Jackets hitch ride to area final

Kingfisher’s third meeting with Blanchard this season went the way of the first two.

The only difference this time around? There was much more on the line.

The Yellowjackets won a 4A regional championship for the second consecutive year Saturday by knocking off the Lions 73-39 at the APB.

They’re now one win away from a third consecutive appearance in the state tournament.

Top-ranked Kingfisher will play No. 12 Bethany at 8 Friday night in Washington in their 4A Area I championship.

The winner moves on to the state tournament. The loser plays at 8 p.m Saturday in the consolation championship for a spot at state.

Bethany knocked off No. 5 Anadarko 54-47 in their regional championship.

KHS had defeated Blanchard by 51 and 39 points in their earlier meetings and after getting out to a modest 16-9 lead, this one followed suit.

In the final home game of the season - and the careers for the seniors - the Jackets clamped down on the Lions in the second quarter just as Jett Sternberger began to heat up.

The senior made three treys and scored 11 points as part of a 26-5 run, pushing Kingfisher’s lead to 42-14.

In all, Sternberger was 7 of 11 from 3-point range and led the team with 23 points.

He’s 11 shy of 2,000 points for his career.

Jarret Birdwell also warmed up in the second quarter where he scored eight of his 10 points off the bench.

Bijan Cortes posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 assists. He also had five rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

Matthew Stone scored seven of his 11 points in the third quarter when the Jackets extended their lead by nine more points.

Trey Green and Reece Lafferty scored eight apiece. Lafferty led the team with seven rebounds.

Kingfisher limited Blanchard to 34 percent shooting and forced 22 turnovers.

KHS outscored the Lions 21-4 in points off turnovers and 16-6 in transition points.