Private schools: Regional results…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
A somber day in the OKC-area private schools sector of the world. A couple of boys teams saw their season come to an end while CHA took it on the chin twice, but the Crusaders will be back.
Bishop McGuinness
Boys: Irish def. Perkins (55-36) for the regional championship.
Girls: Irish def. Perkins (42-30) for the regional championship.
Heritage Hall
Boys: Chargers lost to Piedmont (58-44) in an elimination game. Chargers have the pieces to make a run in the future, but it’s tough way to go out for Collin Groves and Andrew Hudiburg (among others). Just like football, that sophomore class can bring it on the court, too.
Mt. St. Mary’s
Boys: Rockets def. Kingfisher (50-40) for regional championship. Huge win as the game was at Kingfisher. That’s the type of momentum you want heading into Area.
OCS
Boys: Saints lost to Centennial (47-46) in an elimination game. Really thought the Saints were going to find their way to the state tournament. That win vs. Bethel I thought was going to get this team on track. OCS played well late in the season but picked the wrong time for a bad weekend.
CHA
Boys: Crusaders lost to Haworth (63-37) in regional championship.
Girls: Crusaders lost to Konawa (67-60) in regional championship. Not a bad loss at all, but it would have been a HUGE win on the road.
Girls basketball: No real surprises in Class A tourney field
The Class A girls basketball state tournament field is set and there aren’t any major surprises. Sure, AmPo didn’t make it even though it’s ranked fourth by the coaches. But the teams that qualified are all more than worthy. No one lucked their way into state. The lowest ranked team, No. 13 Merritt, is really, really good. In fact, it only lost once all season to a Class A team and that was in the area final.
Chatty has been the class of Class A all season even though Calumet carried the No. 1 ranking into the postseason. Bottom line: the best teams are represented. Can’t wait until Thursday.
Here are the combatants:
No. 1 Calumet (27-2): Three-point loss to Dewar put Calumet in loser’s bracket; avenged that loss with a 22-point blowout of Dewar Saturday.
No. 2 Chattanooga (22-3): Spent most of the year ranked No.1; own victory over Class 6A Tulsa Union this season.
No. 3 Seiling (23-2): Went into area undefeated last year and failed to make state tournament. Took care of business this season.
No. 5 Okarche (21-7): Four starters from last season’s semifinal team have the Warriors back for another run.
No. 6 Howe (25-3): Broke in practically an entirely new team this year, but still headed to state tourney for fourth straight year.
No. 7 Copan (23-3): Came into season with four starters with state tourney experience. Now they’re going back for more after missing last year.
No. 11 Fort Cobb-Broxton (21-5): After a short stint away from state tourney, this perennial power is back.
No. 13 Merritt (21-7): Of seven losses, five came from Class B teams and one from a 2A squad. Teasm’s only loss to a Class A team came Friday to Fort Cobb-Broxton by two points in overtime.
Pirates-Patriots, Round 4 coming Friday
We all knew it was coming, and they didn’t let us down.
Second-seeded Putnam City West and third-seeded Putnam City advanced in the boys basketball Class 6A regional playoffs, and next Friday, we’ll get to see the fourth meeting of the season between the Patriots and Pirates.
Unlike any year in recent history, this season has belonged to PC West, with three wins over its rival, including the exclamation point, an overtime victory in which the Pats rallied from 18 down on PC’s home floor.
But those three wins are worth nothing now, and it all comes down to winning in March. Friday’s winner goes to state, the loser must play again Saturday night with its postseason life on the line in an elimination game against the Southmoore-Lawton winner.
March isn’t here yet, but the madness has arrived.
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
T-Wolves refocused for playoffs
Jared Beal says this team feels a lot more like the Norman North squad that started the season 8-0 and charged up the Class 6A rankings than the one that lost four of the final seven games of the regular season.
That renewed focus showed Saturday night in the 63-54 win over Putnam City North in a 6A regional final.
“It’s really about motivation,” Beal said. “Playoffs, to me, that’s a whole new season. We’ve just got to come out and try to get back to where we were.”
Up next, the Timberwolves will get a shot at the east’s top seed, Broken Arrow, which defeated Enid 70-44 Saturday. That means PC North will take on the Enid one-man show of Chris Fitzpatrick. All 5A and 6A games are at currently undetermined sites and times.
