The Cleveland Tigers opened the Blue Sky Invitational Tournament last week with a 66-52 win over Pawhuska, then went on to fall to Skiatook, 59-67, then beat Metro Christian to claim third place. Senior Tyler Kelsey was a beast under the basket against Pawhuska. Photo by John Burns Senior Mannford Pirate Max Moore puts up a jumper

Senior Mannford Pirate Max Moore puts up a jumper against the Berryhill Chiefs last week. Berryhill defeated the Pirates 39-41. On Friday, the Pirates hosted Bristow and defeated them, 55-49. Photo by John Burns.

Sandites, coaches, and trainers celebrate during media pictures after winning the Class 6A-II state title. Photo by John Burns

Sandite hands rise together, hoisting the gold ball in celebration as an emotional coach Bobby Klinck leans into the moment and reflects on a shared, hard-fought season that ended in triumph, erased 59 years of waiting and bound a town to its team and a team to its coach. Photo by John Burns

Paxton Salazar keeps a Sand Springs scoring drive alive with a catch under pressure. Photo by John Burns

The Charles Page Sandite captains for last Friday’s game against Putnam City walk on to the field. They are, Dominic Forbes, Easton Webb, Michael Mears, Shawn Hatcher and Alex Dudley. The Sandites staged a dramatic come-from-behind win to edge out the Pirates 27-26. See story, Page 4. Photo by John Burns