Two-headed dynasty: Edmond North basketball captures two titles
EDMOND, Okla. (BVM) — Coaches and players are working hard to make a run at the state title this upcoming season. For both Edmond North basketball teams, that hard work paid dividends this past season.
Both teams came into the state title game ranked in the top five. Even with their rankings, some didn’t expect the teams to walk away with a state title.
“I felt amazing,” Edmond North sophomore standout Dylan Warlick said. “Going into the season, everyone kind of doubted us. They didn’t think we’d be at state, let alone winning state or even being there [in the title game]. It felt to prove a lot of people wrong. It means a lot to me and to all the guys who come to work every single day.”
Nevertheless, both squads were able to capture a state championship on March 12. The Lady Huskies started the day off with a win over Bixby. Toni Papahronis hit a last-second shot to win the first-ever state title for the Lady Huskies.
“It was pretty special,” Edmond North head girls basketball coach Pete Papahronis said. “Every year since then [taking over as head coach] has been just a little bit better. It’s been a hard road, a grind. All the hard has paid off. It was a fantastic game against a fantastic Bixby team.”
Ice in her veins! @toni_papahronis
Congrats to @PetePapahronis and @lady_husky_hoop on the state title!#OKPreps https://t.co/MXiG8jG0T6
— Isaiah Butler (@iButs_21) March 12, 2022
The boys basketball team played later than night, facing the Moore Lions. Warlick started the game off strong, propelling the Huskies to a 37-35 lead at halftime. The Huskies came out of halftime strong and weathered a late run by the Lions to capture their second state title.
With the boys team capturing the state title, Edmond North became the first school to win both the boys and girls state titles in 6A since that class started in 1996.
6A boys: FINAL | Edmond North 56, Moore 50
Dylan Warlick dominated. 28 points, 10 rebounds. Huskies become ninth team in state history that both boys and girls teams win titles in same year. #OKPreps pic.twitter.com/wnGFdYP8L2— Cameron Jourdan (@Cam_Jourdan) March 13, 2022
“Well, our girls had been dominant all year,” Edmond North boys head basketball coach Scott Norris said. “Just an amazing group of young ladies to watch play every day. Just seeing them work hard [was special]. Our guys are good friends with all the girls, and our teams have great relationships together. It’s a fun moment to watch them [Lady Huskies] win it and four hours later and have a chance to win too.
They were able to be on the floor with us after the game and celebrate together. It was a neat experience…It was the first time in history…The guys and girls understand what they accomplished, and they take that much more pride in it and have more respect for each other.”
For both programs, the 2021-22 season was a historical one. And they’ll have many memories to look back on. Now, it’s time for both programs to refocus and make a run for more titles and add to these prospering dynasties.
“The good thing with this group of guys is that I know every one of them is going to work hard every single day,” Warlick said. “We don’t have one negative person on this entire team. All of us work hard and want to get better.”
