Washington's late free throws push No. 8 Norman High past No. 3 Edmond Santa Fe

Kelbie Washington readied herself for what would need to be coast-to-coast drive in less than six seconds. Edmond Santa Fe prepared for it, too. The Wolves were maybe a little too prepared. “I felt a little shove,” Washington said. “It was a 50-50 call. It could have gone either way.” Washington was fouled deep in the backcourt, then the Norman High freshman guard calmly sank two free throws with three seconds left to seal No. 8 NHS’ 58-57 upset win at home Tuesday over No. 3 Edmond Santa Fe. “I’m exhausted, but I’m happy,” Washington said. “I was telling myself, ‘I have to put these free throws in.’” NHS coach Michael Neal threw a fist in the air after Santa Fe lost the ball on the ensuing inbound pass. “It’s a moment,” Neal said. “These are moments you live for.” Washington continued what has been an impressive first season, scoring 15 points for the Tigers (13-4). She didn’t have a field goal in the fourth quarter, but made 4 of 6 free throws. Nyah Henderson scored 14 points and was instrumental in helping the Tigers regain the lead in the final minutes, as well as helping them to a fast start, scoring 12 points in the first half. NHS led by as many as eight in the fourth quarter, but wound up facing a deficit near the 2-minute mark when the game turned sloppy. The teams combined for four five straight turnovers at that point, the fifth coming on a steal by Edmond Santa Fe’s Makayla Foy, who fed Ravon Nero for a layup that put Santa Fe ahead 55-53 with 1:40 left. Both teams struggled at the foul line down the stretch, and it was Henderson who took advantage when she gathered an offensive rebound off a free throw in the final seconds, earning Alexandria Blackwell two free throw chances. Blackwell made both, scoring her only two points to tie the game at 56. “Those girls [Blackwell and Henderson] have a knack for getting the ball It’s why they’re in there. They gave us an opportunity. I can’t say enough about how hard they played,” Neal said. Santa Fe’s Kaylee Nero missed the second of two free throws with six seconds remaining, setting up NHS’ wild finish in its biggest win this season. Christina Shadid, Turner Mattingly and Kayla Albright each scored nine points for the Tigers, who erupted for 20 points in the second quarter to seize a 32-28 halftime lead. NHS controlled the third quarter, reeling off an 11-0 run after Santa Fe moved ahead briefly. Washington, Albright and Mattingly all drained 3s in the spurt. Santa Fe’s late surge didn’t seem to overcome anyone on the Tiger sideline. “[They] did an excellent job getting us out of our rhythm and getting some stops, creating turnovers,” Neal said. “But we had an opportunity and we took advantage.” Washington said composure was the difference. She proved as much at the foul line. “I knew we could beat this team,” Washington said. “Each game we’re growing as a team. We’re getting better and better.”

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Edmond Santa Fe High School Athletics

WASHINGTON'S LATE FREE THROWS PUSH NO. 8 NORMAN HIGH PAST NO. 3 EDMOND SANTA FE

TYLER PALMATEER

Norman Transcript | 1/23/2018

PHOTO CREDIT: Kyle Phillips