No one with Norman North seemed too concerned about Beal’s knee, which he injured late in the game when a PC North player fell onto the back of his leg. Coach Butch Roberts believed it to be a “mild sprain,” and Beal simply said he needed to get some ice on it.
He was a beast inside, coming up wtih 10 of his 12 points in the first half and grabbing 18 rebounds.
Norman North really took control of the game in the final two minutes of the first half, when it got going on an 8-0 run that turned a 25-23 edge into a 33-23 halftime advantage. PC North cut it to five a couple times in the second half, but couldn’t draw any closer.
PC North’s Armon Provo had his shot going. He hit five 3-pointers and finished with 29 points.
But you could tell early — even when it was still a nip-and-tuck game through the first 14 minutes — that something was a little off for the Panthers. The execution was there, but they weren’t finishing plays, especially when they got into the paint. Maybe the thought of the 6-foot-4 Beal and the 6-8 Matt Southard had them a little nervous about getting their shots blocked. It’s not like the Panthers to play that way, but it seemed like they were apprehensive.
Enid presents a favorable matchup for PC North as it tries to bounce back, and against Enid, it’s all about containing Chris Fitzpatrick and his 28 points per game.
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Class 4A, 3A wrestling: Day 2…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Even though the championships are considerably longer than the semifinals at the state wrestling tournament, they are much more rewarding to write about. You don’t feel bogged down by anything.
And when you’re covering some of the studs at Tuttle and Perry (among a host of others), it’s easy to get excited about what you’re seeing.
4A
- You kinda knew before Friday morning that Tuttle was going to be walking away with the championship. When you have 14 kids there, you’re bound to pick up some points along the way.
And having four champions sure doesn’t hurt the cause. And three of them (Colton Roberts, Cole Gracey and Shane Woods) became two-time champions at that. Zachary Beard was the other titlist for the Tigers.
Tuttle won convincingly, with Sallisaw placing second and Cushing a solid third.
- Sallisaw’s Jeromy Davenport continues his dominance. He is so much fun to watch as he earned his third straight state championship. Smart money would have him going for No. 4 at this point next year. He beat Stilwell’s Hunter Muskrat in the championship.
- A lot of fun in seeing the reaction of Piedmont’s Brantley Pyle to winning at 135 pounds. Pyle became Piedmont’s second champion EVER, and it came from a senior who had never qualified for state before this year. Good stuff.
- Cushing’s Ty Fittje was sensational as always. And in earning his second state championship, Fittje was also named the Most Outstanding Wrestler for 4A, a well-deserved honor.
- And congratulations to Catoosa’s Ben Morgan for winning his third state title.
- To go with the team title, Tuttle earned the academic achievement honor as well.
3A
- The story was Ian Fisher. Whether it was his undefeated season or becoming the 24th Oklahoma wrestler to win four state titles. Or because he barely even celebrated such a huge accomplishment.
He acted like he had been there and done that. And you know what? He had…three other times before Saturday. Fisher was also named the Most Outstanding Wrestler in 3A.
Fisher needed less than 40 seconds to score a fall and that elusive fourth title. Perry earned three titles overall as Matt Manley and Colton Gallo each earned championships.
- Big story was how well Cascia Hall performed. The Commandos placed second and had a great weekend. Might Cascia be an emerging power? I don’t know, but they definitely belong in the conversation.
- Big ups to Hulbert’s Mike Perez. I ran out of room for print, but Perz finishes his junior season at 32-0 and with a state championship.
- Moment of the night: seeing Pawhuska’s Cameron Kirk sign his winning bout sheet ‘Captain Kirk.’ Don’t know why, but I loved it. Kirk defeated Perry’s Trent Williams in what may have been the best match of the night, 4-3.
- Amazed at how good Tonkawa’s Jacob Love is at whatever he chooses to do. He was one of the best players in the state in football this year, leading the Bucs to the title. So what does he do for an encore? He goes undefeated and wins a state title in wrestling. Can’t wait for his senior year.
- Geary, who had a great season in its own right, won the academic achievement award in 3A.
Fellow chum Matt Patterson and myself shot a ton of video to go along with all the coverage in The Oklahoman. Look for the video on NewsOK on Sunday or Monday.
- As for me, halfway home. Swimming – check. Wrestling – check. Now time for two weeks of basketball. See ya on the hardwood.
