GLENCOE, Okla. —
The Glencoe Panthers saw their bid for an undefeated season come to an end last Friday in a 68-66 loss to Velma-Alma. That’s something coach John Lazenby used as motivation in a loser’s bracket final victory over Pond Creek-Hunter to clinch a spot in the Class A state tournament.
“It showed us some of the things we can improve,” Lazenby said. “I told them you stub your toe, you’re eliminated.”
With their bid for a state title still alive, the Panthers hope to get three wins at the state tournament, starting with the Cheyenne-Reydon Bears at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany.
Lazenby said the loss also helped with their draw in the state tournament.
“We got the sixth seed and are on the opposite side of the bracket from Weleetka, who is No. 1 in the state,” Lazenby said. “We still have a good chance of advancing. We could possibly meet for the finals.”
The Bears are the defending state champion. Lazenby said his team will have to contend with their size.
“They are hard-nosed and will pound the ball inside,” Lazenby said. “We are going to pack in on defense and make them shoot from the perimeter. I’ve heard they aren’t a good perimeter shooting team.”
The Coyle Bluejackets (23-4) will look to knock off the two-time defending state champion Forgan Bulldogs at 8:30 p.m. at State Fair Arena.
“They are pretty good, No. 1 in the state,” coach Josh Sumrall said. “They are well-coached.”
Coyle has won all of its playoff games by at least 30 points. Sumrall said that will be key for them to win in the state tournament.
“We have to keep playing well,” Sumrall said. “We are going to keep playing up-tempo because that’s worn some of our opponents down in the second half.”
Sumrall said he’s happy to see his team continue the program’s strong tradition and wants the trip to be successful.
“It’s a goal of ours every year,” Sumrall said. “When we fall short it’s not a good season. This is my fourth time in 11 years. We aren’t happy about just being here. We want to win three games.”
The Frontier Lady Mustangs (23-6) continue their title defense against the Turner Lady Falcons at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at Oklahoma City University. Coach Clay Stephens said it’s a good matchup.
“They went to state last year and they are winners,” Stephens said. “I think we are the same in height but I think we have more speed.”
Like many opponents this season, Stephens expects Turner to run a zone to contain post player Marissa Goodman, adding he’s confident his team can handle it.
“There’s not many people that can guard Marissa by themselves,” Stephens said. “They are going to leave our shooters open and most times we make them pay. Beth Childs, Sydney Pappan and (Michael Anne) Nelson usually hit shots for us. We usually have a little more depth and that pays off for us.”
Local Sports
February 28, 2013
Three area teams have eyes on gold ball
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Boyd ready to rumble in Gallagher-Iba Arena
The Oklahoma State redshirt freshman hopes to use the lessons he learned last season will pay dividens this weekend
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Early mornings test strength of Stillwater football team at strength camp
The Pioneer coaches use 7 a.m. practices to help the team understand adversity
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Pioneer Playday making strides to keep event fun for whole family
The annual playday at the Stillwater Country Club will feature two new events — a fun run and a fashion show
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Two-time national champion Chris Pendleton returns to Stillwater
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Pioneer players, coaches enjoy working with Stillwater youth
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Austin Schafer expects plenty of support at World Trials
Oklahoma State sophomore is a native of Edmond and will likely have family and friends travel to Gallagher-Iba Arena when he competes Sunday.
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Perkins youth learn from Lady Demon basketball players
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Crutchmer brothers use wrestling as way to bond
Pushing each other harder each day in practice, Brian and Kyle Crutchmer hope making the U.S. team becomes a family affair
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