The Eisenhower vs. Putnam City North matchup always provided intriguing and exciting games, and Friday night's contests certainly fit that description.
The Eagles split with the Panthers, producing two games decided by a total of eight points. The girls squeaked out a 47-44 win, while the boys lost their third-straight game in a 68-63 loss.
Ike continues its roadtrip when it returns to action against Midwest City on Tuesday.
Rogers carries Ike girls to win
With Ginger Reece out with an illness, Ike needed someone to take over her production, and Gena Rogers did just that.
Rogers, along with center Jaeda Reed, led the team with 13 points, carrying the Eagles (12-4) to a gritty 47-44 victory over a pesky PC North squad.
Rogers also sparked a comeback in the third quarter when Ike trailed by nine prevented the Panthers from getting off a quality shot in the final moments — feats which had Ike coach Daniel Wall overjoyed.
"She really stepped up, and I feel like she kind of single-handedly put us on her back," Wall said. "After the game, I gave her a big hug and said, 'Thank you so much for bailing us out', and she said, 'Coach Wall, somebody had to shut you up', because I was pretty upset over there on the sideline. She's just a special kid."
Hallie Horton and Delicia Brown also had big games, combining for 16 points.
Ike boys drop third straight
It has been a rough stretch for Ike.
The Eagles (12-4) found themselves on the losing side of the selves on the losing side of the scoreboard once again, losing to Class 6A No. 3 PC North, 68-63, on the road Friday night. The loss marks Ike's third defeat in the past six days, two of which came without point guard RJ Fisher on the court.
Despite the recent slump, Eagles coach Todd Millwee remains optimistic about his team's ability to bounce back and close the regular season in a strong manner.
"It's been a rough week and a half with distractions and some road trips and people getting sick," Millwee said. "We haven't had much adversity this year — a lot of things have gone our way. It's good to get some adversity because helps you see who's all in and who's with you."
Ike had three players score in double figures, with Antonio Gordon leading the way with 20 points. Mark Berry had his best game of the season with a 15-point outing, and Kinyon Parker added 11.
Even with the three-straight losses, Millwee said he believes his team will still finish with a top four seed and get to host a regional.
"We were still the two-seed after the Memorial loss," Millwee said. "The loss to Choctaw probably pushed us back a little bit, so I'd say we'll probably end up in the three-seed because we still have a better record than El Reno, who is the four-seed. But it doesn't really matter once you get in the playoffs. You just gotta win about six or seven games in a row."