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Purcell Basketball

Let’s play two

Dragons play twice on Saturday due to inclement weather

John D. Montgomery
Posted 1/16/25

Due to the winter storm that dumped anywhere from four to seven inches of snow on parts of Oklahoma late last week, Purcell’s trip to the Verdigris Tournament turned into two games on Saturday.

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Purcell Basketball

Let’s play two

Dragons play twice on Saturday due to inclement weather

Posted

Due to the winter storm that dumped anywhere from four to seven inches of snow on parts of Oklahoma late last week, Purcell’s trip to the Verdigris Tournament turned into two games on Saturday.

In the first game with Kiefer, the Trojans back court went off for 35 points and the Dragons were handed a 67-48 loss.

But coach Matt Lohn’s squad bounced back that afternoon to march past Verdigris 56-26 with four Dragons in double figures.

Junior Canaan Colburn’s 14 points led all scorers. He was joined in double digits by seniors Braden Tharp with 11 and Seth Bunch with 10.

Tharp poured in 16 points in the losing effort with Kiefer.

“I was really proud of how my guys regrouped and came out to compete after the loss in the morning,” Lohn said.

“Early in the game we did a great job of sharing the ball and turning defense into offense. I also thought our offensive execution was pretty sharp.

“Give credit to Verdigris, they made some adjustments before halftime that gave us some issues. They came out in the third quarter and gave us all we wanted, holding us to five points,” the coach continued.

“ Our backs were against the ropes, and I challenged my guys at the quarter break to go finish together. Again, these kids responded and blew the game wide open, leaving no doubt. They certainly earned that good feeling after all we had to navigate over the course of the weekend. It was good to go home on a win,” Lohn said.

Kiefer’s sharp shooting guard, Caden Hay went off in the first half canning seven three-pointers for 21 of the Trojans’ 43 first half points while Purcell was held to 24.

“Kiefer is a well built team, with great size to protect the rim and guards who can get down hill and score at all levels. Hay was red hot in the first half and we simply had no answer,” Lohn said.

“We got settled in during the second quarter, but the deficit was already too big. Shots didn’t fall consistently and we had trouble scoring over their 6’4” and 6’6” interior guys.

“When I reflect on it, this was the first time this season that we really got whipped. So, we’re not going to push the panic button. We did some good things. We played them pretty even after the first quarter,” Lohn said.

Earlier in the week, Purcell hosted Washington in a double overtime nail biter that the Warriors finally won, 64-62.

The Warriors jumped out to a 17-11 advantage at the end of the first period but Purcell settled in and chipped away trailing 27-24 at halftime.

Junior Jaime Resendiz led the Dragon offense with 28 while Tharp finished with 17.

“What an atmosphere,” the coach said. “And the game wasn’t half bad either.”

“Washington dictated the pace of play early, and we didn’t do much to help ourselves. Give credit to my guys, they showed a ton of heart and fight to get back into the game that could have very easily been over at halftime,” Lohn said.

“That’s what I love about this team. There’s simply no quit, no back down. Washington poses so many challenges with their size and athleticism, but we didn’t flinch after the first quarter,” Lohn confirmed.

“We took a big step as a team in terms of learning who we are capable of being, but we still have room to improve, too,” he said.

Down the stretch, Lohn said his club made some mental mistakes on both sides of the ball that gave Washington the extra opportunities they needed to get the win.

Lohn gave credit to the Warriors and coach Trevor Smith.

“They took advantage and made more plays late in the game. They are tough and led the way in conference play. But I think we are pretty tough too,” the coach said.

Dragon notes:

Due to Mother Nature’s snow storm, The Mother Road Classic at Verdigris turned in to the road to perseverance.

“I would like to show my gratitude to a few people for helping make this weekend happen, even against the odds, Purcell Head Coach Matt Lohn said.

“First, thank you to our administration, especially Rick Hammer who traveled with us, for placing trust in Coach Wollenberg and me.

“It’s always nerve racking to send student-athletes out in those conditions, knowing we might not even get a game in.

“Also to the to the parents who, again, trusted our staff to keep their sons safe.

“I know we all were relieved to finally see games played, and of course, that bus back home.

“And finally, I would be remiss if I failed to mention Coach Mike Buntin and Verdigris. They run a first class tournament, and given the situation, I thought they nailed it.

“They were accommodating the entire time, and our trip was no doubt made smoother by their communication and assistance at every turn,” Lohn concluded.

Friday will be Purcell’s 2025 homecoming game against Bridge Creek.

The Bobcats will look to get out and turn defense into offense early and often.

They also have a propensity to shoot the long ball, so the Dragons will have to get ready to handle to their shooters.

“We have to pair that with a quality effort on the defensive boards,” Lohn said.

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