Beggs opened the Koby Love era Tuesday night with energy, athleticism and a deep rotation, but a decisive second-quarter run by Eufaula proved too much to overcome as the Ironheads pulled away for an 82-51 win in front of a capacity crowd.
It was the first game back in Beggs for Love, who previously served as an assistant with the program before returning to take over the head coaching role this season. His squad showed flashes of what its identity will become – fast, aggressive and full of interchangeable athletes – even as the night belonged to Eufaula’s timely pressure and hot shooting.
Beggs trailed just 12-14 after the opening quarter, leaning on senior guard Rickey Smith, who looked ready for midseason action as he poured in 10 early points. The Demons matched Eufaula pace for pace through much of the first 8 minutes, attacking in transition and generating turnovers with their pressure defense. Even with a roster that saw waves of substitutions, Beggs stayed competitive early and showcased just how many contributors it will be able to call on as the season progresses.
But midway through the second quarter, the momentum swung sharply. Eufaula dialed up a full-court zone press that turned several straight Beggs possessions into runouts and rhythm jumpers on the other end. That stretch fueled a 2410 Ironheads advantage in the period, powered by a blistering 11-point burst from Eufaula guard Reron Morrow. His timely scoring pushed the Ironheads into a double-digit lead at halftime and he finished with a game-high 20 points.
The Ironheads stayed with the same defensive pressure after the break, building on their lead with another 24-point quarter in the third. Beggs continued to battle but struggled to consistently break Eufaula’s length and trapping angles, which produced several easy baskets the other way. Even so, the Demons’ athleticism remained apparent, especially in the backcourt, where players like Bobby Baker and Jordan Wesley harassed ball handlers, sped up the game and helped Beggs manufacture turnovers of its own. Offensively, newcomer Mike Lewis provided one of the bright spots through the first three periods. Lewis knocked down multiple threes and finished with 12 points, giving Beggs a strong perimeter scoring option moving forward. Smith ended with a team-high 17.
Love also used the matchup to get valuable minutes for nearly his entire bench, turning the fourth quarter into a showcase for the program’s youth. Freshman Mason Hamilton scored five in the final period, knocking down a pair of confident jumpshots. Sterling Jordan attacked the rim for a quick basket, and Tryson Tennyson added a deep three to continue the push from the younger group. That late energy was a highlight for Beggs fans, who filled the gym wallto- wall and kept the atmosphere loud throughout.
Though the Demons walk away at 0-1, the foundation for the season was clearly visible – an up-tempo, disruptive defensive style built on length, speed and a roster deep enough to rotate fresh athletes at nearly every position. With more conditioning and continued repetition under Love’s system, Beggs appears poised to grow rapidly as the season unfolds. The Beggs Demons are set to compete in the Oilton Tournament, scheduled for Dec. 4-6.
