Press staff reports
VIAN – After a delayed beginning, Keys used a big third quarter to rally and knock off Vian, 58-55, on Tuesday night.
Vian and the Lady Cougars (10-8, 8-3) had to wait roughly 45 minutes past tip off time (6:30 p.m.) to begin their Big Eight Conference game thanks to the officials showing up late. And apparently Keys was late to the start, too.
“We were down 20 in the first half,” Keys girls coach Leon Ashlock said. “In the first half, we just came out flat and couldn’t make any shots. And they (Vian) couldn’t miss any shots.”
But Ashlock and the Lady Cougars used a 24-9 third quarter to propel themselves back into the contest.
“We did an outstanding job in the second half,” Ashlock said. “We just played a great second half.”
Keys’ Micah Henry, who did most of her damage after intermission, scored a game-high 24 points. The senior forward scored 17 points in the second half with 12 of those coming in the fourth quarter.
“She did a great job in the second half,” Ashlock said.
Jami Guthrie (11) and Ashton Dudley (10) joined Henry in the double-digit scoring department.
Ashlock said his team responded to the challenge he presented to them at halftime.
“We forced turnovers, shot the ball well and made free throws,” Ashlock said.
Keys 60, Vian 43 (boys)
Keys’ boys coach Duane Jones likes where his team is heading. The Cougars’ coach, who is in his eighth season, feels like his team is finally staring to come together.
“We are playing real good basketball,” he said. “We’re getting better with every game.”
The Cougars (11-7, 9-2) continued their winning streak – now at five games – with a 60-43 win at Vian Tuesday night. Taylor Swanson led the Cougars with 13 points and 17 rebounds.
“Swanson recorded his second straight double-double,” Jones said. “He played like an animal tonight.”
Ross Robbins chipped in with 12 points (nine in the third quarter) while Derek Keys added 12 points and eight rebounds.
“We had real balanced scoring,” Jones said. “We are starting to play together real good.”
The Cougars (11-7, 9-2) used a 24-9 third quarter to put the game away.
“The third quarter was a big quarter,” Jones said. “Our defense really started clicking.”
Adding to the Cougars’ winning effort was Dillin Springwater with eight points and Marcus Scavone, who scored six points to go along with six assists.
Up next for Keys will be a home date with Sallisaw Central. The Lady Cougars will tip off at 6:30 p.m. with the boys to follow at 8.
