Verdigris Falls to Holland Hall in First-Round Playoff Loss

URGENT UPDATE: In a disappointing first-round playoff matchup, the Verdigris girls basketball team suffered a 58-47 defeat against Holland Hall on January 16, 2024, in Inola. Despite a late surge, the team’s slow start proved insurmountable.

Officials report that Verdigris struggled to find its intensity in the first half, falling behind early. By the time they began to pick up the pace, it was too late to change the outcome of the game. The team managed to close the gap but ultimately could not overcome the deficit.

The first quarter saw Verdigris unable to connect on key shots, resulting in a 20-7 score at the end of the period. Their performance improved in the second half, but Holland Hall maintained their lead, capitalizing on Verdigris’ early mistakes.

Coach Jerry Oquin expressed frustration with the slow start, emphasizing the importance of coming out strong in playoff games. “We need to be ready from the tip-off,” he said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t execute our game plan early enough.” His comments reflect the disappointment shared by players and fans alike.

This loss marks a tough end to the season for Verdigris, who had shown promise earlier in the year. The emotional toll of the game was evident as players left the court, reflecting on what could have been if they had started stronger.

As the playoffs continue, all eyes will be on how Holland Hall performs moving forward. Verdigris fans are left hoping for a bounce-back season next year, with lessons learned from this challenging playoff experience.

Stay tuned for updates on the ongoing girls basketball playoffs as teams strive for championship glory.