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Oklahoma Union Basketball, Nowata Basketball

Posted: Dec 14, 2020 6:14 AMUpdated: Dec 14, 2020 7:27 AM

Cougars, Lady Cougars Win Hewitt Tournament Titles

 

Both Oklahoma Union teams took home titles on Saturday at the Ty Hewitt Memorial Tournament in Nowata. The boy’s finale was truly the game of the week as No. 4 OKU topped No. 17 Nowata 55-52 in overtime.

The Ironmen played catch-up for a majority of the first half and trailed 30-23 at halftime. Two strong defenses were the prevailing forced throughout the contest. Nowata trailed 47-45 in the final seconds when senior guard Gabe Velasco hit a three-pointer to extend the game. 

The Cougars would be too much for the Ironmen in the extra period. OKU senior Jace Hollingshead scored 18 points on the night. This bucket gave the Cougars a lead they wouldn’t give up.

(OKU senior Jace Hollingshead receiving the MVP trophy from his father, NHS coach Gary Hollinghead.)

Hollingshead scored in double-figures in all three games in the tournament. He was awarded as the Most Valuable player for the week. He spoke on getting the award after the game. (full interview audio)

Nate Collier and Dillon Ellis combined for 25 points in the win. The Cougars move to 5-0 and win the Hewitt tournament for the second consecutive year. Nowata relied on Mark Price who scored 18 points. The Ironmen take a tough loss to fall to 2-1.

(Oklahoma Union's Chesnie Hewitt showing off her MVP trophy.)

The Lady Cougars gutted out a tough victory to hoist a trophy as well beating Mannford 56-50. OKU girl’s take home their second title in this event since 2017. The Lady Cougars played solid basketball as they took an early lead. Chesnie Hewitt had eight points in the first quarter to give OKU a 17-9 lead.

Mannford would scrap back and make things interesting late in the game. However, the Lady Pirates had no answer for Hewitt. Her fifth three-pointer on the night helped guide OKU to victory.

Hewitt was named tournament MVP for the week. Oklahoma Union also beat Coffeyville and Commerce on the week. The Lady Cougars are 4-1 overall.

 

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