Class 4A State: Kingfisher outshoots Fort Gibson in title game

By John Haile

OKLAHOMA CITY – It was a tale of two games. In one quarter, the Jackets could not buy a basket. Then, in the other three periods, they were the hottest shooting team in the state of Oklahoma.

The Kingfisher Yellowjackets captured the 4A Boys Basketball State Championship by defeating the Fort Gibson Tigers, 45-33, on Saturday night in Jim Norick Arena.

The Jackets had the hot hand from the first quarter out. As a team, Kingfisher shot just over 51 percent from the field and 43 percent from the three point line making nine. Kingfisher was led by Jett Sternberger who finished with 15 points. He was followed by Trey Green who record 11 points.

Both teams had some difficulty to find the bottom of the net in the first quarter. Other than free throws by Ybarra and Shepherd, Dortch had the first field goal of the evening at the 3:08 mark in the first quarter which would be Fort Gibson’s only first half three pointer. The basket was not kind to the Fort Gibson. The Tigers shot only 18 percent from the field and 11 percent from long range.

The Jackets offense came alive in the second period. Kingfisher started to light up the scoreboard with three of their four first half three-pointers. These came at the hands of Sternberger, Green and Lafferty. Although starting out slow, the Jackets finished the first half shooting 41 percent from the field.

Fort Gibson was led by Kyle Dortch, who led all scorers with 16 points. Backing up Dortch was Rico Ybarra who contributed six points.

The third quarter was Fort Gibson’s turn to inflict damage. Ybarra and Dortch combined for five points each to string a 10-0 run. Kingfisher answered with a 10-0 run of their own. Buckner ended the third quarter with another Yellowjacket three-pointer.

Fort Gibson: Kyle Dortch 16, Rico Ybarra 6, Carson Calavan 5, Jace Shepherd 2, Chance Wafford 2, Seth Martin 2.

Kingfisher: Jett Sternberger 15, Trey Green 11, Marco Charqueno 6, Haynes Lafferty 6, Trevor Buckner 5, Blaine Hauser 2.