Empire boys bounce back to win consolation final

MARLOW - Eight days after losing by eight points to Waurika, the Empire boys dominated the second matchup, running away with a 60-32 win in the Stephens County Tournament consolation championship on Saturday.

Empire coach Braden Hill credits playing better defense for the big swing.

“I think defensively we just set a different tone than what we did a couple of days ago,” Hill said. “I also felt we were very patient offensively. We never forced anything and let the game come to us. I think overall, we played our brand of basketball and not their brand.”

Empire never trailed. The Eagles got within a point with 4:45 to go in the first quarter but would get no closer. The Bulldogs went on to take a 15-6 lead after the first quarter that saw the Bulldogs knock down three treys, including two by Bryce Shaver.

The Eagles kept pace in the second quarter, but Empire led 27-16 at the half. The Bulldogs received help from their bench, who came in when three starters found themselves in foul trouble and were able to hold Waurika at bay. 

The Bulldogs seized control with a 10-2 run to open the third and Waurika was never able to get back in the game. Empire outscored Waurika 20-7 in the third, including 11 points by Cale Porter, for a 47-23 lead on their way to a 28-point win.

Overall, the coach was pleased with the way his team played for the entire tournament.

“I thought we got back to playing pretty good,” Hill said. “I think that first night against Comanche, we didn’t just play like us. And to be able to bounce back and have that mental toughness, to get over a loss like that, and to come back and win these next two games was important for us.”

He also sees it as a good push for his team with playoffs looming.

“I think it speaks a lot about our guys to be able to take a couple of losses and come back and play the way we have been playing,” Hill said. “I think that shows a lot about their mental toughness and their poise and that’s just more impressive than anything, but yeah, I think it gives us some momentum going into playoff time.”