BOYS BASKETBALL
Okarche knocks off host team en route to third straight win
By Trey Hunter
Sports Editor
Okarche captured the 2018 Garber Tournament championship with a win over the host school Saturday, scoring 10 points down the stretch for a 59-57 win.
The Warriors and Garber entered the final eight minutes tied 49-49 and the extra two points down the stretch made the difference as Okarche picked up its third straight victory and seventh of the year.
It was a close game all around. Each team shot close to 40-percent from the field, Okarche hit nine three-pointers while Garber hit eight, the rebound-battle was won by just five by the Warriors and each team shot close to 50-percent from the free-throw line.
Four players scored in double digits for the Warriors, all much needed. Senior Cris Avila led the way with 15 points while senior Tucker Neuenschwander scored 14. Senior Kalen McCarthy and junior Kaleb Harris each chipped in 11 points. Seniors Kendon Brown and Lathen Stover combined for eight.
The Warriors out-rebounded Garber 33-28, led by Brown and Stover who each pulled down eight boards. McCarthy grabbed six and Neuenschwander grabbed five. McCarthy and Neuenschwander each led the team with four assists as well.
Okarche jumped out to a 16-12 lead after the first quarter before Garber cut the lead by two in the second quarter. Garber again cut the lead by two to tie it in the third quarter before Okarche narrowly escaped with the victory down the stretch.
Coach Ray West’s squad improved to 7-3 with the win and will return to action Friday night against Class 2A Watonga before hitting the road once again to take on Class 2A Cordell Tuesday.
