6A East Area Championship: Norman HS vs Bixby

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Man, I love the playoffs! Everything about it gets me excited to watch the top players in the state compete against each other for the ultimate reward of being a state champion. Around this time, teams tag the saying – “Gold ball chasing” but in reality, there can only be one when it's all said and done. Tonight's match for the 6A East Area Championship is the Norman Tigers and the Bixby Spartans. Below is a brief game recap along with top performers in the game. Winner will punch their ticket to state next week (March 9-11)and loser will have one more chance to make it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bixby started shooting with two early threes from Gracy and Gentry but Norman's Jordan Rollins answered with a three of her own and [player_tooltip player_id='534480' first='Nessa' last='Begay'] added a great post move down low and continued with another hustle rebound and an easy finish. It was a competitive quarter and the buzzar went off with the score tied at 9 a piece.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Norman scored the first buckets of the second quarter following a few turnovers by Bixby going up 15-9 early on with 4:36 left. Brynn Daniels hits a corner three for Bixby then Jordan Rollins converted on her second three-pointer and [player_tooltip player_id='417348' first='Kayla' last='Jones'] was rewarded for running the floor for an easy fast break layup. The story of the quarter was Norman's defense putting pressure on the Spartans, taking control of the game, Ending the quarter 25-12.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Third Quarter, Norman's defense continues to hinder Bixby from playing their game of run and gun basketball. Ama Musick came in and brought some energy for the Spartans, attacking the basket, getting fouled and converted on two free-throws. Norman continued to work and the score was 46-19 at the end of the third.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Norman wins the game 57-32 and advances to State next week! Great win for the Tigers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TOP PERFORMERS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6401672279d5b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["309980"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='309980' first='Keeley' last='Parks'] is a composed and confident basketball player who sets the tempo for her team. Her shooting skills are exceptional, and she is deadly from long range. Defensively, she is focused and has excellent instincts, and she plays with an unbeatable competitive spirit. Even under pressure, Keeley displays great vision and always manages to find the open teammate, regardless of how many defenders are around her. u003cstrongu003eKeeley finished with 10 points verse Bixby in the 6A East Area Championship. u003c/strongu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["197954"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Jordan Rollins is a smooth and poised basketball player who adds maturity to her team. She plays with strength and makes smart passes even under pressure. Jordan's range and shot-making ability makes her a dangerous threat on the court, and opens up gaps for her teammates. Her calm demeanor helps keep her team focused and composed.  u003cstrongu003eJordyn finished with 14 points verse Bixby in the 6A East Area Championship. u003c/strongu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["534480"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='534480' first='Nessa' last='Begay'] is a dominant force on the basketball court, especially in the low post. Her strength and inside position make it difficult for opponents to deny her the ball. When she does catch the ball, she has great court vision and can quickly find the open teammate for an easy basket. However, if she's single-covered, Nessa can take matters into her own hands and finish strongly at the rim. She dominated, and it was fun to see her work!! u003cstrongu003eNessa finished with 14 points verse Bixby in the 6A East Area Championship. u003c/strongu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["584250"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='417348' first='Kayla' last='Jones'] is a skilled basketball player who excels at playing her role on the team. She rebounds effectively, runs the floor with ease, and doesn't force shots on the offensive end. Kayla's ability to play the baseline is impressive, and she is skilled at finding openings to score points. Her footwork around the basket is strong, making her a reliable finisher. Overall, Kayla's ability to play within her role and contribute to the team's success makes her a valuable player. u003cstrongu003eKayla finished with 17 points verse Bixby in the 6A East Area Championship. u003c/strongu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["197956"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='197956' first='Gentry' last='Baldwin'] is a tenacious basketball player who brings a lot of intensity and fight to her game. Despite her team's struggles on the offensive end, Gentry never gave up and worked hard to spark her team. Her 3-pointers and drive to the basket late in the game were crucial in gaining momentum. Additionally, Gentry's competitive spirit never wavered, and she even forced a few turnovers on the defensive end. She looks to keep her season alive on Saturday verse Choctaw in a must-win to make it to State. u003cstrongu003eGentry finished with 11 points verse Norman in the 6A East Area Championship. u003c/strongu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_5_player_details_player_name":"Ama Musick","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_5_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_5_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_5_player_details_position":"12124","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_5_player_details_school":"Bixby","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_5_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_5_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_5_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Ama Musick is a basketball player who isn't afraid to step up and take on any challenge. She possesses a great deal of confidence, which is evident in her willingness to give 110% effort every moment she is on the court. Ama's potential is clear, and with continued growth and development, she has the potential to become a great player. Her hustle and effort are notable, and she always fights hard for her team. She is able to hit the mid-range shot but is very efficient when she is attacking the basket, and she will make her free-throws. u003cstrongu003eAma finished with 5 points verse Norman in the 6A East Area Championship. u003c/strongu003e","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":6,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-640167227a204"} /-->