Asher’s Cadence Leba recovers the ball and looks to pass in the home game with Varnum on Jan. 2. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

The Class 2A Dale Pirates basketball team, their coaches and the Dale cheerleaders pose after winning the 2022 Tournament of Champions in Tulsa on Dec. 30. They are the first small school to win the tournament since 1978. The team returned to defend their title in the 58th TOC on Dec. 27, 2023. Photo provided.

North Rock Creek recognized Coach Evan Smith for his 100th win as a head coach, Tuesday, Dec. 12. The NRC back-2-back State softball championship team was also recognized. NRC played Tecumseh Tuesday night and won both games. Girl's score was 55-47 and the boys 71-38. Photo provided courtesy of Gowin Photography

The Earlsboro Wildcats basketball team and their coaches pose with their plaques after winning the Little River Conference Tournament, held at Seminole High School, Dec. 5-9. They won all three of their games, beating Moss, 67-27; Mason, 68-38; and Varnum, 68-65, with a three-point buzzer beater. Photo provided by Coach Chad Rochelle.

Shawnee freshman Chrishelle Milum tries for a basket but is fouled in the third quarter of the Dec. 15 game against Crossings Christian. Playing back on the newly-repaired Performing Arts and Athletic Center, the Lady Wolves won, 56-34. The Wolves came up short, 47-67. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Macomb sophomore McKenzie Brummett aims for the basket, as Earlsboro junior Natalie Peters (#11) plays defense, in the Earlsboro home game on Dec. 12. The Lady Wildcats won, 40-37, and the Wildcats also beat the Hornets, 78-32, that night.

Tecumseh’s Kohen Warden tries to block the shot as North Rock Creek’s David King leaps to the basket. Photo courtesy of Gowin Photography

North Rock Creek's Jesse Todd signs with East Central University. Todd is picured seated between his parents (from left) Jeff, Jesse, and Darlene Todd. His sister Hannah and her son Kyler also attended the signing. Photo courtesy of Gowin Photography

After stealing the ball, Tecumseh's Aveon Stokes aims for the basket and is fouled by McLoud's Bryce Cowns in the Consolation Round of the First United Basketball Classic, held on Dec. 9 at Bethel High School. McLoud won, 60-39, for the third-place trophy. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

The Tecumseh Lady Savages and their coaches pose with the First United Basketball Classic Girls Champion trophy after beating Bethel, 55-46, on Dec. 9 at the newly remodeled Bethel High School gym. The Lady Savages won all three of their games at the three-day tournament with Perkins-Tryon, Sallisaw and Bethel.