High School
Rejoice Christian eliminated in first round of Class 2A tourney
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Rejoice Christian Eagles fought hard but faced a difficult challenge against the Hooker Bulldogs in the Class 5A Area Tournament. The Eagles struggled offensively, shooting just 35.3% from the field and 25% from three-point range, ultimately falling short in their bid to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Despite the tough matchup, Zach Blake led the Eagles with three points, while Zizi Okwufulueze contributed four points and two rebounds. However, Hooker’s strong defense limited Rejoice’s scoring opportunities, forcing difficult shots throughout the game.
The Eagles had trouble finding rhythm early, making just six field goals in the first half and only two three-pointers the entire game. Their 16.7% free throw shooting (1/6) also hindered their ability to close the gap on the scoreboard.
Defensively, Rejoice had some bright spots, managing five steals and five blocks, but Hooker controlled the boards, securing 18 total rebounds to the Eagles’ five. The Bulldogs’ ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities and efficient scoring around the rim made the difference in the contest.
Rejoice Christian’s struggles in the paint were evident, scoring just two points off second-chance opportunities, while Hooker dominated with 15 points off turnovers and 18 points in the paint. Hooker’s 67.2% effective field goal percentage compared to Rejoice’s 41.2% highlighted the offensive disparity.
Class 6A
PC North 49, Broken Arrow 52
Union 41, Norman 39
Deer Creek 53, Owasso 51
Westmoore 48, Moore 52
Union 45, Norman 46
Mustang 63, Bixby 47
Sapulpa 49, PC North 74
Ed Memorial 54, Broken Arrow 72
TULSA – As the organizer of the state’s largest holiday tournament, and an all-around basketball guy, Tulsa Public Schools Athletic Director Mick Wilson couldn’t be happier with the fact that his participants are continuing a tradition of postseason success.
Comparing the TOC’s brackets from earlier in the year to the brackets coming from The Big House in Oklahoma City, it is many of the very same programs.
In girls’ action, Class B Hammon won the state tournament in their division on Saturday. In Class 6A, Broken Arrow and Edmond Memorial made the cut while Class 5A is seeing Booker T. Washington as a favorite to win it all. In Class 4A, Fort Gibson and Lincoln Christian are seeking the crown. The Dale Pirates won the championship in Class 2A, while in Class A, Quinton exited in the first round.
The boys side doesn’t feel much different. Owasso is the early favorite in Class 6A action after winning the Tournament of Champions in December. Booker T. Washington and Weatherford are there, along with Crossings Christian and Millwood. In the smaller classifications, Wilson made their appearance while Okay ended up making it to the finals eventually falling to Okarche.
Whether you watched the games live on television, or could feel the electricity in person at the BOK Center, the high stakes games are a feeling that can’t be replicated anywhere else – except maybe the state championship.
Wilson says the Weatherford Eagles are a great example of a team that showcased their talents in Tulsa at Christmas, and now have a chance to win it all.
“Back at the tournament, Weatherford was the one team in the state that gave Owasso a really good game,” Wilson noted during a halftime interview with T-Town Sports last week. “They are a phenomenal team and Derek Bull is a fantastic coach.”
It would be the Millwood Falcons however that played Owasso in the finals of the Tournament of Champions. They’ll open their state tournament run Thursday morning at the Big House, while Owasso is in action tonight.
Regardless, as he finalizes invitations for next year’s event, Wilson is hopeful that his annual event will continue to be a predictor of postseason success for decades to come.
-
High School1 month agoJenks, Sapulpa to host 5A Area Tournaments
-
High School1 month agoEdison Eagles Soar Past Bishop Kelley Comets, 50-38
-
High School4 weeks agoALLISON: Stopping Eagles’ Hot Streak No Easy Task
-
High School1 month agoBoys Basketball Scores – Friday
-
High School4 weeks agoLISTEN LIVE: Edison vs. Collinsville
-
High School1 month agoBig Four dominate Class 6A area tournament brackets
-
Division 13 weeks agoMike Neighbors out as Razorback women’s coach
-
Video4 weeks agoWATCH: Skordle State Hoops Preview Show