NORMAN — Putnam City North captured the Joe Lawson Memorial Invitational title with a 59-35 win over 5A Del City Saturday (Dec. 13) at Norman North.

The Panthers sprinted out to a 21-5 lead after the first quarter.

“In the first half, I have to credit our offense,” Putnam City North coach DJ Lemons said via text. “I think you have to credit our defense in the second half.”

After building a double-digit lead at halftime (34-23), the North defense allowed just 12 points in the second half (six points in each quarter).

“It was just a tough win. And I think this group has already shown in this short season, the character and heart that we have,” Lemons said.

Sophomore Keaton Murry scored a game-high 16 points. Murry nailed three 3-pointers in the win. Senior Nate Muriithi added 12 points.

Fellow senior TJ McNeely scored 11 points, nine of which came in the second half.

Murry earned tournament MVP honors and junior Miles Jackson was named to the all-tournament team.

Lemons praised seniors McNeely and Malakye Schoats.

“Those two have been big time for this team on both ends, what they did this tourney might have not gotten trophy recognition but trust me the coaching staff and team know how valuable those guys are for this team. They will make some college teams very happy soon.”

Schoats finished with seven points.

UP NEXT

North (8-1, 2-0) has two days off before traveling to Broken Arrow Tuesday (Dec. 16) at 7:30 p.m. for a 6A-3 contest.

The Tigers (5-0, 2-0) beat Edmond Santa Fe, 67-60 last Tuesday (Dec. 9).

“It’s been a heck of the stretch, four games in five days for us. Just proud of these guys for their competitiveness and work,” Lemons said.

	1	2	3	4	F
Putnam City North (8-1)	21	13	12	13	59
Del City (4-2)	5	18	6	6	35