BASKETBALL: Mixed results for Claremore, Catoosa at Vinita Big Dawg Shoot-Out

Dec. 8—VINITA — The hardwood showdown at the Shout and Sack Big Dawg Shoot-Out in Vinita saw spirited performances from the boys and girls squads of Claremore and Catoosa schools.

Thursday's opening games offered a mixed bag of outcomes as these teams stepped onto the court with determination. While the Catoosa girls faced a tough challenge against Lincoln Christian in a 48-13 loss, the Claremore girls encountered a formidable opponent in Vinita, resulting in a 48-19 defeat.

On the boys' side, contrasting results unfolded as the Indians clinched an 87-71 victory against Miami, while the Zebras faced a 50-37 setback against Pauls Valley.

The Lady Zebras and the Lady Indians clashed in the consolation bracket Friday morning, and the seventh-place game awaits Claremore at 10 a.m. Saturday after a 34-25 loss, while the Catoosa girls aim for a fifth-place finish at 1 p.m. Saturday.

For the boys, the action continued with Claremore battling Miami in the consolation bracket and Catoosa clashing against Pauls Valley in the semifinals, with results yet to be unveiled at press time.

Stay tuned for an in-depth recap of those encounters and remainder of the tournament in the upcoming Wednesday Edition.

BOYS — PAULS VALLEY 50, CLAREMORE 37

Claremore basketball is so unrefined because of the football team's deep run in the playoffs, even jersey numbers on the roster provided for the tournament program were unavailable.

Despite that, the Zebras showed resiliency in their season-opening game against a veteran Pauls Valley squad. Despite most of the team being together for only a week, Claremore stayed within single digits throughout the first three quarters.

It wasn't until the final period when the Panthers finally pulled away, using a 3-pointer from Jacob Medina to take a 42-30 lead. That double-digit advantage remained, as Jorge Fabela and Jon Grimmett both finished with double-doubles for Pauls Valley.

Fabela notched 16 points and 10 rebounds while Grimmett added 12 points and 15 boards, the two serving as the only scorers between the teams to accomplish double figures.

Brett Alfred played a major role for the Panthers as well, scoring five of his six points in the final moments of the third period as part of a 10-2 run that extended into the fourth quarter with Medina's 3-pointer and a layup from Fabela, increasing the lead to 44-30.

The Zebras couldn't keep up, scoring only seven points in the fourth. However, Braxton Etheridge tallied a three-point play to close the game, giving the team some positive momentum heading into the consolation bracket.

Etheridge finished with seven points and two rebounds, close behind team-leader Will Jones' eight points and one board. Elsewhere, Gunner Holm led Claremore on the glass with eight rebounds to go along with two points.

Another reason for the Zebras' struggles to keep pace was their inability to get to the free-throw line. Claremore shot only five free throws in the loss, making four, while Pauls Valley went 12-of-21 from the line.

GIRLS — VINITA 48, CLAREMORE 19

The Lady Zebras struggled to score early and often, finding themselves behind 24-8 at halftime.

Those difficulties continued in the second half as Vinita's Tierany Trail, who scored 10 points in the first half, poured in another seven in the third quarter alone before tacking on five more in the fourth to finish with a game-high 22 points.

Sarah Hency reached double figures as well for the Lady Hornets, chipping in 11 points.

Meanwhile, Claremore managed only four points in the first, second and fourth quarters while maxing out at seven in the third. Annabelle Vanaman led the team with eight points, and Payton Roberts was the Lady Zebras' next highest scorer with four points.

Although scoring was at a premium for Claremore, it did show promise at the free-throw line, making 5 of 6 shots.

BOYS — CATOOSA 87, MIAMI 71

Miami kept pace for a bit, but Catoosa's explosiveness ultimately became overwhelming.

Five Indians scored in double figures, with Titus Miller leading the way with 20 points — 13 of which came in the first half. Next was Sutton Woods, who hit six of the team's nine 3-pointers for 18 points, including four in a second quarter in which Catoosa outscored the Wardogs 28-14.

CJ Haydon added 17 points, and Luke Beauchamp recorded 12 while Verdigris transfer Braxton Repschlaeger registered 11.

That second period spurt proved to be the difference, for the scoring was fairly even in the other three quarters. The Indians held a 59-57 advantage during those periods.

Miami was led by Colton Oelke's 21 points, and Isaac Booth and Walke Roblyer joined him in double figures with 17 and 14 points, respectively.

GIRLS — LINCOLN CHRISTIAN 48, CATOOSA 13

The scoreboard said it all as the Lady Indians scrambled to find scoring opportunities.

Lincoln Christian, led by 14 points from Madi Stewart, led 24-4 after the first quarter and 30-7 at halftime before taking a 42-9 advantage into the final period. Stewart scored 10 of her points in the second half, while a handful of her teammates dominated the scoring in the first half.

Lexi Buckmaster and Tinsley Mitchell paced Catoosa with four points apiece.