by Aaron Kauk
The Weatherford Eagles came oh so close to their first boys’ basketball state championship in the school’s history on Saturday inside the Big House. Weatherford trailed Douglass 39-26 going into the 4th quarter, but a furious comeback saw the Eagles with a chance to take the lead with under 5 seconds left. Freshman Jackson Smith hoisted an open left-wing 3 that just wouldn’t go in and after some Douglass free throws the Trojans were victorious 48-44. Weatherford ends a sensational season with a silver ball and a 28-2 record. All 5 starters for Weatherford will be back next season.
The other 9 gold balls in the larger classes were handed out on Saturday. On the girls’ side, Edmond North is back-to-back champs in 6A with a 65-58 win over Norman. Sapulpa one the 5A title by a point 75-74. Bethany won their first-ever girls’ state championship by defeating Lincoln Christian 48-36 for the 4A title. Jones earned their 3rd straight 3A ring with a 39-33 win over Washington. Dale’s the 2A champions with a 48-23 demolition of Howe. The other boy’s titles included Edmond North in 6A topping Broken Arrow 58-49. Del City clipped Carl Albert 37-35 in 5A. Millwood won their record-breaking 17th boys state title with a 56-53 win over Metro Christian in 3A. Dale completed a perfect season by trashing Ok Chr Academy 78-52 in the 2A championship game.
