HENRYETTA — The Preston Pirates’ 2025-26 basketball season came to an end Friday night at the Area Tournament at the Henryetta Knight Center as the Pirates fell 55-43 to Central (Sallisaw). While the loss ended Preston’s postseason run one game shy of the state tournament, the night also marked the close of a season filled with determination, growth and several memorable victories.

Preston entered the Area Tournament with momentum after fighting through district and regional play to keep its season alive. The Pirates opened the postseason with a commanding 75-30 district victory over Pawnee, followed by a strong 66-47 regional win against Morrison, advancing the team deeper into the playoff bracket.

At the Area Tournament in Henryetta, Preston kept its state hopes alive with a 48-37 win over Kansas in the opening round. The Pirates leaned on their defense and balanced scoring in that game, setting up Friday’s elimination matchup against Central (Sallisaw) with a trip to the state tournament on the line.

Central came out strong in the first half and built an early lead. The Tigers held a 24-13 advantage at halftime, forcing Preston to battle uphill in the second half. The Pirates responded with improved offensive production in the third quarter and attempted to close the gap late in the game, but Central was able to maintain its lead and secure the 55-43 victory to advance.

Despite the loss, several Pirates turned in strong performances. Weston Cope, a sophomore, led Preston with 13 points, helping spark the offense throughout the contest. Senior Kent Rice added 15 points, keeping the Pirates within reach during key stretches of the game.

Other Pirates also contributed throughout the contest and season. Preston’s roster this year included:

• #1 Rickey Hinson, Sophomore
• #2 Trey Phillips, Senior
• #3 Kent Rice, Senior
• #5 Chris Cottrell, Junior
• #10 Carter Fuller, Junior
• #14 Carson Wittman, Freshman
• #20 Jermaine Bolden, Senior
• #21 Ra’Kavion Phillips, Freshman
• #23 Caden Hollier, Junior
• #25 Asa Stallings, Freshman
• #30 Jacobie Crawford, Sophomore
• #32 Bishop Bert, Sophomore
• #33 Weston Cope, Sophomore
• #34 Phoenix Finch, Senior

The Pirates finished the season with a 16-14 record, a mark that reflected the team’s resilience throughout a demanding Class 2A schedule.

Throughout the winter, Preston picked up key wins over teams such as Beggs, Morris, Wilson (Henryetta), Red Oak, Stroud and Pawnee, demonstrating the team’s ability to compete against strong opponents across the region.

The Pirates also turned in a solid performance at the Okemah Tournament, where they earned victories over Hilldale and Wewoka, helping build momentum early in the season.

One of the highlights of the year was the Patrons Bank Invitational hosted at Preston, where the Pirates battled through a competitive field and secured a win over Earlsboro.

As the season progressed, Preston continued to grow and develop under Head Coach Chase Littlejohn, relying on strong defense, improved ball movement and the emergence of several players stepping into larger roles.

For the seniors on this year’s roster — Trey Phillips, Kent Rice, Jermaine Bolden and Phoenix Finch — Friday night’s game marked the final chapter of their high school basketball careers. Their leadership and experience played a major role in guiding the Pirates through the challenges of the season and helping the team reach the Area Tournament.

Those seniors helped lay a strong foundation for the program, while younger players gained valuable experience that will help shape the future of Preston basketball.

Even in defeat, the Pirates walked off the floor knowing they had battled all season long and represented their school and community with pride.

Preston fans packed the stands throughout the postseason, traveling to district, regional and area games to support the team. That community support remained a constant throughout the season and served as an important part of the Pirates’ journey.

Though the season ended just short of the state tournament, the 2025-26 Preston Pirates will be remembered for their perseverance, competitive spirit and the way they continued to fight until the final buzzer.

For Pirate Nation, it was a season worth celebrating — and one that sets the stage for the future of Preston basketball.