Even as a freshman, Cascia Hall's Conner Sherwood was already a beast.

Is Conner Sherwood among the nicest hard hitters out there? The Cascia Hall stud almost seems like he is too good to be true.

I’m beginning to think he’s just ‘too good.’ Sherwood will be entering his fourth year as a starter in the fall and comes in at No. 18 on the Super 30.

Take another look at the photo to the right. That’s Sherwood…as a freshman…in the semifinals. Needless to say Sherwood is not afraid of the big stage.

I’ve seen Sherwood play several times and what stands out to me is his leadership ability. He commands respect from his teammates and gets it by leading by example. I remember him dominating against Berryhill in the 3A state championship game in 2009. I also remember thinking how in the world is he only going to be a junior?

Fast forward to now, and he’s still the same player and entering his senior year. He has an offer from Tulsa, and I think he should get a couple of more. Not really sure what other teams are waiting for. Good size, great speed, tremendous attitude/character, has proved he can produce in big moments.

Regardless the focus right now for Sherwood and the Commandos is on getting ‘their’ championship back. Losing to Bethany in the quarterfinals was the first time Sherwood wasn’t taking pictures with a gold ball at the end of the year.

And coach Joe Medina, well, he’s not beating around the bush. Medina said he believes this could be his best team ever. Think about that for a second. Should be very interesting when you throw in Heritage Hall, Metro Christian, Anadarko, Tuttle, Kingfisher. Ooh, gotta love 3A.

For my story on Sherwood, go here.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Guthrie flag will be waving proudly once again this year.

Driving home from the 7-on-7 passing league at Edmond Santa Fe, and the bank monitor tells me 100 degrees. Yep, 100 degrees at 8:15 p.m. I will say 6-7 p.m. was a heck of a lot worse than 7-8.

Tuesday was more of a feeling out process. Wanted to see what teams were there. The same eight teams will be back at Santa Fe on Thursday night (as will yours truly).

Edmond Santa Fe, Edmond North, Deer Creek, Midwest City, Guthrie, Putnam City North, Westmoore and Douglass.

It was a great opportunity to pick the brain of one of my favorite coaches around in Guthrie’s Rafe Watkins. And it’s pretty clear what the Bluejays need: wide receivers.

When Kentrell Brothers is on the same team, it’s easy to be overlooked, but I think Devonte’ McCully was just as important to last year’s success.

In fact, that was the first thing Watkins said: ‘We don’t have anybody 6-6 that can just go up there and get it.’

But don’t you dare feel sorry for Guthrie. If the team is lacking at WR (big IF), it’s the only spot where don’t have some of the best in the class.

Quarterback? Bryan Dutton, yep. Running back? Luke Davis, yep (watch out for him). Lineman? Blake Belcher, you betcha. And then a stud like Landry Chappell at linebacker. Man, Chappell is right up there among the most productive players around.

Really like the make up of this Guthrie team. No longer the young pups that made a surprise trip to the semis in 2009. Fueled by the disappointment of losing to Booker T. in the semis last season, ready to get back the gold ball.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Doesn't that picture tell you all you need to know about Zac Veatch?

Back again for another installment of looking back at our latest Super 30 members. So let’s not waste any time, shall we?

21. Kason Key, QB, Owasso
The Rams were the ‘little team that could’ last year. Seriously expected not one thing from Bill Patterson’s group last year. So it was a huge shock to me to see Owasso in the state semifinals but maybe not to the team itself. One big reason for last year’s surge and this year’s expectations is obviously Key. He’s got great size and a great No. 1 target in Keon Hatcher.

For Anthony Slater’s story on Key, go here.

20. Ronnie Davis, CB, Midwest City
He’s going to be recruited as a cornerback, but I’m starting to be more and more impressed with his ability to throw the football. Got to watch him (and seven other teams) at Edmond Santa Fe on Tuesday, and it sure feels like Davis could be returning to his quarterback roots. Either way, I stand by my story that Davis is going to blow up this year, no matter where he plays.

For my story on Davis, go here.

19. Zac Veatch, TE, Broken Arrow
BA coaches got on me good in February when I didn’t have Veatch on the February list. Consider that corrected and consider that an error on my part in the first place. Veatch is a big boy, no doubt. Easily one of the best tight ends in the state. When I was talking to Norman’s George Kittle about Veatch, yep, that confirmed it. “Oh, he is tough to bring down.” Good enough for me.

For Tariq Lee’s story on Veatch, go here.

Now in the teens of the Super 30. Up next is one of the best linebackers not only of this year but of the last couple of years. Been a name to watch for a while now. Stay with us every day as we unveil the Super 30 for 2012, culminating with No. 1 on July 24.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Midwest City's Ronnie Davis has waited patiently to make his impact.

A good coach will get in your ear early about some of his top kids. Well, it’s tough to top the efforts of Midwest City assistant coach Jason Sexton.

He’ll take every opportunity he can to just let you know how things are going. But nine times out of 10, Sexton has been 100 percent. So with that type of track record, you start to not brush him off and start to really pay attention when he says something.

That means we’re blaming Sexton if Ronnie Davis doesn’t pan out. I kid (100 percent), but Davis could be one of the more scrutinized choices of the Super 30 at No. 20.

His numbers don’t place him anywhere near the list. But as I’ve stated and will continue to state to email complaints, this isn’t about who the best high school player is. This list is about how the kids are being perceived on the recruiting trail.

And right now, yea, Davis’ stock is rising. He’s got great size as a defensive back, but things might get more interesting if coach Steve Huff believes Davis would best represent the team at quarterback.

No matter where he’s at, Davis is simply grateful to finally getting that chance. And if he does play in the secondary with Ricky Reeves, all I’m going to say is look out. That might be the best corner duo in the state right there.

Davis was a QB his entire life until learning the CB spot last year. The recruiting floodgates opened at corner so definitely going to be keeping tabs on how things progress for Davis.

He has natural instincts, and he’s good at baiting opposing quarterbacks. But in 6A, you don’t play both ways at CB/QB. After waiting, though, one way or another, Davis’ time is now.

For my story on Davis, here ya go.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

A healthy Cole Swayze is a dangerous Cole Swayze for Purcell.

Well,  if you love quarterbacks, assume you have enjoyed the last few days of The Oklahoman’s Super 30 for the class of 2012.

And we’re not done yet for a mini-spoiler alert. But first, a look back at Nos. 25-22.

25. Markus Wakefield, DL, Heritage Hall
I don’t have much to add on Wakefield than what I’ve already said. He’s such a smart player who understands the game so well. His quick feet will also make him a name to watch in the future. You know how much he’s valued by how nice Barry J. Sanders and Sterling Shepard treat him. Always treat the big boys well who are leading the way for ya.

For my story on Wakefield, go here.

24. Corben Jones, QB, Yukon
Among the incoming seniors I’ve seen in person, Jones is the best pure quarterback I’ve seen. The qualifier to that, of course, is we don’t get to see a lot of Tulsa area kids as much as we used to, but Jones is about as good quality as they come. With a new stadium and a bevy of weapons to choose from, this year should just build on a solid 2010 season.

For Scott Wright’s story on Jones, go here.

23. Cole Swayze, QB/ATH, Purcell
Tempted to remove the ‘QB’ tag from Swayze. Pure coincidence that Swayze wears No. 23 in football and basketball, and he’s No. 23 on the countdown. Scott Wright raved about his time with Swayze, said he was one of the best kids he’s talked to. The elephant in the room is his health. Coming off yet another major injury, Swayze has to show he can do it for a full season. Still holds an offer from Oklahoma State and appears ready to put past injuries behind him and come up big in the fall.

For Scott Wright’s story on Swayze, go here.

22. Adrian McDonald, QB/ATH, Lawton Eisenhower
OK, the ‘QB’ label should be taken away from McDonald. You watch him in the open field, yea, that’s not a quarterback, my friends. McDonald forced us to take notice of him with how well he played last season in leading Eisenhower to a quality season. Sometimes that ‘tweener’ label of being good at so many spots can hurt a kid so we’ll just have to see how it all plays out.

For Tariq Lee’s story on McDonald, go here.

Who is No. 21? It’s another quarterback is all I’m going to say. Find out in Monday’s Oklahoman. And if you’ve missed out on any of the previous installments, the Super 30 page is here.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Heritage Hall's Markus Wakefield is ready to become one of the team leaders for the Chargers.

He’s certainly not the fastest Heritage Hall player. He’s not the biggest. But if you ask me, there isn’t a smarter Charger than lineman Markus Wakefield. His dedication to film and to scouting reports really started to show up during this past season.

Will intelligence be the thing that grabs colleges’ eyes? Not sure, but if someone takes a chance on Wakefield, they’re not taking a risk in the character department.

Wakefield first stood out to me before his sophomore season. Unfortunately for Wakefield, his story is all too familiar. He was a big boy going into his sophomore year. Now going into his senior? Well, he’s pretty much that same big boy.

Put Wakefield in that same spot as Guthrie’s Landry Chappell, Midwest City’s Zeke Lewis, Millwood’s Marc Robinson and Connor Myers of Edmond Memorial from last year. ‘Two inches taller’ and they’d be breaking down his door.

Wakefield does have an offer from Colorado State, and he should pick up at least a couple of more. When talking about Wakefield, also have to mention his quick feet. He has tremendous footwork for a big man.

He’s the first Heritage Hall player to make the Super 30. Obviously he won’t be the last. And if you love quarterbacks, well, you’re going to enjoy the next couple of days of the Super 30.

And for my story on Wakefield, go here.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Mustang's Brandon Taylor comes in at No. 28 on the Super 30.

Gonna split up the reviews of the Super 30 kids into two posts per week instead of one. In this trio, we begin to see how deep the quarterback spot is in the state. Spoiler alert: you’re going to see even more quarterbacks in the very near future.

However, here’s a recap of Nos. 28-26:

28. Brandon Taylor, QB, Mustang
It irked quite a few Varsity followers that Taylor wasn’t on the original list in February. Taylor worked his way onto the list. Taylor obviously received a lot of looks because of stud WR David Glidden last season, but he’s proving he’s more than capable and deserving of his own attention. And seriously, any excuse to show this photo shot by Chris Landsberger is good enough for me.

For Scott Wright’s story on Taylor, go here.

27. Keon Hatcher, WR, Owasso
Starting to separate himself from the field just a bit. There was a logjam in my eyes at wide receiver a couple of months ago, but Hatcher is pulling away down the stretch. Great camp performances combined with getting an offer from Arkansas has me believing No. 27 might end up being too low when we get right down to it.

For Anthony Slater’s story on Hatcher, go here.

26. Darrack Harger, QB, Sand Springs
Been a name on the radar for a while. I say that because I remember the lack of panic for the Sandites when Johnny Deaton got injured a couple of years ago. Here you have an Oklahoma State commit (at the time) going down, and Sand Springs was still feeling good about things. That said to me all I needed to know about the future of Harger, who was just a sophomore at the time.

For Tariq Lee’s story on Harger, go here.

Who is No. 25? Find out Thursday in The Oklahoman and NewsOK.com/Varsity. And catch up on all your Super 30 goodies as our daily countdown continues until we reach No. 1 on July 24.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Norman's George Kittle has gone from unknown to sought after commodity.

Saturday began our second annual summer series on the Super 30, a countdown of the top 30 football recruits for the class of 2012.

Last year we announced who they were before the series, not this year. If you wanna know who they are, keep yourself locked in at NewsOK.com/Varsity.

This is going to be a daily countdown until we reach No. 1 on July 24.

30. George Kittle, WR, Norman
Most sons of college coaches get some extra looks as a courtesy. And then when you see Kittle play, you realize it’s not a courtesy thing at all. He is Bruce Kittle’s son, but he’s a lot more than that. Kittle is the real deal on either side of the ball. At 6-4, he could be a wide receiver. He also has the intelligence to lead the defensive backfield. He was 6-0 after his sophomore season and is now 6-4 and close to 200 pounds.

For my story on Kittle, go here.

29. Marc Robinson, LB, Millwood
Just like a couple of guys last year, if Robinson was a couple of inches taller, he’d be in the top 10. No doubt in my mind about that. Nobody is going to play with a bigger chip on his shoulder than Robinson, who is getting back on the field after missing last season. A transfer from Heritage Hall, Robinson is ready to show everybody he still belongs among the elite.

For Scott Wright’s story on Robinson, go here.

And for No. 28, check out Monday’s Oklahoman.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Heritage Hall's Barry J. Sanders in no rush to make a verbal commitment.

Heritage Hall running back Barry J. Sanders was at Florida State earlier this week for a camp, but he said that it is not an indicator that he is closer to committing.

Sanders, who has said in the past he wants to wait before committing, stood by that stance Thursday.

“I’m not going to rush into any thing,” Sanders said. “Right now I’m just taking a couple of visits before I narrow it down.”

Sanders said he plans on naming a top five when the school year begins and those five schools will be where he makes his official visits.

Sanders named Oklahoma State, Alabama, Florida State and UCLA as his four favorites last year. Stanford has also become one of his favorites.

Though Sanders was at FSU for the second time, he didn’t work out. He said he is not 100 percent recovered from foot surgery in the winter.

“I’m close. Definitely. I would say in the 90s (percent), but I’m not there, and I don’t want to risk anything,” Sanders said.

Sanders, a four-star prospect, has offers from more than 15 schools, including Tennessee, Auburn and Notre Dame, to go with his top four schools and other universities.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Villaflor was the only Oklahoma coach to win a national honor.

“I was kind of stunned,” Villaflor said. “This is really pretty amazing.”

Villaflor led Heritage Hall to another Class 4A state championship. The year was also special for Villaflor as it was the final time he would be able to coach one of his kids.

His daughter Carissa, who has signed to play at Newman University in Kansas, won her third state championship.

There were eight Oklahoma coaches up for the national honor. In order to be considered, each had to earn the Region 5 award, which includes Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana.

The other Oklahoma coaches considered were Okmulgee’s Danny Morgan (athletic director), Red Oak’s Trey Booth (baseball), Capitol Hill’s Donny Tuley (boys basketball), Bethel’s Jerry Johnson (girls basketball), Ardmore’s Steven Ross (golf), Barnsdall’s <strong>Joe Gilbert (softball) and Muskogee’s Bobby Jefferson (wrestling).

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Schanbacher will be a part of the Gold team in the Gold-Green eight-man all-star football game Saturday night at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.

Tickets will be available at the gate and are $6 for adults and $3 for students. Game time is 7 p.m. The Oklahoma Eight-Man Football Coaches Association also will give out $10,000 in scholarships for the athletes that are continuing their education.

Gold

Coby Iliff, Shattuck; Tayler Eagan, Forgan; Cody Cottom, Sharon-Mutual; Matt Morris, Forgan; Connor Babcock, Shattuck; Tyler Lai, Tyrone; John Srader, Shattuck; Dylan Sterling, Covington-Douglas; Levi Reese, Deer Creek-Lamont; Patrick Swaggart, Deer Creek-Lamont; Josh Dickson, Covington-Douglas; Dustin Maxwell, Waukomis; Trevor Lopez, Coyle; Hunter Whitehead, Deer Creek-Lamont; Logan Latta, Timberlake; Justin Schanbacher, Cherokee; Cody Coats, Pond Creek-Hunter; Tony Herara, Pond Creek-Hunter; J.R. Haliburton, Laverne; Derek Maly, Garber; Chase Wallace, Cherokee; Eddy Pittman, Seiling; Matt Kennedy, Geary; Ross Britt, Dewar; Dalton McCarroll, Dewar; Taylor Freeman, Wetumka; Terrance Yahola, Wetumka; Roger Beherens, Caddo; Kaleb Kepke, Gans; Scott Manuel, Allen; Chris Roberts, Dewar; Brett Tiger, Dewar; Brayden Nixon, Cherokee; Clint Tevebaugh, Boise City; A.J. Phillips, Covington-Douglas.

Coaches: Bryce Schanbacher, Cherokee; Josh Been, Dewar; Doug Bowles, Forgan; David Zachary, Deer Creek-Lamont.

Green

Caullen Alexander, Alex; Zach Crabtree, Bowlegs; Charlie Cho, Oklahoma Christian Academy; Tyler Teafatiller, Fox; Ryan Day, Macomb; Chris Freeman, Paoli; Ray Pierce, Cyril; Jeromy Russell, Central; Tyler Deshazo, Kiefer; Danny Bradley, Summit Christian; CJ Ashwood, Kiefer; Dillons Edens, Watts; Mark Mitchell, Depew; Josh Stanley, Copan; Sergio Shadowens, Kiefer; Eddie Loco, Oaks; Trevor Bettis, Ryan; Isaiah Wilson, Ryan; Houston Huff, Tipton; Ethan Ladymon, Cement; Kyle Baze, Temple; Tyler Henry, Corn Bible; Kevin Rice, Duke; Colten Wolfe, Tipton; Shane Bailey, Maud; Michael Campbell, Midway; Cody Williams, Maud; Chaz Moody, Maud; Trey Hale, Maud; Jake Hollingshed, Midway; Kerry Hollie, Bokoshe; Joseph Madwell, Midway; Spencer Huiatt, Corn Bible; Joseph Puente, Tipton; Johnathan Mefford, Kiefer; James Root, Welch.

Coaches: Justin Savage, Alex; Josh Calvert, Kiefer; Stan Mueggenborg, Ryan; Bruce Harrell, Maud.

Douglass and Jas'sen Stoner will have a national spotlight to showcase their skills Sept. 5 vs. DeSoto, Texas, on Fox Sports.

Douglass is the lone Oklahoma participant in the seventh annual Kirk Herbstreit National Kickoff Classic, and the Trojans will be taking on DeSoto (Texas) on Fox Sports.

The classic is a two-day event on Labor Day weekend with games in Ohio on Sept. 4-5 that will be broadcast on the ESPN networks. Sept. 5 games will also be played at Cowboys Stadium and all games will be broadcast on Fox Sports.

Douglass, the reigning Class 4A state champions, plays DeSoto at 4:30 and is the third of four games. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students 18 and under. Tickets are on sale through Douglass High.

