Both Purcell’s boys and girls took command early at Comanche December 17 and cruised to lopsided victories.

Coach Matt Lohn’s Dragons clocked Comanche 58-31 while the girls, coached by Toney Cooper, hammered Comanche 63-22.

“Our girls put together a complete game both offensively and defensively for the first time all season,” Cooper said.

“Comanche is a zone heavy team which requires discipline on offense, but they also work extremely hard. I thought our kids excelled in both areas.

Haven Buchanan led the way with 19, followed by Kenna Esparza with 14.

Solid contributions from the bench came from Halle Buchanan and Kaylee Peoples each chipping in nine points.

“After a string of close losses it was good for our kids to get back on the winning side. As always, proud of their efforts,” Cooper concluded.

Seth Bunch led the scoring with a dozen. He was joined in double figures by Brayden Tharp and Canaan Colburn each with 10 points.

Kyeston Martin finished with nine.

“The guys were hungry for another opportunity and I was proud of their effort,” Lohn said.

“Hands down we had our best defensive performance yet, only allowing 14 points through the first three quarters,” the coach said.

Lohn said he believes defense travels.

“Our commitment on that end sparked the offense where we showed great balance scoring the ball. It was a good team win,” he said.

Friday night both clubs pounded Dibble with the girls winning 75-45 and the boys, 56-16.

Lohn’s marauders shutout the Demons in the first quarter out-scoring them 17-0.

Resendiz led the scoring with 12 points.

“I really liked our defensive intensity from the jump,” he said.

“Any time you hold a team to zero points in a quarter it is impressive.

“In the second we got a little comfortable and lost our edge. I give credit to Dibble.

“However, my guys stepped up after I challenged them in the halftime locker room. I think they are learning our identity has to be rooted in defense and allowing that to create opportunities for our offense.

“It was a good team win. Now we have to go to work as we look to conference play and a tough Verdigris tournament. I like the way we are headed. They will be ready for those challenges,” the coach concluded.

Esparza led the offensive attack. Her 18 points led all scorers.

Hannah Whitaker was also in double figures with a dozen.

“We knew going into this game that Dibble plays extremely hard and very physical so we were focused on setting the tone early,” Cooper said.

After a fairly tight first period, the Dragons led 44-18 at halftime.

“We pushed the ball with success early. Defensively, we were able to generate some turnovers and quickly turn them into points,” the coach said.

Cooper noted the scoring of Esparza and Whitaker and mentioned the scoring of Haven and Halle and Tinley Winters.

“Lili Del Toro got to the paint while dishing out several assists and freshman Kaylee Peoples had another solid performance off the bench.

“It was a total team effort and a great win to get us into the break,” Cooper concluded.

Dragon notes:

Coach Toney Cooper’s Dragons will play in the prestigious Bertha Teague basketball tournament at East Central University December 26-28.

They play Class 2A No. 1 Dale at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.