Due to the pandemic reaching Atoka, the girls’ team was not able to play. This means the Redskins made the trip without the Lady Redskins. In the beginning, things did not look good for the Redskins. That was until they took their first lead of the game with 3.3 seconds remaining and snatched a win of 53 to 52. Many people, including Coach Taylor Weibner, probably expected a little rust on the players after the long holiday break. He decided to shake
things up and use a different line up that he never had used before. This might be dubbed call this the big line up. The newcomer to the group being 6’ 4” junior Braden Matchen. Jesse Rose and Brady Brister, both in the same height range, joined him to make up the front court. The back court was Jase Hays and Marshall Ludrick.
In the first quarter, both teams showed tough defense. Brister hit his first three-point attempt of the night and was off to a great start. Rose and Matchen both had field goals and the Redskins trailed by one at the break, 8 to 7.
Second quarter, the Wampus Cats found their groove and the Redskins were struggling to keep pace. Brister was determined to do his part by scoring another three, a two point field goal and was 6 of 6 from the line. The Redskins had pulled back to tie the game at 21 all. Despite help from Hays, who had three, freshman Reid Cason added two and Ludrick with a free throw, the Redskins trailed 27 to 24 at the half.
The third quarter had the scoring more spread out. Matchen led the way with four points, Brister, Hays, Ludrick and Cason all had field goals. Cole Morgan also had minutes from the bench. Despite the effort, the Redskins still trailed by four, 40 to 36, at the buzzer.
The nicest thing about being able to hit from three-point range is being able to catch up fast when needed. Ludrick got it started with a three-pointer from the base line that was nothing but net. Next up was Dakota (Microwave) Weibner and he hit his three-pointer with 28 seconds left in the game to pull the Redskins within two points.
The Redskins managed a stop on the defensive end of the court – enter Brister to save the day. Having already scoring two field goals, he let his three fly from the left wing and swished it. Wampus Cats called a timeout with 3.3 seconds left in the game. As the Redskins swarmed
As the Redskins swarmed Brister, Atoka looked shocked. It was the first lead of the game for the visitors. The Wampus Cats were able to get a shot off that was not close and the Redskins win, 53 to 52.
Box score: Brister with 23 points, Matchen had eight, Hays had seven, Ludrick for six, Cason with four and Weibner with three. From the free throw line, the team was 8 of 18 for 44%. Brister led the team in free throws going 6 of 8 for 75%.
The Redskins will start the New Years Classic on Thursday taking on Talihina at 8:20 pm @ the KMAC.