FRIDAY NIGHT HOOPS
Class A and B started district playoffs Friday night while the larger classes are finishing the regular season
The old cramped gym decked in blue and gold at Classen School of Advances Studies felt like it was closing in.
With the combined crowd noise and limited space, Classen SAS freshman point guard
Jordan Harrison couldn't help but notice. But she was ready to break free.
She hit one 3-pointer. She followed with another. She then sized up a defender, hesitated and drove to the basket for a layup.
In less than 2 minutes midway through the third, Class 4A No. 2-ranked Classen SAS was firmly in control of Class 3A No. 11 Millwood. It was the spurt that opened up a physical game as Classen SAS survived for a 62-49 victory Friday night.
“I knew if we didn't start going off at that moment, it might be tough game,” Harrison said. “I just had to take it on myself to go out there and play, take the shots I was given. We were getting anxious.”
Harrison's outburst put Classen SAS (23-1) ahead 42-30 and started a 16-7 run to close the third quarter. Classen SAS' lead ballooned to 20.
“All year long, the third quarter has been our strongest,” Classen SAS coach Jim Perinovic said. “Getting her in space really helped with that.”
Harrison finished with 13 points, five assists, two steals and two rebounds. Fellow freshman Darianna Littlepage-Buggs led the way with 18 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks, an assist and a steal.
The Comets close out the regular season Saturday afternoon against U.S. Grant, though Perinovic said he does not plan to play his varsity starters.
Next up will be the district tournament opener in Kingfisher next week. It's a big opener for a team looking to make history with a run to the program's first state title.
And Friday night's slugfest with Millwood was a good test.
Lucky No. 13
Edmond North's last loss was in 2018, and even a 10-point deficit to open the final quarter against a rival wasn't going to change that.
The fifth-ranked Huskies stifled No. 7 Edmond Memorial in the final 8 minutes for a comeback 55-50 win, running their win streak to 13 games.
In that quarter, North outscored Memorial 20-5.
Air Force signee Kamri Heath led North with 21 points, while Arizona State commitment
Katelyn Levins scored 16 for Memorial.
Leading scorer
Harrah sharpshooting junior Katie King found her shooting touch in a big way with the playoffs approaching.
She scored 34 points to lead the Panthers to a 59-43 victory over rival Bethel.