Though Douglass, coached by Willis Alexander, lost some key parts from last year’s championship squad, the Trojans still have plenty of talented players including running back Diontay Washington and linebacker Jas’sen Stoner.

Teams from Ohio, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana and Florida will also be competing in the classic.

“We are thrilled to join Intersport in showcasing some of the best high school football in the country on national television,” Kirk Herbstreit said in a press release. “Each year, our event helps shine a light on the top young football talent throughout the country and provides a great way to kick off the season.”

Ohio Stadium (Columbus, Ohio)
Sept. 4
St. Xavier (Cincinnati, Ohio) vs. Pickerington Central (Pickerington, Ohio) /Noon ET/ESPNU
Springfield (Springfield, Ohio) vs. Upper Arlington (Columbus, Ohio)/3:30 p.m. ET/ESPNU
Sept. 5
Camden County (Kingsland, Georgia) vs. Cleveland Glenville (Cleveland, Ohio)/Noon ET/ESPN
Indianapolis Cathedral (Indianapolis) vs. Centerville (Dayton, Ohio)/4 p.m. ET/ESPNU

Cowboys Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
Sept. 5
Edna Karr (New Orleans) vs. Arlington Bowie (Arlington, Texas)/10 a.m. CT/FSN
Cocoa (Cocoa, Fla.) vs. Skyline (Dallas)/1:15 p.m. CT/FSN
Frederick A. Douglass (Oklahoma City) vs. DeSoto (DeSoto, Texas)/4:30 p.m. CT/FSN
Cedar Hill (Cedar Hill, Texas) vs. Denton Guyer (Denton, Texas)/7:45 p.m. CT/FSN

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Seven days later, and the Golden Hurricane have received three more in-state verbals and all three could play offense.

McAlester’s Adam Boyd became the latest in-state recruit, committing to Tulsa on Tuesday night.

“I think it’s the best fit for me,” Boyd told InsideTulsaSports.com. “I called Coach (Bill) Blankenship. He said he was very excited. He said they don’t know what I’ll play yet, but it will probably be inside receiver, safety or I might grow into a linebacker.”

Midwest City running back James Flanders and Madill running back Caleb Muncrief have also committed to Tulsa in the last week.

Tulsa was Boyd’s only offer at the moment though he had been receiving heavy interest from several Big 12 and Ivy League schools.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Kris Vaughn has graduated, but Jones hopes to pick up right where it left off following a successful 2010 season.

Nobody was on the Jones bandwagon more than yours truly last year. And I heard it from Millwood fans and Davis fans for picking the Longhorns so much.

Still early in the game but get ready for the same thing. Jones is losing some quality players like Micah Thompson, Jeremy Barnhill and Tyler Bayless, among others, but a strong group returning has coach Dave Martin rightfully excited about the fall.

And why not? Jones beat state champion Hennessey 21-0 in Week 2 and lost 26-20 in overtime at Davis in the second round of the playoffs. Martin said watching the Eagles and Wolves battle for the gold ball is all the motivation his team has needed.

“We felt we were right there in that company,” Martin said. “Winning a championship is no longer something to hope for. It has become a reality to these kids.”

When looking at Jones, it starts with star wide receiver Tylor Seabolt. For the last two years feel he’s been a little underrated and perhaps overshadowed by kids like Bridge Creek’s Caden Locke and Millwood’s Brandon Swindall. Those studs are gone. Gotta believe it’s Seabolt’s turn to take the spotlight.

The development of quarterback Michael Lowe throughout last year was the No. 1 reason why I felt Jones was so competitive. Ya had to figure the defense was going to be stout, and it was. However, the question mark was on offense and Lowe answered that emphatically.

This is going to be a special year for Martin. This year’s crop of seniors were freshmen when Martin started out. You can ask any coach and those are the classes they normally remember the most. Maybe some teams are better, but you never forget that first group.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

But they’ll get a head start on getting to know each other this week as the duo are two members of Team Oklahoma in the Heartland Classic that begins Tuesday.

The event is in its second year and has replaced the Sunbelt Classic. Games this year will be played at Norman High, Norman North and Southmoore.

Oklahoma will be joined by teams from Canada, Texas, Ohio, Georgia, Maryland, Arkansas and Arizona.

Games will be played all week, culminating in the championship at 6 p.m. Saturday at Norman.

Oklahoma roster
Cooper Ansell (Shawnee), Tanner Hessman (Choctaw), Garrett Crain (Edmond Santa Fe), Kyle Lacy (Edmond Santa Fe), Denver Johnston (Midwest City), Brad Honeycutt (Edmond Memorial), Grant Hamilton (Bethany), Dylan Raper (Glenpool), Travis Remillard (Norman), Caleb Simpson (Norman North), Ryan Wright (Midwest City), Edward Layton (Pioneer-Pleasant Vale), Sean Patton (Jenks), Cisco Factor (Yukon), John Lassiter (Edmond Memorial), Kyle Vail (Moore), Koda Glover, Jace James (Putnam City North)
Coaches: Wayne Dozier (Carl Albert), Todd Boyer (Shawnee), Colin White (Carl Albert), Kevin James (Yukon).

Heartland Classic
Tuesday
At Norman North
Canada vs. Texas, noon
Oklahoma vs. Maryland, 3:30
Ohio vs. Oklahoma, 7 p.m.
At Southmoore
Ohio vs. Georgia, noon
Arkansas vs. Arizona, 3:30
Canada vs. Arkansas, 7 p.m.
At Norman
Texas vs. Georgia, 3:30
Maryland vs. Arizona, 7 p.m.
Wednesday
At Norman North
Arkansas vs. Maryland, noon
Oklahoma vs. Arizona, 3:30
Georgia vs. Canada, 7 p.m.
At Southmoore
Georgia vs. Oklahoma, noon
Ohio vs. Texas, 3:30
Arkansas vs. Ohio, 7 p.m.
At Norman
Maryland vs. Canada, 3:30
Arizona vs. Texas, 7 p.m.
Thursday
At Norman North
Arizona vs. Ohio, noon
Texas vs. Arkansas, 3:30
At Southmoore
Maryland vs. Texas, noon
Oklahoma vs. Canada, 3:30
At Norman
Arkansas vs. Oklahoma, noon
Arizona vs. Georgia, 3:30
Friday
At Norman North
Georgia vs. Arkansas, noon
Canada vs. Arizona, 3:30
Georgia vs. Maryland, 7 p.m.
At Norman
Canada vs. Ohio, noon
Maryland vs. Ohio, 3:30
Texas vs. Oklahoma, 7 p.m.
Saturday
At Norman
Seventh place, 9 a.m.
Fifth place, noon
Third place, 3 p.m.
Championship, 6 p.m.

Sophomore RB Landon Nault is going to be front-and-center this year for Kingfisher.

Poor Kingfisher football coach Jeff Myers. For the first time in what feels like forever he has to ‘actually’ make a quarterback decision.

I kid, but it is true. With Derek Patterson graduating and signing with Tulsa, the quarterback race is wide open. Myers said there are a couple of good candidates. And though I prodded him to let loose the names, he decided to not put any pressure on the two boys just yet.

One person there will be pressure on? Running back Landon Nault. Hey, he’s a victim of his own success. When you’re a freshman and run for 1,345 yards and 20 touchdowns, well, the cat’s out of the bag.

In my head I’m thinking Nault will play a bigger role, but defenses will be ready to key in on him and Nault should fall just a tad this year.

Myers doesn’t quite share that same sentiment. Biggest reason? He likes his offensive line.

“Our offensive line might be even better than last year,” Myers said. Hmm, that would explain the confidence.

I was very impressed with the maturity of Landon Nault last year. Went into the season expecting to write about Logan Nault all year. Logan was mentioned a lot, but Landon became a star on the rise.

That district didn’t get any easier, though, so it will be interesting to see if Yellowjackets can do it one more time and make another long playoff run.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

The emotion of wrestlers winning championships. Eric Waggoner of Carl Albert.

Asked for readers’ submissions, and I got them. So here they are, the Varsity readers choices for their favorite moments of the year (my comments in parentheses):

JP Fulmer: Santa Fe vs. Deer Creek baseball game in April. (No doubt, made No. 6 on my list).

Brian Waggoner: As always, thanks for all that you do covering HS sports.  I’m gonna hit you with a couple.  Yes, I know I’m biased, but how about Whitney Robinsons’ performance(s) on the mound in the fast pitch state tournament?  Madison Long hitting two 2 run HRs, (along with my daughter Krista’s 1) in the championship game? And, of course, Kyle Garcia winning his third title and Eric Waggoner with his first going out as a senior.

Tony Peak: How about the Roff Tigers winning the Class A state spring baseball championship in one of those “nobody gave us a chance” moments?

Gary: Sterling Shepard and Alex Ross committing to Oklahoma. (No doubt, big ‘gets’ for the Sooners and both kids deserve the moment.)

Mike: Can’t have a top HS moment without mentioning Edmond Santa Fe girls knocking off the MW City girls in the class 6A finals. Ended a 50-game winning streak and it was a 20 point route. (yep, the ‘no fear’ attitude of Santa Fe was something. No. 4 on my list.)

Paul Weaver: Even though you didn’t see it, Max Preps listed the Union-Jenks Championship Game as the greatest game of all championship games in the nation. If you didn’t catch the Lawton-Union 2OT game in the semi-finals, you missed another. (I know, the whole west side thing made me miss some great east side gems).

Chuck: Kentrell Brothers, week 1 vs Duncan 5 sacks, 3 receptions 172 yds, 3 TDs. something insane like that, get with Chris Evans for exact stats, but it was something unheard of.

Westmoore Cody Feuerborn was a beast all year for the Jaguars.

Username HALLOFFAME : Sterling Shepard’s 4 tds in the second half to beat Kingfisher in the 3A state championship 28-21. 200 yards rushing by a receiver??? Tremendous athlete! (Say no more as we all know how I feel about Sterling).

Username Winner: Kentrell’s 5 sacks against OU’s Duncan recruit in front of the OU recruiter. Who is an excellent lineman great footwork. He pretty much set the tone in the first game on how the rest of the season would play out for the Blue Jays.

Tim Berney: Ethan Berney’s field goal in McGuinness 9-7 victory over Douglass. (What I remember about that night was opening night ending at like 11:45 p.m. because of weather delays.)

Jessica: The east side had some great moments, too. How about Booker T. beating East Central in an all-Tulsa Public Schools football championship? Or Booker T. winning another basketball championship? (Miss having football coach Darrell Hall around at Star Spencer. Doing a great job at BTW.)

John: Nothing about Westmoore and the upset at Midwest City? That showed what happens when you get a great defense that plays with discipline. (Former correspondent Justin Hite LOVED that moment.)

Bill: Douglass-Woodward quarterfinals 4A basketball. Doesn’t get much better than that. (Scott Wright would agree with you 100 percent.)

Ava Johnston: Union beating Lawton in double overtime in semis. Incredible game with great drama. (No question about that one. I was at Guthrie-BTW on that night.)

Janelle: Maybe other people didn’t care, but Putnam West football winning a game to end the losing streak was something I won’t forget. (Good one, for sure).

Thanks for all those that participated. Enjoyed looking back at 2010 and hope for even better moments in 2011-12.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Sterling Shepard and Heritage Hall are running their way to Arkansas for a 7-on-7 event this weekend.

Another year and another loaded field at the Shootout of the South 7-on-7 football showcase this weekend in Arkansas.

Heritage Hall, who won the event in 2007, is one of the 24 teams competing. Each team is guaranteed to play seven games. Each team will play five games Friday. Those results will determine Saturday’s seeding. The championship final and consolation final will be 4 p.m. Saturday. The tournament champion qualifies for the 7-on-7 national championship July 21-23 in Hoover, Ala.

Heritage Hall won last week’s 7-on-7 event at Kansas State despite running backs Barry J. Sanders and Chedon Shockley and defensive back Brandon Moews not competing. Sanders and Moews are both expected to play this weekend.

Teams from Texas, Arkansas and Alabama will also be competing. Other Oklahoma schools participating are Stigler, Afton and Hilldale. It could be a showcase event for Afton wide receiver Sam Shepard, who has picked up a lot of interest in the last couple of months.

Top 7-on-7 Teams Invade Bluebird Complex

7th Annual Shootout of the South Begins Friday in West Little Rock

The Shootout of the South 7-on-7 Football Tournament has become one of the

more prestigious tournaments in the region. This year’s tournament attracts top

7-on-7 teams in Arkansas as well as teams from Texas, Oklahoma, and Alabama.

Each of the twenty-four teams will compete in five pool play games on Friday

beginning at 11 a.m. at the Mighty Bluebird Complex at 6800 Pinnacle Valley Road

in Little Rock. The last pool play games will begin at 5:25 p.m. Pool play results

will seed Saturday’s tournament, which is a guaranteed-two game format,

beginning at 10 a.m. The finals for the championship and consolation brackets will

be at 4 p.m. on Saturday. The tournament champion will qualify for the 7-on-7

National Championship on July 21-23 in Hoover, Alabama.

Seven teams will travel across state lines to compete highlighted by Allen High

School and Belton High School in Texas, and Heritage Hall from Oklahoma City.

Allen won the tournament in 2006 and finished runner-up in 2007, 2008, and 2010.

Belton won the Belton 7-on-7 Texas State Qualifying Tournament on Saturday, and

Heritage Hall, the 2007 Shootout Champions, won the Kansas State 7-on-7 last

week, a tournament that featured over 30 teams. Other out of state teams

includes Prattville Christian Academy out of Prattville, Alabama and three other

Oklahoma schools – Afton, Hilldale, and Stigler.

The Arkansas teams participating will be 7A schools Bryant, Conway, Fayetteville,

and Rogers Heritage; 6A State Champion, El Dorado, along with other 6A members

Lake Hamilton, Parkview, and Russellville; 5A teams Central Arkansas Christian, Hot

Springs Lakeside, Magnolia, and Watson Chapel; and 4A Dumas, Nashville, Pulaski

Academy, and Warren. Three of those teams are former Shootout winners – Lake

Hamilton (2008), Fayetteville (2009), and Pulaski Academy (2010). Pulaski

Academy won the Sonic Air Raid in Searcy on June 4 and the ASPC 7-on-7 Summer

Showdown on June 9, Lake Hamilton won the Ouachita Baptist 7-on-7 Tournament

on June 9, and Central Arkansas Christian won the Auburn Passing Camp

Tournament last week.

Although this year’s tournament isn’t laced with as many BCS quarterback

commitments as 2010, there are several who can wing it in their own right. Allen

senior Alec Morris has offers from Wake Forest and North Texas. Three of the top

senior quarterbacks in Arkansas this year will be on display in Neal Burcham of

Greenbrier, Fredi Knighten of Pulaski Academy, and Levi Runyan of Lake Hamilton.

Two interesting juniors to watch will be Austin Allen of Fayetteville and Lucas Reed

of El Dorado. Allen is filling the shoes of brother Brandon, who signed with the

University of Arkansas, and Reed is stepping into the starting role that was

occupied by his brother, Taylor, who inked with the University of Memphis.

Another junior, Bryant’s Hayden Lessenberry, should soon be on the radar of

college coaches. He may remind some Arkansans of former Razorback and

Russellville Cyclone, Landon Leach, as Lessenberry was the starting catcher for

Bryant’s state championship team. Rogers Heritage sophomore Josh Qualls will

look to make a splash out of the gate as he is projected as one of the top

quarterbacks in the 2014 class.

No bigger name, and likely no bigger recruit, will be at the Shootout than Heritage

Hall’s running back, Barry Sanders, Jr. Sanders has at least 14 BCS offers, including

Arkansas, Alabama, Auburn, Notre Dame, and Florida State. Other running backs

to watch for are Russellville’s Kendall Bond, Conway’s Cordarius Irby, Fayetteville’s

Brice Gahagans, and Watson Chapel’s Marquis Handley.

Heritage Hall boasts another player with NFL bloodlines in wide receiver, Sterling

Shepard, son of the late Derrick Shepard, who played five seasons as a receiver for

the Dallas Cowboys. Shepard is committed to Oklahoma. Highlighting this year’s

receiving class in Arkansas is Warren’s Jalen Cobb, who has committed to play for

the Hogs. The most electric player at the tournament may be Bryant’s Dillon

Winfrey, who will play both receiver and cornerback. Winfrey ran a 4.33 40-yard

dash at Arkansas State’s camp and is starting to receive some attention from

colleges. Other receivers to keep an eye on will be Afton’s Sam Shepard,

Lakeside’s Ajalen Holley, Nashville’s Tasean Green, Conway’s Brandon Cox and

Corven Alexander, El Dorado’s Wendell Thompson, Lake Hamilton’s Dre Bennett,

Magnolia’s James Gaines, Allen’s Andrew Rodriguez and Oliver Pierce, and Pulaski

Academy juniors LJ Wallace and Hunter Henry. Henry is projected as a tight end at

the next level, and has offers from Arkansas, Arkansas State, Auburn, and Ole Miss.

Watson Chapel’s Cedric Burnett and Allen’s L.B. Bates lead the list of top defensive

backs for this year’s tournament. Pulaski Academy will make it difficult for

quarterbacks to go deep with Jeremy Brady and Aum’Arie Wallace roaming at the

two safety spots. Bryant’s Caleb Thomas, along with Winfrey, Belton’s Tramaine

Rose, El Dorado’s Quincy Hardwell, Dumas’ Trey Winchester, Fayetteville’s Brooks

Ellis, Lake Hamilton’s Dante Ransom, and Afton’s Dusty Henry all look to impress in

the secondary this weekend. Henry had 10 interceptions in 11 games in 2010, 6 of

those were brought back for touchdowns.

Although linebackers don’t get to show their strengths in 7-on-7, they can still

show off their skills in their pass defense. Allen’s Thaddeus LaGrone, who

committed to Baylor last week, will likely be the top linebacker in attendance.

Other linebackers to watch will be a pair from Lakeside, Houston Hunter and

Harlen Jones, Warren’s Austin Thompson, Tyler Lindsey from Lake Hamilton, and

Pulaski Academy sophomore Tyler Colquitt.

