Empire girls win big over Bray-Doyle

MARLOW - The top-seeded Empire girls took the first step in defending their Stephens County Tournament championship, cruising to a 67-14 win over Bray-Doyle in the first round Monday night.

The Lady Bulldogs took control from the opening tip, scoring the first 20 points of the game with their pressure defense forcing the outmanned Lady Donkeys into turnovers.

Six different players scored for Empire in the first quarter as they took a 22-3 lead into the second quarter.

Empire kept up the pace in the second quarter, this time adding three-point shots to their game. Keira Pineda knocked down two threes on back-to-back trips as part of a 23-0 second quarter for a 45-3 halftime lead for the Lady Bulldogs.

Empire coach Jaicee Powers cleared the bench halfway through the third quarter and led the subs to finish out the game. The scoring pace was not slowed down by much, taking a 62-8 lead into the final quarter. Overall, eight Lady Bulldogs would score in the game.

The Lady Bulldogs will play Velma-Alma at 6:40 p.m. on Thursday in the winner’s bracket. Bray-Doyle will play Marlow on Friday at 6:40 p.m. in the consolation bracket.