RUSH SPRINGS —
Thursday night saw the Black Diamond Tournament get a black eye, literally.
In the girls semi-final matchup between No. 9 Sterling and Central High, tempers boiled over in the third quarter as CHHS’ Caitlyn White and Sterling’s Whitney Jung were both ejected for throwing punches.
However, it was Sterling who eventually threw the real knockout blow in the third quarter as the Lady Tigers blew open a close game to claim a 43-24 victory.
“Our biggest thing was we were just in too much of a hurry all the time,” Sterling coach Rick Wilson said. “When you are shooting too many shots and they aren’t going in you need to go slower. After halftime we went from shooting about 3-for-17 to shooting 5-for-6. Madison Bradshaw really kind of took charge and we were able to get her isolated a couple of times.”
With the game at 21-16 with 6:40 remaining in the third, Sterling took advantage following the ejections to go on a 7-0 run over the next four minutes.
At the end of the third the Lady Tigers were in firm control at 32-17, which was a far cry from the first half when both teams seemed evenly matched.
Central High held a slim 10-8 advantage after the first quarter, thanks in part to two free throws from Lora-Lynn Loomis who was fouled at the buzzer attempting a three-point shot.
Sterling tried to pull away in the second, but the Lady Bronchos were holding firm as a six point Lady Tiger advantage was cut down to a two point lead at 18-16 going into the halftime break.
Central High couldn’t get any closer than 16 in the fourth quarter as the dreams of an appearance in the championship game slowly faded away.
On the evening, the Lady Bronchos were 5-of-10 from the free throw line, while going 4-of-11 from outside the arc.
Sterling meanwhile only went 0-of-2 from three point range, while shooting 13-of-19 from the charity stripe.
“We felt like we had a quickness advantage at a couple of positions,” Wilson said. “So when they were playing man-to-man we wanted to isolate. In the first half we were shooting blanks from the free throw line, but in the second we started to make those shots.”
Lacie Phillips led the Lady Bronchos with nine points in the contest, followed by Lora- Lynn Loomis with seven points. Caitlyn White scored four points on the night, with Aleia Daniels and Faith Harris each scoring two points. Harris led the team with eight rebounds.
Sterling (13-2) was paced by Madison Bradshaw with 15 points, followed by Laurie Derrico with 14 points.
Central High (9-3) will meet Velma-Alma in the girls’ third place game Saturday afternoon at 2:10 p.m.
Sports
Related Photos
-
Central High’s Faith Harris puts up a shot while Sterling’s Shannon Robson tries to block during the second half Thursday night at Rush Springs. Evan Grice/The Duncan Banner
Central girls fall short vs Sterling
- Sports
-
-
Stephens brings home Oklahoma Youth State Title
After another impressive performance on the golf course this weekend, Caden Stephens can now call himself something every kid dreams to become: a state champion.
-
Hurdling past the competition
Since the start of her high school track career, Duncan hurdler Rebecca Brewer has earned back to back trips to the Class 5A State Tournament, three state medals and an invitation to this year’s Meet of Champions.
-
Twin Oaks to host camp, junior tourney
With golf season now in full swing, kids will get the chance to learn more about the game during a camp hosted in town at the start of next month.
-
Duncan Ducks soar to U14 Title
Not even gale force winds could stop the Duncan Ducks Sunday night at Abe Raizen Park.
-
Gymnast coach Rucker receives special surprise
It’s been said “If you love what you do, then you’ll never work a day in your life.”
-
Family to raise money for son at annual tournament
To give their son a second chance to tee off against some of the top youth golfers from around the world, the Stephens family will once again turn to the same sport he has grown to love at a tournament next month.
-
Local football stars compete at Senior Bowl
While the high school football season ended several months ago, Saturday night marked one last chance for several Stephens County players to leave it all out on the field for the last time.
-
Stephens County players shine at Senior Bowl
While the 2012 Southwest Senior Bowl was remembered for it’s numerous brawls on the field, the 2013 edition will be known for something completely opposite.
-
Spurs rout Grizzlies 105-83 in West finals opener
The San Antonio Spurs opened the Western Conference finals resembling the past champions who’ve been there so many times before.
The Memphis Grizzlies looked like the first-timers still trying to adapt to their first conference finals appearance. -
Beckham walks off in tears after last home game
David Beckham hugged his teammates with tears in his eyes, then walked off the pitch to a standing ovation — for the last time in front of a home crowd at a football game.
- More Sports Headlines
-
Florida FBI Shooting Has Boston Bombing Links
Garcetti Elected Los Angeles Mayor Over Greuel
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
IRS Official Pleads 5th Amendment
Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case
Former Rep. Weiner Running for New York Mayor
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Families Begin Returning to Their Homes in Moore
Raw: Aerial View of Moore Tornado Damage
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Raw: Students Clash With Police in Chile
Protests Outside Cincinnati IRS Office
New Xbox One Entertainment Console Unveiled
