By N, Muskogee Phoenix
The Warriors were unable to slow down Porter big man KeJuan Reynolds at the end and Webbers Falls just couldn’t muster enough offense to pull it out. The Pirates put up 45 shots in the game compared to just 27 for the Warriors, who played a slow-down style.
“We didn’t want to get into a track meet with them and so we very patient on offense and we were okay with that but some of the shots we made in the first half weren’t falling in the second half,” said Warriors coach Jordan Garner. “When our big guy (Caden Dishman) fouled out we didn’t have anyone inside to counter Reynolds and that hurt.”
Even though the Warriors struggled offensively, Porter really wasn’t able to capitalize on it. After the Warriors went cold for nearly six minutes in the third and four quarters, the Pirates were able to gain just a six-point lead at 26-20.
Webbers Falls battled back to make it a one-point game with three minutes left. But a Warrior turnover was followed by a 3-pointer from Logan Crain with just over two minutes to play. giving the Pirates a four-point lead which the Warriors couldn’t overcome.
“We didn’t play very well and didn’t shoot well,” said Porter coach Corey Miller. “I did a terrible job of not running our offense through KeJuan, who is one of the best big men in the area. He needs to touch the ball on every possession, and we didn’t do a good job of that tonight.”
Ashton Davis was the only Warrior in double figures with 10 points while Reynolds paced the Pirates with 12 points followed closely by Caden Willard and Mason Plunk with 11 points each.
With the win, the No.14-ranked Pirates (19-4) advance to the Red Oak regional in the winners bracket to play the host Eagles Thursday at 8 p.m. while the Warrior will play Talihina at 3:00 p.m. in the consolation bracket