By Trey Hunter
Sports Editor
The Warriors jumped out to a commanding lead early, setting up their fourth win Tuesday over Harding Fine Arts Academy in Oklahoma City.
Okarche started hot, cruising to a 28-11 lead after the first quarter and entered halftime with a 43-21 advantage.
Coach Ray West’s team was in the zone during the first 16 minutes, shooting over 54-percent from the field, 18-for-33 overall. The Warriors also shot 50-percent from three-point range, nailing three of six attempts. They tacked on four points (on six attempts) from the free-throw stripe as well.
The Eagles turned the tables in the second half, but Okarche withstood the storm.
Harding outscored the Warriors 26-19 down the stretch, shooting 50-percent from the field over the final 16 minutes. They went 2-for-2 from beyond the arc as well and nailed eight free throws.
Okarche’s shooting dropped off a tad in the second half, shooting just over 31-percent from the field on 19 attempts. But it was just enough to hold on to the victory.
Senior Kalen McCarthy led the Warriors with 17 points while senior Lathen Stover finished with 16. Junior Kaleb Harris scored 12 points to round out the team’s double-digit scorers. Stover led the way on the glass, finishing with nine rebounds while senior Kendon Brown grabbed seven off the bench. Senior Cris Avila scored nine points and led the team with five assists.
Traevon Richardson led Harding with 17 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Bjon Kennedy finished with 12 points and Alfred Benford scored 11.
Okarche won the battle on the boards, 31-24, and the turnover battle, forcing 33 while giving it up 27 times. The Warriors were especially pesky on the defensive end, led by Avila who finished with eight steals and Stover who finished with five.
The Warriors return home next week, hosting Dale on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. before hitting the road once again next Friday at Oklahoma Christian Academy in Edmond.
