Hours after playing the last basketball game of his career, an Okarche High School senior was fighting for his life.

Phillip Kirk “P.K.” Harris remained in critical condition Monday after being involved in a head-on collision in the early-morning hours Sunday.

According to a report from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the 18-year-old Harris was flown to OU Medical Center and admitted with a head injury.

Okarche Superintendent Josh Sumrall was at the hospital with the Harris family when doctors finished surgery to alleviate pressure on his brain.

“The surgeon seemed optimistic and positive about the surgery,” Sumrall said. “He said there are some broken bones and other issues to tend to, but alleviating the pressure was the first priority.”

Sumrall was joined on the visit by Okarche High School Principal G.W. Parham and boys basketball coaches Aaron West and Brandon Treece.

Sumrall added the doctor said the following 48 hours were critical in Harris’ ability to make a strong recovery.

“He’s a fighter and a strong kid,” Sumrall said. “We look for him to get through it.”

According to the report, Harris was driving south on County Road NS2740, also known as Calumet blacktop, in a 2011 Ram 3500.

The report said his pickup- truck crossed the centerline and was nearly in the east ditch when it collided with a 2016 Volvo semi-truck driven by Jackie Ralph Shy, 61, of Norman.

The collision took place about eight-tenths of a mile north of County Road EW840 at about 2:45 a.m.

Harris was pinned for about 45 minutes before being extricated by members of the Kingfisher Fire Department, said the report.

Trooper Lane Gossen of the Kingfisher County Detachment of Troop J investigated the incident. He was assisted by Trooper Justin Noll of the Blaine County Detachment.

Also at the scene were members of the Kingfisher County Sheriff’s Office, Omega Fire Department, Okarche Fire Department, Kingfisher EMS, Okarche Police Department and AirEvac.

Harris was a member of the Okarche boys basketball team that qualified for the Class A state tournament.

The Warriors were defeated in the quarterfinal round last Wednesday.

Sumrall said the outreach of support has been tremendous, not only in Okarche, but from beyond. “I’ve even had people who saw us play at the Fairgrounds last week reach out,” said Sumrall. “And of course this community is awesome and has been so supportive.”

Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where Harris attends, held a prayer vigil Sunday night.

“We certainly appreciate all the prayers,” Sumrall said, “and I know the family does, too.”