By Jordan Beech
SHAWNEE – The Oklahoma Boys’ and Girls’ All-Stars swept their counterparts from Texas at the Faith 7 Bowl on Saturday afternoon inside the Noble Complex on the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University.
In the inaugural game on the girls’ side, Oklahoma needed overtime to clip the Texas All-Stars, 90-87. Despite the best efforts of Victoria Gray, Texas’ Most Valuable Player with 34 points and 13 points, the Sooner State contingent rallied back after seeing their sizeable lead evaporate in the fourth quarter. Oklahoma MVP Taylor Roberts drained the go-ahead trey 1:20 left on the clock, then drained two free throws soon after, to put the finishing touches on the victory. Roberts would finish with 24 points and six boards, while Abbie Winchester posted a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
The 52nd edition of the boys’ game saw the Oklahoma All-Stars outgun their Lone Star State opposition, draining 13 3-point shots in the second half, winning 140-97. Oklahoma MVP Caleb Nero poured in 42 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while running mate Brewster Peacock scored 25 points and pulled down 10 boards. Coryon Mason used 18 second-half points to finish third on the team with 23 points. Three different Texas All-Stars tied for a team-best 16 points, including Texas MVP Zach Simmons. Simmons was also dominant on the offensive glass, with five of his eight rebounds coming on the offensive end.
During the skills portion of the showcase, the girls competed in a 3-point shooting contest, while the boys demonstrated their best finishes at the rim in the dunk contest. Oklahoma’s Kinsey Neiderer claimed the 3-point shooting crown, and Mason went home the champion of the dunk contest.