SAND SPRINGS February basketball is about response.
On Feb. 10 at Moore, the Sandites took a 52-44 loss in a game where the margins told the story. Sand Springs shot 32 percent from the floor and 33 percent inside the arc, finishing 6-0f-20 from three-point range. The free throws were automatic — 8-for-8 — but the field goals simply didn’t fall often enough.
Junior Kruz Smith kept the Sandites within reach, pouring in 15 points and knocking down five 3-pointers on 10 attempts. He battled through 15 shot attempts overall and carried much of the perimeter load.
Senior Micah Betchan added 10 points, going a perfect 4-for-4 at the line while hitting three field goals. He logged steady minutes and kept pressure on Moore’s defense with drives and midrange looks.
Teric Smith contributed two points and battled through nine field-goal attempts. David Price added five points, including a three and a pair of free throws, while Joseph Farmer chipped in two points and kept attacking inside. Grady Harris scored six, finishing strong at the line and knocking down two field goals. Sophomore Cael Knight was efficient, going 2-for-2 from the floor for four points in limited minutes.
The Sandites generated 15 total field goals and 44 points, but Moore controlled enough stretches to close it out.
Two nights later, the tone shifted.
Feb. 13. Sand Springs 62, Bixby 49.
The difference wasn’t subtle.
It was deliberate. Teric Smith exploded for 21 points, knocking down multiple 3s, finishing inside and calmly sinking four free throws. He stretched the defense and then attacked it.
Micah Betchan poured in 17 points, scoring across quarters and grinding out 4-of-7 from the free-throw line. He was physical early, composed late and relentless throughout.
Kruz Smith chipped in five points and continued to space the floor. Brady Harris delivered 11, including a second-half surge that helped separate the game. Joseph Farmer added six, finishing at the rim and converting free throws. Cael Knight added two with efficient touches inside.
Minutes came from David Price, Ge’Vauri Hill, Keyonte Wells, Tony Porter, Hunter Hoffman, Eric Walker, Braxton Bush and Brody Shotwell — depth that mattered in a game where pace and composure were key.
The Sandites didn’t just score more. They executed better. They finished. They answered.
The week closed with Sand Springs at 12-10 overall and 8-6 in district play.
“We finished 8-6 in district play. We will play a final regular season game on Feb. 17th at home vs Stillwater,” said Sandlot Head Coach Eric Savage. “Regional playoffs begin Feb. 27.”
The opponent, time and place for regionals is yet to be announced.
Stillwater waits on Feb. 17. Then the post season begins Feb. 27.
The Moore loss showed it hurts when shots fall short.
The Bixby win showed what happens when they don’t.
March is coming.