By Jeff Cali | The Ada News

The Kingfisher Lady Yellowjackets showed some sting in their final two games at the 46th Annual Bertha Frank Teague Mid-America Classic.

After a tough first-round loss to McAlester, Kingfisher shut down Hartshorne 51-29 before KO-ing Bethel 57-22 Saturday to capture fifth place in the tournament.

Kingfisher head coach Taylor Young, who has guided her team to back-to-back state tournament appearances, said she was glad to see her team turn up its defensive intensity.

“I felt like the last couple of games our defense and rebounding were good. Defensive rebounding opened up our transition offense which helped lead to some easy baskets,” Young told The Ada News.

Young said she and the Lady Yellowjackets enjoyed their entire Mid-America experience.

“It was a well-ran tournament from top to bottom in all aspects. Anytime you get invited to a tournament like this, it’s special, and it’s an opportunity to go out and compete against some of the best teams in the state in their respective classes,” she said.

Kingfisher, ranked No. 11 in Class 4A, left town at 4-3 while Class 3A No. 7 Bethel sits at 7-4.

Kingfisher 57, Bethel 22

The teams went toe-to-toe in the early going and Kingfisher held a slim 10-8 lead after the first period. However, the Lady Yellowjackets limited Bethel to just three points in the second quarter and used a 16-3 surge to build a 26-11 halftime lead.

It was more of the same in the second half as Kingfisher outscored Bethel 16-5 in the third period and ended the contest on a 15-6 run in the 35-point victory.

Reagan Snider, who was selected for the all-tournament team, paced Kingfisher with 17 points and six rebounds. She finished 7-of-10 from the field, including one 3-pointer, and hit both free-throw attempts.

Abbie Myers followed with 12 points and eight rebounds. She also hit a 3-point basket. Peyton Walker just missed double figures with eight points and dished out four assists.

Kingfisher won the battle of the boards 26-13.

Ava Gascon paced the Bethel offense with 12 points, including a trio of 3-pointers. No other Bethel player scored more than four points.

Josie Megehee was named to the all-tournament team for the Lady Wildcats.