David Laughlin
Waurika News-Democrat
WAURIKA —
Even after his squad pulled out a 56-43 victory over the Central High Bronchos in their opening game of the Rush Springs Black Diamond Tournament, Waurika skipper Joe Masoner expected more and better.
“We just didn’t play that well,” Masoner said. “We didn’t shoot the ball well early in the first half. We finished the game just shooting 38 percent. We did enough to get by and that’s it.
“We lacked defensive intensity. We were a little sluggish on defense. We would put together some runs and have them get shut down because we lost focus on defense. We did everything we could do to get a spark back. It just seems like nothing clicked, though.”
Austin Masoner and Taylor Fuller led the Eagles’ offensive attack, each putting through more than 15 points.
“We didn’t hit the boards like I know we can,” Masoner said. “It wasn’t anything major we did wrong, just a bunch of little things. We couldn’t get it all working at the same time. It’s something we have to get ironed out before Friday.”
The Eagles next opponent, Velma-Alma, is one of the top ranked teams in the state. Masoner knows his squad has its work cut out for it.
“When you go against a team like Velma-Alma, you better be playing your best game,” Masoner said. “They are a good team. We will have to play good in every facet of the game to beat them. I think we can do it, though. As long as we do what we are capable of doing, we can go out there and get the win.”
The Comets field one of the area’s most dynamic players in Corbin Byford. Byford is already inked to play collegiate basketball at Oral Roberts University.
“Corbin is so good but the team around him is good, too,” Masoner said. “If you just focus on him, they are going to beat you. He’s going to get his points no matter what, but we just have to play a well-rounded, good game. We are going to have to be above average in every area of the game. Offense, defense and the transition game, we are going to have to excel in all areas.”
The Eagles will take on the Comets at 5:45 p.m. Friday at Rush Springs.
“We have our work cut out for us,” Masoner said. “If we go out and play our game, though, we can be successful.”
