OKMULGEE — Bethany is headed back to the “Big House” to try for a third straight state championship.

The Lady Bronchos beat Glenpool for the second time in a week, winning 63-49 Saturday (March 8) in the Area 3 Consolation Championship at the Mvskoke Dome.

“So proud to have a chance to play at The Big House!!!” Bethany coach Eric Sailer said via text.

The eighth-ranked Lady Bronchos (21-6) built a double-digit lead with a 10-2 run to start the second quarter. They’d have to survive a couple of runs by the ninth-ranked Lady Warriors (20-11) to be able to defend their title.

In the third quarter, a Glenpool run shrunk Bethany’s lead to 37-29. Another run in the fourth quarter, shrunk it even further to 51-47.

The Lady Bronchos hit fourth quarter free throws (12-of-15) to pull away for the win.

Sailer said factors that are sometimes overlooked made a big impact.

Senior Kayten Donley played the entire fourth quarter with four fouls. Donley finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks and two steals.

“The effort that girl gives this team on a nightly basis oozes to her teammates!!!” Sailer said.

Sophomore Camryn Regier led Bethany with 19 points, five rebounds and four steals. Regier was 8-of-13 from the field.

“Cam stepped up tonight in a huge way,” Sailer said. Making effort plays all over the court and then finding ways to score the ball.”

Senior Keziah Lofton added 14 points in her fourth game back on the court after missing most of the season due to a leg injury.

“Keziah is still working with conditioning issues and soreness. People overlook that when they sit in the stands,” Sailer said “She made some really great plays for us down the stretch.”

The Oklahoma signee connected on 5-of-9 shots from the field. She also grabbed eight rebounds and blocked a shot.

Junior Maddison McNutt scored seven points, five of which came in the first quarter. McNutt had three rebounds and two steals.

“McNutt, Ali (Linn), (Lauren) Koonce, (Madison) Bibbs, and Kamryn Donley all found a way to impact the game!!! I am so proud of their contributions to this team!!!” Sailer said.

Sailer said other teammates made an impact without being on the floor.

“Our bench was engaged all game long! They helped us communicate and encouraged their teammates.”

Bethany shot 42 percent from the field despite going 2-of-11 from the 3-point line. The Lady Bronchos’ 22 defensive rebounds help limit second-chance shots by Glenpool.

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.

	1	2	3	4	F
Bethany (21-6)	18	16	13	16	63
Glenpool (20-11)	14	7	18	10	49