OKMULGEE — Bethany is a state qualifier for the first time since 2020 after a 49-37 win over Muldrow in the Class 4A Area 3 Consolation Championship Saturday (March 8) at the Mvskoke Dome.

“They wanted to make it to state really bad. We all did,” Bethany coach Brett Cannon said via text. “They did the work and it payed off. Extremely happy for everyone in our program.”

The senior duo of Aiden Todd and Wyatt Geissler combined for 27 points. Todd scored 14 and Geissler added 13

“Aiden and Wyatt did a great job of handling the ball and getting everyone involved,” Cannon said.

Geissler had three 3-pointers in the first half, scoring 13 points as Bethany (19-8) built a big lead. Todd scored eight points in the first half.

“We played really great defense tonight. Held them to 13 (points) in the first half. That was the goal,” Cannon said.

The Bronchos drew five offensive fouls and senior Jackie Payne took four of those charges.

‘Our guys gave their all and I’m super proud of them,” Cannon said.

Senior Garrett Johnson had six points on two first-half treys.

“Garrett hit some big shots and did a fantastic guarding their big. Took him completely out of their game,” Cannon said.

Cannon said many players made contributions.

“Our guys were just ready to go. We played nine guys. Both (freshman) Breck Brady and (sophomore) Wyatt Keefer gave us some big minutes off the bench,” Cannon said.

UP NEXT

The bracket for the Class 4A State Tournament will be released Sunday (March 9). The tournament begins Wednesday (March 12).

Games will be played at the historic Jim Norick Arena at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. The arena is in its 60th and final season hosting the tournament.

While Bethany qualified for the state tournament in 2020, the tournament was canceled without playing a game due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bronchos’ most recent state playoff game was an 80-61 loss to Fort Gibson in the first round in 2009.

	1	2	3	4	F
Muldrow (21-8)	9	4	14	9	37
Bethany (19-8)	12	19	7	11	49