Mighty Bluebird Complex is off Highway 10 West on Pinnacle Valley Road.

Admission to the tournament is $5 per car each day. Concessions will be available.

The tournament is sponsored by Baptist Health Orthopedic Center, Chenal Heights

Nursing and Rehab, SportStop, Latitude Solutions, The Val Hansen Real Estate

Team, Moggle Inc., Hatcher Insurance Agency, Nike, Gatorade, and Roller Chenal

Funeral Home.

List of all 24 teams:

Afton HS (OK)

Allen HS (TX)

Belton HS (TX)

Bryant

Central Arkansas Christian (North Little Rock)

Conway HS

Dumas HS

El Dorado HS

Fayetteville HS

Greenbrier HS

Heritage Hall (Oklahoma City)

Heritage HS (Rogers)

Hilldale HS (OK)

Lake Hamilton HS (Pearcy)

Lakeside HS (Hot Springs)

Magnolia HS

Nashville HS

Parkview HS (Little Rock)

Prattville Christian Academy (Prattville, AL)

Pulaski Academy (Little Rock)

Russellville HS

Stigler (OK)

Warren HS

Watson Chapel HS (Pine Bluff)

*****************

Previous Winners:

2005 Rogers

2006 Allen

2007 Heritage Hall

2008 Lake Hamilton

2009 Fayetteville

2010 Pulaski Academy

Bishop McGuinness stars Matt Christiansen (pictured) and Joe Edmonds have committed to San Francisco.

The last couple of years it’s been hard to talk about Bishop McGuinness boys basketball without bringing up Joe Edmonds and Matt Christiansen.

The two have been the cornerstones for the Irish the last two years and are expected to lead McGuinness in the upcoming season.

But they don’t want it to end there. Edmonds and Christiansen have confirmed to The Oklahoman they have both committed to the University of San Francisco.

“Matt and I had always talked about being a package deal, and San Francisco gave us that opportunity,” Edmonds said. “It’s just a great place and program, and I can’t wait to get out there again.”

Edmonds said one of the biggest reasons they committed was because of the staff, led by head coach and former Kansas star Rex Walters.

Christiansen, 6-foot-8 and 230 pounds, averaged 14 points and 11 rebounds. Edmonds, 6-foot-5, averaged 14 points, five rebounds and shot 90 percent from the free throw line. Christiansen is a three-star prospect according to Rivals.com.

“It’s definitely a surprise to me because I didn’t think I would commit this early,” Christiansen said. “I had to weigh all my options, and I know this is a program on the rise.”

Christiansen had just come off a visit to Seton Hall and was supposed to visit Davidson and Butler but said he has canceled those visits.

“The coaching staffs across the nation have been great,” Christiansen said. “I enjoyed my time at all the schools, but I can tell how committed San Francisco is to having a winning program.”

Edmonds was also receiving interest from Davidson, Pennsylvania, Stanford and Army.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Midwest City's James Flanders committed to Tulsa on Wednesday night.

Another Flanders is heading up the turnpike. Midwest City running back James Flanders committed to Tulsa University, he confirmed to The Oklahoman on Wednesday night.

Flanders’ older brother, John, is a starting defensive back for the Golden Hurricane. Another Flanders, Timothy, originally committed to Tulsa before signing with Kansas State. Timothy Flanders is now at Sam Houston State.

One of the major reasons James Flanders committed to Tulsa was his position. While some schools were looking at Flanders as a defensive back, Tulsa recruited Flanders as a running back and that was something very important to Flanders, he told The Tulsa World.

After becoming a starter in his sophomore year, Flanders cemented himself as one of the top backs in the state last year. As a junior, Flanders rushed for 1,672 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Flanders, 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, was also receiving interest from several Big 12 schools. He joins Lawton MacArthur teammates Daniel Schwarz (kicker) and Michael Thomas (safety) as in-state commits to Tulsa.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Heritage Hall's Barry J. Sanders is ranked No. 9 at RB by Rivals.com

At the beginning of last season, I turned to Scott Wright and said, ‘can you believe how good this RB class is going to be next year?’

Nearly 12 months later and nothing has changed. In fact, if anything, it’s gotten even better and even deeper. Rivals.com released position rankings this week, and it’s no shock that Oklahoma has three of the top 30 RBs in the nation.

It starts with Heritage Hall’s Barry J. Sanders, ranked ninth. Jenks stud Alex Ross (committed to OU) is No. 16 and Norman’s workhorse Donovan Roberts (committed to Arkansas) is No. 25.

Simply depends on what recruiting service you use when it comes to Ross and Sanders. Rivals likes Sanders. ESPN likes Ross. Heck, you’re not wrong with either guy.

But as the biggest Roberts booster around, it put a smile on my face to see Roberts crack the top 30. One thing I’ll say for Roberts is he’s ready right now to play college. His style of running, his body type, he could play for the Hogs right now.

The list stopped at 30, but how many more can you think of that would also be deserving? Anadarko’s Sheldon Wilson has to be up there. Also gotta find a place for Southmoore’s Andrew Long and Midwest City’s James Flanders.

If last year’s injuries didn’t slow him down, like what I’ve seen in the past from Putnam City North’s Dre Holman. Edmond North’s Jarion Tudman and Jared Benway might take carries away from each other, but they’re both solid backs.

Still believe the sleeper of the class is at Putnam City with Casey Curtis and don’t forget about Broken Bow’s Eric Dockins.

No matter your preference, this is going to be a running back class to remember.

Other Oklahomans to make the Rivals list include: Beggs QB Ramsey Hamilton (No. 28 dual-threat); Purcell QB Cole Swayze (No. 29 dual-threat); Broken Arrow’s Zac Veatch (No. 20 TE); Douglass’ Cayman Bundage (No. 20 OG); Heritage Hall’s Sterling Shepard (No. 34 WR); Lawton MacArthur’s Daniel Schwarz (No. 8 Kicker). Schwarz has committed to Tulsa, while Shepard has committed to OU.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Hennessey looks to duplicate this championship moment in 2011.

Hennessey is no longer the ‘little team that could.’ No sir. Under coach Shannon Watford, the Eagles haven’t had to take a backseat to anybody in terms of how successful the program has been.

That’s the good news. But what comes with that now is expectations. And this year it’s not just expectations, it’s a big ol’ target pointed squarely on Hennessey’s back.

The Eagles who made most of us media gurus look stupid last year in the semifinals (vs. Millwood) and championship (vs. Davis) are now going to find out that it’s one thing to win a championship, and it’s completely another to try to defend the crown.

“We realize we aren’t going to be under the radar anymore,” Watford said. “But this is the position you want to put yourself in.”

And don’t feel sorry for the Eagles. Winning the title has interest at an all-time high. Watford said he has gone from 38 lockers to 58 lockers this spring. But replacing Derrick Luetjen will be no easy feat.

Watford had to laugh when thinking about Luetjen as a freshman. Luetjen was 217 pounds and playing wide receiver. He finished his career at nearly 300 pounds, being one of the most dominant defensive tackles in the game and signing with Tulsa.

Though a big piece of the team is gone with Luetjen, Hennessey returns a lot of experience…and a lot of talent. Running backs Ivan Moreno and Levi Hill are back. They only combined for 3,000 rushing yards last year.

Quarterback Trey Leu has a year under his belt and the Pina boys (Orlando and Octavio) also return. I admit I haven’t put much thought into my 2A rankings just yet, but I cannot see how Hennessey could be any lower than a top 5-7 team.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Centennial boys winning the school's first title was certainly a moment to remember.

Same thing happens every year I’ve done my top moments of the year. Obviously I’ve left out great moments because if I wasn’t there to see them, there is no way I can accurately describe what I felt during that moment.

But perhaps you were. And as the slew of moments keep either getting commented on or being emailed to me, gonna go ahead and announce that the ‘best of the Varsity readers moments’ blog is is going to run Friday.

So what made you stand up and go nuts? Perhaps it was the Douglass double in football and basketball. While the boys basketball team was expected to make another championship run, the Trojans football team left no doubt about how great they were last year.

Nobody had a tougher road to the 4A title game, and it all culminated with the overtime victory against Wagoner.

Or just when you think the Backyard Bowl cannot get any better, Jenks and Union put on an absolute classic of a 6A final. That might end up being the greatest moment of Christian Hood’s life, and I think that would be OK. Being a part of that moment in a 50-47 victory…against your rival…for the title…yea, that’s nice. Hood should have a successful career at Central Oklahoma.

Who could forget the epic Union 50-47 win against Jenks in the 6A championship game?

Or maybe you’re a fan of firsts. And there arguably wasn’t a bigger first in the state than the Centennial boys winning its first state championship of any kind. And of course, gotta tag coach Scott Raper shaving his head as part of the deal.

Maybe you like watching greatness, and the incredible performance that Archie Bradley of Broken Arrow put on in the championship win against Owasso would certainly qualify for that.

Then again, there’s something about a simple moment. I fully admit that in basketball and baseball that it wasn’t state tournament games that are etched in the memory, but incredible atmospheres during regular season encounters.

Either way, you know what I saw and what I felt. Now we want to know what you saw and what you felt. Again, gonna compile every last moment in a readers’ voice blog Friday.

***

By Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Hennessey proved it had no equal in Class 2A.

As much as I love wrestling and tennis and baseball, just tough to top these five moments in football and basketball. Again, these are the moments I’ve seen personally, not necessarily the unquestioned top moments of the year.

Without further ado, my top five moments of the ’10-11 school year.

5. Hennessey’s defense puts on a clinic in winning 2A football championship — Do people remember the wind from this game? Seriously, it’s the first thing I think about. There was no way anybody could have had an effective passing game in this one. But the Eagle defense made sure Davis didn’t have a good running game. Led by an incredible defensive effort, Hennessey took it home 14-0. In beating Millwood and Davis in back-to-back week, Shannon Watford’s boys left no doubt as to who was the best team in 2A last season.

4. Edmond Santa Fe girls snap Midwest City’s 50-game winning streak and take the title — It was all about confidence. Most teams when faced against the Bombers and Kaylon Williams and Ashley Clark and Marisha Wallace and company were simply beat before the game even started. Wallace out certainly changed the tone of the game, but the Wolves were waiting for this moment all year. Paced by MVP Courtney Walker, Santa Fe took over in the second half to cruise to the victory. It was the first girls basketball title for an Edmond Public School.

Small glimpse of the Edlam atmosphere.

3. Edlam showdown between Memorial and Santa Fe — There is standing room only, and then there is whatever you would call this Tuesday in January. In the girls game, Santa Fe overcame an 18-point deficit to win in overtime. Courtney Walker scored a school-record 41 points. The boys game, if possible, tried to top it. I’ve never seen Santa Fe coach Shawn Schenk more passionate, more crazy than on this night. Led by Josh Richardson and Aaron Anderson, the Wolves won at Memorial. It ended up being the only loss of the season for the Bulldogs. Memorial went 3-1 vs. Santa Fe.

2. Brandon Swindall saves the Soul Bowl for Millwood — In. Cred. Ible. I still have fun watching this video from the Soul Bowl between Millwood and Douglass. The battle between Aliston Cobb of Douglass and Brandon Swindall of Millwood. If you ask me (you didn’t), this was the coming out party for Swindall. While Texas signee Josh Turner admittedly had a good game, Swindall had a game for the ages. It all culminated with him knocking Shon Bridges out of bounds on the final play of the game to preserve the 36-31 victory. Douglass, at the time, was the GREATEST 0-2 team I’ve ever seen. The Trojans never lost again in winning the state championship.

1. Sterling Shepard puts the Chargers on his back in 3A state championship game — Part of the reason this game is my favorite is because of my boy Scott Wright. When Scott said he would take care of stats from the press box, it allowed me to be on the field. And wow, that was so much fun. Kingfisher and Derek Patterson would not be denied. Yellowjackets were up 14-0 at halftime when Heritage coach Andy Bogert put the game in Shepard’s hands. Shepard rushed for nearly 200 yards and scored all four touchdowns in a 28-21 victory. Kingfisher had a chance to score on the final play of the game but couldn’t convert. Incredible game between two heated (yet very respected) rivals. This was the launching pad for Shepard, who committed to Oklahoma mere months after the game.

I’ll give a couple more days for readers to send in their own memories. Some good ones so far, keep ‘em coming.

Saturday: Moments 10-6.
Friday: Moments 15-11.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Welcome to the Michael Fulmer part of the countdown. The Antlers star is in two of the five moments included.

We’re through the first part of the countdown. Let’s continue on with Nos. 10-6.

10. Putnam City’s LaShawn Jones leads Pirates to memorable triple overtime win against Choctaw — Putnam City just had a string of bad luck throughout the year. Nobody wants to be labeled the best ‘bad’ team, but Putnam City was a solid club. In this game, Jones was sensational in scoring 26 points and swatting shot after shot in helping PC eliminate the Yellowjackets.

9. The first day of the MLB Draft — Oh, I hate being prisoner of the moment, but I admit from 6:20 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. Monday was some exciting stuff. Owasso star Dylan Bundy was selected with the fourth pick of the draft by the Orioles, while Broken Arrow’s Archie Bradley was seventh by the Diamondbacks. And then later in the night Deer Creek’s Michael Fulmer went 44^th to the Mets. It was cool seeing Bradley and Bundy on MLB Network and that smile from Bradley that couldn’t be surgically removed.

8. Bryan Dutton, Kentrell Brothers put on a show in win at Carl Albert — 40-14, that’s all the Bluejays remembered from the year before. It was a rout at Jelsma. Now at Carl Albert, Guthrie returned the favor with a 32-14 victory. Dutton threw for 233 yards and five touchdowns, while Brothers had four of those touchdowns. You could argue the game wasn’t that

It was a coming out party for Bryan Dutton in a win at rival Carl Albert.

memorable, but if you were there that night, it was an electric atmosphere.

7. Final day of boys state tennis tournament — Not the whole day, but there was about a two-hour block that was simply incredible. On the top three courts, you had 6A finals in No. 1 singles, No. 2 singles and No. 1 doubles. And then far off in the distance you had Heritage Hall battling Cascia Hall in No. 2 doubles to help crown a 4A champion. In a span of about 30 minutes, Putnam North’s Chris Haworth won his third title, Edmond North’s David Hager won his first and the Chargers won to force a tie with Metro Christian.

6. The showdown: Clayton Blackburn outduels Michael Fulmer in 1-0 battle — If you were there, you remember it. Heck, Fulmer said it was one of the best moments he’s been a part of. Blackburn hit an RBI sacrifice fly in the first inning, and the pitching studs did the rest. One 90 + mph pitch after another. One strikeout after another. It marked the first in-state loss for Deer Creek. And if you didn’t think Fulmer or Blackburn were going to get drafted, well, you weren’t watching closely enough.

Sunday: Moments Nos. 5-1.
Friday: Moments Nos. 15-11.

As for my list, let’s get it rolling.

Chickasha mourns the death and celebrates the life of football player Kody Turner — I refuse to put a number on this, but it’s hard for me to think about the ’10-11 school year without bringing this up. Turner, an offensive lineman for the Chicks, collapsed at practice and died three days later. I was there in Chickasha for the first home game after Turner’s death, and it’s a scene I won’t forget. For more on that, here’s a flashback. RIP Kody.

15. Kris Wooten’s buzzer beater gives Carl Albert the win at Piedmont — A random Monday in the basketball season, and you just never know what you’re going to get. This was a good battle between the Wildcats and the Titans. Piedmont’s Keith Vick tied it up in the closing seconds only for the Titans to drive down the court and for Wooten to play hero. He told me later on his name is not ‘Chris’ but ‘Kris.’ I apologize, Kris.

14. Signing Day — What made this one so special? Um, how about all of this was done in the comfort of the apartment? Yea, if you remember, we were hit bad by winter storms and signing ceremonies all over the state was postponed and canceled. Led to an eventful Signing Day of calling kids to find out if they were able to fax their Letter of Intent in. Some pretty good stories there about what kids to get the info in.

13. Western Heights’ Kenneth Mayfield shoots out the lights, but the Saints win — A fifth-place game at the Deer Creek Classic won by OCS 74-72. Jack Warren of OCS and Alton Whittaker went nuts in the first half. Mayfield and T.J. Holland responded in the second half. Warren and Holland: 51 points. Mayfield and Whittaker: 54 points and Mayfield shooting the lights out (lights randomly went out after he made a 3-pointer). Great showdown between four very talented players.

Yukon's championship was definitely a special moment this year.

12. Billy Wilson leads Tuttle to dual win at Deer Creek — I’m probably speaking out of turn here, but I think Tuttle had the best wrestling team in the state. And in late January the Tigers made the trip to Deer Creek and won 36-29. Up 24-23, Billy Wilson scored a fall that clinched the victory. The Tigers and Antlers exchanged forfeits leading to the 36-29 outcome. Tuttle was battling multiple kids being sick but still pulled it out. High drama.

11. Fastpitch softball state tournaments — No singular favorite here. Whether it was Bryana Wade cementing her spot as one of the best places in the state in helping Mt. St. Mary’s to a title. Or the Lacey Williams and Peyton Watson show the Little Axe girls put on. Or Carl Albert reclaiming the title under the leadership of Whitney Robinson. Or Yukon finishing the job the Millerettes started last year until Dani Fox got injured. You know I love me some softball and this year wasn’t any different.

Saturday: Moments 10-6.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Deer Creek's Michael Fulmer was drafted by the New York Mets, while Brian Anderson was drafted by the Minnesota Twins.

State championships are nice but this might rank right up there for the Deer Creek baseball program.

One day after another there was an Antler or former Antler being selected in the MLB Draft. Deer Creek is in a unique position in terms of location. It’s like its own isolated community.

But that’s part of what makes it special, baseball coach Ron Moore said. It wasn’t just Michael Fulmer, Brian Anderson and Derek Vaughn celebrating, the whole Deer Creek community played a role.

“This is an accumulation of not just one person but of the whole program,” Moore said. “One of the things we talk about is individual recognition comes from team success.”

