CATOOSA — Tahlequah boys basketball ran into one of the top 4A teams to open the Port City Classic.
The host, Catoosa Indians, came into the game undefeated and continued that start with a 72-45 win, Thursday, Jan. 22.
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“We kind of got complacent, way too much isolation basketball. We missed so many shots around the rim in the first half; I’d say we missed 12 to 15 shots around the rim the whole game,” THS head coach Matt Qualls said. “They have to go up stronger, be more aggressive to beat the back end of a press. Catoosa is a good ball team. We seeded this tournament in November; if they seeded it today, they would be the No. 1 seed. They’re a tough team and they’re undefeated for a reason.”
In the first quarter, the Tigers’ defense limited the Indians to a 8-7 lead at the 3:12 mark. In the opening quarter, the Tigers had points from Caston Wilson, Weezy Johnson and Duke Dobbins.
CHS took back the lead a couple of minutes later, but the Tigers’ man-to-man defense ensured it was 9-8 going into the second quarter.
“I thought our first quarter was better than the last few games,” Qualls said.
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In the next quarter, the Indians’ 3-point shot found rhythm, as they made five shots from deep to take a 27-16 lead going into halftime.
THS continued to share the rock, with Jett Morrison, Konner Tindel and Johnson all picking up points in the quarter.
After halftime, the Indians kept the pressure up as they extended their lead to 50-35 after the third quarter. By the end of the game, Catoosa stretched out the lead to 72-45.
The Tigers continue in the Port City Classic at 2:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23, playing the loser of Carthage and East Central Junior Varisty.
“We have to have a short memory and we have to respond to adversity,” Qualls said. “We have to learn how to make the adjustments that we need to make. Something you just have to take one on the chin, but you have to respond with growth.”lo
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