The Redskins traveled to Atoka to play in the first round of the Wampus Cat Classic on Jan. 23. The matchup was the Longhorns of Lone Grove. Coach Taylor Weibner and his Redskins were coming off of a victory last Tuesday over the Marietta Indians.
The Redskins would prevail 52-32 over the Longhorns.
The first quarter saw Brady Brister returning to the starting lineup and he had a nice three point bucket. Kaden Johnson had two field goals and Jase Hayes scored two points. The defense from both teams was intense. At the buzzer the Redskins trailed by two. Score, 11 to 9.
Second quarter action continued with Johnson hitting a pretty three and adding a field goal. Hayes and Braden Matchen both added field goals. The defense again was good on both sides of the court. The score at the half was now all tied at 19.
In the third quarter the Redskins offense came alive and they began to build a lead on the Horns. Johnson and Hayes were in a race. Each had three field goals. Brister added a field goal as did Matchen. The Horns could only manage three points against the Redskin defense. This allowed the Redskins to take a 13 point lead into the fourth. Redskins now lead 35 to 22.
Fourth quarter featured a parade to the free throw line. Brister was 2 of 2, Rose was 1 of 2, Hayes was 5 of 6. Hayes was continuing to drive inside for tough buckets. He had two field goals. Johnson added another field goal to his total before fouling out with 2 min. to go. Brycen Ellisor and Matchen also scored inside buckets. Final Stats: Hayes had 19 points followed by Johnson with 17. Next was Brister with 7 and Matchen who had 4. Rose and Ellisor each had 2 points.
Next up for the Redskins will be an 8:20 matchup on Friday with the host Atoka Wampus Cats who defeated the Pauls Valley Panthers tonight.
Note: On the opposite side of the winners bracket are the Madill Wildcats who defeated Latta in overtime to advance. If the Redskins and the Wildcats both advance on Friday that would set up an all Marshall County final on Saturday night. The Wildcats will take on Durant Lions @ 5:40 Friday.