By Trey Hunter
Sports Editor
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Wildcats are starting to buy into their potential and it’s showing on the court.
No. 18 Piedmont extended its win-streak to four games with a 80-67 win over Western Heights Tuesday night, controlling the Jets on the defensive end to go along with a hot shooting night from the team’s top two scorers.
The Cats contained Western Heights to the tune of 40-percent shooting, including holding the Jets to just nine points in the opening quarter. Meanwhile, seniors Hunter Oden and Dylan Hahn combined for 51 points to spur team on the offensive end.
“I think they’re buying into the defensive end,” first-year head coach Wil Scofield said of his after the win. “And obviously we have two guys that can really shoot it. Everyone on the team is starting to understand their roles and that Hunter and Dylan are the scorers.
“So our identity is defensive end and first open shot, let’s shoot it. We’re starting to get there.”
Outside of Western Heights’ 25-point fourth quarter, the Cats held their own on the defensive end, limiting the Jets to under 18 points in the second and just 15 in the third quarter. The Cats also won the battle on the boards, out-rebounding Western Heights 32-26 while giving up just five on the offensive glass and forced 13 turnovers.
Oden and Hahn sparked the team in the opening eight minutes and spurred the team down the stretch.
The duo combined for 15 of the team’s 19 points in the first quarter and 20 of the 31 in the fourth. Oden finished with a game-high 26 points with seven rebounds. Hahn scored 25 points with a team-high eight rebounds and three assists.
“I think we’re working as a team more and the chemistry is looking good,” Oden said after the game. “We’re really working as a team.”
Hahn added that the team’s improvement on the defensive end has really sparked energy and focus over the last four games.
Scofield’s approach for his team to take open looks early in possessions helped lead to more chances for the team’s supporting cast, including junior Doran Hillman who finished with nine points and sophomore Joey Mars who scored 10.
Junior Jarod Heath also stepped up with six points and six rebounds. His presence as the team’s post-man has been integral Scofield said.
“He’s done an outstanding job of holding down the paint and anchoring the defense. It makes it easier when you’ve got a guy back there who is willing to sacrifice. It doesn’t always show up in the scoring column, but he’s unselfish and knows his role and works hard to help his team win. And it showed tonight.”
The Wildcats have now won four straight and five of their last six games, including a championship run in the Bethany Tournament last weekend. They will look to make it five in a row Friday night at Guthrie.
Piedmont earned its first win of the season over the Blue Jays on Dec. 18 to close out the first semester.
