Wister's Cody Luman goes high for a scoop shot in between Howe's Stephen Helmandollar (left) and Nathan Hill.

By CRAIG HALL
HOWE—Wister’s Tyler Gibson and Cody Luman are a matchup problem for most opponents, and that was certainly the case here Friday night as the two Wildcats combined for a big night in a 53-43 win.

In the earlier game, Howe eventually wore down Wister in the second half in a 62-31 victory over the Lady Wildcats.

Gibson and Luman almost outscored Wister by themselves as the two Wildcats combined for 41 points. Gibson had 22, including 16 in the first half, while Luman added 19.

In addition to the scoring outburst, the two ruled the boards over the shorter Lions and Wister’s defense was suffocating, especially in the second half as the Wildcats held Howe to only 10 points to break open a close game.

Howe's Megan Brown is fouled by Wister's Cadie Smith in the Lady Lions' win Friday night.

Wister only led by two points at the half (30-28) and four (37-33) heading into the final period, but the Wildcats went on a 15-5 run to start the fourth quarter and take control of the game.

To start the fourth quarter, Gibson hit one of two free throws and Luman added a short jumper. Luman added two more free throws and Wister’s lead had stretched to 42-33.

Howe eventually cut the lead to 45-38, but Gibson scored on a traditional three-point basket, Luman hit another shot and Gibson hit a pair of free throws and Wister’s lead was 52-38.

The Wildcats held Jared Brown, Howe’s leading scorer, to only seven points, all in the first quarter.

Nathan Hill was the only Howe player to score in double figures with 13 points.

The win improves Wister to 2-2 and was the Wildcats’ second straight victory. Howe drops to 1-2 after its second straight loss to a county team.

In the first game, Howe’s girls jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead and led 27-7 at the end of the first quarter. Wister’s girls rallied and cut the deficit to 14 points at halftime.

The Lady Wildcats scored the opening bucket of the third quarter to cut the lead to 12 points, but then Howe went on a 13-0 run and held Wister scoreless for over four minutes.

Howe cruised from that point as coach Chris Brown emptied his bench.

Abigail McGarrah led Howe with 16 points. Brooke Vandever added 12 and Megan Brown had 10 for the Lady Lions, now 3-0 on the season.

Clara Brown paced Wister with nine points.

Both teams will be at home Tuesday. Wister hosts Cameron while Howe welcomes McCurtain.

Wister at Howe boxscores