State wrestling: Afternoon session wrap
The third place matches have wrapped up at State Fair Arena and there were few surprises. Here’s a couple of highlights from all classes and also where the team standings are as we head into the finals session which begins at 5:45 p.m. tonight.
Class 6A: 1. Broken Arrow 88; 2. Tulsa Union 86; 3. Muskogee 79.
Class 5A: 1. Claremore 124; 2. Altus 83.5; 3. Harrah 53; 4. Deer Creek 47.
Class 4A: 1. Tuttle 151.5; 2. Sallisaw 100.5; 3. Cushing 76.5.
Class 3A: 1. Perry 116. 2. Cascia Hall 73.5; 3. Pawnee 50. 4. Kingfisher 49.5.
From the third place matches, here’s a few highlights. Guthrie’s Bryan Dutton won a 1-0 decision to place third. Heath Boyd of Deer Creek lost his 152 third place match 5-2.
Westmoore’s Brian Self (189) lost his 3rd place match 3-1 in overtime. That’s a tough break for Self who also lost in OT at regionals. Also in 6A, Caleb Cline won his 215 pound match over Westmoore’s Kyle Factor with a pin.
The 6A team race will be interesting to watch in the finals round. Very little seperates Broken Arrow and Union, and Muskogee for that matter. BA was docked a team point Friday but still have a 2 point edge on Union heading into tonight.
Perry, Tuttle and Claremore have all but locked up titles. If Perry wins coach Scott Chenoweth will take the lead in the all-time in Perry history for team titles with 11.
Private schools: Regional schedule (Friday results)…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Somebody was upset about losing to Perry. That somebody would be OCS’ Jack Warren, who absolutely went off for 36 points.
Bishop McGuinness
Boys: Irish def. Piedmont (53-35). Play Perkins for the regional championship at 8 p.m. on Saturday at Cushing.
Girls: Irish def. Heritage Hall (78-39). Play Perkins for the regional championship at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at Cushing.
Heritage Hall
Boys: Chargers def. Cleveland (54-49). Play in an elimination game Saturday against Piedmont at 3 p.m. at Cushing.
Girls: Chargers lost to Cushing (50-34). Chargers had a great one-two combo in Murphy Burns and D Brown and they delivered all season.
Mt. St. Mary’s
Boys: Rockets def. Prague (50-45). Play Kingfisher for the regional championship at 8 p.m. on Saturday at Kingfisher.
Girls: Rockets lost to Alva (49-38). A nice surge late in the season, but it was a rough schedule for MSM.
OCS
Boys: Saints def. Lexington (87-68). The Saints scored 53 points in the second half. Play Centennial in an elimination game Saturday at Bethel at 3 p.m.
CHA
Boys: Crusaders def. Davis (68-57). Play Haworth for the regional championship at 8 p.m. on Saturday at Konawa.
Girls: Crusaders def. Latta (54-44). Play Konawa for the regional championship at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at Konawa.
Edmond: Regional schedule (Friday results)…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
After spending all day at wrestling, I feel out of the loop with basketball. Special thanks to Scott Wright for filling me in on some of the goodies.
Santa Fe
Boys: Wolves def. US Grant (75-11). Josh Richardson had 16 points. Wolves play Lawton for regional championship at Santa Fe on Saturday at 7 p.m..
Girls: Wolves def. Putnam West (74-27). Play Southmoore for regional championship at 1:30 on Saturday at Santa Fe.
Memorial (remember ‘Dogs are on east side)
Boys: Bulldogs vs. Owasso (66-52). Obi Emegano and James Woodard each had 18 points. Play Jenks for regional championship at Memorial on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Girls: Bulldogs def. Sapulpa (64-53). Play Union for regional championship at 1:30 on Saturday at Union.
North
Boys: Huskies lost to Lawton Eisenhower (63-49). Daniel Emesiani had 20 points. Emesiani and Menzel were the heart and soul of the team, but they couldn’t duplicate last year’s magical run.
Girls: Huskies def. Westmoore (65-27). Play Del City for regional championship at 1:30 on Saturday at North.
Deer Creek
Boys: Antlers lost to Lawton MacArthur (68-60). Matt Bailey’s club was extremely exciting to watch this season but just could never turn that corner.
Girls: Antlers def. Noble (52-30). Play Southeast for regional championship at 1:30 on Saturday at Deer Creek.
Once again, camped out at wrestling for what should be fantastic championship finals. Will update with regional results late Saturday.
