The Beggs Lady Demons opened the Henryetta Tournament on Thursday against the undefeated McLoud Lady Redskins, falling 63-25 in an opening- round matchup that featured contrasting styles, classification size and pace. McLoud, a highly regarded 4A program off to a 9-0 start, showcased length and speed early, while Beggs – competing in Class 3A – countered with stretches of composure and second-half scoring highlighted by senior Kamya Stallings.

McLoud set the tempo from the opening tip, pushing the ball in transition and generating frequent early looks at the rim. By the end of the first quarter the Lady Redskins led 12–1, and they expanded that margin with a decisive 26-point second frame behind the perimeter and mid-range shooting of seniors Emma Eslinger and Daycie Nemecheck. At halftime McLoud held a 38-4 advantage.

Beggs responded in the second half with its strongest offensive stretch of the morning, scoring 14 points in the third quarter and 7 in the fourth. Kamya Stallings fueled the run, attacking off the dribble, getting downhill into the paint, and finishing through contact. She scored 7 in the third quarter alone and finished with a game-high 18 points for Beggs.

While McLoud controlled the game on the scoreboard, Beggs’ second-half push offered measures of stability and competitive response. The Lady Demons limited turnovers after the break, worked more consistently into the half-court flow, and generated better shot quality. Beggs contributors Rylan Wesley and Mylah Williams each added 2 points, while Emmabreah Triplett knocked down a three in the third.

Defensively, Beggs showed improved containment in the second half, holding McLoud to 16 points in the third and just 9 in the fourth after surrendering 38 in the first two quarters. The Lady Redskins relied on balanced scoring throughout the lineup. Eslinger led McLoud with 17 points, Nemecheck added 13, Chloe and Claire Mapira combined for 15, and Kayse Higdan delivered 7 including five late free throws. In total, eight different Redskins entered the scoring column.

Rebounding and tempo proved to be differentiators. McLoud controlled the defensive glass, limiting second-chance opportunities and quickly converting rebounds into transition offense. Their perimeter length – particularly in passing lanes also made it difficult for Beggs to initiate clean sets early in possessions. Despite the outcome, the Lady Demons showed competitive energy throughout the second half and demonstrated improved halfcourt execution against a state-ranked opponent several classifications higher than many of their regular-season matchups.

Beggs, coached by Vaughn Blankenship, moves to 3-7 overall following the loss. McLoud improves to 9-0 and continues its unbeaten start to the 2026 campaign under head coach L. Myers. The tournament continues Friday as the Lady Demons return to Henryetta with a 12:40 p.m. tip in their second-round contest. With tournament play offering multiple opportunities for development, the Lady Demons look to carry their second-half energy into the next matchup.

— Beggs drops consolation game to tough Metro Christian squad Metro Christian used a decisive middle stretch to push past Beggs in second-round consolation play at the Henryetta Tournament on Thursday, handing the Lady Demons a 47-27 loss and setting up placement matchups for the event’s final day.

The opening minutes suggested a more tightly contested afternoon, with Beggs striking first behind Kamya Stallings, who powered an 8-point burst to help the Lady Demons edge in front 8-7 after one. Both teams worked through early nerves, but the Patriots maintained poise long enough to steady their offense.

The second quarter changed the contest’s trajectory. Metro Christian strung together a sustained scoring run behind the efficient interior finishing of Natalie Powell, who fueled a 15-4 swing that sent the Patriots into halftime with a 22-12 advantage. Beggs fought to keep pace, but Metro’s spacing and off-ball movement consistently created clean looks on the perimeter or in the high post.

After the break, the Patriots kept their foot down. Powell continued to convert, and Metro supplemented her scoring with a productive third quarter from Norah Powell, extending the lead to 38-21 entering the final frame. The Lady Demons refused to fold, stringing together defensive stops and finding better rhythm in the half court, but Metro’s lead proved durable.

Despite the outcome, Beggs showcased several bright plays. Kamya Stallings led the attack with a game-high 15 points, scoring in all four quarters through a mix of transition finishing and determined drives. Paden Stallings contributed six points, finding success in the late game through confident shooting, while Emmabreah Triplett added six points, including a strong third quarter that briefly halted Metro’s momentum. The trio accounted for all Lady Demon scoring and continued to shoulder a large portion of the offensive workload within this event.

Next, the Lady Demons (3-8) faced Henryetta for the 7th place game, while Metro Christian (7-4) moved into Saturday’s consolation championship vs. Checotah.

See Friday’s edition of the Okmulgee Times and Henryetta Free-Lance for results.