LHS boys chase State berth tonight

When opposing coaches offer their evaluations of Lawton High School’s boys basketball team, the word most offered up is “athletic” and while that can cover a wide variety of skills, until you see them in action it’s hard to explain just how the Wolverines have put together a 24-3 record against a tough schedule.

The Wolverines will take the next step toward a berth in next week’s Class 5A State Tournament when they battle Carl Albert at 6 p.m. Thursday at Bridge Creek High School. The Titans come in at 19-7 after finishing second in District 1 behind El Reno.

Last week Chevis Smith’s Wolverines dispatched Santa Fe South (76-23) and Elgin (100-39) to move within one victory of reaching Lawton High’s first trip to State since 2009.

Ironically that LHS team included a talented shooter named Craig Foster who is now an assistant coach for the Wolverines. In a regional consolation victory over Norman, Foster scored the first points of the game on a layout and LHS never trailed.

There are few weaknesses for the Wolverines with inside might from Tavarius Deans and Pene Vasigote plus a strong group of role players who can handle a variety of assignments. First and foremost the pressure they put on opponents has left many coaches scrambling to describe the levels of defense.

“They are just so athletic that it’s hard to even advance the ball,” Elgin coach Ryan Green said after the Wolverines dominated the Owls in the regional title game. “It’s hard to get the offense going when you can’t get the ball across the half-court line.”

After the regional victory over Elgin, Smith said he liked the way his club put pressure on the Owls but he still believes there is another gear that his club can reach.

“Our goal has been to improve each day at practice and keep working to get better,” he said. “These guys have worked hard and keep wanting to find more ways to improve going forward.”

The second game at Bridge Creek tonight matches MacArthur (19-8) against Midwest City (18-8) at 7:30 p.m. The winner of that game will battle the loser of the LHS-Carl Albert game for the consolation bracket title and a trip to State.

The other 5A Area Tournament matches El Reno (24-2) against Del City (18-7) in the title matchup to determine which will go to State. Elgin then battles John Marshall at 7:30 p.m. with the winner of that game facing the El Reno-Del City loser for the consolation title.

Area teams still in hunt

One of the biggest surprises last week was the resilience that Cache boys showed in winning three Class 4A regional games to reach the Area I Tournament at Stroud High School.

Zack Ange’s Bulldogs will try to extend their season today when they face Catoosa at 7:30 p.m. If they win that game the Bulldogs would come back Friday to face the Kingfisher-Inola winner in another consolation battle at 2:30 p.m.

Anadarko fans got some good news this week when the Class 3A Area II Tournament was moved to Chickasha High School after storm damage left Ada High School’s Gym unplayable with roof issues.

Anadarko girls face Washington Friday in the title game at 6 p.m. and the Anadarko boys meet Chandler at 7:30 p.m. Friday to decide that championship.

Marlow boys are still involved in that Area and will meet Bethel at 2:30 p.m. in an elimination contest.