What do Jeff Capel and MTV have in common?
Being the hip-hop fan that he is, I’m sure Oklahoma basketball coach Jeff Capel watches MTV from time to time when he’s not working.
On Friday night, he wasn’t watching MTV. He was watching basketball. And so was MTV.
Capel and an MTV camera crew — not together — were at the Putnam City West gym. Capel was there watching PC West’s Tyler Neal, the yet uncommitted 6-foot-6 swingman, who scored 22 points despite some rust on his usually smooth jumper after missing the last three games with an ankle injury.
The 6-foot-9 Amric Fields flashed some of the astounding athleticism that earned him a scholarship to TCU, where he signed before the season. He had 22 points as well, including a few high-flying, two-handed slams and a couple 3-pointers. PC West rolled into the second round of the playoffs with an 82-56 win over Moore.
More on Neal in a moment, but Capel missed the more entertaining game of the night, Mustang’s 49-43 win over Choctaw. Of course, there wasn’t much reason for him to be there, unless he’s helping Bob Stoops wtih his scouting of recent OSU football commit David Glidden of Mustang.
MTV was on hand for the Broncos and Yellowjackets, though they weren’t shooting much game action. Their crew has been at PC West much of the week for a show detailing the lives of high school students at several locations across the country. The network had to get special permission from the OSSAA shoot during the game, it had to have all the players sign waivers, and it put up a big sign outside the entrance to the gym warning fans that they could end up on camera.
The game itself was a wild one, featuring two of the more athletic point guards around, Glidden and Choctaw’s Mark Florie. It was a fun battle to watch all night.
Mustang seemed to be ready to dominate the game, but saw a 12-point, third-quarter lead slip away as Choctaw went up by five with about three minutes left.
But Jacinto Biorato hit a clutch 3-pointer from the corner, Jacob Strassle and Glidden converted some key free throws and Ben Berry came through with a couple big baskets as Mustang closed the game on a 12-1 run.
Now Mustang will try to pull off the same upset from two weeks ago against PC West. Mustang knows what it needs to do, but the Patriots are extremely motivated because of the 91-88 double-OT loss to the Broncos on Feb. 12.
Back to Neal, he held off from committing or signing anywhere in November for this very reason — to try to improve his stock and land an offer from a big program. There’s no offer yet from OU, but there’s interest.
Before the season, Neal was being recruited by programs like Oral Roberts and TCU. Since then, he says he’s picked up a couple more offers, but declined to name the schools. He told me in November that he wanted to wait until the season ended to really get deep into his recruitment, and that’s why he didn’t want to discuss his offers publicly — it’s the playoffs and he wants to win a state title. He wants to keep the focus on his team and its goals.
Qualities like that would make him a good fit at OU — his team-first attitude, his work ethic and his good behavior. He’s the kind of kid that pulls a team together rather than driving it apart. Besides that, he’s got decent size, he rebounds well and his shooting range is limitless.
At 6-foot-6, Neal might not be the ideal size to play the four in the Big 12, but Capel has made it work with guys like Nate Carter and Taylor Griffin. And Neal has a better outside shot than either of them did, which is a weapon Capel really likes to have in a big guy to stretch defenses.
There’s no doubt Neal has plenty to offer, but wherever he goes, he hopes he’s taking a state championship ring with him. And that’s his only focus right now.
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Wrestling: 5A-6A wrap up from Day 1
Day one of the state wrestling tournament is in the books and though there weren’t a ton of upsets, the fianls are shaping up to be pretty interesting.
Class 6A
There will be at least two rematches from last year’s finals with Del City’s Tray Dorell going against Tulsa Union’s Josh Walker in the 112 pound pound finals. In 6A, Kyle Garcia (119) will meet Jacob Weis from Jenks again. He beat him last year to win his first title. Garcia had a tough match in the semis with Stillwater’s Jared Elmore.
Class 5A
Deer Creek pushed Nolan Boyd (171) and Alex Christensen into the finals. Boyd will get Lawton Mac’s Max Adair in the finals. Boyd has a good shot, but beating Adair won’t be easy. Christensen gets NW Classen’s Mike Anderson who beat him in the regional finals last week.
Carl Albert had a disappointing night with three semifinalists and only one in the finals. The good news is most of Carl Albert’s team will be back next year as Fay Barnett continues to build one of the better programs in the metro area. And Jared Porter has a good shot to win his second title.
