Academic News Article
The past week was a big week for Caney Valley Academics.
Saturday, January 15, the Caney Valley High School Varsity Academic team fought valiantly at the area tournament but came one game shy of qualifying for state. They came out strong beating Colcord 240-130 and Sperry 280-110 before losing to Preston 140-160 and Morris 180-200. Leading the team in scoring was Senior Brayden Pwith 280 points followed by Juniors Carter B with 70 points, Caleb P with 60, and Avery T with 40. Champion P is the number one 3A team in the state, and Morris will be seeded 6th in the state tournament.
Peckham has been a standout during his four year career including qualifying for state last year as well as being on the state runner up team in 2020. He averaged 40.50 his senior year in OSSAA competitions which is the highest average of any Caney Valley Academic team member in Mrs. Ward's 15 year tenure and beats Brandon McLauglin's 2014 average of 40.00 and Dr. Kelsey Ward Besett's 2009 average of 39.29. The team finished the year at 35-13 with a 73% winning record which ties the team with the Caney Valley state runner up teams of 2014 and 2020 as the winningest percentage since 2005.
On Thursday, the 8/9th Grade Academic Team won the OJABA district championship by beating Porter 100-30, 190-100, and 210-80. The team was led by Noah R with 90 points and Logan W with 80. The team had a well balanced attack with Hayden T adding 50 points, Steven B with 40, and Brodie H with 20.
Saturday, January 22, the 6th grade academic team traveled to Colcord at the regional tournament where they finished one game shy of advancing to the state tournament. They got off to a slow start losing to Chelsea 90-360 before bouncing back with victories over Barnsdall 220-140 and Afton 170-110. They then lost a nailbiter to Chelsea 180-190. Team captain Roxy H led the scoring with 170 points followed by Levi P with 100, Kenton G with 50, and newcomer Ella T with 10. The team ended their season with a 5 - 2 record.
Coach Martha Ward is extremely proud of the hard work and dedication her teams have exhibited this year. Although the varsity and 6th grade teams' seasons are over, the 7th - 10th grade teams are continuing to compete in February and beyond.