The Henryetta Lady Knights lost control of an early lead in the first round of the Okmulgee County Tournament, falling to the Beggs Golden Demons in a 65-59 contest. Despite garnering a two-point lead in the first quarter, the Lady Knights failed to hold onto it. They were able to rally in the third quarter, but a strong comeback from Beggs senior Emiko Goudeau sealed the Lady Knights’ six-point loss.

Sophomore Katelyn Dwiggins and freshman Lavenda Billy led a tough campaign against the Lady Demons in the first quarter. The Lady Knights obtained a 15-point scoring streak, barely pulling ahead of the Lady Demons, who posted up for 13 points. Dwiggins and Billy both scored a three-point basket and a layup against the Lady Demons, helping clinch a two-point advantage for their team. Henryetta senior Autumn Blackbear chimed in for a three-point basket, while senior Kaylie Hamric posted up for a two-pointer.

Though the Lady Knights started out strong, they couldn’t maintain the defensive momentum needed to hold back the Lady Demons in the second quarter. Beggs garnered 19 points with the help of Goudeau, who scored a pair of 3’s and a layup. Despite losing their lead, the Lady Knights stayed close to the Lady Demons, allowing their opponents just a four-point advantage. Hamric and Katelyn Williamson both sunk a three-point shot, while senior Kim Fowler scored her first two-pointer.

Earning 13 points, the Lady Knights faced a 32-28 deficit in the third quarter, which they quickly overcame with a 19-point scoring streak. The Lady Knights didn’t allow the Lady Demons to keep their lead for long with Fowler was at the helm of the Lady Knights’ scoring barrage in the third quarter. She busted out a three-point and a two-point basket, while also gathering four extra points from the free throw line. Contributing nine points, Fowler’s energy was matched by teammates Billy and Emily Smith. Both Lady Knights scored a pair of 2’s, which helped the Lady Knights take a 47-43 lead going into the fourth quarter.

The Lady Knights took back a small four-point lead, but the Lady Demons rallied for a last minute 22-point scoring streak. Fowler, Billy and Blackbear were the only Lady Knights to fight to the basket for points. While Fowler and Billy added another two-pointer to their stats, Blackbear completed her second three-pointer. Free throws made up the rest of the 12 points the Lady Knights earned in the fourth quarter. The Lady Demons sent Dwiggins to the free throw line for four shots, while Hamric added an additional point to the scoreboard.

Unable to compete with the Lady Demons’ 22 points, the Lady Knights failed to maintain their lead. A pair of three-pointers from Goudeau and two-pointers from Caylee York allowed the Demons to tie the game and eventually cement a 65-59 victory.

The Lady Knights’ loss puts them into the consolation bracket of the County Tournament. They are scheduled to play the Schulter Lady Bulldogs, who faced a tough loss to the Morris Lady Eagles, today at 4 p.m.