BROKEN ARROW — Putnam City North rebounded from an early deficit for a 51-44 win over Broken Arrow Tuesday (Dec. 16) in a key 6A-3 matchup.

The Panthers (9-1, 3-0) fell behind, 17-10, after a quarter but then held the Tigers (5-1, 2-1) to single-digit point totals in both the second and third quarters.

“It wasn’t pretty, but the team handled business,” Putnam City North coach DJ Lemons said via text. “I thought we were trying to make the right play, thought we were trying to be unselfish in the second-half play. I felt like TJ McNeely, Devion Gillispie, Malakye Schoats and CJ Heskett carried us in the first half of play.”

After a slow start offensively in the first quarter, North tied the game at 25-25 by halftime.

“I think our offense can be a lot better, and starts with me helping them,” Lemons said. “But we’re going to attack after this weekend, when the players bodies have recovered and make some strides.”

Junior Mekhi Thomas led North with 10 points. Thomas connected on two 3-pointers. He also scored four points in the third quarter when the Panthers took the lead.

Senior Nate Muriithi added nine points, seven of which came in the second half. Heskett also scored nine points.

UP NEXT

North travels to Kansas City for the Family First Hoops Classic. Friday and Saturday (Dec. 19-20).

The Panthers meet Blue Valley North (Kan.) at 4:30 p.m. on Friday.

“We are looking to end the first half of the season on a good note, trying to get two good quality wins in Kansas City this weekend,” Lemons said.

	1	2	3	4	F
Putnam City North (9-1, 3-0)	10	15	15	10	51
Broken Arrow (5-1, 2-1)	17	8	8	11	44