Duval and Watkins' Senior Urgency Define Class 6A Area II

Class 6A Area II proved to be prime viewing on Thursday night, with a State Tournament spot on the line between Choctaw and Westmoore. And a nail-biter "win or go home" game between Piedmont and Norman North.   Choctaw 46   Westmoore 36     Piedmont 48   Norman North 46    Duval was on one tonight and put on a show. Was snatching ankles and blowing by defenders throughout the contest. The Oral Roberts signee has been one of the most exciting players to watch in the state this year and she was worth the price of admission. Sadly she missed a 15 footer after she left a defender stumbling back following a crossover, as it was a highlight of the year worthy dribble move. Otherwise she was nearly flawless. Handed out fancy dimes throughout. Got to the rim herself to score. Also Helped ice the game at the line.   Had a couple gritty plays standout. One came when she executed a perfect boxout on a much taller player. Also forced a big jumpball in the second half. The Area Championship and State Tournament appearance are fitting awards for Duval's performance.     Watkins scored the first two buckets of the night for Piedmont and sent the message loud and clear that she wasn't ready for her high school career to end. Played big around the hoop all night and no moment was bigger than the closing seconds. She slide over and swatted a game wining floater attempt. That alone would've been clutch. She also had the presence of mine to snatch the loose ball, and throw an outlet pass to a speedy teammate for a game winner. Seniors are often the difference come March and it was very true tonight for Watkins.     Wilson did her scoring damage in quick stretches. She went on a 6-0 run by herself in the second quarter. Including a pair of on the ball steals and then layups. Fittingly Piedmont led by six at the break. She kept it going with a five point stretch in the third quarter and then was quiet on the offensive end. After Watkins' block, she sprinted down the floor to receive and outlet pass and lay up the game winner as time expired. What a clutch moment for the speed demon sophomore guard.     It wasn't the best shooting night for the sharpshooter but she showed a lot of grit in the second half. It was a physical game and in the second half she was knocked down after a collision. She was slow to get her and holding her shoulder. After some time on the bench, she checked back in and made a couple big fourth quarter plays. On one drive she was fouled, and hit both free throws. A moment later she forced a steal on the ball and raced for another score. Impressive to not only close out the game after her being shaken up. But also make key plays that helped the Lady Wildcats keep their season alive.     It was a tough ending to a good sophomore campaign. Gates scored huge buckets down the stretch, getting by quick guards and scoring with floaters and other impressive finishing around the rim. She made huge strides forward this season as a productive and promising combo guard. Eager to see the improvements she continues to make this spring and summer.     In a match up where Piedmont needed more size on the court, the sophomore stepped up and logged big minutes. Did a good job of fronting and battling for position to deny post entry passes to a taller foe. Also contributed on the glass and scoring a bit. Name to track for the future.     Freshman who you can tell the pieces are starting to come together for her. Scored throughout the contest as a slasher. Game seems to be slowing down while also learning how to play at speed. Has the tool set to be one of the better off the bounce scorers in the state.

Class 6A Area II proved to be prime viewing on Thursday night, with a State Tournament spot on the line between Choctaw and Westmoore. And a nail-biter "win or go home" game between Piedmont and Norman North.