Success in Conference tourney

Josh Trent and his Wayne Bulldogs had a full week of basketball action. Last Tuesday they were on the road for a win over ECP. Then, they traveled to Stratford for the Big 8 Conference tournament Thursday through Saturday.

Wayne had a win over Maud on Thursday to kick off the tournament.

Led by Kris Welch with 22 points, the Bulldogs pulled off the 12 point, 62-40 victory.

Also with double digits were Brannon Lewelling with 16 and Ethan Mullins with 11. 

Holding a lead from the first quarter, Wayne outscored the Tigers in all four stanzas. Trent was pleased with his team’s win.

“The boys played pretty well, but I know they have more in them,” Trent said.

In game two of the tournament, Wayne fell to Stratford 54-32.

Lewelling singed the nets for 17 points to lead the team.

“Not our best game by far, but we had some bright spots to build on as we go,” Trent said.

The loss to Stratford set up the third place game with Dibble. 

Wayne held the lead through three quarters, but gave up 16 points in the final stanza to force overtime.

The Bulldogs outscored the Demons 5-2 in overtime to pull off the win and earn third place in the tournament.

Once again, Brannon Lewelling led the Bulldogs in scoring with 18 points in the win.

James Spencer added 11.

Last Tuesday Wayne notched a 52-48 win over the Badgers of ECP.

Lewelling and Mullins led all scorers with 21 and 15.

Similar to the Dibble game during the tournament, Wayne outscored ECP through the first three quarters then gave up 21 points in the final stanza. 

But, it wasn’t enough to overcome the lead Wayne had built up and the Bulldogs came away with the win.

“The boys played hard and got a really good win. Brannon and Ethan led us in scoring but it was a hard fought win from everyone.

James Spencer’s leadership and good basketball play have been a big key for our early success, Trent said.

Girls

The Lady Bulldogs faced the Lady Tigers of Maud in their first game of the Big 8 Conference tournament. 

According to Trent, his girls  played hard but struggled offensively in the one point, 38-37 loss. 

McKenzie Fisher and Shyleigh Mantooth led the team with 10 and eight points, respectively. Haiden Parker added seven.

In their second game of the tournament, Wayne handled the Pauls Valley JV in a 42-33 win.

Ten Lady Bulldogs managed points in the victory. Allie Walck led the team with ten. Coralee Castle, Kaylee Madden and Lorensa Martinez each had six.

That win put Wayne in the consolation game with Dibble. 

The Lady Bulldogs got a big, lopsided win over the Lady Demons, 46-21.

“The girls finally played like I thought they would be all year. (Haiden) Parker had a hot quarter and we really turned up the defensive pressure,” Trent said.

Once again, several girls got in on the scoring with nine players making the scoresheet.

Parker led the team with 14 points. Martinez added 11.

The Lady Bulldogs added another win last Tuesday in Elmore City with a 54-46 decision over the Lady Badgers.

Martinez and Madden were in double figures with 14 and 12 each. Parker added nine.

“The girls struggled shooting again, but found a way to win,” Trent said.

“All of the girls played hard and contributed in many different ways. I’m pleased with their grit.”

Wayne’s games with Dibble were rescheduled for February 8 but they traveled to Minco Tuesday to close out December play.

The Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs are both 5-2.