by Clancey Cleveland
Dec 13, 2011

Moore came out strong, playing a quick man-to-man defense against the Norman Tigers Tuesday, Dec. 13 at Moore High Arena. The Lions caused several Tiger turnovers, most resulting in scoring opportunities for Moore.

 

Starting forward Alex Black led the way in rebounds, with 17, nine of those coming in the first half alone.

 

“Coach taught me go for the ball, so that’s what I try to do,” Black said. “It doesn’t matter how many board I have. It’s all for the team.”

 

Dorion Gigger was making a big impact defensively too. Five Norman shots never found their way to the rim due to Gigger’s blocks. The junior forward also had two steals in the first half.

 

“I just try to work hard on defense and get better every year,” Gigger said. “My teammates help me a lot, and my coach teaches me a lot.”

 

“That’s the defense I’ve been preaching about since this past summer,” Head Coach Aaron Howell said. “We finally showed up everyone accepted their role. Guys went in and played defense. That was their commitment. The defense finally buckled down.”

 

Norman stayed right with Moore, and even took the lead 21-20 to end the first half.

 

The Tigers would make a run for it in the third quarter, but then momentum shifted to the Lions when two technical fouls were called against Norman.

 

Despite having only two field goals in the third, free throws would keep Moore only three points behind going into the fourth quarter.

 

Moore made up for their earlier lack of buckets in the fourth quarter. The scoring streak began with two back-to-back Maurice Davenport three pointers. To add to the momentum, Davenport’s quick hands would steal a Norman pass and take it down the court for a layup.

 

“We got a long way to go,” Coach Howell said. “The fight is definitely there. I think the fire is lit again. They understand what they can do, and if they just stick to the game plan, everything will work out for them.”

 

Moore won the game, 55-44.