Jenks' effort pleases coach
BY BARRY LEWIS World Sports Writer
Monday, January 28, 2013
1/28/13 at 3:50 AM
JENKS - After Jenks' John Jones sank a winning 30-footer as time expired on Friday, Trojans coach Clay Martin recalled a few games when his team lost on last-second long shots during the past few years at the Jenks/Union Invitational.
That happened again just 27 hours later on Saturday night, although this time it occurred at the end of the third quarter when Midwest City's Daryck Jones banked in a 35-footer.
Although one period remained, it proved just as lethal to the Trojans. Until Jones' trey, fifth-ranked Class 6A Jenks appeared in control with a four-point lead and on the verge of handing No. 1 Midwest City its first loss of the season. Instead, Jones' shot propelled Midwest City to a 62-52 victory in the Jenks/Union Invitational's title game at Frank Herald Gymnasium.
"We got to celebrate a shot like that last night (Friday) and that was a body blow to us tonight," Martin said. "It kind of took the wind out of our sails, but that's basketball."
It was a game where both teams could take away positives. Midwest City affirmed its status as a strong favorite to win the state title, but Jenks also proved it could have a chance to pull off an upset if the teams meet again in the state tournament.
"Midwest City showed why they are the No. 1 team right now," Martin said. "But I am so proud of our kids. We didn't back down at all. We took it right to them aggressively. I couldn't be happier with how our guys competed. They played the No. 1 team in 6A and held their own."
The Trojans (13-4) gave the Bombers (17-0) a battle despite being without Luke Phillips, the team's second-leading scorer and top rebounder. Phillips, who scored 16 against Santa Fe, was sidelined with the flu. Jenks' top scorer, Jacob Seidel, had 18 points, despite still feeling the effects of an illness. Steven Parker, who was Jenks' selection on the all-tournament team, averages 10 points despite a high-ankle sprain suffered during football season.
"Our guys just fought," Martin said. "Jeff Fling stepped in for Luke and was remarkable. Steven is just getting better and better."
It's a big week ahead for Jenks and all the other 6A teams as only games through next weekend will be counted for playoff seedings. Jenks hosts No. 12 Union on Tuesday and visits No. 6 Owasso on Friday,
"We're going to find out this week how much toughness we have coming back from a tough loss," Martin said.
Barry Lewis 918-581-8393
barry.lewis@tulsaworld.com
