With a double double from Nolan Gore and Carson Propps, the Hydro-Eakly boys basketball team won Washita Valley Conference, beatingLookeba-Sickles 69-45 in the championship game, Saturday at SWOSU.
“I am happy we got the win and know we can score some points,” coach Rick Gore said. “However, we have got to play better on defense and get more stops at the start of games. However, as the game went on, we locked down much better and held them to 24 points after the first quarter ended.”
Lookeba-Sickles had a great start, leading Hydro-Eakly 11-4 midway through the first quarter. Paxton Price took a charge, which sparked Hydro-Eakly ending the quarter outscoring Lookeba-Sickles 10-4.
Nolan Gore stole an inbounds pass and scored a quick layup. Hydro-Eakly trailed 22-21 going into the second quarter. Coach Gore stressed the importance of playing defense, boxing out and emphasized why they needed to get more stops.
“We played terribly on defense in the first quarter,” coach Gore said. “We have to play better defense. Now, they did have some guys get hot and credit their good shooters, but we did not defend either and gave them second chances to score. Nolan, Paxton and Carson played well on offense and scored points, but we have to get better on defense.”
Hydro-Eakly opened the second quarter outscoring Lookeba-Sickles 9-2, building a two-possession lead midway through the second quarter. With 15 seconds left until halftime, Nolan Gore scored a 4-point play, when fouled shooting a 3-point shot. Hydro-Eakly was ahead 37-29 at halftime. Gore said the rebounding was much better in the second quarter.
“Our defense got a lot better in the second quarter and as the game went on,” Gore said. “We got rebounds and stopped them from scoring. We talked and communicated more, which helped.”
The Bobcats struggled to score in the third quarter, but kept playing defense. However, they built a double digit advantage with plays like Propps scoring a quick jump shot. Hydro-Eakly was ahead 47-37 going into the fourth quarter.
Price had a big fourth quarter, scoring 14 points, which helped give Hydro-Eakly the 69-45 win against Lookeba-Sickles.
“Paxton got into some foul trouble, but he put his game together in the fourth quarter,” Gore said. “This helped us open the game away. Him and Carson play well together down low and this put pressure on their defense.”
Propps and Price each scored 23 points. Propps also recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds. Nolan Gore also recorded a double-double, scoring 20 points and recording 10 rebounds.
Propps, Price and Nolan Gore all made the All-Conference team. Kolsen Tharp was an honorable mention and Nolan Gore was the All-Conference MVP.
“I am proud of all four boys,” coach Gore said. “They all play so well together and are very deserving of their awards. I did not vote for my players, which is a compliment to them and they definitely earned their respect. They definitely helped us keep the traveling trophy for the past three seasons.”
Gore was the All-Conference coach. However, Gore said he only accomplished this award because of how good his players are.
“My thought on being the All-Conference coach is only because of the great players,” Gore said. “Great players make a great coach and I am fortunate to have such great players. It for sure makes my job much easier.”
Hydro-Eakly improves to 19-3 and concluded the regular season Tuesday at Vici. Hydro-Eakly will play in the District Tournament championship, 6:30 p.m. Saturday against the winner of Union City or Fletcher at Hydro-Eakly. Union City and Fletcher will play, 6:30 p.m. Friday at Hydro-Eakly.
Both teams who play Saturday night will advance to the Regional Tournament, also at Hydro-Eakly High School.
“We will have to be ready to play,” Gore said. “For us to make a state title run, we will have to sharpen up our defense. I am excited for the playoffs and I like our team going into the playoffs.”