BLANCHARD — Putnam City West is one win away from a state tournament berth after a 64-63 win over U.S. Grant Friday (March 6) in the 6A Area 1 playoffs.

“I think experience showed its teeth tonight,” Putnam City West coach Garen Wright said.

Seniors Demetrice Carter and Quavion Wheeler, two of the Patriots’ biggest weapons, picked up early fouls.

“I trusted them to adjust and play through them and they did,”Wright said. “Both made some huge plays all game long.”

Carter had 20 points, four rebounds and three assists. Wheeler added 18 points, twou rebounds and nine assists.

Sophomore JaMauri Kimbrough was the third Patriot in double figures with 10 points, three rebounds and an assist. Kimbrough hit big shots down the stretch.

Junior Andre Farrar had seven points and brought down 14 rebounds.

“AJ Farrar was huge on the glass,” Wright said.

Sophomore Miekyel Armstead scored six points. Junior Elijah Turner followed with two points and sophomore Earl Smith scored a point.

“Great team effort. Trying to punch our ticket!”

UP NEXT

West (18-8) meets Piedmont (21-6) Saturday (March 7) at 7:30 p.m. for a state berth in the Area 1 consolation final.

The Wildcats lost to 55-40 to Norman Friday.