Alva Review-Courier -

On Jan. 7, the Freedom basketball team and a couple of other fellow students made a bus trip to Stillwater to watch the Oklahoma State Cowgirls play the Oklahoma Sooners at the historic Gallagher IBA Arena.

At about 10 a.m. the bus left Freedom to make the lengthy trip. On our way we stopped in Alva and picked up my pal and fellow co-writer, Cade Kennedy. From there we continued down the road on our journey, playing card games, listening to music, and conversing to make the trip seem as short as possible.

After arriving in Stillwater we decided to grab a bite to eat at one of the most iconic restaurants in Stillwater. You probably guessed it: Eskimo Joes! We stuffed our faces with as much bacon cheese fries as we could, while waiting on our orders to arrive. While waiting, someone in the group pointed out a gang of at least 13 Corvettes pulling into the parking spots outside the window in front of where we were eating. They pulled in back to back, one right behind the other, each one looking better than the one before. As the last Corvette pulled into the parking lot our food arrived and we all sat down and enjoyed the delicious meal.

After all of us finished eating we walked from Eskimo Joes to the arena in the rain, stepping over puddles the entire time. Once we got to the entrance we all got in line and received our tickets. After that we stopped at the concession and got drinks and snacks to have during the game. Then we took off up the stairs to our seats.

After what seemed like 1,000 steps and two blown hamstrings, we finally arrived to the section where we were going to be sitting. As we settled into our chairs the Cowgirls came out of their tunnel and onto the court to warm up.

Ms. Immell

The Freedom basketball team pauses in the Gallagher-Iba arena. From left, back row: Ariana White, Blake Lee, Cade Kennedy, Summer Ralston, Myles Nixon, Linsy Weber, Lance Bolar, Khrista McComb, Katlynn Galemore, Nate Wood, Coach Germany; front row: Cameron Denham, Emily Reed, Angel Cardenas, Nicole Hughes, Luke Bolar, Kristopher Fargo, Tamlynn Link and Coach Tepe.

The game finally started and OSU scored first with a three, and continued to dominate for almost the entire game. OSU and OU appeared to have two completely different game plans. While OSU was primarily looking for open three-point shots and jumpers, OU was looking to drive into the lane and work the ball into the post.

At halftime our very own Myles Nixon and Nicole Hughes were able to partake in one of the halftime events, along with two other complete strangers. The game they played was layup musical chairs. Myles started the event off missing two open layups and was the first to be eliminated from the contest. Nicole managed to make it to the second round but also was eliminated. Myles and Nicole didn't go empty handed though, because they got to take a picture with Pistol Pete!

After coming back from half-time the Sooners made a run to bring the game a little closer, but for every basket the Sooners scored the Cowgirls seemed to score one also. The Cowgirls finished out on top with the final score being 96-82.

I think I speak for all of us when I say we had a spectacular time at the game. It was a lot of fun and was definitely an experience I think all of us will remember for a while. Big shout out to Coach Germany, Coach Tepe, Ms. Immell, and anyone else involved in making that trip possible.