HOOPS HIGHLIGHTS
Check out scores and roundups from Friday night's action in both boys and girls
The noise was deafening in the Edmond North gym.
Norman guard Kelbie Washington received the ball from the official and casual ly began her freethrow ritual, dribbling the ball three times before attempting a shot.
Although the game was tied with 4.5 seconds remaining, Washington seemed unfazed by the pressure.
The junior made both of her free throws, and defending Class 6A state champion Norman held on for a 51-49 victory against Edmond North on Friday night.
Norman coach Michael Neal said Washington is one of the players he wants at the free-throw line in lategame situations.
“I'm confident in Kelbie any time that she's there because she's been through it,” said Neal, who played basketball at OU from 200507. “She's hit big-time free throws for us.”
Norman had a 31-21 lead at halftime. Edmond North outscored the Tigers by eight points in the third quarter to set up a thrilling finish.
Toni Papahronis made two free throws with 1:22 remaining to give Edmond North a 49-47 lead. Norman's Chante Embry tied the game, scoring on a putback at the rim.
After Norman's Myka Perry blocked a shot by Laci Steele in the paint, Norman got the rebound and sped up the court.
Washington, who finished with nine points, drove to the bucket and was fouled as she attempted a floater, setting up her gamewinning free throws.
Carl Albert 59, Heritage Hall 44
Kyle Richey didn't tell his team until after the game.
Carl Albert's girls basketball coach had earned his 100th career victory in the Class 5A fifth-ranked Titans' 59-44 win against Heritage Hall on Friday, but he didn't want the spotlight on him throughout the game. That's why he didn't tell the team he was at win No. 99 before the game.
“It's pretty special ,” Richey said, “but I didn't want this about me. The girls played well, and they deserve the win.”
Azya Poole led Carl Albert (9-3) with 14 points while Mikayla Davis added 12.
The Titans jumped out to a 17-point halftime lead behind stifling defense. The Chargers managed only 15 points in the first half.
After halftime, Heritage Hall (3-10) came out with an aggressive push defensively, and it translated to easy buckets on offense. Macy Moore scored six points in the quarter while Annie Walker added five, but it wasn't enough to decrease the deficit.
Poole made five free throws in the fourth quarter to help the Titans pull away and secure Richey's 100th victory.
“We just played well in the Bart les ville Tournament and have the Titan Classic coming up,” Richey said. “I told them not to look at what we've done or too far ahead, just focus on the moment. Started off slow, but I was really proud of the way they finished.”
BOYS Heritage Hall 53, Carl Albert 45
Jack Spanier stood i n the corner, watching Trey Alexander dribble the ball at the top of the key.
Alexander made his move, slicing toward the basket as Carl Albert's defense collapsed. He looked to his left and fired a bullet to Spanier, who quickly pulled up and drilled another 3- point basket for Heritage Hall's boys basketball team.
Spanier's shooting touch helped the Class 4A secondranked Chargers to a 53-45 victory against Class 5A No. 4 Carl Albert on Friday. Alexander led the pace with 18 points, but Spanier added 13, including three triples.
“I always feel like I have the ability to do (what I did tonight),” Spanier said. “Sometimes passing i s more important at the time. Tonight, I really felt it.”
Spanier was also effective at breaking Carl Albert's tenacious press, which has flustered opponents all season.
He and Alexander were effective in breaking the press, then the duo dominated when the Chargers (11-4) got into their halfcourt sets.
Quentin Woodson scored 10 second-half points to lead Carl Albert (6-5).
The Chargers don't play again for 11 days until they host Oklahoma Christian School.
Edmond North 62, Norman 58
Dal ante Shannon approached the 3- point line and quickly bolted to the rim.
The Edmond North junior took a quick step to his left to evade a Norman defender then putin a finger roll with ease.
The score gave Edmond North a 10- point lead with 1:19 left in a third quarter that the Huskies' dominated.
Edmond North notched a 62-58 home victory over Norman on Friday night.
Norman had a 23-22 lead at half time, but Edmond North outscored the Tigers by 10 points in the third quarter to pull away for the victory.
Shannon scored all 15 of his points in the second half. Ben Emmert led Norman with 17 points.