It started Monday night when Fulmer, a right-handed pitcher, was selected by the New York Mets with the 44^th overall selection. Anderson followed Tuesday afternoon when chosen by the Minnesota Twins in the 20^th round.

Anderson was an interesting case because Moore said Anderson was being looked at hard by some teams as early as the ninth round as a pitcher. However, Anderson chose to enter the draft as a shortstop. It made him fall a little bit down the draft, but he’s still in a pretty good spot.

As for Vaughn, a Deer Creek graduate now at Texas Wesleyan, he was picked in the 47^th round by the Tampa Bay Rays. Anderson and Fulmer have both signed with Arkansas.

So in talking to Moore, I put him on the spot: ‘you ready to go through all of this again with Isaac Hellbusch?’

“It’s funny because at our first practice we had more than 40 scouts,” Moore said. “They came to see Michael and Brian, but it was an opportunity for everybody to get noticed. Ike certainly took advantage of that.

“He took more of an ownership of the team this year. Even though he was just a junior, he felt like this was his team, too.”

Hellbusch was one of the better pitchers in the area. And combined with Santa Fe’s Ty Hensley, is another potential big prospect for next year’s class.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

It was revealed Tuesday that the public-private schools proposal passed by a vote of 265-49 by the member schools. It had already been approved by the OSSAA Board of Directors in April. This will lead to some non-public schools’ athletic programs moving up a classification and goes into effect July 1.

Here’s a breakdown of the vote:

Ballots ruled invalid because not signed by the delegate:
Tulsa Washington, Bishop McGuinness, Gage, Madill, Mannford, Oilton, Tulsa Hale, Tulsa Memorial, Waukomis.

Ballots ruled invalid because postmarked after the deadline:
Cordell, Frontier, Glenpool, Kellyville, Metro Christian, Ponca City, Shawnee, Bluejacket, Oklahoma Union, Victory Life.

Schools that voted in favor of the proposal:
Ada, Adair, Afton, Agra, Alex, Aline-Cleo, Allen, Altus, Alva, Anadarko, Arapaho-Butler, Asher, Atoka, Balko, Barnsdall, Bartlesville, Beaver, Bennington, Berryhill, Bethany, Bethel, Big Pasture, Billings, Blackwell, Blair, Boise City, Bokoshe, Boone-Apache, Boswell, Bridge Creek, Bristow, Broken Arrow, Burlington, Burns Flat-Dill City, Byng, Cache, Calera, Calumet, Cameron, Canadian, Caney, Caney Valley, Canute, Carney, Catoosa, Cement, Central Marlow, Central Sallisaw, Chattanooga, Checotah, Chelsea, Cheyenne, Chickasha, Chisholm, Chouteau-Mazie, Claremore, Claremore Christian, Colcord, Coleman, Collinsville, Comanche, Commerce, Copan, Covington-Douglas, Coweta, Coyle, Crossings Christian, Cushing, Dale, Davenport, Davidson, Davis, Deer Creek, Depew, Dewar, Dewey, Dickson, Dover, Drummond, Duncan, Durant, Dustin, Eagletown, Earlsboro, Lawton Eisenhower, El Reno, Eldorado, Elgin, Elk City, Elmore City-Pernell, Empire, Fairland, Fairview, Fargo, Fletcher, Forgan, Foyil, Frederick, Freedom, Fort Gibson, Garber, Geary, Geronimo, Glencoe, Gracemont, Graham, Grove, Guthrie, Guymon, Hammon, Hardesty, Harding Fine Arts, Harrah, Hartshorne, Haskell, Haworth, Healdton, Henryetta, Hilldale, Hobart, Holdenville, Hominy, Howe, Hugo, Idabel, Inola, Jenks, Jones, Kansas, Keys (Parkhill), Kiefer, Kingston, Kiowa, Kremlin-Hillsdale, Latta, Lawton, Leedey, Lexington, Liberty, Lindsay, Little Axe, Lone Wolf, Lookeba-Sickles, Marietta, Marlow, Maud, Maysville, McLoud, Medford, Meeker, Merritt, Miami, Midwest City, Milburn, Millwood, Minco, Moore, Mooreland, Morrison, Moss, Muldrow, Mulhall-Orlando, Muskogee, Mustang, Newcastle, Norman, Norman North, Noble, Oaks, Oklahoma Christian Academy, Okmulgee, Olustee, Owasso, Paden, Panola, Paoli, Pauls Valley, Pawhuska, Pawnee, Perkins-Tryon, Pioneer-Pleasant Vale, Plainview, Porter, Poteau, Prague, Preston, Prue, Pryor, Purcell, Putnam City, Putnam North, Quapaw, Quinton, Reydon, Ringling, Ripley, Rock Creek, Roff, Roland, Rush Springs, Ryan, Sallisaw, Sand Springs, Sasakwa, Savanna, Sayre, Schulter, Seminole, Sentinel, Sequoyah-Claremore, Sharon-Mutual, Shattuck, Snyder, Southmoore, SW Covenant, Sperry, Sterling, Stillwater, Stilwell, Stonewall, Stratford, Stringtown, Stroud, Taloga, Tecumseh, Thackerville, Thomas, Tishomingo, Tonkawa, Turpin, Tushka, Tuttle, Valliant, Vanoss, Varnum, Velma-Alma, Verden, Verdigris, Vian, Vici, Vinita, Wakita, Walters, Wanette, Wapanucka, Warner, Washington, Weatherford, Webbers Falls, Welch, Wellston, Westmoore, Westville, Wetumka, Wilburton, Wilson-Henryetta, Wilson, Woodland, Woodward, Wright City, Wyandotte, Wynnewood, Yale, Yarbrough, Yukon.

Schools that voted against the proposal:
Amber-Pocasset, Am. Christian, Beggs, Tulsa Kelley, Bixby, Canton, Carl Albert, Cascia Hall, Cashion, Christian Heritage, Cleveland, Corn Bible, Crescent, Deer Creek-Lamont, Edmond Memorial, Edmond North, Edmond Santa Fe, Eufaula, Fort Supply, Granite, Hennessey, Heritage Hall, Indiahoma, Keyes, Kingfisher, Lincoln Christian, Locust Grove, Lomega, Luther, Lawton MacArthur, Morris, St. Mary, Ninnekah, Okarche, Okeene, Oklahoma Bible, Oklahoma Christian, Oktaha, Oologah, Panama, Putnam West, Salina, Smithville, Tipton, Tupelo, Tulsa Union, Victory Christian, Western Heights, Wewoka.

Some notable non-public schools that voted against the proposal: Kingfisher, Morris, Beggs, Hennessey, Carl Albert and Western Heights. All three Edmond Public Schools voted against the proposal.

And for those that don’t remember the proposal terms, here ya go:

Any school moves up a class if it meets three of the four criteria:

- Does it have selective enrollment?
- Do 25 percent or less of their students in grades 9-12 qualify for free or reduced lunches?
- Is the school located within a 15-mile radius of a Class 6A or 5A school?
- Has the school’s enrollment in grades 9-12 gone up by at least 50 percent in the last three years?

From there, it is determined by a sport-by-sport basis on the athletic success standard if that school’s respective program stays in the higher class. If a program has reached at least the top eight at state in three of the last five years, the program remains in the higher class. If not, it drops down. However, in sports where there are boys and girls activities, if one gender meets the standard, both genders stay in the higher classification.

UPDATE: Fearless leader Darla Smith went through and found out all the schools that did not send in anything. And I hope I didn’t forget any when typing them.

Schools that did not send in a ballot:
Choctaw, Del City, Enid, Sapulpa, US Grant, Ardmore, Capitol Hill, Tulsa Central, Tulsa East Central, McAlester, Northwest Classen, Skiatook, Southeast, Tahlequah, Tulsa Edison, Tulsa Rogers, Blanchard, Broken Bow, Clinton, Classen, Tulsa Webster, Douglass, Harding Charter Prep, Jay, John Marshall, SeeWorth Academy, Lone Grove, Tulsa McLain, Piedmont, Santa Fe South, Star Spencer, Wagoner, ASTEC Charter, Antlers, Chandler, Coalgate, Crooked Oak, OKC Dove Science, Heavner, Northeast, Nowata, Okemah, Centennial, Perry, Riverside, Sequoyah-Tahlequah, Spiro, Stigler, Sulphur, Bray-Doyle, Carnegie, Colbert, Crowder, Dibble, Drumright, Gore, Haileyville, Hinton, Hollis, Hulbert, Ketchum, Konawa, Mangum, Mounds, Navajo, Newkirk, Okay, Pocola, Porum, Rattan, Silo, Summit Christian, Talihina, Watonga, Wayne, Wister, Achille, Binger-Oney, Bowlegs, Caddo, Cave Springs, Cimarron, Clayton, Cyril, Tulsa Dove Science, Fox, Fort Cobb-Broxton, Fort Towson, Gans, Hooker, Hydro-Eakly, Indianola, Keota, Laverne, Macomb, New Lima, Olive, Pond Creek-Hunter, Ringwood, Seiling, Soper, South Coffeyville, Strother, Stuart, Texhoma, Turner, Union City, Watts, Waurika, Weleetka, Arkoma, Arnett, Battiest, Braggs, Buffalo, Buffalo Valley, Butner, Calvin, Cherokee, Duke, Erick, Felt, Goodwell, Grandfield, Hanna, Kinta, Leflore, Mason, McCurtain, Midway, Mill Creek, Moyers, Mount View-Gotebo, Oklahoma School for the Deaf, Pittsburg, Red Oak, Shidler, Springer, Sweetwater, Temple, Timberlake, Tyrone, Waynoka, Wesleyan, Whitesboro, Wynona. 

Class breakdown of who did not turn in ballot (based on basketball classification):
6A: 5
5A: 11
4A: 16
3A: 17
2A: 27
A: 34
B: 36

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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Edmond Santa Fe's Clayton Blackburn and Conor Costello (not pictured) were drafted two picks within each other Tuesday.

Edmond Santa Fe’s Conor Costello had to interrupt his own celebration for another one. I guess that’s a pretty good reason, right?

Costello was excited about being selected by the Cincinnati Reds with the 505th pick (16th round) of the MLB Draft. By the time he could let it all sink in, another Santa Fe player was selected. Not two minutes later, pitching star Clayton Blackburn was picked by the San Francisco Giants at No. 507.

“This feels so awesome,” Costello said. “I’ve been playing with him the last five years so to get drafted right by him is really cool.”

Blackburn and Costello were two vital cogs of a crazy-talented group of Wolves that reached the 6A state semifinals.

Costello has signed with Arkansas and was a first-team Big All-City selection, while Blackburn was a first-team Big All-City selection and first-team All-State pick by yours truly. Blackburn is headed to Oklahoma.

Blackburn was also involved in one of my favorite moments of the year, an epic pitching duel won by Blackburn in a 1-0 win at Deer Creek against Michael Fulmer.

Fulmer, of course, could also be headed to Arkansas. He was selected with the 44th pick by the New York Mets. And another Antler, Brian Anderson, is gonna be a Hog, too. So it’s possible to have Blackburn, Fulmer and Costello all in the same lineup.

“If we end up all going there, it’s going to be awesome because we’re all supposed to be roommates,” Costello said. “It’s an exciting time.”

Costello, 6-4 and 200 pounds, hit .373 with five home runs and 33 RBIs. He also was 5-2 on the mound with 57 strikeouts in 44 innings. Blackburn, 6-4 and 22o pounds, was 10-1 with a 1.37 ERA with 106 strikeouts in 66 innings. He hit .375 with seven home runs and 45 RBIs.

UPDATE: Heh, didn’t take long. Anderson got drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 20th round (No. 628). Anderson is a phenomenal shortstop and hitter. Fulmer has given Anderson a lot of credit for Fulmer’s success as a hitter this season. Anderson was first-team All-State and Big All-City.

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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Deer Creek's Michael Fulmer is one step closer to accomplishing his dream of playing in MLB.

Deer Creek’s Michael Fulmer was busy making the rounds after being selected with the 44th pick of the MLB Draft by the New York Mets.

Was able to get in touch with him recently and here are some of the nuggets.

On the last hour:

“This has been unbelievable. I’ve never experienced anything like that in my life. This is a dream come true.”

On the night’s event:

“We had a big watch party with more than 100 people. We had the entire baseball team and all the families. I want to thank them for all their support and their contributions to my success.”

On when the Mets first contacted him:

“They called around the end of the first round. My agent got back to me and said if I was still around, the Mets were thinking about taking me with the 44^th pick.”

On the moment of hearing his name:

“We got the call from the Mets area scout. My eyes lit up. I didn’t say a word to anybody. And then when they said my name the whole place just exploded. It was the happiest moment of my life.”

On other interested teams:

“From my understanding, the Rangers gave a call to my agent. The Rays were the team I thought. They had a lot of picks, and we had a great relationship with their area scout. They made a lot of great picks tonight, too. Right now, I’m just happy to be a Met. They’ve been in contact with me throughout the season, and I just kind of had that gut feeling.”

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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Deer Creek pitcher Michael Fulmer was selected with the 44th pick of the MLB Draft by the New York Mets.

Wow, what a night. Started with the selections of Owasso’s Dylan Bundy and Broken Arrow’s Archie Bradley. Closed it out with Deer Creek ace Michael Fulmer being selected in the compensation round.

Great stuff. For those that don’t know, Bundy was selected with the fourth pick by the Baltimore Orioles. A great fit, obviously, as his brother, Bobby, is also in the Orioles organization.

Good friend and Broken Arrow star only had to wait another15 minutes before his name was called by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the seventh pick.

And then we waited. But not that long. With the 11th pick of the compensation round and 44th overall selection, former New York Mets pitcher Frank Viola made the announcement that the Mets had selected Fulmer.

“I think his work ethic is about as good as I’ve ever seen from a young man,” Deer Creek coach Ron Moore said. “The majority of the scouts that have seen him say he’s 18 years old going on 25-30. He’s extremely mature.

“Whether it’s in the SEC or in rookie or Class A ball, Michael’s going to be ready. We’re all proud of him.”

I’m still waiting to hear back from Fulmer. I ‘guess’ he’s a little busy right now. Fulmer, The Oklahoman’s Big All-City Player of the Year and a first-team All-State selection, was dominant on the mound for the Antlers. He went 10-2 with a 0.72 ERA and 127 strikeouts in 68 innings.

He was a beast this year. He went from being a solid prospect last year to being one of the top pitchers around. He put on a lot of weight and said all it did was add to his leg strength.

Fulmer also became a complete player and was one of the best hitters for the Antlers this season. He has signed with Arkansas as has teammate Brian Anderson and Edmond Santa Fe’s Conor Costello.

I echo the maturity comments made by Moore regarding Fulmer. Just a great kid to be around and capped off an incredible night for Oklahoma baseball.

For my story on Fulmer being named Big All-City Player of the Year, go here. And when Fulmer calls me back, I’ll update.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Kentrell Brothers is already at Missouri, but he had some great moments at Guthrie. Any Bluejay moments make your top 15?

Simple question, no easy answer. The last couple of years I’ve done a ‘top 15′ moments of the high school sports year. The qualifier is and always will be that I had to witness said event. No ‘I heard’ this was great. I had to ‘see’ how great it was.

So this year, sadly, the epic classic between Union and Jenks for the 6A state championship is disqualified. I was in Moore that night watching Stratford win a Class A semifinal. The Douglass and Woodward boys basketball game also cannot make my list as I was in Skiatook for 6A girls quarterfinal games.

I’ve seen a lot of great moments this year. However, as you can tell, I also cannot be in multiple places at once and missed a lot of ‘instant classic’ moments.

As I’ve done before, I’m  going to roll out five moments per day, beginning Friday and culminating Sunday.

However, also on Sunday, I wanna put together a list from the Varsity readers of their top moments. You can either comment on this post or just hit me up in an email.

It’s been another great high school sports season. How about a trip down memory lane with some of the top moments?

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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

In an incredibly close decision, Broken Arrow's Archie Bradley (hoisting trophy) was named The Oklahoman's All-State Player of the Year.

OK, the feedback hasn’t been as negative as I thought. There have been questions about the selection but no irrational sentiments voiced so far.

Knew it was going to be an eye-opener to select Broken Arrow’s Archie Bradley instead of Owasso’s Dylan Bundy as The Oklahoman’s All-State Baseball Player of the Year.

Ryan Aber and myself did not make this selection to cause a stir, believe me. It was a tough one, and I still blame Ryan for why there will never be co-players of the year.

It stems back to the senior seasons of Keiton Page at Pawnee and Rotnei Clarke of Verdigris. Both won state championships. Clarke set the state scoring record. Incredibly tough. Ryan chose Page as the Player of the Year.

Since then, no matter what, it’s eliminated Co-Players of the Year. Though this is close to that, Page over Clarke is about the best case for the co-player honor.

I felt it last year in tennis with undefeated state champions (and clearly the two best singles players in the state) Mia Lancaster of Bishop McGuinness and Julie Labarthe of Heritage Hall. Picked Labarthe, definitely irked some but that’s OK.

So that brought us to this year. We were convinced on Bradley. Then Bundy was named the Gatorade Player of the Year. Then Bundy was named the National Player of the Year. Oy. But I’ve always viewed this as a high school award.

It’s what you did on the field/court/mat, etc. It’s not about potential. Bundy is projected to be the higher draft pick and that’s fine. And heck, it’s been great to see the genuine friendship between the two so I don’t feel there is a real rivalry.

Owasso's Dylan Bundy and Broken Arrow's Archie Bradley - two of the better Oklahoma HS pitchers in a LONG time.

This could have kinda been settled in April when the two teams were scheduled. It was rained out. This could have been settled at OneOK Field in Tulsa in the Class 6A state championship. Bundy didn’t pitch. Bradley did. And he pitched, maybe not his best, but the most important game of his life. He was dominant with 14 strikeouts and leading the Tigers to the state championship.

I don’t hold it against Bundy or his coaches/advisers that believed it was in Bundy’s best interest to not pitch. Heck, maybe it was after the backlash of what happened in 2010 with Bundy’s arm.

But I also wasn’t going to use it against Bradley for going out there and getting the job done on the biggest high school stage possible.

