OKLAHOMA CITY — Putnam City North coach Logan Martin admits that it can be a challenge keeping her team engaged when the Panthers are winning by large margins in most games.

The Panthers held Edmond Santa Fe scoreless in the first quarter en route to a 94-33 rout Tuesday (Jan. 20) in a 6A-3 action.

“We tell them all the time that we’re not playing to the scoreboard but to our standards,” Martin said. “It’s something we preach in practice as well is just, we can’t go through the motions.”

North led by 48 points at halftime (53-5) and the second half saw several players play off the bench due to the lopsided score.

Senior Kiana Gray scored a game-high 21 points. Gray hit five 3-pointers.

Martin praised Gray and her starting five for setting the tone.

“We got out and ran a lot and transitioned, and they looked to throw it ahead.”

Senior Da’Nae Jefferson added 19 points (with 16 in the first half alone.)

Senior Makiya Moore followed with 10 points and fellow senior Jayla Constant scored eight points.

Martin has confidence in her first three players off the bench, junior Demy Howard, Richiya Miller and senior Tehlia Kutsoati.

“They’re huge for us because there’s no drop off from (the starters). They could easily be starting,” Martin said. “They’re always a big piece of what this program’s doing and their ability to maintain exactly – I mean, we don’t miss a beat when they come in.”

Junior Laila Willoby scored seven points off the bench in the fourth quarter. Howard and Kutsoati each added six points.

UP NEXT

The Panthers (17-1, 8-0) have another week off before traveling to Stillwater (8-6, 4-4) next Tuesday (Jan. 27) in a 6A-3 contest.

The Pioneers beat Capitol Hill, 69-8, Tuesday. Before playing North, Stillwater will play in the Newcastle Sweet Pea Tournament that begins Wednesday.

North beat Stillwater at home on Dec. 9, 56-37.

Because North played so many games and was in several tournaments earlier in the season, they are playing less often. Martin said the coaching staff is trying to help the players with less game time.

“Keeping practices competitive and keeping the girls in shape is another factor to consider,” Martin said. “We just want to be at our best and play in our best basketball at the right time.”

Photographs courtesy of Richard T. Clifton.

	1	2	3	4	F
Edmond Santa Fe (4-11, 1-7)	0	5	16	12	33
Putnam City North (17-1, 8-0)	28	25	19	22	94