Private schools POW: Elyse Hight, Irish…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
It was a battle between a couple of Bishop McGuinness standouts for this week’s honor, but I thought this sophomore made a bigger impression this week.
The Irish girls basketball team was in danger of not only blowing an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter but doing it at home…on homecoming…against their rival.
But there would be no miracle comeback for Bishop Kelley because of Elyse Hight. Scoring more than half the team’s points and derailing the comeback attempt makes her the Private schools Player of the Week.
Hight scored 20 points in the 39-35 win. And the way she played in the second half opened my eyes. She’s had a couple of big games this season (most notably in a loss to Edmond North), but the way that she played Friday has to have Irish supporters a little bit giddy.
McGuinness is being powered by its post, and you thought that just meant Cara Pugh and Alexa Lienhard. But Hight is showing when she gets a chance, she’ll make the most out of it.
I said it Friday night, but it’s how strong she is with the ball that is setting her apart. She’s able to convert when she gets a hit, and there’s a big difference in always going for three-point plays vs. shooting two free throws.
If the Irish are going to make a run in an ultra-deep 4A, they’re going to need more big-time performances from places they don’t normally look.
Other contenders
Jameel Whitney, Basketball/Football, Irish: Big week for Whitney. Signed with East Central to play football Wednesday and scores game-high 15 points in win vs. Bishop Kelley on Friday.
Ryan Shelley, Basketball, Casady: Cyclones went 0-3 last week but not because of Shelley. Good week for the senior, who moved into sixth on the all-time scoring list.
Daniel Blackwood, Basketball, OCS: You know about Jack Warren and T.J. Holland, but Blackwood returned this last week as OCS pulled out two more Ws vs. Riverside and Christian Heritage.
Hans Thun, Basketball, OCA: This is more of a ‘season achievement’ award as Thun has been almost beyond sensational for the Eagles this season.
Note: Heritage Hall did not compete in basketball this week.
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