Roland girls claim Tahlequah Classic championship
by Mike Erwin
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TAHLEQUAH - Roland built a 20-point lead after three quarters of play and went on to down Grove 57-44 on Saturday in the championship game of the Tahlequah Basketball Classic.

The Lady Rangers completed a three-game run to the title as senior Ericka Edwards poured in 22 points to wrap up tournament MVP honors.

Carlie Robertson pumped in another 12 points for Roland, while Samantha Barnes scored eight, Jasmine Kirkwood six, Blazi Weippert four, Katy Beakley four and Brittany Hudson one.

The Lady Rangers took a 14-10 lead into the second period and went on a 15-5 run to go up by 14 at the break. Roland continued to pull away in the third quarter and took a 43-23 edge into the final stanza.

Kirkwood joined Edwards on the all-tournament team for Roland, which beat Okmulgee in the first round and Stilwell in the semifinals. In the 71-67 win over Stilwell, Edwards torched the Lady Indians for 30 points, while Robertson added 17.

Tahlequah 75, Roland 56 (B)

The Rangers led up until halftime, but Class 5A eighth-ranked Tahlequah took control after the break to win the title game of the Tahlequah Classic Saturday night.

Roland led 34-28 after two quarters of play before tournament MVP Matt Qualls scored 13 of his 17 points in the second half to lead the Tigers.

Jon Griggs led all scorers with 21 points for Tahlequah (5-0).

Roland (4-1) was paced by all-tournament selection Trey Chambers, who finished with 17 points. Levi Biggerstaff added 16, Avory Taylor 11, Kevinn Castleberry seven, Will Roam two, Chance Shaver two and Dakota Weippert one.

The Rangers opened the tournament with a win over the Broken Arrow JV before beating Okmulgee 65-31 in the semifinal round. Chambers netted 15 points in that victory.

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