Hoops season starts

As befits the year 2020, the high school basketball season opened last week with some unusual scenarios.

Chandler had to scrap its scheduled opener against Okemah due to COVID-19 quarantines, and McLoud played its boys opener against Meeker in a quiet gym without spectators or cheerleaders.

The girls game was a scratch, due to quarantines, and officials were blowing their whistles through masks.

It was basketball in the COVID for sure. When the Lions opened against North Rock Creek on Tuesday, admission was limited to spectators who had secured vouchers and there were no cheerleaders at courtside while the game was on.

North Rock Creek, playing as a 3A school this year, came from behind in the girls game, picking up its first win of the season.

Lefthanded freshman Olivia McCray hit four threes and scored 21 points to lead the Lady Cougars.

Kate Masquas added 19.

Chandler’s Lady Lions, ranked No. 19 in Class 3A, got 21 points from Jaelynn Robertson and 16 from Leah Brannon.

In the boys game, NRC pushed its record to 2-0 with 93-62 win.

The Cougars led from the start, but pulled away during a 31-point third quarter. Diego Garcia, who finished with 25 points, had 10 in that pivotal period.

Noah McMullan had 19 points and Jace McRay 14.

Kaden Jones had 15 points for Chandler and Chase Campbell added 10.

At Meeker on Friday, the Wellston Lady Tigers picked up a 55-30 win behind the 24-point outing of Kaylea McLin.

Britney Want had 11 points for Meeker, which has been dealing with COVID-19 issues.

Wellston led 22-16 at the half in the boys game, but Meeker cut the gap to four in the third period and used free-throw shooting to pull away in the fourth quarter.

The Bulldogs hit 13 of 19 fouls in the fourth period.

Kade Brewster had 15 points for Meeker and Cade Patterson had 11.

McKoy Coulson had 25 points to pace Wellston.