9 in a row

Purcell’s No. 3 ranked Dragons took an 18-1 record into Tuesday’s rematch with No. 7 Marlow, the only team to knock off Purcell this season.

The Dragons edged Bridge Creek on the road last Friday, 55-50, and toppled Pauls Valley the following day in a make-up contest, 62-49.

The Dragon defense continues to shine. They held Bridge Creek to 16 second half points including only seven in the third quarter.

Coach Roger Raper’s Dragons matched that feat in the Pauls Valley victory limiting the Panthers to seven third period points.

Malachi Evans led all scorers with 20 points in the Bridge Creek contest. He was joined in double figures by Lincoln Eubank with 14 and Kobe Freeman with 10.

Freeman and Evans led the scoring in the Pauls Valley contest with each pouring in 18. Hayden Ice joined them in double digits with 16.

“Last week was very difficult in regards to preparing and staying focused,” Raper said. “We had changes happening each day with school, practice and games.

“We were able to keep things together and get two very good wins,” he continued. “Bridge Creek and Pauls Valley are both difficult opponents. I was very proud of our defensive efforts especially in the second halves of each game.

“Malachi Evans shot the ball well in each game and Lincoln Eubank scored 14 points in one quarter against Bridge Creek keeping us in the game during the first half,” the coach said. “Our schedule continues to be tough and it should really help us for the playoffs,” Raper concluded.

Coach Toney Cooper’s Dragons tucked away a pair of run away victories, blistering Bridge Creek 75-34 and socking it to Pauls Valley, 89-35.

Cooper had four players score in double digits in both outings.

Hannah Whitaker led the scoring parade against Bridge Creek with 15. Nipping at her heels with 14 was Ella Resendiz. Tinley Winters finished with 11 and Kenna Esparza had 10.

In the Pauls Valley drubbing Haven Buchanan led the way with 19, including five treys. As a team, the Dragons canned a dozen from beyond the arc.

Joining Buchanan in double figures were Whitaker with 16, Resendiz with 11 and Winters with 10.

Purcell was on fire against Pauls Valley scoring 51 points in the first half including 31 in the opening frame.

“We have not looked good offensively in a few weeks,” Cooper said. “We were finally able to put some points up and get back to scoring in transition.”

Cooper said he was especially proud of his “bigs”. He was referring to Winters and Resendiz.

“Tinley had a solid mix of drives, three pointers and put backs,” the coach said. “Ella complimented that effort controlling the boards and running the floor.

“Hannah led all scorers and brought energy from the moment she stepped on the floor. Kenna did a good job of pushing the pace and finding open teammates.” Cooper said.

“Defensively, we were strong throughout the game, holding them to single digit scoring three out of the four quarters.”

Cooper said playing back-to-back games wasn’t ideal since several of his players are dealing with injuries.

“I was completely shocked when we came out and put up 31 points in the first quarter,” he said. “There were not a lot of missed opportunities.

“Our ball movement was incredible and we got some transition buckets throughout the game,” the coach continued. “Haven Buchanan was on fire from the three point line. Hannah Whitaker had another solid game and our bigs, Ella and Tinley, again followed up with double digits in scoring.

“It was good to have some games where the girls could see the results of us playing to our level again as we head down the stretch,” Cooper concluded.

The girls are ranked No. 10 in Class 3A and were 14-5 heading into the Marlow contest Tuesday night.

Purcell is slated for a make-up games at Pauls Valley tonight (Thursday) and will host Lexington Friday, which is Senior Night.

The Dragons will host Lexington in the district tournament February 18.