The possible “All Marshall Co” final for the Atoka Wampus Cat Classic did not play out as hoped for. The Durant Lions defeated the Madill Wildcats late on Friday to give the Lions their spot in the final.
The Class 5A Durant Lions were anchored by a high low post offense that was both tall and powerful. Redskin Jesse Rose had a daunting task ahead of him. His opponent was taller and heavier and very strong. Rose has had nights where he was giving away several inches in height and could make up for it with strength and determination. Tonight he faces an accomplished low post player.
In the first, the Redskins kept pace with the Lions. Brady Brister, who has seen much improvement in his shooting lately, had a three pointer and free throws.
Rose added two free throws. Kaden Johnson was 1 of 2 from the line.
The Lions could not connect from the three point arch. The Redskins lead at the end of the first 9 to 7.
In the second quarter the Lions found their man. The big low post hit four field goals, the slightly smaller high post had two of his own. Meanwhile the Redskins were having their own problems with scoring. Brister and Rose each had a field goal and that was all of the scoring. At the half the Lions held a 25 to 13 lead.
Third quarter action had the three ball falling. Brister hit 3, Johnson had a three and a field goal, Jase Hayes had two field goals.
The biggest three pointer of the night came to Rose. With 15 seconds remaining the Redskins ran their offense to get Johnson open for a three point attempt.
The Johnson shot was long and Rose chased it down to the far corner base line and retrieved and heaved in one motion. It was nothing but the net. This gave the Redskins four point lead going in to the fourth quarter. 35 to 31.
Hayes started off the fourth quarter with a drive from the high post and a layup. Next Brister hit a soft jumper just outside the paint.
This gave the Redskins a 39 to 35 lead with 5:30 to go. Lions tied it up at 4:20 mark. Brister then hit his fifth three pointer of the game.The score was then 42 to 39, advantage Redskins.
He was not however finished. He connected for his sixth and final three pointer of the game. It was a carbon copy of the previous one. The lead was extended to 45 to 39. 2:47 left to play.
Following a Lion timeout, CoachWeibner substituted in Brycen Ellisor for Rose. The sophomore is not a small fellow himself, he responded with a nice block out of the Durant big man that allowed Johnson the rebound.
Weibner directed his boys to spread the floor out and this allowed Hayes to drive in and dump the ball off to Ellisor who made an easy bucket. The lead was 9 with less than two min.
With 1:35 to play the Lions hit a three to give them hope. At this point the Lions took up the full court press, and started to foul.
Jase Hayes went to the line and connected for two. The next time down the Lions drive the lane and hits.
After the Durant big man scored he missed his free throw and Hayes rebounded and was fouled. He missed his attempt but Brister was fouled and was 1 of 2. Hayes again fouled and this time he hit them both. With 12 sec. to play Johnson was fouled and hit both free throws.
Durant managed a desperation three and hit it. The clock ran out and the final score was 56 to 48. The Redskins are the 2020 Wampus Cat Classic champions.
Final stats: Brister, in perhaps his best game on the season, lead his team with 24 points, six of which were three point goals.
Rose who had an outstanding game had nine points. Johnson scored nine points and Hayes who did not score in the first half also finished with point. Weibner and Ellisor finished with two points each.
The all tournament team featured Hayes as MVP followed by Brister and Johnson on the team. Madill Wildcat Miguel Duran also was selection.
The Redskins and Lady Redskins have off until Friday, Jan. 31 when they host the Plainview Indians at the KMAC.