The Wayne Bulldogs were 2-2 last week with wins over Davis, 54-31, and Walters, 51-41. Their two losses were to Velma-Alma, 61-48 last Tuesday and 47-41 in their second game of the tournament.
“Our goal was to win at least two games over the weekend, so I think overall the tournament went really well,” head coach Jackson Embry said.
Wayne started the tournament with a thirteen point win over Davis.
“We shot really well early in that game and played good defense.”
Despite a loss earlier in the week, Embry felt his team had a good second outing against Velma Friday.
“Last week we gave up 61 points but during the tournament we held them to just 47, so I feel like our defense was good.”
According to the coach, Wayne had the lead in the fourth quarter, but gave up a run of points to Velma, ultimately losing by six.
On Saturday, the Bulldogs beat Walter 51-41 to take third place.
“The second quarter was crucial. We outscored them 21-1 and cruised from there.
“We pride ourselves on defense and we definitely played well.”
Junior Kaleb Madden was on fire last week totaling 77 points through four games.
“Kaleb is very dedicated and has really bought into what we’re doing. He’s working hard to be great,” Embry said.
Last year, Madden’s season point total was 104.
Senior Brannon Lewelling, playing injured, had 33 points in the tournament, including 11 in the win over Davis and 13 in the loss to Velma.
Lewelling was set to have season-ending surgery Wednesday.
“Brannon is tough to lose. You can’t just replace a guy like him. But, we have a next guy up mentality and he’s been pivotal in leading the younger guys and helping them along,” Embry said.
Over the course of his time at Wayne Lewelling has had over 2,000 rebounds and he finished just 18 points shy of 1000.
Early last week, Wayne lost to Velma, 61-48.
“We got into foul trouble and gave up too many free throws,” Embry said.
“But it was a great environment. I don’t remember ever seeing the gym more packed. The guys played into that atmosphere.”
Madden led the team with 22 points while freshman Jaxon Dill stepped up and added 11 for the Bulldogs.
Senior Andy Lee was also a heavy contributor with six points.
The Bulldogs’ scheduled game with Minco was canceled on Tuesday. They travel to Earlsboro on Thursday then are off for Christmas break.
“Earlsboro will be a good match up for us,” Embry said.
The Wildcats play mostly man-to-man, the defense Embry and his Bulldogs prefer which he believes will help them to be prepared for the remainder of the games on their schedule.
Girls
The Wayne Lady Bulldogs were Velma-Alma Consolation Champs thanks to a commanding 60-28 win over Thackerville.
Sophomore Haylee Durrence had 18 points in the win. Lorensa Martinez added nine and Jordynn Debaets and McKenzie Fisher had eight a piece.
“We jumped out to a 17-0 lead against Thackerville thanks to our guards applying pressure on defense,” head coach Bill Burnett said.
Despiting starting the tournament with a 42-30 loss to Empire, Wayne beat Kingston JV, 46-28, and Thackerville to round out their tournament play.
“Our defense was good throughout the tournament and now our offense is starting to look better,” Burnett said.
Durrence led the team in scoring during the tournament with 35 points. Junior Kaylee Madden had 24 through three games.
Last Tuesday, Wayne fell to Velma-Alma 37-23. Seven Lady Bulldogs scored in the loss with Madden leading the team with six points.
The Lady Bulldogs are 3-2 and will travel to Earlsboro today (Thursday). Tuesday’s game at Minco was canceled.
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