Wildcats remain undefeated in conference
Licking outscored Laquey 86-52 to remain undefeated in the Frisco League Conference Friday, at the Sherman Hill Field House. The Wildcats’ first quarter lead of 24-11 foretold the outcome, and Licking advanced to a 7-1 record (3-0 conference).
Two Wildcats scored over 20 points, with Austin James tallying 24 points, 3 rebounds and 4 steals; Keyton Cook was close behind with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Cole Wallace kicked in 8 points with 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals; Kenny Ramsey 7 points, 4 steals; Gaige Nicholson 6 points, 3 rebounds; Lake Wade 6 points; Jordan Ritz 4 points, 8 rebounds; Garrett Gorman 3 points, 4 assists; Roston Stockard 3 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals; Carter Sullins 2 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists; Oscar Phillips 2 points.
Licking shot 65 percent from two-point range and the free throw line, but only connected 5 of 27 three-point attempts.
“It was the worst shooting night we have had this year. It’s nice to see we can still score 80 points when our shooters aren’t hitting. We tried a couple different things defensively from the first time we played them and I thought our guys did a good job of buying in. Forcing 30 turnovers is a stat our guys should be proud of. Hopefully we just keep getting better defensively and I know that our guys won’t shoot that bad collectively again, so we should just keep improving this year.” ~ Coach Mike Phillips
The Junior Varsity Wildcats also had a decisive win. Licking JV topped Laquey JV 75-40.
Lake Wade led scoring with 16 points, and Jordan Ritz hit for 15 points. Also scoring in double figures were Kannon Buckner, with 11 points, and Nate Gambill, with 10 points. Karson Walker added 9 points, Benton Corley 6 points, Kale Cook 4 points, Riley Edgar 3 points and Kohen Blankenship 1 point.
“The JV guys did a good job of sharing the ball tonight. Our size bothered them and we were able to get everyone a little playing time tonight which is nice.” ~ Coach Mike Phillips
Licking started the week with a win over Crocker Tuesday evening on the road. Licking put up 75 points against 52 for Frisco League rival Crocker. The Wildcats won every quarter to build their lead over the Lions.
Austin James led the attack with 18 points and 3 steals; Keyton Cook brought 14 points, 3 assists and 2 steals; Cole Wallace had a big night with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 8 steals; Carter Sullins contributed 9 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals; Kannon Buckner had 8 points and 4 rebounds; Roston Stockard 5 points, 2 rebounds and 3 steals; Gaige Nicholson 5 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists; Kenny Ramsey 2 points; Oscar Phillips 5 rebounds; Lake Wade 2 rebounds; and Garrett Gorman 2 rebounds.
Licking hit 46 percent from two point range, 65 percent from the free throw line, and 32 percent from behind the three point line. The Wildcats had 8 turnovers and 21 steals, compared to Crocker’s 29 turnovers and 3 steals.
“We did a good job of staying under control. Crocker wants to turn you over and we took care of the ball. We shot well and shared the ball well enough to get our teammates opportunities. I appreciate the way the boys are playing right now. I feel like the boys are buying in and playing hard right now. I like watching us play. ~ Coach Mike Phillips
