Warriors continue to mature

The Washington Warriors basketball teams traveled to Pontotoc County for the Latta basketball tournament.

The girls went 1-2 in the tournament with a 75-11 win over the Madill JV and losses to Kiowa (61-49) and Holdenville (42-37).

Madisson Myers had a big tournament for the Warriors and 44 points over the three games.

“She played well,” said Washington Head Coach Rocky Clarke. “She scored 17, 10 and 17 points.”

Laylin Scheffe scored 29 points over the three games.

The Warriors continue to improve and Clarke said ball handling has gotten better.

“Every game (we lost) was close and it’s going to get better,” he said. “They’re just young.”

Myers and Kamy Johnston were the high scorers in the Kiowa game with 17 and 13 points respectively.

Scheffe scored 11 and Myers 10 in the Holdenville game.

I’m pleased with their effort,” Clarke said. “They’re doing a good job.”

Boys

The Warrior boys team went 1-2 at Latta as well.

They picked up a 47-45 win over Latta and lost to Tuttle (61-43) and Purcell (40-30).

They won the Latta game in thrilling fashion with a buzzer-beating shot by sophomore Luke Hendrix.

Hendrix has been averaging around 12 points a game.

Hayden Hicks hit six three pointers in the game.

Washington had Tuttle tied up at halftime before fading in the second half.

“We were tied at halftime and we talked about what we needed to do to win in the locker room,” Washington Head Coach TJ Scholz said. “But we didn’t hit shots and the wheels fell off. We tried to no catch their two best players and their third scorer kind of got going.”

Washington had a cold shooting game against Purcell as well the following day.

Coupled with 19 turnovers, the outcome wasn’t what the Warriors had hoped for.

“Purcell didn’t shoot very well either but we couldn’t take advantage of their off shooting night,” Scholz said.

The Warriors will use the Christmas break to polish things before starting the second part of their schedule in January.

“We’ve been trying to crack down on doing things the right way and staying disciplined,” Scholz said. “We are still searching for an identity. We’ve shown glimpses of coming together and then turn around and show our youth again.”

Washington has been solid on defense, allowing 52 points a game.

They’ve struggled shooting the ball and look to tune up their offense during the break.

“We’re not able to score but we’re playing good defense,” Scholz said. “I feel like we’re getting some looks but we just can’t hit shots.”

Washington will scrimmage against Bishop Kelly and get consecutive practices in over the break.

Both teams played Bridge Creek Tuesday night.