Class 4A boys: Douglass advances despite injury to Oklahoma State signee Stephen Clark

Now the Trojans have to hope their chances at a fourth consecutive state championship aren’t hobbled, too.

Clark, who has signed with Oklahoma State, injured his right ankle late in the first half of Douglass’ 79-56 win over Muldrow in the first round of the Class 4A boys state tournament with Clark’s teammates carrying the load.

DeAngelo Smith had 24 points, and Deondre Clark had 21 for Douglass. Stephen Clark finished with 16, just four of which came after the injury as he spent much of the second half on the bench.

“We had to step up,” Smith said. “I knew I had to do what I could do to help my team win. I felt like I could do anything to help us accomplish this win.

“We can play better, but we’re gonna get there, we’re gonna get that ‘W’ at the State Fair on Saturday.”

Smith exploded out of the gate, scoring 10 in the first quarter. If Stephen Clark can’t play Friday, he’ll become the focal point of the Trojans’ perimeter offense.