The Morris Lady Eagles showed grit throughout Tuesday night’s season opener but ultimately fell 53-24 to a seasoned Okemah squad inside the Morris gymnasium on Dec. 2.

Okemah started fast, applying hard defensive pressure and jumping out to a 15-6 lead in the first quarter. Morris worked to settle in, but Okemah’s offensive rhythm carried into the second period, where they added 26 points to build a commanding halftime advantage.

Morris responded with its strongest defensive showing in the third quarter, holding Okemah to just two points. However, scoring opportunities remained limited for the Eagles, who posted eight points in the frame while continuing to fight for momentum.

Okemah closed out the fourth with a 10-point effort, sealing the 53-24 final.

— Morris Stats

• Kailynn Lukenbill – 6 points

• Taylor Phillips – 8 points

• Daijah Ghoston – 5 points

• Tenli Barnett – 2 points

• Amy Gehring – 2 points

• Rhylee Rock – 2 points

• Ava Bowen – 1 point Several other Lady Eagles played valuable minutes, contributing rebounds, defensive stops and ball movement, including Alayna Fixico, Kailyn Fixico, Madilyn Stacy, Brooklyn Wright, Shelby Washington and Khiya Brill.

– The Lady Eagles will look to build on these steps as they prepare for their next matchup later this week in Eufaula.