The Ponca City Wildcat boys basketball team flashed lots of competitive spirit Tuesday night as they played their season opener with Putnam City West in Robson Field House.

The Wildcats came out strong in the first quarter and led after the first period 15-14. Putnam West, which is one of the top teams in Oklahoma Big Seven Conference, and the entire state for that matter, took matters into their own hands after that point and ended up winning by a comfortable margin--87-56.

It seemed like the Wildcats of Coach Ivan McFarlin caught West off guard in the early going with their tenacious defense and rapid-fire offensive thrust. But West was able to settle into a routine in the second quarter and led 39-29 at the half. The Patriots extended their lead to 65-47 after three quarters and then romped through the fourth quarter to outscore Ponca City 22-9 and finish with a 31-point edge.

Two Wildcats finished in double figures. Luke Hollis and Tay Moore each had 12 points to lead the way. Kaiden Rayfield, a 6-foot-8 presence on the floor, scored 24 to lead the Patriots in scoring. Jaden Constant added 18, Jordan Warrior had 17 and Chiante Tramble had 13 to close out the Patriots’ double figure scoring.

Ponca City will resume action Friday in Enid for another conference challenge.

PUTNAM CITY WEST 87, PONCA CITY 56 Putnam West 14 25 26 22 -- 87 Ponca City 15 14 18 9 -- 56

Putnam West -- Kaiden Rayfield, 24; Jaden Constant, 18; Jordan Warrior, 17; Chiante Tramble, 13; James Wilson, 7; Nate Murithi, 6; Powell, 2.

Ponca City-- Luke Hollis, 12; Tay Moore, 12; Jackson Northcutt, 9; Trenton Munroy, 8; Lane Briggs, 4; Nick Thompson, 3; Raycyn Fisher, 3; AJ Landes, 3; Elijah Kriesel, 1.