If you wanna play the stat game, Bundy was slightly better than Bradley in most major categories on the mound and at the plate. There weren’t many glaring differences between the two. You’re talking about hundredths separating ERAs. Three earned runs for Bradley compared to two for Bundy.

It’s nitpicking no matter which way you slice it. So instead of trying to knock down Bundy or Bradley to give out the honor, I chose to reward Bradley for an outstanding season that culminated with a magical outing on that Saturday in May.

Obviously expect both players to hear their names called Monday night, and it should be an incredible feeling for both of them. But I also feel the right choice was made for the All-State Baseball Player of the Year.

And if you wanna read even more on Bradley and Bundy, here is a tremendous piece by Matt Baker of the Tulsa World. Baker spent the majority of this week with the super studs to see what’s on their minds hours away from their lives being changed forever.

- All-State Player of the Year, Archie Bradley of Broken Arrow

- Big All-City Player of the Year, Michael Fulmer of Deer Creek

- Little All-City Player of the Year, Blake Estep of Jones

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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Back to the topic, the different format for the final day of the camp kinda makes doing scrimmage-by-scrimmage reports pointless. There were so many. If you saw me, I was basically anchored on the 50 yard line and kept my head on a swivel between the two fields.

Midwest City
Bombers had highlight of the day for me. In a hotly contested battle with Stillwater, the Bombers used some of that Bomber Magic on the final play.

Quarterback Ronnie Davis gave it to Cornell Neal, who chucked it into the end zone to Zeke Lewis for the scrimmage-winning score. What made the play, really, was the fact Midwest City got the snap off with 1 second left in the 10-minute scrimmage. But the snap did count.

If you ask me, Stillwater was the darling of this camp. Stillwater opened people’s eyes all three days. However, Midwest City also showed it’s still among the best. And though early indications are that Stillwater is going to be a player this season, the Bombers showed they’re not going away anytime soon, either.

Second highlight of the day: Ricky Reeves of Midwest City one-on-one against Stillwater’s Jesse Vester. How’s that for an early June battle between two of the best athletes in the state?

Stillwater
Like I said, no team impressed me more. Got a chance to talk with Jesse Vester and Jerame Littell during those first two days. Had a good chat with coach Tucker Barnard on this final day. I won’t spoil it because I’m writing a big Stillwater story for Monday’s paper. How’s that for a tease?

Bishop McGuinness
Irish were learning on the job in this camp, said coach Justin Jones. Not only are coach and players still trying to adjust to everything, but the Irish had maybe the least amount of practices coming into the event. Jones said because of dead week during finals, the Irish only had six practices. Or as he put it, ‘three offensive practices and three defensive practices.’ I’m not sold on the McGuinness offense yet, but ya gotta love that defense, especially those linebackers.

Deer Creek
Getting off the mat to finish the job. In a scrimmage against, ooh, I wanna say Stillwater, QB Joel Blumenthal tweaked his ankle on the final play. In the ensuing scrimmage against Bixby, Blumenthal found Hunter Dinkines for a touchdown on the final play. Came away really impressed with Brennan Miyake. He’s already a big boy. Deer Creek was missing some key linemen and had to battle 6A teams for those three days so not going to be too harsh. Coach Grant Gower was extremely pleased and that’s good enough for me.

Norman North
Enjoyed seeing Bryan Payne do his thing. He’s a little dude, but he’s got some game in him. Between him, Emilio Gatewood and Raymond Demby, that was a nice set of backs last year. Payne looks like he’ll have to be the man, but if he can endure the punishment, that’s OK. Coach Wade Standley said it was just Day 12 of the team and him together so like most coaches at this point, happy to get some good reps in.

Edmond North
I really like Luke Hoskins. I’m not sure how the X-and-Os battle is going between Jesse Mathews and Hoskins, but Hoskins has looked good. Also glad to see Jared Benway take some big shots and bounce back up. Really hope Benway can stay healthy. Jarion Tudman was also back in action Friday after being banged up Wednesday. This is another team that I’ll see a lot more of in the future so I didn’t critique the Huskies too much.

OCS
A lot of the names I’ve grown to love with the Saints are gone, but coach Derek Turner is extremely excited about this group. He admits they’re a young squad, but he said the talent in the freshman/sophomore class is some top notch stuff. Hope to see more of the Saints this summer.

- Edmond Santa Fe wasn’t there on the final day. That’s alright, know there will be plenty of other times I’ll catch up with Lance Manning and company…Little Axe coach Ted Dorrell is excited to be a head coach again, that’s for sure. The Indians took a big hit via graduation, but Dorrell has some real fire…McLoud coach Eric Cardin said his team is young, but a camp like this always helps out. Realistically, Redskins are one year away, but Cardin is pumped for the future…Didn’t get to meet with Tecumseh coach Greg George too long. He said he loved the camp, best camp his team goes to. Savages did OK from the action I saw.

- Some of these same teams are out at Boone Pickens on Saturday for the Red Bull Game Breakers. I won’t be there, but I have ‘correspondents’ who will fill me in.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

The Sooners offered Edmond Memorial’s Jordan Woodard on Friday during an unofficial visit, Woodard confirmed to The Oklahoman via a Facebook message.

Woodard, who will be a junior in the fall, helped the Bulldogs win the Class 6A state championship. Oklahoma has already offered Tulsa Washington’s Juwan Parker, another star in the class of 2013.

Parker and Woodard were the only two in-state players recently listed on the Rivals.com rankings of the top 100 players nationally in the 2013 class. Parker was rated No. 62 and Woodard was No. 86.

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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

The biggest thing right now for the Edmond North boys basketball program is trust. How do you earn that trust from the kids? They feel like they’ve heard this song-and-dance before.

So when talking to new coach Quinn Wooldridge, was happy to hear him stress how important it is to build the overall program. The Huskies have had some singular great seasons. And then they dip a little bit and fall off the radar. That’s what Wooldridge is looking to stop.

Wooldridge has spent the last two seasons as an assistant at Oklahoma City University. He’s also coached at McAlester and in New Mexico. He was approved by the Board on Thursday night and accepted the position.

Maybe avoiding the name ‘Jeff’ was the way to go. Jeff Tanner resigned last month for personal reasons. More comfortable move for the Tanner family to go back to Kansas. Before him, it was Jeff Tompkins who left the year before. Again, it was more of a family thing.

Wooldridge hasn’t met with the team yet. It’s been a crazy 24 hours for him, meeting with the administration and the assistants. Plans on meeting the kids for the first time Monday morning.

Interesting to see how the kids respond to Wooldridge. Just not an enviable spot for teenagers to have to keep adapting, keep believing only to see the coach leave. I don’t blame Tanner or Tompkins and enjoyed talking with both guys a lot, but that’s a tough mental hurdle to get over.

Different dynamic at North this year with Karlie Free taking over the girls program and now Wooldridge in charge of the boys.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Team Oklahoma
Marquis Buxton-Hill, 6-9, 240 pounds, Douglass High School: Buxton was a First-team All-City, All-District and All-State Tournament selection for Coach Terry Long’s Trojans, who finished the season 25-4, repeating as State Champions. He averaged 11 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and shot 75 percent from the free throw line.  Buxton is headed for Old Dominion University.

Trey Cohee, 6-2, 165 pounds, Ardmore High School: Cohee, an All-District and All-State honoree, is the No. 4 scorer all-time at Ardmore and led Coach Mark Wilson’s Tigers to three tournament titles and finished this seasons at 18-6. He averaged 14.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 50 percent from the field and 74 percent from the free throw line. He is undecided about college.

Taggart Lockhart, 6-5, 205 pounds, Talihina High School: In four years under Coach Chris Gillespie, Lockhart and the Golden Tigers have won a State Championship this year after two runner-up and one quarterfinal appearances. An All-State pick and four-year All-District selection, Lockhart averaged 18.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists and shot 56 percent from the field and 87 percent from the free throw line. He has committed to Arkansas-Little Rock.

Dalen Qualls, 6-1, 155 pounds, Stratford High School:  With 3,290 points, Qualls is the state’s fifth-best scorer all-time and owns the school record for career and single game points, averaging 32.2 for his career and 30.8 this season. He also averaged 8.1 rebounds, 8.1 assists and shot 59 percent from the field and 88 percent from the line. He led Coach Mark Qualls’ Bulldogs to a 26-4 record this season. He will play at Northern Oklahoma College in Enid.

Dominique Raney, 6-4, 185 pounds, Putnam City High School: Coached by A.D. Burtschi, Raney and the Pirates won two State titles and reached the quarterfinals twice. An All-State and All-District selection, Raney was a conference Offensive Player of the Year twice and averaged 19.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists this season. He is undecided on his college choice.

Josh Richardson, 6-6, 185 pounds, Edmond Santa Fe High School: Richardson earned OCA All-State, All-District and All-Region honors while leading Coach Shawn Schenk’s Wolves tow three State semifinals and a 20-6 2011 record. Richardson had 1034 career points and was Metro Athletic Conference MVP and a two-time all-MAC pick. He averaged 16.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists this season. He has signed with the University of Tennessee.

Ryan Spangler, 6-8, 225 pounds, Bridge Creek High School: Named Player of the Year by the OBCA, Gatorade and the Daily Oklahoman, Spangler is a Parade All-American and led Coach Jason Sanders’ Bobcats to the 4A State championship game and a 26-2 record. He averaged 29.2 points, 17.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game as a senior, while shooting 72 percent from the field and 70 percent from the free throw line. He holds the school record for scoring, assists, rebounds and blocked shots, as well as the state record for rebounds. The next stop for Spangler is Gonzaga.

Dorrian Williams, 6-2, 175 pounds, Douglass High School: Williams averaged 13 points, six rebounds and four assists while shooting 78 percent from the free throw line on his way to All-District and All-State Tournament honors. He helped Coach Terry Long’s Trojans, who finished the season 25-4, to repeating as State Champions. Williams will play at Missouri State University.

Andrew Wilson, 6-7, 210 pounds, Tulsa East Central High School: Wilson, bound for Missouri State University, led Coach Beau Wallace’s Cardinals to a 15-6 record, averaging 16 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. He was a 58-percent field goal shooter this season, earning All-District and All-State honors.

Clay Wilson, 6-3, 175 pounds, Lincoln Christian School:  Bound for Princeton University, Wilson scored a career-record  2,099 points.  He averaged 27 points, six rebounds and four assists and shot 90 percent from the free throw line and has led Coach Teddy Owens’ Bulldogs to two State Tournaments. He is a member of the National Honor Society was a Wendy’s High School Heisman winner.

Team Texas

Marc Brown, 6-4, 190 pounds, Dallas Woodrow Wilson High School:  Brown, an honorable mention All-State selection was a two-time First-Team All-District selection who has been invited to represent the USA High School All-Stars in an international tournament in Brazil in 2010 and France in 2011. He led Coach Patrick Washington’s Wildcats to a combined 54-15 record, averaging 17 points, five rebounds and two assists. He shot 51 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free throw line. He will be attending the University of Illinois-Chicago this fall.

Toddrick Gotcher, 6-3, 190 pounds, Garland Lakeview Centennial:  A two-time All-State pick, Gotcher was a three-time All-District pick, earning MVP honors this season. He twice led Coach Tony Mauldin’s Patriots to the State Finals with district championships and a combined 37-2 record. He averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds to go with 83 assists. Gotcher, who is headed to Texas Tech, shot 51 percent from the field and 73 percent from the free throw line.

Daniel Green, 6-10, 205 pounds, Grapevine High School: Coached by Darryn Shearmire, Green averaged 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists per game while shooting 58% from the field and 75% from the charity line.  Green, a first team all-disrict and all-district academics, set a Mustang  rebounding record of 22 per game and will play collegiately at Wake Forest.

Justin Hammonds, 6-6, 185 pounds, North Richland Hills Richland High School: Coached by Richard Bacon, Hammonds scored 15.6 points per game while shooting 51% from the field.  Hammonds averaged 14.2 boards and 2.2 assists per game.  A first team all-district selection, Justin led the Rebels to a 28 – 6 record and will play collegiately at the Air Force Academy.

Dustin Hobaugh, 6-4, 195 pounds, League City Clear Creek High School: A first team all-district selection, Hobaugh led the Wildcats to a 22 – 9 record and a district championship.  Hobaugh will pay collegiately at Houston Baptist.  Coached by Chris Romine, Hobaugh averaged 13 points and 4 boards while shooting 48% from the floor.

Keaton Miles, 6-7, 195 pounds, Dallas Lincoln High School: Miles, an all-stater who led the Tigers to district championships two years, averaged 15 pints, 11 boards, and 3 assists while shooting 48% from the field and 64% from the line.  Bound for West Virginia, Miles was coached by Leonard Bishop and led Dallas Lincoln to a 32 – 4 record.

Terran Petteway, 6-6, 195 pounds, Galveston Ball High School:  Petteway is a two-time All-State and All-District selection, earning two Offensive MVP or Player of the Year awards and All-Region honors. He led Coach Jerald Temple’s Tornados to a regional championship and four district titles. As a senior, the Texas Tech-bound Petteway averaged 27 points, nine rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.

J. J. Thompson, 6-0, 185, Irving High School:  Thompson will play college ball as a Cougar for the University of Houston.  Coached by Steven Perry, Thompson is an all-district and all-region selection.  Thompson averaged 22 points per game, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds per game while leading the Tigers to a 20 – 14 record.

Jaleel Williams, 6-6, 205 pounds, Killeen Ellison High School: Williams, who will play collegiately at San Jose State University, led the Eagles to a bi-district championship while averaging 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.  Coached by Alberto Jones, Williams garnered first team all-district honors.

A couple in particular, Stillwater and Deer Creek, made goalline, last-second stands to preserve scrimmage victories. I guess if you wanna call them victories.

Stillwater vs. Edmond Santa Fe

Never had I anticipated a 20-minute scrimmage between two 1-9 teams more than what I did as the final scrimmage of the day. Santa Fe looked great against Bixby and Pioneers showed a lot against Midwest City.

This one was as good as I hoped. Midwest City and Edmond North was going on at the same time, but the intensity and battle was just a little bit better with the Wolves and Pioneers so that’s who I stuck with.

Big heart showed by Stillwater QB Jerame Littell. He took a nasty shot that led to an interception. On the next drive, aired it out to Jesse Vester for the touchdown.

Wolves bounced back. With big brother Reggie Smith watching, Trevan Smith showed his speed. Trevan is small, but he’s got a lot of wiggle to him and scored.

Littell led another touchdown drive to set the stage for the final minutes. Justice Hansen threw it in the end zone as time expired, and it was picked off. Big thing that Littell and coach Tucker Barnard stressed was the ability to finish.

When you’re 1-9, at least a few of those games are decided in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. You have to learn how to finish. That’s what the Pioneers are doing so far at Edmond North. Great physical battle.

Deer Creek vs. Bixby

The Antlers had already wrapped up the ‘scrimmage victory.’ Based on rules, Bixby shouldn’t have been allowed one more play. But Deer Creek coach Grant Gower told Bixby to go one more play. He wanted his kids to experience a fourth down-like atmosphere.

Deer Creek stopped the Spartans short of the end zone in a 7-0 victory.

Antlers defense was the star in this one. To go with the last-second stop, Deer Creek stopped Bixby on a fourth-and-one earlier in the scrimmage.

Deer Creek scored on its second play from scrimmage as QB Joel Blumenthal found RB Brennan Miyake cutting across the middle and Miyake did the rest.

Miyake said it was a big boost to be going against Edmond North and Midwest City earlier in the day. It made the Antlers ready for a team like Bixby.

Midwest City vs. Edmond North

Caught glimpses of this. After Christian Peterson picked off a MWC pass, it seemed like the Bombers settled down after that. A lot of stops for losses for Midwest City against Edmond North. Bombers also found the end zone a couple of times. Wish that hadn’t gone head-to-head with Stillwater and Santa Fe.

Norman North vs. Shawnee

Another one that I didn’t get to fully see. A lot of woofin’ in this one. Teams had to separated a couple of times. T’Wolves’ fans, who is No. 3? I’m enjoying watching him work, that’s for sure. I didn’t see either team score in the 10-12 minutes I was able to watch.

Bishop McGuinness vs. Altus

I tried to watch, but what I was really thinking was why was Altus in full pads? Every other team was wearing shorts, but the Bulldogs were padded up. It makes a big difference. The Irish were still able to win, but that was a strange sight to see.

- Got a chance to briefly talk with Little Axe coach Ted Dorrell. I told him I can’t keep track of all 15 teams. He told me ‘try learning your players’ names in an environment like this.’ Dorrell was an assistant at Jones last season.

- Interesting talking with Santa Fe defensive coordinator Kenny Young when Irish were playing. He admits he’s still cheering for McGuinness and always will be. Ten years doesn’t just disappear with a change in jobs.

- Windy as heck out there. Don’t know if videos with Littell and Miyake will be deemed salvageable. If not, just look for some isolated plays from the scrimmages.

- Format change for Friday. Teams will start at 8:30 instead of 8 a.m. Also, more scrimmages. 10-minute scrimmages will begin at 9:40 and go to about 11:30-11:45. Either way, I’ll be out there. My format changes, too. I try to talk with players Wednesday and Thursday. Friday, I’ll be asking coaches what they learned in the three days so probably won’t be any videos.

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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

The format was the same, too, thankfully. Teams go from station-to-station and then 20-minute scrimmages start at 11 a.m.

The first scrimmage I’m always going to be able to sorta give a better account. After that, it gets sketchy because I’m trying to track down players/coaches from the finished scrimmage and also watch the next set of teams.

Bishop McGuinness vs. Shawnee

Not the best start to this one for either team. In fact, that was kind of the general trend where teams started slow and then picked up the pace.

Irish turned the ball over first time in possession, and the Wolves capitalized. However, in final two possessions, Irish looked a lot better. The first was a sustained (well, as sustained as you can get going 40 yards) drive that ended in a Camden Tharp touchdown rush.

And then in the final minute, Tharp threw the ‘scrimmage-winning’ touchdown pass. He said it’s a lot different environment under coach Justin Jones as opposed to Kenny Young.

