The Keys boys basketball team completed a second half comeback to defeat the Little Axe Indians 68-62 Friday, Feb. 28.
Trailing by 5 points at the half KHS used a 41-point second half where Keys went a perfect 12-for-12 from free throw line in the fourth quarter. The Cougar win places them in the Regional Consolation final with an opportunity to clinch a spot in the Area Tournament with a win.
KHS girls take win in Regionals
A strong fourth quarter secured an 8-point win for the Keys girls basketball team.
For much of the first three quarters, the Lady Cougars controlled the game and were ahead on the scoreboard. But that all changed heading into the fourth quarter, as the Lady Cougars trailed 34-33 Thursday, Feb. 27. Morris successfully made a buzzer-beating shot as the clock expired to take the lead to start the fourth.
Keys dominated the final 8 minutes, erasing the Morris lead and picking up the victory 47-39 to clinch a spot in the area tournament and in Saturday’s Regional Championship.
“Morris was a good ball team tonight. They’re big and their size made some things difficult for us tonight,” Keys coach Kruz Lynch said. “Around the rim, I thought we weren’t very good, so hats off to them the played solid defense around the rim and made us take some tougher shots.”
Morris stole all the momentum going into the final period after the buzzer, beating a jumper to take the lead and end the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Lady Cougars proved why they earned the No. 6 ranking in 3A. The defense from the Lady Cougars in the fourth quarter was strong, allowing 5 points.
“I felt like we got great looks. We got the shots we wanted, but shots just didn’t fall tonight. We’ll definitely be spending the next two days getting shots up,” said Lynch. “We had to make some adjustments late, pressure a little less and key more on the bigs after we allowed one of them to get going. But it’s playoff basketball, everybody’s coming to play, and I’m proud of the kids for facing some adversity going into the fourth quarter down 1 and fighting back and getting the win.”
The Lady Cougars scored first in the fourth to recapture the lead and did not look back.
SHS dominates in win
The Sequoyah Lady Indians crushed the Metro Christian Lady Patriots in the first round of regionals Thursday, Feb. 27, securing a 67-25 victory.
After a slower start, where the Lady Patriots briefly took the lead, SHS found their rhythm in the second quarter and never looked back. Kya Poafpybitty ignited the offense with crucial 3-pointers, while Brenly Lamb contributed key baskets throughout the game. Tylee Ford and Layney Smith’s lockdown defense forced turnovers, providing opportunities for the Lady Indians to extend their lead.
“We are in a good spot mentally. We are just taking things one game at a time,” coach Justin Brown said. “Getting to play at home is a huge bonus.”
The second quarter saw SHS explode offensively, showcasing excellent ball movement and scoring contributions from Emma Culie, Prairie Holmes, Poafpybitty, and Lamb. Macy Brown drained a 3-pointer with seconds to go in the first half, solidifying the Lady Indians lead, 33-17.
Brown kicked off the third quarter with another 3-pointer, followed by a flurry of points from the SHS roster. Lamb added another 3-pointer, and Holmes continued her strong performance, driving straight to the goal through the Lady Patriot defenders.
The fourth quarter was a continuation of the Lady Indians’ solid performance wherein they shut down the MCHS offense, allowing only 3 points throughout the quarter.
With a final score of 67-35, the Lady Indians advance to the regional championship game Saturday, March 1, at 6 p.m. at The Place Where They Play.
“Saturday we’ll have Kansas and we’ll have to play well. I’m looking forward to the game. Should be a good one,” Brown said.
Holmes led the Lady Indians in scoring with 18, followed by Lamb with 14, and Poafpybitty with 8. Eleven Lady Indians contributed to the overall score against MCHS.
