Stigler opens Sequoyah County tourney

Stigler's basketball teams enter the Sequoyah County Classic, starting play this evening in Vian. Stigler's girls look to match Muldrow and Roland, both of which are ranked in Class 4A, after falling out of the tournament following losses to those two teams. Stigler's boys simply look to improve through the tournament.

Stigler girls (6-1) vs. Sallisaw Central (3-4) 6:30 p.m.

Last game: Eufaula 51, Stigler 46; Pocola 61, Sallisaw Central 48.

Last meeting: Sallisaw Central 34, Stigler 32 (Jan. 9, 2015)

Notes: Stigler took second in the Wilburton Roundball Classic, which was Dec. 12-17. Salliaw Central lost two of three in the Choctaw Nation Invitational, which was Dec. 15-17. Shauntey Hays is leading Stigler with 18 points per game. The Panthers and Tigers faced off in the third-place game of the Sequoyah County Classic two years ago. If Stigler wins, it likely faces 11th-ranked Roland on Jan. 5. The Rangers play Gans in the first round on Jan. 3.

Stigler boys (0-6) vs. Muldrow (6-2) 8 p.m.

Last game: Hartshorne 60, Stigler 37; Muldrow 63, Cleveland 54.

Last meeting: Muldrow 76, Stigler 42 (Feb. 5, 2016)

Notes: Stigler has averaged 43 points per game thus far, breaking the 50-point mark once. Muldrow has scored 53.3 per game, boasting a good amount of size and athleticism. 6'2" senior Amari Hardwick and 6'4" junior Tyren Collins are strong scorers both from the perimeter and while attacking the basket. The Bulldogs have won four of their past five games. If the Panthers are unable to get past the Bulldogs, they should have a good chance for their first win on Jan. 4 against Gore (0-6), which plays Sallisaw Central in the first round on Jan. 3.