Hance’ effort not enough as Cache falls

STROUD — With Cache’s season on the line, senior Canden Hance refused to go quietly.

The sharpshooter ignited in the fourth quarter, drilling three clutch 3-pointers to keep the Bulldogs within striking distance of No. 7 Catoosa in Thursday night’s Class 4A Area I consolation quarterfinals.

But despite his late-game heroics, the Bulldogs couldn’t overcome the Indians’ dominance on the glass, ultimately falling 56-46 at the Route 66 Coliseum in Stroud. Catoosa controlled the boards with a 38-27 rebounding advantage overall, including an 11-7 edge on the offensive glass.

Hance finished with 16 points and four rebounds, leading Cache’s second-half charge with 12 points after the break.

His fourth-quarter barrage pulled the Bulldogs within five points or less on multiple occasions, the last at 49-44 with less than four minutes remaining, but the Indians had an answer each time.

Catoosa (21-7) sealed the game at the free-throw line, converting 9 of 11 foul shots while also forcing 17 turnovers in all, including 13 in the first half alone.

Cache (13-17) started strong behind Jacob Woommavovah’s 11-point first quarter that included three 3-balls, but a 22-20 halftime deficit snowballed as Catoosa outscored the Bulldogs 18-13 in the third.

Hance’s late push gave Cache hope, but the Indians’ steady defense and clutch free throws secured their spot in the next round against Inola at 2:30 p.m., ending the Bulldogs’ season.