The Eufaula Ironheads (23-3) crushed the Henryetta Knights 83-45 for the District Championship Friday at Eufaula. The Ironheads dominated from the opening tipoff. It was a textbook game of how to play defense, make assists and scoring from the perimeter.
Eufaula outscored Henryetta 23-12 in the first period and 17-7 in the second period, leading 40-19 at halftime. Eufaula guard Gabe Callison had the hot hand all game, scoring 24 points including seven three-pointers that took the wind out of the Knights’ sails. Henryetta was confused on who to cover because as soon as they would try to double team Callison, Jentry James would make a steal and score or R’Reon Morrow and Keaton Parish slicing to the basket. Logan Plant had a big night rebounding on both ends of the court and forcing turnovers.
Defensively Eufaula taught Henryetta how to steal and score in transition.
Ty Sparks, Doltyn Lane and James were incredible defensively. Eleven players scored for the Ironheads in the game and the bench provided great effort. Holden Jones, Koltyn Lane, Yardeka Fields, Brayden O’Brien and Payden Lanham gave Eufaula head coach Grant Callison solid playing time on the court, both defensively and scoring.
The Ironheads held Henryetta to just one player in double digits, as Max Nye led the Knights with 14 points.
“This was a total team victory. Everyone on this team, our managers, coaches and fans made this possible. We have the greatest fans in the state. They love this team and how it represents the community. I’m just proud of these players but we still have a lot of game ahead of us but we’re going to enjoy this one tonight,” Eufaula head coach Grant Callison said.
“Winning the district championship as a senior feels great, but I’m ready to keep working toward our ultimate goal,” Eufaula senior Jentry James said.
This was Coach Callison’s first district chamfrom pionship with Eufaula.
Gabe Callison led Eufaula with 24 points, Jentry James with 15, Keaton Parish with 12, and R’Reon Morrow added eight points.
Eufaula ends regular season 22-3 The Eufaula Ironheads ended the regular season with a 66-51 victory over Sallisaw Central Tigers to extend their record to 22-3. Eufaula started the game quick and determined as Jentry James and R’Reon Morrow led the Ironheads to a 14-6 lead at the end of the first period.
The Tigers rallied in the second period but could not contain the Ironheads’ guards as Morrow scored six of his 21 points in the second period. Keaton Parish, Doltyn Lane, Brayden O’Brien, Ty Sparks and James continually forced turnovers while grabbing offensive rebounds for multiple scoring possessions.
The third period was a scoring fest as both teams combined for 40 points scored. The Tigers tried to make a run in the final period but the Ironheads defense and quick scoring offense led Eufaula to a 66-51 victory.
R’Reon Morrow led all scorers with 21 points, James 11 points and Parish added 12 points.
“We didn’t play our best game. We still have a lot of room to improve on but this team is close with one another and plays hard for each other. I’m very proud of that,” Eufaula head coach Grant Callison said.
