Sports

Kingfisher officially began its quest for a return trip to the state tournament with an alley-oop dunk Saturday night. Things only got worse from there for Harding Charter Prep.

No matter his opponent, there’s a part of Stone Snodgrass that makes him believe he can defeat his foe when he steps onto a wrestling mat. “I truly believe I have a chance in every match,” said the Kingfisher High School senior.

Kingfisher County

The first time Justin Edsall pulled his starters on Thursday, it was to get their attention. The second time, it was to get them some rest. Lomega staved off elimination for at least one day as it pushed out Mulhall-Orlando 66-19 at home in a Class B regional consolation quarterfinal contest.

Lomega’s defense wasn’t doing enough to subdue Mulhall-Orlando. So Kevin Lewallen’s Lady Raiders advanced in the 2019 Class B playoffs with their explosive offense.

Lomega High School paid tribute to its very first basketball teams on their 50-year anniversary. Members of the 1969 basketball teams were recognized during Lomega’s home game with Timberlake on Feb. 1. Loyal and Omega schools consolidated for the 1968-69 school year, forming Lomega.

Everything, it seemed, was working for Kingfisher except the 3-point shot Saturday night in its quest for another conference championship.

Okeene pulled off one of the big surprises early this playoff season and it came at Lomega’s expense. The Whippets first eliminated Dover on Friday night, then handed ninth-ranked Lomega an 80-53 defeat Saturday on the Raiders’ home court in their Class B district championship.

The county’s small schools began their basketball playoffs last week. The larger schools follow suit this weekend. District tournaments begin Friday across the state in Classes 2A, 3A and 4A. In Class 4A, KHS will host Harding Charter Prep in a 4A district on Saturday.