People are normally quick to say that’s bashing the former coach, but it’s not, if you ask me. Different doesn’t imply anything except that things are ‘different.’

Young was an in-your-face, no nonsense type of guy. Jones is a little more hands on, Tharp said. Tharp admitted it was tough initially in the scrimmage because the Irish were playing a lot of JV. To go from that to Shawnee is a leap, for sure. Gonna have to pick me up a Wolves roster for the next two days. Saying No. 2 and No. 12 had good days doesn’t amount to much, my fault.

Edmond Santa Fe vs. Bixby

This started the trend of things getting chippy. The Wolves are playing with a real chip on their shoulder, for the lack of a better term. The last two years have been tough to endure, and they’re looking to show things are going to be different right from the get go.

Leading that charge is wide receiver Tre Kelley. He was a-woofin’ and hollerin’ all scrimmage. He also backed it up. QB Justice Hansen looked good on a touchdown carry. Really excited to see what Phillip Sumpter and Trevan Smith can do in the open field.

But more than the offense, great day by the defense. Kenny Young has the team playing in a different tempo, swagger, and it showed in Day 1. I wanna say it was Santa Fe 14, Bixby 0 but don’t quote me on that one.

Midwest City vs. Stillwater

Ooh, pumped to see what is happening with the Pioneers right now. Cleaned house with the coaching staff, and the kids just look a little happier to go to work.

Obviously when you talk about Stillwater, it starts with QB Jerame Littell and WR Jesse Vester. Wednesday was no different as Vester made some outstanding plays, and Littell got to showcase his arm.

Stillwater made a nice late charge in this one. Not gonna judge the Midwest City offense too much because a lot of key players to replace. And this was a scrimmage that I was really scrambling to see. Hope to get a better look at the Bombers on Thursday or Friday.

Deer Creek vs. Altus

Deer Creek coach Grant Gower said he was really pleased with the team’s effort. Antlers scored on all three of their possessions.

When you’re talking about DC, Altus and the Irish, you’re looking at 5A teams that are going against 6A teams the entire time until this scrimmage portion. You get to see how much it helps to go against the speed of MWC, Edmond North, etc., when get back down to 5A.

- Look for videos with Tharp, Kelley and Vester on NewsOK. I’ll be keeping tabs on the health of Edmond North RB Jarion Tudman. He landed knee-first on the track on a tackle and had to ice his knee. Goal is to catch a better glimpse of Norman North, MWC, OCS and a couple of others on Day 2.

- And for the record, the 15 teams: Edmond North, Edmond Santa Fe, Midwest City, Bixby, Norman North, Stillwater, Deer Creek, McGuinness, Shawnee, Altus, OCS, Meeker, McLoud, Tecumseh, Little Axe.

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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Here are the rosters for the Jim Thorpe all-star basketball games Thursday at John Marshall High. Girls play at 6 p.m., with the boys at 7:30.

Boys
Suburban
Cole Stevens, Blanchard; Antonio Marshall, Carl Albert; Deonta Samilton, Choctaw; Jalen Burnett, Deer Creek; Drew Smith, Del City; Jared Jobe, Edmond Memorial; Anthony Haake, Edmond North; Chad Johnson, Edmond Santa Fe; Cortrael Colbert, Midwest City; Kody English, Moore; Ryan Pendergraft, Newcastle; Jaques Murray, Norman; Gabe Bonzie, Norman North; John Stephens, Piedmont; Tilford Thornton, Southmoore; Brandon Lucas, Southmoore; Alton Whittaker, Western Heights; Blake Pulliam, Westmoore; Matthew Burton, Yukon.

Urban
AnVon Ferguson, Capitol Hill; Kamron McClure, Classen; Shawneil Skanes, Crooked Oak; Dominique Manuel, Douglass; Shontrell Scott, Harding Charter Prep; Talmadge Lawrence, John Marshall; Nathan Cooper, Jones; Drelan Triplett, Millwood; Brad Beahan, St. Mary; Ben Berry, Mustang; Korihon Jackson, Northeast; Tiaries Taylor, Northwest Classen; Marcus Johnson, Centennial; Dominique Raney, Putnam City; Armon Provo, Putnam North; Kyndall Dudley, Putnam West; Trai Jordan, Southeast; Gary Ford, Star Spencer; Bryan Foster, US Grant.

Girls
Suburban
Callee Cox, Bethany; Nicole Nelson, Blanchard; Jasmine Sievert, Choctaw; Teaira Rich, Del City; TaNita Dewberry, Edmond North; Tori Lanier, Edmond Santa Fe; Margaret Butler, Edmond Memorial; Raegan Sampson, Moore; Taler Campbell, Newcastle; Kim Hayes, Norman; Hayley Scott, Norman North; Davie Owen, Piedmont; Kaylan Haywood, Southmoore; Delaney Scrivner, Tuttle; Kashyla Fields, Western Heights; Brooke Hagemann, Westmoore; Mackenzie York, Yukon.

Urban
Claire Pedulla, Bishop McGuinness; Christy Barnett, Capitol Hill; D’Carla Kirk, Centennial; Nekita Hardiman, Crooked Oak; Brittany Young, Douglass; Megan Davis, John Marshall; Baxlee Horton, Jones; Alexis White, Millwood; Brianna Pendleton, Northeast; Desiree Robinson, Northwest Classen; Jordan Gooch, Oklahoma Christian School; LaShawn Jones, Putnam City; Alexis Watson, Putnam North; Lexus Chatmon, Putnam West; Amanda Biorato, Mustang; Morgyne Weaver, St. Mary; LaQuitta Andrews, Star Spencer.

I kid, well, kind of. However, there are going to be a lot of new faces in some of the familiar places when the 15 teams get together.

This is a big ‘get’ for Edmond North as this camp continues to get bigger and bigger. I joked with coach Jeremy Dombek about whether or not the Huskies had enough room to have 15 teams practice. The North campus is big, but that’s a lot of teams.

Off the top of my head, here are the new coaches showing up: Justin Jones (from Woodward to Bishop McGuinness), Chad Stone (from Edmond North assistant to Altus), Tucker Barnard (from Arkansas to Stillwater), Wade Standley (from Kansas to Norman North) and Lance Manning (from Norman North to Edmond Santa Fe).

Yep, this will be the first opportunity for former Timberwolves coach, Manning, to go against Norman North now that he’s in charge at Santa Fe.

If the camp stays at the same schedule it’s had in the past, the teams will go from station-to-station to 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Then from 11 a.m. to noon, it’s been broken up into 20-minute scrimmages.

Each set of teams had 50 yards to work with. However, that’s when there were 12 teams instead of the 15. It’s a heavy west-side flavor, but Bixby’s Spartans will once again be making the trek, too.

Either way, I plan on being camped out at North the next three days for videos, observations and all those other good things.

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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Here are the rosters for the Jim Thorpe football game at 7 p.m. on Friday at Mustang.

Suburban

Darren Davenport, Bethany; Devin Campbell, Bethany; Zach Ray, Blanchard; Jake Stubblefield, Blanchard; Quincy Johnson, Carl Albert; Kenton Whittington, Carl Albert; Kyle Croak, Carl Albert; Tanner Hessman, Choctaw; Isaiah Byrd, Deer Creek; Michael Coleman, Deer Creek; Cody Shaw, Del City; Kameron Doolittle, Edmond Memorial; Travis Townsend, Edmond North; Kyle Aschenbrenner, Edmond North; Lex Rosson, Edmond North; Patrick Hinton, Edmond Santa Fe; Brandon Reece, Edmond Santa Fe; Greg Austin, Midwest City; Jesse Venzor, Midwest City; David Cowan, Moore; Ryan Crain, Moore; Blake Riojas, Newcastle; Landon Chappell, Newcastle; Jimmy McDade, Newcastle; Stephan McElroy, Norman; Jaime Myers, Norman; Daniel Davis, Norman North; Raymond Demby, Norman North; Jordan McAdoo, Piedmont; d’Vante Henry, Southmoore; Lucas Stalnaker, Southmoore; Tanner Koons, Tuttle; Kenneth Mayfield, Western Heights; Cody Cates, Westmoore; Eric Granado, Yukon; Jake Doyle, Yukon.

Urban

LaRone Richardson, McGuinness; David Krenger, McGuinness; Jamaal Whitney, McGuinness; Ontineil Zavaler Jr., Capitol Hill; Blake Giles, Crooked Oak; Shawneil Skanes, Crooked Oak; Trevon Jones, Crooked Oak; Donell Ward, Douglass; Ian Robinson, Douglass; Ravi Riley, Douglass; Denzelle Johnson, John Marshall; Dejon Brison, John Marshall; Kody Stamm, John Marshall; Jeremy Barnhill, Jones; Larry Seals, Millwood; Michael Cole, Millwood; Kevonte Richardson, Millwood; Andrew Aguilar, St. Mary; Cale Witter, Mustang; Tyler Webster, Mustang; Justin Moore, Northeast; Brison Currin, Centennial; Cole Kimmell, Putnam City; Caleb McFarland, Putnam City; Carson Lynn, Putnam City; Covin Conrady, Putnam City North; Andy Bates, Putnam City North; Matt Kemp, Putnam City West; Jay Gogue, Southeast; Anthony Frazier, Southeast; Nelson Williams, Southeast; Stevo Henderson, Star Spencer; Alex Levescy, US Grant.

I’ve spent a good time thinking about how big it is that RB Jared Benway will be back after his leg injuries, but he’s just one cog of a lot of solid parts for the Huskies.

It was a long day for North kids. Finals were Friday. They watched film, lifted weights. Basically, nobody was at their best in the hour-long (give or take) scrimmage. However, you see the potential of why this could be the most explosive team North has had in a while.

The combo of Benway and Jarion Tudman could be downright scary. Benway with the power and Tudman with the sprinter’s speed. Tudman never got to see Benway being Benway because of last year’s injury so Tudman admitted he’s pretty pumped about watching Benway. And having Benway block for him won’t be bad.

At receiver, looking at Garrett Molinsky and Troy Davis. No speed burners there, but two incredibly reliable possession receivers. And Heath Newland is anchoring the offensive line.

Defense dominated the day for the most part Friday. I really like the development of Christian Peterson this year, think he’s a budding star in the secondary. Upfront, love the work of Brock Byford. Also will have one of the best kickers around in Camden Bohnert.

Figured Jesse Mathews would have the QB spot wrapped up, but I liked what I saw from Luke Hoskins. Mathews will find his way on the field one way or another, regardless.

In breaking it down, agree with what Dombek said about Friday. It was good effort but not a good evaluation of what the team has. For that, well, we might find out more next week as 15 teams are rolling into Edmond North for a three-day camp (I’ll be there all three days).

Look for video with Tudman on NewsOK this weekend.

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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Slowly making the rounds for spring football. We’re just about done and one of my final stops was Wednesday evening at Norman to watch the Tigers’ Orange-White scrimmage.

If you wanted to see how good running back Donovan Roberts looks, well, you were out of luck. Roberts had less than five carries. However, he did throw a touchdown pass on the first play of the scrimmage. You can’t expect Roberts to get a test in spring so that made sense.

However, if you wanted to see the development of the passing game, bingo, you were in luck. Last year I became enamored with Roberts and Jaime Myers that I didn’t really notice anybody else. This year? Um, it’s hard to not notice George Kittle.

Kittle recently earned an offer from Air Force and you can see why. Not only does he have tremendous size (6-4 and at least 200 pounds), but he is a solid athlete.

Talking with Scott Wright, and he was mentioning how Kittle is able to dunk with ease. That makes sense. Kittle made a lot of nice plays and caught a touchdown.

Kittle makes life a lot easier for quarterback Zach Long. No longer a young pup, Long looks a lot bigger and a lot more comfortable playing the part. Coach Greg Nation said Long still has aways to go, but he’s making a lot of progress.

Also my first chance to see OL Foster Hare. If you didn’t know who he was, it wouldn’t take you long to find out. At 6-7 and 300 pounds, he towers over the rest of the Norman players.

The scrimmage split up the seniors and then let the senior captains pick their players. It was a fun time, but you cannot learn too much from a spring scrimmage with the way the teams are divided.

Either way, I didn’t have Norman sniffing the top 15 yet alone the top 10 last year. This year? Um, don’t be shocked to see the Tigers in the single digits. Replacing nine of 11 starters on defense will be tough. But when you have Roberts, Kittle and Long, that will offset some of the pressure.

Norman will be a team camp in Tulsa in early June (hmm, not sure if I can get out there). Definitely would like to see this team in the summer. We’ll see.

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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Ward has picked up four offers from big-time programs in the last four days. Texas Tech on Tuesday, Oklahoma on Thursday and now the Cowboys and Beavers on Friday. He has eight offers total.

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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Large West
Nicole Nelson, Blanchard; Logan Huey, Purcell; Peyton Watson, Little Axe; Kendra Pierce, Westmoore; Bailey Goldsby, Purcell; Haley Strawn, Southmoore; Lacey Williams, Little Axe; Hannah Coker, Moore; Olivia Meek, Norman; Hilary Murphy, Bristow; Chelsea Reeves, Sulphur; Sam Plott, Blanchard; Kalie Marcum, Purcell; Tara Goodman, Tecumseh; Presli Manuel, Byng; Masie Cully, Moore; Tanner Moody, Norman North; Rachel Rischard, Westmoore; Shelby Smith, Blackwell.

Large East
Heather Bunn, Hugo; Samantha McGraw, Tulsa Union; Shelby Winters, Muskogee; Leiloni Smith, Vian; Erica Sampson, Tahlequah; Courtney Allison, Poteau; Tori Venable, Muskogee; Carlie Robertson, Roland; Jessica Patrick, Tahlequah; Rachel Hankins, Jenks; Ashley Boswell, Tahlequah; Emily Emberson, Keys; Mallory Martin, Stigler; Kelcie Franklin, Valliant; Fontana Tate, Muldrow; Joely Rogers, Sand Springs, Ashley Neritt, Fort Gibson.

Middle West

Kenzy Nagle, Merritt; Courtney Capps, Konawa; Emily Nix, Fletcher; Kayla Pahcoddy, Apache; Jill Clemence, Washington; Melanie Gladden, Konawa; Chelsey Herrin, Wayne; Ashley Sanford, Dale; Morgan Whatley, Apache; Kelsey Porterfield, Healdton; Daylynn Black, Wilson; Brooklyn Akerman, Konawa; Taylor Nixon, Washington; Shara Curry, Washington; Shelby Ford, Mangum; Arine Upchurch, Dibble; Bree Waugh, Merritt; Paige Martindale, Merritt.

Middle East

Whitney Jefferson, Dewar; Ladendra Wheat, Haskell; Jodi Edmiston, Haskell; Macey Carman, Warner; Kelsey Kelley, Haskell; Jacee Bennett, Colbert; Heather Lanphear, Barnsdall; Stephany Roden, Rattan; Shelby Tucker, Barnsdall; Denym Pingleton, Tushka; Carleigh Crowley, Rattan; Felicia Stone, Wyandotte; Ashley Gray, Colbert; Tori Curtis, Barnsdall; Miranda Hix, Coalgate; Ida Sinclair, Tushka; Jori McPeak, Warner; Bretney Rich, Dewar.

Small West

Sarah Penry, Leedey; Trinity Radke, Sterling; Ramsye Thorton, Binger-Oney; Kristan Rhoades, Sentinel; Jesse Prince, Binger-Oney; Kylee Craddock, Fort Cobb-Broxton; Kenlee Upton, Fort Cobb-Broxton; Kimberly Pyron, Arapaho; Sadi Long, Shattuck; Haley Harrel, Leedey; Bailey Booker, Sentinel; Lindsey Fehring, Sterling; Latasha Smith, Binger-Oney; Samantha Rousey, Geronimo; Pauline Myers, Lookeba-Sickles; Jacinda Lovelace, Indiahoma; Kelly Solosky, Fort Cobb-Broxton.

Small East

Brettney Brady, Stonewall; Landra Nelson, Tupelo; Shanna Davidson, Tupelo; Cheyenne Booth, Red Oak; Brittaney Russell, Cameron; Johni Foster, Davenport; Reagan Osburn, Wetumka; Grace Leland, Tupelo; Savannah Burwell, Stonewall; Carlee Talley, Moss; Amanda Transue, Stonewall; Hayley Price, Moss; Rebecca Brannon, Gans; Carly Eversole, Davenport; Shayla Barnet, Oaks; Jade Thornburg, Panola; Ashton Henderson, McCurtain; Kathy Daniel, Coleman.

Ward, who will only be a junior in the fall, picked up an offer from OU on Thursday to give him six total and second from a Big 12 school this week. Texas Tech offered Ward on Tuesday.

“D.J. is a kid who just does everything that is asked of him,” coach Randy Breeze said. “He’s never content. He’s always wanting to do more to help the program.”

Ward burst onto the scene last year and received some looks when scouts were looking at stars wide receiver Tyrequek Zimmerman and linebacker Jabral Johnson. Zimmerman and Johnson are headed to Oregon State.

Ward, 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, had 94 tackles and nine sacks last season. He is considered my many recruiting experts as the top in-state prospect for the class of 2013. Ward also has offers from Tulsa, Texas A&M, Kansas State and Arizona.

***

Not much to add here, except I loved getting to watch Ward last year. I haven’t been able to see him this spring, but nobody should be doubting his ability. He is the real deal.

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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

It was a good battle for as long as it lasted last year between Taylor Hawkins and Dillan Dansby for the starting quarterback spot at Carl Albert.

Dansby earned the nod and Hawkins became one of the leaders on defense. However, Hawkins was thrust back into the role when Dansby went down. The Titan offense was starting to click with Dansby. But during a dominating win at Duncan in Week 3, Dansby tore his ACL.

The whole dynamic of the offense changed, obviously. But I remember coach Gary Rose talking about how much it impacted the defense because Hawkins could no longer be that leader on that side of the ball.

So in going out to Carl Albert earlier this week, great to see Dansby doing what he does. You could tell he was happy to be moving around and feeling healthy again, too.

