Lady Indians overpower Central High in county opener

The Comanche Lady Indians began the process of trying to reclaim the top spot in the Stephens County Tournament, opening with a 69-19 lopsided win over host Central High on Monday night.

The Lady Indians had won six straight tournaments before finishing fourth in the 2021 tournament.

Comanche jumped out on Central High early. After a 2-2 tie to open the game, Comanche closed out the quarter on a 19-0 run using their unrelenting defense and athleticism to smother the Lady Bronchos. Six different Lady Indians scored in the quarter.

Comanche did not let up in the second quarter, scoring the first six points before giving up a three-point play, which turned out to be the only points the Lady Indians would give up in the quarter.

Gracee Miller scored nine of her game-high 21 points in the quarter as the Lady Indians pushed their lead to 40-5 at the half.

The third quarter was the last quarter Comanche’s starters would play, but they made the most of their time, combining for 20 points as they cruised into the final quarter with a 60-11 advantage.

Comanche advances to the semifinals to play Velma-Alma on Thursday at 6:40 p.m.

Scoring

Comanche (10-1): Gracee Miller, 21; Caity Blair, 12; Bri Keeling, 9; Kenley Lemons, 9; Kynli Morris, 8; Breelie Garlinger, 4; Kylie Roden, 4; and Kamry Rendon, 2

Central High (1-13): Beth Clement, 8; Vivian Shipley, 7; Bryanna McKinney, 2; Miracle Harris, 2

 
Lady Eagles 41,

Lady Indians JV 25

The Lady Indians JV made up of all freshmen found themselves up against the No. 2 seed in the opener. Comanche held its own and gave Waurika a hard-fought game.

Comanche was able to stick close in the first quarter thanks to a pair of back-to-back three-pointers by Keira Pineda that cut an 11-2 Waurika lead into an 11-8 lead in less than 30 seconds.

Waurika, though, which had been playing a zone defense in the first quarter, switched to a pressure defense in the second, giving the Lady Indians problems. Comanche could not muster a field goal in the quarter and were limited to a pair of free throws. Meanwhile, the Lady Eagles worked the ball inside on the offensive end to build their lead to 23-10 at the half.

It was more of the same in the third quarter until Jentry Whaley ended the field goal drought with 1:39 left in the quarter with a three-point play.

The Lady Indians were able to get their offense going more in the fourth quarter as they matched the Lady Eagles point for point.

The Comanche JV will play Wayne on Friday at 4 p.m. in the consolation bracket.

Scoring

Waurika (13-2): Liberti Simmons, 15; Jasmine Henry, 12; Cassidie Berry, 6; Jaci Gholson, 3; Alexia Henry, 2; Gracie Waling, 1

Comanche JV (0-1): Keira Pineda, 12; Brilee Combs, 5; Karsynn Bowles, 3; Jentry Whaley, 3; Caity Ramsey, 2