Washington on streaks

Washington Head Coach TJ Scholz credits his overall team defense as the common thread in the Warriors’ five game win streak.

In their five game winning streak no team has shot the ball from the field above 40 percent.

The stingy Warrior defenders held Pauls Valley to 29 percent shooting from the field in a 47-41 victory last Friday night.

Washington turned around and limited Purcell to 18 percent shooting from the field in a 34-21 victory on Saturday night.

On Ground Hog Day the Warriors avenged an earlier season loss to Lindsay posting a 47-40 victory over the Leopards.

“That was a big win for us because they had beaten us in their tournament earlier this year,” Scholz said. “They beat us both times we played last year so we were really wanting to get that victory.”

Scholz said his defenders limited Lindsay’s top scorer Seth Tucker to six points.

“That was a big part of it,” Scholz confirmed. “Hector Quinonez did a good job locking him down and holding him under his scoring average.”

Scholz said Hector and Luke Hendrix are his players that guard the opposing team’s best player.

“They both do a pretty good job of shutting them down for us,” the coach said.

Washington had three players  in double digits against the Leopards. 

Kenneth Love III and Hayden Hicks led the scoring charts with 11 points each. Cash Andrews chipped in 10.

The Pauls Valley game was a gut check for the Warriors when they dug themselves into early foul trouble.

“We had nine fouls before they had one,” Scholz said. “And I’m not talking about the officials. We had to overcome the adversity of letting them get to the line earlier than expected.

“I thought the guys handled it well,” Scholz said. “Luke Hendrix and Cash Andrews held down their top scorers. Defense has been the main part of our last five wins.”

Love and Kobe Scott were the top scorers for the Warriors against Pauls Valley cutting the strings for 16 and 15 respectively.

Scholz said he was proud of the defensive effort against Purcell but admitted it was their third game in a row.

“They looked pretty tired,” he said. “But to hold them to 21 percent was outstanding. We will have a chance to see them later in the playoffs. It will be fun when both teams are fresh and able to get after it.”

 Scholz said the victory was big in the race for the conference championship.

“One of our goals is to win the conference,” Scholz said. “Purcell is in the driver’s seat but this will allow us to get into the race. Obviously, beating them was a big step.”

Love’s 16 points led all scorers in the game.

“I love the fact that our guys are buying into the defense and the game plans,” the coach concluded.

Washington was taking a 12-7 record into Tuesday night’s game against Davis. The Warriors play Davis Thursday and host Marlow Saturday.

Girls

Coach Rocky Clarke’s girls are also 12-7 and have ripped off victories in their last three outings over Lindsay, Pauls Valley and Purcell.

The Lady Warriors, led by senior Laylin Scheffe with 15, handed Lindsay a 34-29 setback.

In a dramatic fourth quarter where Pauls Valley scored 27 points, Washington survived a 62-61 thriller.

Scheffe was joined in double figures by Tinley Lucas, Mattie Richardson and Kyndall Wells.

Scheffe led all scorers with 19 with Lucas right on her heels with 18.

Both Wells and Richardson finished the wild one with 10.

Washington had a trio of players in double figures against Purcell with Scheffe leading the pack with 18.

Richardson finished with 14 and Lucas flipped in a baker’s dozen.

“We are improving every game,” Clarke said. “We’re still young with only one senior.

“We’re playing lots of people and honestly our fundamentals are coming together.

“We’re blocking out and shooting really well. I am really pleased with them,” he concluded.