He’s going to have to be healthy because it might be an uphill battle initially. You don’t lose stud linemen like Kyle Croak, Anthony Frazier and Colin Walker and not miss a beat. Rose knows this and basically cut me off before I could finish the question. Rose knows how important the line is with only one returning starter.

As Rose has always done, there will be no team camps for the Titans, and CA was only out Monday-Wednesday of this week. He lets them be kids in the summer and then ready to work in August.

It will be interesting to see if Hawkins and Alex Polston decide to once again keep up with summer baseball. Rose doesn’t mind it one bit that his kids play other sports. He encourages it and says it’s a great problem to have.

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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Heritage Hall's Markus Wakefield received an offer from Colorado State on Wednesday night.

Colorado State representatives were one of several teams to show up at Heritage Hall’s spring football practices. Now it’s clear why.

Chargers lineman Markus Wakefield picked up his first offer as the Rams offered Wakefield on Wednesday night, Wakefield told The Oklahoman.

Wakefield, a force on both sides of the ball, had 137 tackles and 15 sacks last season and will be entering his third year as a starter for Heritage Hall in the fall. Wakefield is listed at 6-foot-1 and 270 pounds. Coach Andy Bogert said Wakefield is going to continue to attract attention because of his excellent footwork and football intelligence.

Wakefield recently participated in the OkVarsity.com combine last weekend and said, like many other top recruits, he plans on attending a lot of camps this summer.

Wakefield becomes the fourth Charger senior to pick up an offer. Wide receiver Sterling Shepard has committed to Oklahoma. Running back Barry J. Sanders is a four-star prospect with more than 20 offers, while Quintaz Struble earned an offer from Arizona two weeks ago.

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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

The Guthrie weight room was destroyed in Tuesday's tornadoes. Photo by Chris Evans, Guthrie Sports Page

Guthrie superintendent Terry Simpson summed it up best: “It’s about what is to be expected.” What can you really say the day after something like Tuesday’s tornadoes?

It appears Guthrie was one of the places that got hit the hardest Tuesday, and Simpson said there was no way at all to accurately assess the damage. One of the school buildings still does not have power so that is making it increasingly difficult.

Here’s what Simpson did know: the weight room, the tennis storage facility and the softball scoreboard were destroyed. The softball field also suffered major damage. From the provided photo by Guthrie Sports Page’s Chris Evans, you can get an idea of just how bad it was.

“I’ve been here 17 years and never had anything like this,” Simpson said.

Guthrie called an impromptu school board meeting at 12:30. Simpson said Guthrie has canceled the final three days of school, but I’m not sure what else the board is going to address.

Other schools/places:

- Piedmont was OK for the most part, said softball coach Rick Scott. North of town was hit really hard, but the schools didn’t suffer any damage. Scott said had the tornado turned just a little bit that it would have been really bad.

- Newcastle suffered a lot of damage to its softball/baseball complex, said athletic director Donna Morris. Lost a lot of bleachers and a couple of light poles. Though not nearly as severe as the May 3, 1999 tornadoes, Morris said this was the most damage the schools had actually suffered.

- Washington schools were OK, but football coach Brad Beller’s house was destroyed. Athletic director Stuart McPherson said Beller and his family are OK. The football team planned on heading to Beller’s house to help out Wednesday.

- Heritage Hall basketball player Tanner Tepe’s house was destroyed. The Tepe family lives in Piedmont and is safe, but the house wasn’t so lucky. Tepe said he is staying at friends’ houses until things calm down. He also thanks everybody for their support as he said his phone was blowing up with text messages/calls. It meant a lot to him.

- Norman is OK as Tigers still plan to close out spring practice with the Tiger Tune-up at 4 p.m. Wednesday.

- School districts that also reported no damage: Edmond Public Schools, Deer Creek, Kingfisher and El Reno. I admit I was just looking at schools that appeared to be in the path of the storm. If there are others, please let us know.

- Feels weird going back to normal, but I guess that’s what we do. Hope everyone was able to find shelter and is safe and sound. More updates as they come in.

- UPDATE: Canton football Robert Davis says things are OK there, too. That seemed to be where things were originating so that’s good news. It’s so normal there that Davis said the team went ahead with their team camp as scheduled.

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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Norman North coach Wade Standley is a ball of energy.

Every team is different. Each coach brings their own personal touch to the program. And though I truly believe Lance Manning is the right man at Edmond Santa Fe, perhaps it was time for Manning to leave Norman North.

Manning never once coached like it, but I always found it strange he stayed in Edmond instead of moving to Norman. Kinda like a ‘one foot out the door’ mentality. The last two years felt Norman North was loaded with talent but didn’t produce. A change in scenery was might have been the right move for everyone.

With that in mind, had a chance to visit a Norman North practice late last week. That was a fun experience. Not sure how much talent the Timberwolves are going to end up having, but coach Wade Standley is certainly going to bring out the best in his kids. That type of spirit is infectious. He was running around all over that practice.

Standley is coming off a two-year stint at Liberal, Kan., where his teams went 6-12. He was also a former assistant at Tulsa Union.

I look at Norman North, and my attention goes to kicker Redford Jones. He’s going to be big time. Former Norman North stud Daniel Davis was also at practice last week, and he was saying the same thing.

Davis’ younger brother is on the team and said Standley has made a good first impression, especially when it comes to being efficient. Practices are run very smoothly (I can attest to that).

This will have to be a team I get to see in summer camps, but I’m not even going to try to gauge where Norman North is at this stage. But I like where they’re going.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

In the Little All-City game Monday night, the West trailed by more than 20 points in the third quarter. I don’t have an exact number because I stopped my running score, felt it wasn’t necessary.

However, in a comeback for the ages, the West erased the deficit, forced overtime and Harding Charter Prep’s Shontrell Scott hits a 3-pointer at the buzzer for a 95-92 win at Mid-America Christian.

It was 67-50 for the East going into the fourth quarter. And then Centennial coach Scott Raper found his lineup. On offense, he went with Millwood’s Drelan Triplett and Delford Robinson, Bridge Creek’s Ryan Spangler, John Marshall’s Talmadge Lawrence and Scott. When he went offense for defense, Piedmont’s John Stephens and Keith Vick replaced Spangler and Triplett.

And every move worked. The West actually made a good run in the third quarter, getting it down to 10. However, led by the Douglass trio of DeVonte Smith, Dorrian Williams and Marquis Buxton-Hill, the East got the margin back up.

The West trailed 81-76 with a little more than a minute when Scott drained a three. The ensuing inbounds pass was stolen and Stephens tied the game. And we went to overtime.

Overtime was a shootout between Scott and Dorrian Williams. One big shot after another. Williams was hitting his threes from at least 27-30 feet out. Such a pretty stroke.

A Williams three tied it at 92-92 with a minute left. The East held onto the ball and got a good look from Community Christian’s Scott Seymour from the corner. It didn’t go and Raper is screaming for a timeout. But when you got the speed Robinson has, he’s not hearing it. He kicks it out to Scott and his three was pure.

That was a lot of fun. Putting Lawrence and Robinson together in the same backcourt did wonders for the West. Way too quick to be contained. Combined, the guards are 11-1. Conversely, Triplett and Spangler go 13-4. Twenty-seven inches of difference in height, but it all worked the same.

Great show put on by Smith and Williams. Buxton-Hill was a beast in the first half but was sort of quiet down the stretch. The opposite of Spangler. I believe he only had five points at halftime and ended up with a game-high 22 points. Scott made four 3-pointers.

Northeast’s Eric Peabody had a great first half, scoring 10 of his 13 in the first 16 minutes. Buxton-Hill finished with 14 points.

Besides the great comeback, loved seeing the intensity and passion down the stretch. The West celebrated like crazy when Scott’s shot went in.

If I had to miss the Thunder game for something, at least it was for something that was as much fun as this game was.

And I give Raper a lot of credit. Two Centennial players were supposed to participate, but graduation was Monday night. Raper still chose to coach.

The girls game didn’t have any drama at all, really. The East dominated early, often and cruised to a 36-point victory. Gonna sound weird, but I think it might have helped to only have 8 players on the team.

In the three-point shooting contest, Elisabeth Daniels of the OKC Knights won the event, while Northeast’s Eric Peabody won the boys. Harrah’s Jordan Hobbs and Blanchard’s Bo Reyes won their respective free throw contests.

Here are the box scores from both games. Scott Wright is on duty for the Big All-City games at Del City on Friday night.

Little All-City
Girls
East 88, West 52
West*11*13*13*15 — 52
East*21*27*27*13 — 88

West — Dayla Threatt 15, Callee Cox 14, Nicole Nelson 6, Annie Rischard 6, Morgyne Weaver 4, Emily Eaton 3, Kelsey Dawkins 2, Mariah Miles 2.

East — Sami Martin 15, Jordan Hobbs 15, Sharane Campbell 14, Brianna Pendleton 13, Katherine Weatherby 11, Kendra Steward 8, Elisabeth Daniels 7, Chelsea Robinson 5.

Boys
West 95, East 92, OT
West*9*20*21*31*14 — 95
East*16*32*19*14*11 — 92

West — Ryan Spangler 22, Shontrell Scott 20, Delford Robinson 14, Talmadge Lawrence 11, Drelan Triplett 8, Keith Vick 8, Bo Reyes 4, John Stephens 4, Josh Pershica 2, Brad Beahan 2.

East — Dorrian Williams 20, DeVonte Smith 20, Marquis Buxton-Hill 14, Eric Peabody 13, Ethan Welton 10, Shawneil Skanes 6, Gary Ford 3, Blake Gifford 2, Scott Seymour 2, Korihan Jackson 2.

6A Boys

West

Oscar Barcenas, Mustang; Ren Caldwell, Choctaw; Luis Carrasco, US Grant; Will Conant, Edmond Memorial; Matt Eckart, Norman; Joshua Garcia, US Grant; Jonathan Hernandez, Putnam City North; Cody Inger, Lawton; Tyler Jester, Lawton; Matt King, Midwest City; Trevor Laffoon, Norman North; Alec Lee, Norman; Nick Lovett, Edmond North; Conner McElveen, Edmond Memorial; Matthew McLain, Yukon; David Nelson, Norman; Jacob Rangel, Putnam City North; Calum Roberts, Yukon; Will Smith, Norman North; Jacob Strassle, Mustang; Jaimie Arnold, Shawnee; George Christie, Yukon

East

Chandler Bennett, Bartlesville; Joel Cordell, Muskogee; Zac Dietert, Bixby; Geoffrey Fries, Broken Arrow; Joshua Fuhrman, Jenks; Sam Guernsey, Broken Arrow; Thomas Gunter, Tulsa Union; Lucas Hess, Stillwater; Kevin Kolibas, Bixby; Andrew LeHew, Broken Arrow; Carson Lynn, Putnam City; J. P. Maciel, Enid; Jordan McIntosh, Jenks; Griffith Poindexter, Tulsa Union; Tyler Rector, Owasso; Kristian Rodriguez, Enid; Michael Shanahan, Edmond Santa Fe; Jimmy Stillson, Owasso; Parker Sturgeon, Bartlesville; Adam Wagner, Edmond Santa Fe

6A Girls

West

Brooke DeGraffenreid, Putnam City North; Taylor Fitzgerald, Norman North; Taylor Gbur, Choctaw; Rachel Hare, Norman North; Abby Hodgen, Mustang; Alissa Jones, Mustang; Jennifer Lang, Lawton; Devon Legaard, Edmond North; Morgan Martinez, Edmond Memorial; Tina Martinez, US Grant; Alexis Richards, Westmoore; Brandi Shuffield, Norman; Peyton Summers, Moore; Chelsea Swisher, Westmoore; Shelby Teel, Norman; Renee Tipton, Edmond North; Mia Vabolis, Westmoore; Megan Wilkerson, Yukon

East

Randa Castleberry, Stillwater; Rachel Coen, Owasso; Katie Edge, Edmond Santa Fe; Allie Glazner, Edmond Santa Fe; Ashley Gordon, Sapulpa; Rachel Harris, Owasso; Jordan Hull, Ponca City; Kenzie Karnish, Ponca City; Abbey Lewis, Jenks; Shelbi Lousch, Sapulpa; Amber Markham, Southmoore; Bella McCorvey, Bartlesville; Cori Parkins, Broken Arrow; Paige Patterson, Jenks; Kaci Power, Bixby; Miriam Rhinehart, Tulsa Union; Sarah Sabala, Putnam City; Kaci Smarinsky, Tulsa Union; Caitlyn Thorpe, Ponca City; Paige Wikle, Stillwater; Courtney Williams, Broken Arrow

5A Boys

West

Jorge Arreola, NW Classen; Ethan Berney, Bishop McGuinness; David Borum, Carl Albert; Jose Caldera, Capitol Hill; Bryce Correra, Altus; Benjamin Franks, Durant; Nathan Gerdts, Chickasha; Lucas Gillette, Duncan; Ace Hall, Lawton MacArthur; Erick Hernandez, Chickasha; Zane Klein, Lawton MacArthur; Justin Laub, Altus; Blake Lawson, Deer Creek; Ronald Lucas, Ada; Rey Mata, Durant; Shawn McLaws, Deer Creek; Luis Meza, Capitol Hill; Connor Moore, Carl Albert; Nick Pugh, Harrah; Antonio Zamarripa, NW Classen

East

Adam Edgren, Pryor; Antonio Escobedo, Tulsa East Central; Bryce Fugate, Skiatook; Zachary Fuller, Collinsville; Seth Havenstrite, Claremore; Matthew Henry, Tulsa Kelley; Jose Martinez, Booker T. Washington; Patrick McIntosh, Tulsa Memorial; Max Moller, Tulsa Kelley; Ivan Nava, Tahlequah; Seun Olaniran, Tulsa Washington; Juan Peralta, Tulsa East Central; Ruben Quezada, Tahlequah; Thomas Ritchie, Tulsa Kelley; Jose Saldivar, Tulsa Washington; Joseph Smith, Skiatook; DJ Spencer, Tulsa Memorial; Bajram Veselaj, Pryor

5A Girls

West

Abbey Akin, Bishop McGuinness; Susana Becerra, Capitol Hill; Kendra Boydstun, Durant; Cheyenne Caraway, Durant; Brianna Choat, Harrah; Alexa Gonce, Bishop McGuinness; Kristina Gonzalez, Ada; Emily Hartshorn, Deer Creek; Aurora Hernandez, Altus; Taylor James, El Reno; Marlie Laferr, Chickasha; Paloma Ochoa, NW Classen, Olivia Polynice, Lawton MacArthur; Ericka Ramirez, NW Classen; Alyssa Ramsey, Carl Albert; Laura Reihart, Ada; Ashleigh Story, Deer Creek; Rachel Tonseth, Bishop McGuinness; Sarah Zeckser, Carl Albert; Rachael Zuccarelli, Altus

East

Avery Boyd, Tulsa Washington; Eva Drew, Tulsa Washington; Sarah Duffy, Tulsa Kelley; Morgan Elliott, Coweta; Chloe Fennell, Tahlequah; Brooke Gassett, Claremore; Peyton Gilbert, Tulsa Memorial; Kaitlen Goddard, Tulsa Kelley; Annie Hull, Tulsa Edison; Yessenia Medina, Tulsa East Central; Stacia Mouse, Coweta; Shay Nash, Skiatook; Melanie Paris, Tahlequah; Lauren Strain, Pryor; Natalie Swingle, Grove; Miranda Thorne, Claremore; Kimberly Utley, Skiatook; Alicia Zuern, Tulsa Washington

4A Boys

West

Logan Brewer, Weatherford; Pedro Briones, Santa Fe South; Jorge Fuentes, Madill; Cody Gray, Heritage Hall; Ruben Gutierrez, Clinton; Taylor Kincanon, Weatherford; Kyle McGoffin, St. Mary; Saul Pina, Clinton; Luis Preciado, Santa Fe South; Sergio Ramirez, Madill; Justice Rheaume, Elk City; Blake Riojas, Newcastle; Jonathan Schlegel, Cache; Marlio Sevilla, Santa Fe South; Cesar Sinecio, Guymon; Gala Soe, Guymon; Zach Stoner, Heritage Hall; Tony Tasetano, St. Mary; Zak Tuggle, Weatherford; Daniel Valdovinos, Harding Charter Prep

East

Cody Albright, Catoosa; Davis Boatright, Metro Christian; Kyle Brown, Verdigris; Alec Brunson, Oologah; Christopher Butler, Cascia Hall; Kris Carroll, Verdigris; Nicholas Daniel, Fort Gibson; Alex Field, Cascia Hall; Trey Flick, Miami; Christian Keller, Stilwell; Forrest Kinney, Fort Gibson; Nic  Lopez, Cascia Hall; Jesus Martinez, Tulsa Webster; Tyler Maxville, Commerce; Brett McVey, Westville; Tristan Mendoza, Wagoner; Ryan Patrick, Fort Gibson; Adam Schmoker, Catoosa; Jordan Schmoker, Catoosa; Tyler Sourjohn, Miami; Joshua Stites, Tulsa Webster; John Weidman, Metro Christian

4A Girls

West

Ciara Arriaga, Clinton; Kaycee Beard, Madill; Chenell Bowers, Guymon; Taler Campbell, Newcastle; Gabrielle Costilla, Guymon; Stephanie Easterly, Oklahoma Christian; Kelsie Gerlach, Cordell; Jana Hardin, Cordell; Elizabeth Jackson, Cache; Kahdeja Henry, Santa Fe South; Laiken Knight, Newcastle; Emily Lee, St. Mary; Izabel Martinez, Elk City; Carson Mathis, Heritage Hall; Whitney Nickel, Cordell; Shy Pullum, Clinton; Aaron Quirk, McLoud; Teresa Ramos, Weatherford; Macy Redwine, Bethany; Magen Verkler, Kingfisher

East

Taylor Allen, Catoosa; Kelsey Allen, Catoosa; Danielle Avis, Metro Christian; Sarah Brekke, Cascia Hall; Danielle Burgess, Catoosa; Cierra Daugherty, Miami; Melanie Fallis, Cascia Hall; Abigail Hahn, Verdigris; Emily Hahn,Verdigris; Tiffany Hale, Westville; Ashlie Holmes, Glenpool; Kaci Hutchinson, Oologah; Ashlee Jaubert, Sequoyah-Claremore; Lindsay Johnson, Oologah; Julia Lapo, Metro Christian; Brittaney Montgomery, Verdigris; Brittney Roberts, Mannford; Libby Schofield, Fort Gibson; Rebekah Stewart, Miami; Amanda Watashe, Glenpool

The Yellowjackets defensive lineman smoked the field in the bench press with 31 repetitions at 185 pounds. Westmoore linebacker Joshua Morgan had 29, while Edmond North’s Brock Byford did 27.

