The Beggs Demons opened their first-round matchup in the Henryetta Tournament with a determined effort against the Okemah Panthers, ultimately falling 66-41 in a contest that showcased both teams’ offensive capabilities. Beggs made multiple runs to cut into the Panther lead, but Okemah’s balanced attack and early scoring bursts kept the Demons at bay.

Okemah jumped out to an early advantage, scoring 18 points in the first quarter while Beggs managed 11. Rickey Smith led the Demons early with six points in the opening period, providing a spark as Beggs sought to match Okemah’s intensity. Mike Lewis added three points, and Braydon King contributed two, giving Beggs a total of 11 first-quarter points as the Demons attempted to slow the Panthers’ momentum.

The second quarter saw Okemah extend their lead, scoring 22 points while Beggs managed just eight. Smith added four more, and Lewis contributed four, keeping Beggs within striking distance at halftime. The Demons’ balanced scoring effort featured contributions from Jordan Wesley and Baker Copeland, but Okemah’s quick pace and scoring depth proved difficult to overcome.

Beggs opened the third quarter with a strong push, outscoring the Panthers 12-14, with Smith and Wesley leading the way. Rickey Smith finished the quarter with a combined total of 11 points, while Wesley added seven. Braydon King and Baker Copeland chipped in crucial baskets, giving Beggs hope of closing the gap. Despite the Demons’ effort, Okemah maintained composure, with Kyran Berryhill leading the Panthers with consistent scoring throughout the period.

In the fourth quarter, Beggs again made a determined push, adding 10 points. King contributed four points, Lewis and Jayston Tennyson each scored two, and Smith added two more, finishing as the team’s top scorer with 13 points. Although Beggs showed flashes of resilience, Okemah’s balanced attack and early lead proved insurmountable as the Panthers closed out the game with 12 fourth-quarter points.

The game highlighted the contributions of all Beggs scorers: Rickey Smith, Mike Lewis, Jordan Wesley, Baker Copeland, Braydon King, and Jayston Tennyson. Each player provided key moments that demonstrated the team’s determination, particularly in the second half when the Demons attempted to mount a comeback.

With the loss, Beggs falls to 3-7 on the season but will regroup for their next matchup against Checotah in the consolation bracket. Okemah improves to 5-4 and advances to the semifinals, where the Panthers will face Sallisaw.

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