By Jason Nieuwenhuis
Contributing Writer
The Wildcats basketball team has come into 6A with something to prove. Starting with a dominant performance against Moore, a 111-point outing against Capitol Hill, a big win over district rival Mustang and a sweep of the Southern Oklahoma Invitational, Coach Brandon Jackon’s team is on fire.
“I expected us to be a good team, but I didn’t expect us to hit the ground running like we have to start the season,” he said.
The defensive side of the ball has been the catalyst for the Wildcats, leading to easy transition baskets and uncontested three pointers.
The Wildcats took the championship at the Southern Oklahoma Invitational Tournament in Duncan with wins over Capitol Hill, Ada and Tuttle, with Ada pushing PHS to the brink before the ‘Cats prevailed.
Walker Kennedy was named the tournament MVP and averaged 15 points, three rebounds and three assists. Hudson Hite averaged nearly 12 points and seven rebounds for the tournament and Ethan Holliday was a force off the bench, leading the team in steals. They play an aggressive style of basketball and love to get up and down the floor.
“We aren’t the biggest team, but we will battle you on the defensive side of the floor to give us a chance to win the game” Jackson said.
Combine that with Piedmont’s sharpshooters Kennedy and Hite averaging more than 15 points per game, and cleanup man Connor Beard pulling down five rebounds per game,
Although Jackson is pleased with the start, he knows that this group is a work in progress.
“Knowing we will continue to grow really excites me for the rest of the season,” he said.
If how his shooters and defenders have played so far is any indication, it is going to be quite a ride. This team has the talent and dedication to improve every time on the floor. If they continue to handle their business on both sides of the floor, the championship in Duncan might not be the only one they play for this year.
