OKLAHOMA CITY – Putnam City West snapped a three-game losing streak by beating the team they last defeated before the skid, winning a 65-57 contest with Northwest Classen Friday (Jan. 26).

Before Friday’s win, the Patriots’ last win was an 87-69 win over the Knights in the Putnam City Invitational on Jan. 6. West also beat Northwest Classen on Dec. 1 on the road.

This win came in interim head coach Brian Booker’s second game at the helm. Booker replaced Lenny Bert, who led West since 2010.

There have been no comments from the school, the school district or Bert why he was no longer the coach. Putnam City District Athletic Director Dick Balenseifen was a commentator on the KGHM (1340 The Game) radio broadcast, but he did not comment on the matter, other than to say that Bert was not the coach and Booker was the interim coach.

After a tight first quarter, the Patriots (7-10) added some distance just before halftime. West led by only one with 90 seconds before the intermission. Back-to-back 3-pointers by juniors Antonio Greeen and Kaidon Rayfield, followed by bucket by Green (aided by a tap pass assist from senior JJ Wilson), gave the Patriots 37-28 lead at halftime.

The Knights (7-8) cut the lead to four points at the end of the fourth quarter (49-45). Powered by balance scoring, West stretched the lead to double-digits only to see the lead shrink back to four points late in the final period.

West held the ball and free throws by senior Jordan Warrior, Rayfield and Muriithi sealed the win. Muriithi also grabbed a key rebound in the last minute.

Rayfield scored a game-high 22 points. Wilson added 15 points for West.

West snapped a three-game winning streak for the Knights and passed Northwest Classen in the Class 6A District 2 standings.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	F
Northwest Classen	12	16	17	12	57
Putnam City West	15	22	12	16	65