Choctaw girls stay undefeated after claiming John Nobles Invitational title
MOORE, OKLAHOMA - After two days of physical basketball, Choctaw was prepared to get a double dose of it Saturday night.
Facing Owasso, Lady Yellowjacket coach Ryan Maloney knew his team was going to have to be physically and mentally tough if they were going to end the night still undefeated on the season.
Despite a slow start, the Lady Yellowjackets kept their record unblemished with a 48-42 victory at Moore High to win the 49th annual John Nobles Invitational.
“Owasso is good. It was two district teams sitting first in their district, so we knew it was going to be a tight game,” Maloney said. “They played tough teams, they played (Edmond) Memorial, they played Sand Springs. So, these games are going to be close and it started a little rocky for us.”
Coming into the game, Choctaw had only had two close games all season. Both were overtime wins against Bixby and Duncan. Every other team they had faced had been beaten by double digits.
The Lady Rams' style of play was going to make it difficult for the Lady Yellowjackets to just run away with the game. They were going to have to earn it.
Yet, when Choctaw (13-0) built its lead up to 12 points midway through the third quarter, it looked like they were going to make quick work of Owasso (13-3).
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However, the Rams slowly whittled the lead down to three points behind the play of Makenna Yokley. The senior post began to take over in the paint and on the boards and saddled the Lady Yellowjackets with foul after foul.
If not for missed free throws and turnovers, Owasso would have had a chance to get closer or take the lead. Instead, the Lady Yellowjackets led by five heading into the fourth quarter.
“Unfortunately for us, we allowed them to do exactly what they wanted to do and get to the rim and get to the foul line,” Maloney said. “So, you just bring them back over and you calm them back down.
"You say focus on what you're supposed to focus on. Don't guard the 3-point line so hard. Get bodies in there where they can't physically get to the block. So, you just bring them back to focus and they're going to make a run. And that's what a championship game's all about.”
With 43 seconds left in the game, Owasso’s Jayelle Austin was fouled while making a shot in the paint. The ensuing free throw cut the Lady Yellowjackets' lead down to four, 44-40.
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The Rams almost forced a turnover at halfcourt, but the possession arrow belonged to Choctaw. That would be as close as Owasso would get as the Lady Yellowjackets made their free throws down the stretch the close the night out.
“We just leaned on each other (and) trusted the coaches, trusted the play, “ said CHS senior Katelyn Davis. “We used the clock to our advantage because we still had the lead and came out with a 'W.'”
Alex McGarrah paced the Rams with 16 points.
Davis, who was named the tournament MVP, led the Lady Yellowjackets with 18 points. Malerie Hawk scored seven points, while Brooke Curry chipped in with six.
Choctaw's Katelyn Davis (right) attempts a 3-pointer during the Lady Yellowjackets' win against Owasso in the title game of the John Nobles Invitational at Moore on Jan. 20, 2024.
Choctaw heads back to district action next week, but wants to remember the lessons they picked up from the John Nobles to stay with them the rest of the season.
“This is a state tournament game, at least an area game where down the stretch, we've always prided ourselves on not doing things to give up a lead when we have a lead and we can protect it,” Maloney said. “That's always been a staple of this program. So getting to do that against a high-caliber team, that's experience that you just cannot buy.
"So that, and just keep playing with swagger. We're 13-0, we're feeling good, but we need to play hungry and that's what this team is right now.”
Owasso's Makenna Yokley (with ball) goes up for a basket during the title game of the John Nobles Invitational on Jan. 20, 2024, in Moore.
-- Michael Kinney | @SBLiveOK
