OKLAHOMA CITY — This time, it was CJ Heskett’s time for late-game heroics against Edmond Santa Fe.

In a finish reminiscent of the teams’ first meeting, the Putnam City North sophomore grabbed a rebound, sprinted down the court. Heskett eluded defenders and laid up a bucket with 4.6 seconds left for a 57-55 overtime win Tuesday (Jan. 20).

Putnam City North coach DJ Lemons was happy that Heskett got the game-winner.

“He took the challenge defensively,” Lemons said via text. “That was a great win for us. We knew going this was going to be a tough game.”

Heskett’s layup gave North its only lead of the game. After the celebration, there was confusion as to how much time was left on the clock. Santa Fe coach Terry Evans had been screaming for a timeout. Officials put 4.6 seconds on the clock for the Wolves’ last chance.

Santa Fe was able to drive the length of the floor but junior DeWayne McKinney’s jumper was no good. The raucous crowd celebrate and North remained undefeated in 6A-3 at 8-0.

“I told the boys come ready to play and they have to play for 32 minutes. I thought our guys did that,” Lemons said.

The final minute of regulation provided plenty of drama. Junior Mekhi Thomas, who had just a lone basket prior, hit a game tying 3-pointer to send the game to overtime.

Sophomore Keaton Murry paced the Panthers with 13 points. He also had two rebounds and a steal.

Senior Nate Muriithi, the hero of the Panthers’ last late-game victory over Santa Fe, added nine points and three boards.

“I love sharing on offense,” Lemons said. Murry was the only player in double figures for North but three players each scored nine points.

Lemons said the win was “one of TJ McNeely’s best games.”

The senior had four rebounds, an assist and two steals.

“It’s not going to show in the box score, but he played with great poise. He was really strong. He played great defense. He makes the game so much easier for everybody else on the floor.”

Heskett also finished with nine points. He had five points in the third quarter and overtime bucket. He had three rebounds and a steal.

“Really, I could go down the line, it was a great team effort. It was a great team win,” Lemons said.

The Panthers remained atop 6A-3 at 8-0 and have now given the Wolves both of their district losses. Both teams still have one game remaining with second-place Broken Arrow.

“Ton of respect for Santa Fe, I don’t care who’s playing for them, they have a talented team. And they’re more than dangerous, so, proud of this win,” Lemons said.

Senior Malakye Schoats had six points. Thomas had six rebounds to go with his five points.

Santa Fe’s McKinney finished with a game-high 17 points, including three 3-pointers. McKinney was held to six points in the second half.

UP NEXT

North (16-1, 8-0) have another week off before traveling to Stillwater (7-7, 4-4) next Tuesday (Jan. 27) in a 6A-3 contest.

The Pioneers beat Capitol Hill, 66-44, Tuesday. Before playing North, Stillwater will play in the Newcastle Sweet Pea Tournament that begins Wednesday.

Photographs courtesy of Richard T. Clifton.

	1	2	3	4	OT	F
Edmond Santa Fe (12-3, 5-3)	16	17	15	5	2	55
Putnam City North (16-1, 8-0)	15	15	16	7	4	57