The Preston Pirates capped an incredible run at the Muscogee Nation Invitational Tournament with a thrilling overtime victory over the Wilson Tigers, winning 45–36 on Jan. 25 at the Muscogee Dome. With relentless defense and late-game composure, the Pirates claimed the Boys Championship Trophy in dramatic fashion.
— Preston vs. Wilson: Championship Recap The championship game was a battle of perseverance, featuring seven lead changes. Wilson controlled the first half, heading into the break with a 22–10 advantage. However, Preston stormed back, going on a 16-point run to take the lead and force overtime. In the extra period, the Pirates dominated, outscoring the Tigers 11–2 to seal the win. — Quarter-by-Quarter Scores
• 1st Quarter: Preston 10, Wilson 10
• 2nd Quarter: Wilson 12, Preston 0
• 3rd Quarter: Wilson 9, Preston 8
• 4th Quarter: Preston 16, Wilson 3
• Overtime: Preston 11, Wilson 2 • Final Score: Preston 45, Wilson 36 — Team Stats PHS WHS Field Goal Percentage 38.1% 30.2% Three-Point Percentage 10.5% 29.2% Free Throw Percentage 39.3% 33.3% Points in the Paint 28 12 Points off Turnovers 17 6 Offensive Rebounds 9 5 Defensive Rebounds 25 24 — Preston Top Scorers
• Jayden Smith (#13): 15 points, 7 rebounds, and three clutch three-pointers.
• Tanner Young (#14): 10 points, 4 assists, and crucial late-game leadership.
• Phoenix Finch (#34): 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals.
• Ethan Moore (#21): 8 points, 6 rebounds, and key defensive contributions.
— Wilson Top Scorers
Ke’shon Shelburn led the team with 10 rebounds. Wilson passed the ball well with 11 assists on 13 made baskets. Also contributing for the Tigers were Charles Shelburn (9 points), Talan Dobson (5 points), Anthony Wind Jr. (3 points), Esiah King (2 points) and Andrew Wilson (2 points).
— Wilson Tournament Highlights
Wilson defeated Morris 74–45, with Ke’shon Shelburn scoring a remarkable 37 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Wilson dominated the second quarter, outscoring Morris 27-8, and finished with 33 total rebounds. Contributions also came from Charles Shelburn (11 points, 8 assists), Andrew Wilson (7 points) and Anthony Wind Jr. (6 points).
Behind another double-double from Ke’shon Shelburn (20 points, 10 rebounds), Wilson triumphed 50–34. Anthony Wind Jr. added 13 points, including three three-pointers, while Wilson outscored Wewoka 17–2 in the third quarter. The Tigers finished with 28 rebounds and 15 assists.
Despite Wilson’s dominance in earlier rounds, Preston’s resilience shone through in the championship game. The Pirates’ ability to force turnovers and capitalize on second-chance opportunities made all the difference. Jayden Smith’s three-point shooting and Tanner Young’s poise in overtime were pivotal.
