Midwest City topples Carl Albert, advances to Class 5A girls basketball state tournament
PIEDMONT – De’Yanna Douglas emerged from the locker room with a few small ailments, a borrowed jersey and a smile of relief.
There were several reasons she could have lost focus during the Midwest City girls basketball team’s 50-40 area championship victory against school-district rival Carl Albert on Thursday night.
The star senior center had a pesky nosebleed that dripped onto her uniform as she ran the length of the court. Despite her best attempt to stop it with a tissue, Douglas had to change jerseys twice, starting as No. 45 before putting on No. 25 and No. 4. She said she had a bleeding ankle and knuckle, too.
“You just got to laugh it off, and then come back better than ever,” said Douglas, who finished with 13 points.
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Wounds and wardrobe changes didn’t stop Douglas and the Bombers (23-3) from accomplishing a highly anticipated goal: reaching the Class 5A state tournament without dropping into the consolation bracket.
Midwest City has advanced to state for the third time in four years, but this is Douglas’ first area championship. She summed up the feeling with one adjective.
“Amazing,” Douglas said. “It just goes to show how much this team really can do if we work together.”
The Bombers needed that camaraderie to break their tie with the Titans, who will face Altus on Saturday with a second chance at going to state.
Carl Albert (21-5) and Midwest City headed into halftime knotted at 20, and the third quarter remained close. Then in the fourth, the Bombers squashed their rival’s momentum. Senior guard Saliyah Landon drained back-to-back 3-pointers that brought Midwest City’s lead to 39-29, and the Bombers responded every time the Titans tried to come back.
Landon, Douglas’ cousin, has returned this season from an injury to boost Midwest City as the starting point guard.
“I was sad when she first got hurt, but now she’s better than ever, coming back,” Douglas said. “And she’s a huge help to the team.”
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The Bombers, who went undefeated in district play, have also found success because of their post presence. Douglas and fellow senior Sierra Martin not only played solid defense and crashed the boards, but also led Midwest City’s offense. Martin recorded a team-high 14 points, while Douglas was the Bombers’ second-leading scorer.
North Texas softball signee Ausha Moore led Carl Albert with 12 points while Essence Curry added 11, but the Titans didn’t create the consistency needed to bring down the Bombers.
Douglas, who went 7-for-8 from the free-throw line, sank the final foul shot to end the chaotic game.
“She’s just tough as nails,” said Midwest City coach Megan Maloy. “She wanted it so badly.”
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Altus sends Guymon home in overtime
Altus still has a chance to make the state tournament.
The Bulldogs slipped past Guymon, 57-51, in overtime to stay in the Class 5A West area tournament consolation bracket. Madi Whittaker led Altus with 19 points, while Maci Hayes followed with 13.
The teams were tied at 50 at the end of regulation, but Guymon’s shots wouldn’t fall in overtime. Guymon ended the season 15-10, while Altus improved to 9-15.
Altus had previously fallen to Guymon, 75-54, to open regionals.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Midwest City girls basketball topples Carl Albert, advances to state
