Wildcats take second consecutive district title
The No. 10 ranked Sulphur Springs Wildcats hit the road Tuesday, looking to extend their winning streak to eight games against North Lamar. The Wildcats entered the night needing just one more win, to win their second district title in as many years under coach Brandon Shaver.
Sulphur Springs was able to do exactly that, dominating North Lamar from the very beginning. After setting the tone with a 20-6 opening frame, the Wildcats continued to add to their lead, going into the locker room up 36-16 at the end of the first half.
The scoring slowed down a bit in the second half, but Sulphur Springs’ lead was never in doubt. The Wildcats added to their lead in each frame, walking away with the big 66-39 win and more importantly, a second consecutive district title.
Senior Parker Whisenhunt led the way offensively, dropping 17 points on a team-high 63.6% from the field. Whisenhunt also led the team both in steals (5) and assists (4) in what was a well-rounded game for the senior.
The scoring was distributed very evenly amongst the entire team, as Sulphur Springs only had one other player finish in double-digits, which was senior point guard Branson Lynn. Lynn had 11 points and shot a very efficient 3-6 from behind the 3-point line.
Seniors Malachi Myles and Kordrick Turner were next, each scoring nine points. The duo shot a combined 6-11 from the field and pulled in a combined 19 rebounds.
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Sophomore Theo McKelvey was right behind them, scoring eight points. McKelvey also shot 40% from behind the 3-point line.
Gavin White added four points for the Wildcats, while DJ Wilkerson and Cole Theofiledes each had three points. Sophomore Macaulin Rollison also scored, adding two points to the Wildcats total.
“We knew when we came to Sulphur Springs that this is a special place,” Shaver said, reflecting on his second district title in just his second year as the head coach of the Wildcats. “Winning back-to-back district championships just shows how hard these players work, not only in the season but that much more in the offseason.”
“This group of seniors are extremely talented and fun to coach,” Shaver added. “This is a special place and this hopefully will be two of many more to come.”
The win improves the Wildcats record to 26-7 on the season and keeps them at a perfect 8-0 in district play. Over the last two years, Coach Shaver has racked up a combined record of 54-17 as the head coach of the Wildcats.
Sulphur Springs still has two regular season games to play, clinching their district title with plenty of time to spare. They will be back in action Friday at home against Pleasant Grove, a team they beat 67-55 in their first meeting.
A live broadcast of the game will be available on Front Porch News and Chad’s Media.
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