OKLAHOMA CITY – Putnam City West ran away with the regional title after a physical first half with Westmoore, routing the Lady Jaguars, 70-39, Friday (Feb. 23).

West held only a six-point lead at halftime (33-27) . That lead came after a Lady Patriot 6-0 run in the last 1:27 of the half broke a 27-27 tie.

West held Westmoore to 12 points in the second half and the rout was on giving West its third straight regional championship.

After blowing out the last several opponents and rarely facing too much adversity since their Lady Patriots’ lone loss to Edmond Santa Fe Jan. 23, West coach Ja’Ron Jefferson said the tough first half was helpful

“It just tells us that we’re capable offensively when we are unselfish,” Jefferson said. “Today, I felt like in the first half we were selfish. And in the second half, the ball just moved a little bit more.”

“So I think that each person knows that they’re valuable to this team and anybody can have a good game on any night and somebody can have a bad game.”

Tensions were high between the two teams (Class 6A District 2 foes) who were playing for the third time this season. Both head coaches received technical fouls and one Westmoore player got a technical late in the game. There were some hard fouls and things started to get chippy.

“I’m just proud of the girls for keeping their composure, composure in that adversity moment,” Jefferson said.

The physical play led to some players dealing with injuries and Jefferson singled out sophomore guard Kiana Gray for her play.

“(Gray) gave us some big minutes that we needed from her,” Jefferson said.

Sophomore Jayla Constant scored 17 points with three treys. Fellow sophomore Da’Nae Jefferson added 12 points with two 3-pointers. Senior Caya Smith added 11 points as did Perry.

UP NEXT: The Lady Patriots meet sister school Putnam City North in the first round of the Area Playoffs Thursday (Feb. 29). The time and location have not been announced. The winner of the game will advance to the Class 6A state tournament. The loser will play Saturday (March 2) for another shot at advancing to state.

West beat North, 51-40, at the Putnam City Invitational on Jan. 4.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	F
Westmoore	13	14	6	6	39
Putnam City West	17	16	16	21	70