in the fourth quarter, including a nifty behind-the-back bounce pass that led to a layup by
Kayla Albright during an 11-4 run to take control.
“Kelbie gives our entire team confidence and whenever we can play off of her she brings energy and makes everyone’s job easier,” Norman coach
Michael Neal said. “Kelbie being on the court makes it a lot easier for everybody.”
Of late, Washington hasn’t necessarily been on the court. She’s been in foul trouble, an issue that’s led to some struggles for the Tigers.
But Neal made a bold move late in the third Friday.
Washington picked up her third foul, but Neal didn’t budge. She stayed in the game and never faltered.
“If she comes out I can tell their body language will sink and the defensive intensity will struggle, so she has to be on the court,” Neal said. “That’s why it’s a gamble sometimes. She’s a freshman and she’s learning how to play with fouls. She’s only getting better.”
EL RENO TOPS CARL ALBERT
El Reno senior Hayden
Freeman scored 20 points, and freshman Jaylin Reveles added 19 in a big 66-55 win over Carl Albert.
The Indians used a big second quarter to gain control, going from down one to an 11-point advantage at the break.
Carl Albert junior Dava
Guy scored 27.
MUSTANG UPSETS EDMOND SANTA FE
No. 13 Mustang’s balance was too much for No. 3 Edmond Santa Fe.
The Broncos had four player score in double figures in a 48-42 upset at Santa Fe.
Led by junior star
Cur’Tiera Haywood’s 12 points, Mustang grabbed control early and held off any charge from the Wolves. Mia Brown, Ellise Foreman and Kyra Misuraca scored 10 points apiece.
NORTHWEST CLASSEN ROUTS CAPITOL HILL
Northwest Classen picked up its third straight victory behind a huge night from Joy Gunn.
Gunn scored 23 points in a 78-39 rout of Capitol Hill.
Northwest Classen is now 7-13.
TIP-INS
Westmoore star Jessi Murcer scored 33 in a 65-43 rout of Yukon. … Taliyah
Grambling had 20 points for Millwood, which defeated John Marshall 75-31. … Classen SAS routed U.S. Grant 82-14 with Morgan Kennedy scoring 29 and
Madison Roberts adding 23. … Harrah star Erika Ankney exploded for 27 points to lead the Panthers to a 73-23 rout of McLoud.