By JEREMY SHORT
TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — This season’s Tahlequah boys’ basketball team went farther than any had gone in school history and several of the players involved in the 20-8 record were awarded by being name to the Metro Lakes All-Conference team.
“Each of our all-conference players contributed and brought a special style of play to our team,” said Tigers coach Leroy Qualls. “They were all very valuable in the success of our team by displaying their own individual talent during the season to compliment each other and to maket our team so outstanding.”
Seniors Matt Qualls and Weston Cox led the way as they were named to the first team.
Qualls had a great season for the Tigers as he had averages of 23 points and 13 rebounds a game. He also shot 67 percent from the field and 75 percent from the free throw line.
“He was so strong in the playoffs and a great leader on the court,” said Qualls. “The better the competition Matt played, he always raised his game to another level. He was virtually unstoppable and teams did not have an answer in trying to stop him.”
After transferring from Pryor before the season, Cox became a staple in the Tigers backcourt and alongside junior Jon Griggs formed one of the best guard combos in the conference.
He averaged 10.3 points a game and had a team-high 166 assists on the season. Cox was also solid at the free throw line at 73 percent.
“Weston was so valuable in what he brought to the team, his worth could not truly be measured with statistics,” said Qualls. “He created all kinds of matchup problems for opposing teams.”
Griggs was honored as well as he was named to the All-Conference second team. Griggs was second on the team in points and assists and hit 50 3-pointers to lead the team.
“Jon was always a thorn in the side of the opposing team’s point guard,” said Qualls. “His ball handling made it difficult for teams to press us and his playmaking made us lethal on offense.”
The other two starters, senior Josh Todd and junior Adam Stovall, were named to the third team. Todd averaged seven points, four rebounds and four assists a game. He raised his game in the state tournament to 10 points a game.
“Josh was instrumental because of his unnerving and solid play under pressure,” said Qualls. “He made smart decisions with the ball all year in big games.”
Stovall, alongside Qualls, formed a lethal shotblocking tandem in the paint for the Tigers. The 6’6” Stovall averaged six points and six rebounds a game. He was also second on the team in blocked shots.
“Adam’s mere force on defense was a force for opponents to deal with because of his shot blocking and altering shots,” said Qualls.
