All eyes on the TRC prize

Cashion’s bid for a repeat at the Three Rivers Conference Tournament began Thursday with an easy win.

The undefeated and top-seeded Wildcats, who won the tournament for the first time last season, handed Harding Fine Arts a 51-24 defeat in the quarterfi - nals at the Kingfi sher APB.

“This one wasn’t pretty,” said coach John Hardaway of the team’s showing against eighth-seeded Harding. “Hopefully it gets better the next couple of days.”

Cashion scored just 26 first-half points, but held Harding to eight. The lead grew to 24 points by the end of the third quarter.

Jacob Woody poured in 21 points to lead all scorers.

Alex Nabavi scored 11.

Cashion was set to play Watonga Friday in the semifinals (after press time Friday).

Watonga defeated Oklahoma Bible Academy 68-56 on Thursday.

The other semifinal paired two county teams as second-seeded Hennessey was set to take on Okarche.

The Eagles played Crescent for the second straight game, having knocked off the Tigers handily on Tuesday.

This time around, Crescent was much stingier on the defensive end, but still fell victim to a 46-36 defeat.

Juan Dominguez scored 13 to lead Hennessey while Wade Vinson scored 11.

Crescent got 12 points from Trent Fisher.

Okarche was playing without starting guard Kaleb Harris, but still managed a 53-40 victory over Thomas.

Logan Kroener and Evan Endres picked up the scoring slack with a combined 47 points.

Kroener led all scorers with 28 to go with a team-high seven rebounds.

The loss sent Thomas to the consolation bracket against Crescent.

Girls

Cashion’s girls have won four straight conference tournament crowns.

After Thursday’s action, the Lady Wildcats were still in line for No. 5.

Cashion dominated the first and third quarters to knock off Hennessey 56-47 in the quarterfi nal round.

That put Cashion into the semifinals against Oklahoma Bible Academy, which upset second-seeded Watonga 61-56 in overtime.

Kaitin Taylor had her best offensive performance of the season to date as the senior poured in 17 points against the Lady Eagles.

Cedar Stewart added another 14 points while Brook Shelly scored 12.

Cashion led 16-9 after a quarter, but Hennessey cut its deficit to just four points at halftime. Cashion answered with a 19-11 run in the third to build more cushion.

Gracie Mills paced Hennessey with 16 points.

The other semifi nal pitted top-seeded Okarche against Thomas.

Okarche opened the day with a 74-19 thumping of Harding Fine Arts.

The win was the 11th straight for the Lady Warriors.

Thomas moved into the semifinals with a 40-29 victory against Crescent.

Crescent had just four field goals and 14 points through three quarters.

The Lady Tigers were led by Elizabeth Battelo’s 11 points.

Katelyn Jones scored 14 for Thomas.

Crescent played Harding Fine Arts in the consolation semifinal while Hennessey played Watonga.