In the power ball toss, it was Edmond North’s Cole Parsons who stood out with the top toss of 40 feet, 3 inches. Nobody had a better vertical leap than Yukon’s Darius Owens. The Millers defensive back topped out at 38.6 inches. And Bryce Robinson of Edmond Memorial had the best 20-yard shuttle run time at 4.09 seconds.

Curtis of Putnam City had the fastest time in the 40-yard dash at 4.32 seconds. Another combine of the same format is Saturday at Broken Arrow.

***

Give me some time to digest the results, and I’ll come back later in the week with some other nuggets for ya.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Camp for girls in kindergarten through fourth grade will be from 9 a.m. to noon. Campers in fifth through eighth grade will attend the 1 to 4 p.m. session.

T-shirts will be provided to all campers and prizes will be distributed to winners of several fun skills activities. Attendees may bring money for the camp concession stand.

The camp is offered by Paul Bass, head coach of the Edmond Santa Fe Lady Wolves Basketball Team that won the 2011 6A Girls Basketball State Championship March. Prior to winning the championship, the Lady Wolves have been to the 6A State Tournament in 2005, 2006 (state runner up), 2007, 2009 and 2010 (final four).

Cost for the camp is $100.

Registration forms may be obtained at the school or by clicking on the “Athletics” link on the Edmond Santa Fe website at www.edmondschools.net/santafe.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Offensive lineman Foster Hare continues to get looked at by college coaches, while wide receiver/defensive back George Kittle picked up his first offer.

Kittle, who caught five touchdowns on offense and had five interceptions on defense, was offered by Air Force on Saturday, said Norman coach Greg Nation.

Kittle is a 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds and came onto the scene last season as part of Norman turning things around.

The Tigers will conclude their spring practices with the Tiger Tune-up scrimmage on Wednesday afternoon.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Putnam City's Casey Curtis star was on full display with a 4.32 effort in the 40-yard dash Saturday.

Is he really that fast? Yep, Putnam City running back Casey Curtis really is that fast. After posting a sub 4.40 40-yard dash in his first attempt, people were wondering if it was faulty timing.

So the Pirates star lined up and did it again. Five different people were timing him, and bam, 4.32. Yep, 4.32 for Curtis in the 40-yard dash Saturday morning at the OkVarsity.com combine at Yukon’s Miller Pride Stadium.

Fellow chum Scott Wright has been high on Curtis for a long time. I haven’t doubted it, but it was great to see it with my own eyes. We have Curtis currently ranked No. 20 on our Super 30 recruits for the 2012 class. A new list will come out within the next month so it might change.

Curtis was actually a little disappointed with his shuttle run time, but all I had to do was remind him 4.32 and his smile came back.

The 40-yard dash was one component of multi-part combine presented by OkVarsity.com, the Oklahoma high school site of Rivals.com. Players also participated in the power ball toss, shuttle run, vertical leap and had the option of participating in the bench press.

Other thoughts and observations

- First time to see Ponca City quarterback Brent Wilson. This combine isn’t really a skills showcase, but Wilson fared well from what I saw. And like some others, just good to see who some of these kids are after reading so much about him. Wilson said he’s excited about this year because a lot of the Wildcats have grown up.

- This was in Yukon’s backyard so no shock to see plenty of Millers there. However, Valliant and Forgan? Huh? Valliant brought a good chunk of kids and coach Brett Jones was more than happy to make the trek for his kids to get some recognition and get tested.

- Santa Fe’s Trevan Smith had a really good 40 time as well. I wanna say 4.37 but don’t quote me. Wolves brought a good chunk of kids. Tellin’ ya, a lot of talent for Lance Manning and company to mold into a cohesive force.

- Power ball toss just sounds like a World’s Strongest Man competition. A lot of the kids had trouble with the first toss because either had never done it before or were too busy trying to get it high. The key to power ball toss is to chuck that thing forward and not so much about the height. Heritage Hall’s Markus Wakefield said it was weird, at first, because he’d never done anything like that before. I thought he fared well in both tosses.

- Piedmont’s Cassius Calhoun was on hand. The Wildcats running back is making the move from Casady to Piedmont. And Piedmont has a new coach in former Stillwater assistant Craig Church. Calhoun said he is ready to show what he can do. He’s a lot more comfortable and ready to be a leader for Piedmont.

- Missed out on Jared Benway from Edmond North. He was finishing up as I was still getting a grasp on the format of the day. Very excited to see a healthy Benway. The Huskies are one of my destinations for the second week of spring practice.

- Results, according to OkVarsity.com’s Justin Mitchell, will be available either Sunday or Monday. When I get ‘em, I’ll post them. Good camp, hope the kids took advantage of their opportunity. The Tulsa side is next Saturday at Broken Arrow. Also, look for plenty of videos on NewsOK.com in the upcoming day(s). Able to talk and meet with a lot of kids.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Small West
Pitchers — Ryan Lenaburg, Sentinel; Ryan Raupe, Okarche; Heath Curry, Sterling.
Infielders — Jeremy Seaton, Cashion; Tyler Miller, Okarche; Ryan Ainsworth, Sterling; Cody McElroy, Chattanooga; Jason Esparza, Granite.
Outfielders — Edward Layton, Pioneer; Weylin Hargrove, Apache; Bobby Davis, Hydro-Eakly; Zach Friesen, Amber-Pocasset.
Catchers — Bryan Holt, Sentinel; Mason Marshall, Lookeba-Sickles.
Coach — Richard Carney, Granite
Small East
Pitchers — Mason Crenshaw, Red Oak; Parker Taylor, Rattan; Cameron Proctor, Oktaha.
Infielders — Lance Kirkland, Wellston; Jordan Booth, Red Oak; Tanner Goodwin, Dale; Dylan Tinkler, Latta; Shawn Hendricks, Silo.
Outfielders — Colby Nichols, Smithville; B.W. Savage, Silo; Jace Flewallen, Dale; Jacob Sanders, Tupelo.
Catchers — Brendon Barr, Roff; Jamie Oakes, Newkirk.
Coach — Pat Foster, Lincoln Christian

Memorial star Alie Decker committed to Wichita State last weekend.

Edmond Memorial girls basketball star Alie Decker had a tough decision to make about where she wanted to go college.

Her final two choices were Wichita State and Tulsa. The Shockers program has shown interest in Decker since her freshman year. Former Memorial coach Shane Coffey is now an assistant at Tulsa.

Though Decker put the Golden Hurricane back in the mix with the hiring of Coffey, she decided to commit to Wichita State last weekend because of her relationship with the coaching staff.

Decker averaged more than 17 points and eight rebounds per game in her junior season in helping the Bulldogs to the state semifinals.

Decker was also receiving interest from several schools in the Big 12

and Big Ten. The Wichita State staff finished its third year together and the Shockers were eliminated in the first round of the WNIT.

***

Decker made huge strides last year, IMO. She was a solid low post-mid-range shooter as a sophomore, but I thought she really became a lot better shooter this year. She can stretch defenses out because they have to guard her from the 3-point line. But if you crowd her, she’s quick enough to beat her defender off the dribble.

She’s also became more of a leader this year, and it showed. She was tougher in the post and became that go-to player when the team needed a bucket. Not surprising at all that she has committed at a D-I program, but I admit I thought Coffey was going to get one of his girls back. However, I also understand wanting to grow and experience something different. Either way, she’s going to be one of the best players in the state next year.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

OU linebacker and former Enid star Austin Box died Thursday. He was 22.

Enid football coach Tommy Parker was the defensive coordinator for the Plainsmen when Austin Box was starring for Enid.

Parker said he wasn’t sure the news of Box’s death had hit him yet Thursday afternoon.

“He was a great kid, just the ultimate competitor,” Parker said. “He’s the best athlete I’ve ever coached but more than that, he was the best competior I’ve ever coached.

“He was a real coachable player. He thrived on being coached. This is a sad, sad day for Plainsmen football and the Enid community.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I’m not sure if this has hit me yet. Absolute disbelief. I wish I had other words, but I don’t right now.”

Box, a linebacker for Oklahoma, died Thursday. He was 22. He was a star at Enid before his time with the Sooners and helped the Plainsmen reach the state championship game in 2006.

Parker replaced Tom Cobble as Enid’s head coach in 2008.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Jordan Woodard is ranked No. 86 on the Rivals 100 for 2013.

They both got a taste of the gold ball in the spring, and they still have two more years left to make their mark at their respective program.

The honors keep coming for Edmond Memorial’s Jordan Woodard and Tulsa Washington’s Juwan Parker as each was named to the Rivals top 100 prospects for the class of 2013.

Woodard played a big role in helping the Bulldogs win the Class 6A state title, while Parker was instrumental in the Hornets winning their second consecutive 5A title.

Parker was named to The Oklahoman’s Super 5 boys basketball team. Both are rated as four-star prospects by Rivals.com. Parker is No. 62, while Woodard is No. 86.

***

Definitely thought I’d see Douglass’ Stephen Clark on the list. Still time, though, for Clark to work his way on there.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

He’s just not going very far. Fluke has been named the assistant athletic director at Oklahoma Baptist in Shawnee.

Fluke has served as the athletic director for the Wolves since 1999 and was a teacher and coach at Shawnee from 1991-1999.

“I have poured my heart and soul into this school district for the last 20 years,” Fluke said in a press release. “Moving to OBU will allow me to continue working in our community while serving with student-athletes as they compete on a national level.”

Fluke will oversee the compliance department at OBU and will also be the interim tennis coach, among other duties.

The hiring of Fluke comes on the heels of Robert Davenport being named the athletic director for the Bison. Norris Russell had been the athletic director for the last 23 years.

Fluke will begin in his new role June 6.

***

Fluke was the first athletic director I ever had communication with back when I was working at Shawnee. He’s done a great job with the Wolves. Gonna be weird to not see him around Memorial Park and Jim Thorpe Stadium.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

'The Dream Team?' Lance Manning and Kenny Young are looking to turn around Santa Fe football.

‘Go score!’ If I heard it once, I heard it 100 times Wednesday afternoon at spring practice for Edmond Santa Fe. Anytime a player turned upfield, ‘go score.’

The Wolves feel like they’ve scored in getting Lance Manning as head coach and Kenny Young as the defensive coordinator. Manning is the former coach at Norman North, while Young has been leading Bishop McGuinness the last 10 years.

Now they’re back, a ‘superpower’ coaching staff. And reunited, too. Had no idea, but Young and Manning were assistants together at Putnam City West for four years in the late 1990s under Dennis Millican.

Manning went to Deer Creek and Young to the Irish, and the rest is history. Young was totally content to sit out this football season. He had received a few phone calls but nothing that had him re-thinking his situation.

However, when Manning approached him before spring break, he listened. They met during spring break, and bam, the Wolves had two of the more high profile coaches in the area under their banner.

There is a lot of talent at Santa Fe. You know I’ve harped on it before, but that team was just too dang young and inexperienced the last couple of years. The young pups have grown up.

Team took a big hit with QB Ty Hensley not coming back. Totally understandable and no hard feelings. Heck, Manning said Hensley is more than welcome to be on the sidelines for the games. Hensley has a lot on the line in terms of his pitching future, made sense.

Hensley and his family met with Manning and decided this was the best course of action. Manning has been pleased with the play of QB Justice Hansen so far. He’s a big kid, too. And with no competition in sight, Hansen should be able to relax and focus.

Phillip Sumpter has recovered from his ankle issues and looked good. And I’m telling ya, you want a Division I prospect? Look no further than WR Tre Kelley. He was banged up, too (common theme last year), but Kelley has all the tools to become a big-time player.

Gonna get to see a lot of Santa Fe this summer so it will be interesting to track their progress. It’s a new attitude under Manning. Time will tell if it’s a good one.

Shot video with Sumpter, but you cannot hear anything because of the wind. Have a feeling it will be the same way Thursday at Guthrie.

For more on the Wolves, check out Friday’s Oklahoman.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Wow, are they really seniors? Time flies, no? I still remember Barry J. Sanders first carry against Casady as a freshman being a 4-yard loss. And I still remember thinking who is that No. 3? He looks like a star (Sterling Shepard).

They were super sophs and amazing juniors and now they’re seniors. Heritage Hall, after not being senior heavy the last couple of years, has 18 seniors on this year’s football team.

And coach Andy Bogert might run the most fun spring practice ever. No pads, basically just having fun by going through plays for an hour. The Chargers wrapped up practice this week. They started last week though some of the starters couldn’t make it.

The focus in the spring is to get ready for the 7-on-7 circuit. Heritage Hall is always involved in a top-notch tournament or two and that won’t change this year. Bogert said he doesn’t understand why anybody would go all-out during the spring. With the kids coming off playing different sports, they’re not in football shape or mentality.

Went down to Heritage on Tuesday and still cannot believe how big Sterling Shepard is. He caught every single pass Quinn Shanbour put in his vicinity. Sanders was out there. He admittedly didn’t have his best day, but he looked fine and was running full speed. That foot injury is a thing of the past.

Shanbour is going to add a lot to this team at quarterback. That’s saying something because Cooper Cloud was one heck of a leader last year.

Then you got linemen like Quintaz Struble and Markus Wakefield. A defensive back like Brandon Moews and a wide receiver like Cale Courtney. Players waiting in the wings like Chedon Shockley and A.J. Knowles, and it’s a fun time to be a Charger.

However, Bogert is a little concerned because 18 of the 48 players on the team are seniors. I’ve said it before. We know how great this group is, but who is going to come in after?

College coaches have made Heritage Hall one of their stops. In the last few days, reps from Colorado State, Louisiana Tech, UCLA and Florida State have made the trek to the campus. Bogert knows once June 1 comes around, it’s gonna be a madhouse.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Here are the rosters for the Oklahoma City Area Baseball Coaches Association’s all-star game 6 p.m. Thursday at Palmer Field at Dolese Park:

North
Pitchers — Brad Honeycutt, Edmond Memorial; Conor Costello, Edmond Santa Fe; Michael Fulmer, Deer Creek.
Catchers — Jace James, Putnam City North; Clayton Blackburn, Edmond Santa Fe.
Infielders — Ross Stracke, Deer Creek; Jeff Stursa, Jones; Josh Blair, OKC Broncos; Brian Anderson, Deer Creek.
Outfielders — Kyle Lacy, Edmond Santa Fe; Dylan Keester, Edmond Memorial; Brian Brightwell, Putnam City.
Utility — Jack Decker, OKC Broncos
Reserves — Brandon Carr, Putnam City West; Anthony Stancampiano, McGuinness; Hunter Gates, Guthrie; Robert Irons, El Reno; Brian Rhodes, Piedmont; Vu Nguyen, Northwest Classen; Hunter Daylor, Edmond North; Garrett Massey, Classen; Jeremy Seaton, Cashion; Bob Kraft, Heritage Hall.
Coaches — Grant Ledbetter and Brent Hardin, NW Classen

South
Pitchers — Kevin Hill, Tecumseh; Kyle Vail, Moore; Matt Southard, Norman North.
Catchers — Caleb Teel, Southmoore; Denver Johnston, Midwest City.
Infielders — Anthony Frazier, Carl Albert; Tanner Hessman, Choctaw; A.J. Wilson, Carl Albert; Josh Terrell, Westmoore.
Outfielders — Torey Hart, Westmoore; Cisco Factor, Yukon; Aaron Johnson, Midwest City.
Utility — Caleb Simpson, Norman North. Designated hitter — Ty Ash, Choctaw.
Reserves — Chance Lay, McLoud; Michael Critchfield, Del City; Brian Strother, Capitol Hill; Hunter Wood, Western Heights; Jace Chestnut, Mustang; Josh Covert, Santa Fe South; Colin Foster, Blanchard; Erick Cummings, Tuttle; Travis Remillard, Norman; Dakota Sutton, Southeast; Cooper Ansell, Shawnee.
Coaches - Jarod Freeman, Westmoore; Dean Hodges, Moore

You can’t always determine a lot from an hour of watching practice, but it’s pretty clear the strength is going to be on the defensive side of the ball. Even though defense is usually ahead of offense, anyway, the gap is a little bit bigger than what it’s been in the past.

That’s not a knock on the Bomber offense, but that is simply just stating a fact of how good the defense is going to be. Heck, if you ask me, Midwest City has three of the top defenders in the state in defensive backs Ronnie Davis and Ricky Reeves and linebacker Zeke Lewis.

Davis is an interesting story because coach Steve Huff told me Davis is also being considered as the starting quarterback. That would certainly flip the script for me. Davis has been a QB for most of the time but couldn’t replace/surpass Greg Austin. Interesting dynamic if Davis is at QB.

Wasn’t watching too intently on James Flanders, who already has an offer from Tulsa. He was moving around fine and will no doubt be a stud in the fall.

I wasn’t the only one out there as Southwestern Oklahoma State coach Dan Cocannouer was enjoying the practice, too. Cocannouer is copying me (kidding) and has been making the rounds as well.  He said he was at Mustang and Yukon earlier in the day before heading to MWC.

The No. 1 thing I took from Tuesday’s practice was how hard the guys were going at it. Coaches have different philosophies about how to approach things, and Huff was going all-out. Big hits, good hits and coaches were in mid-season form, too.

Going to get to see more of the Bombers here in two weeks as they’ll be a part of the team camp at Edmond North that begins June 1.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

2011 Suburban Conference

All – Conference Team

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Sr. Brian Anderson- Deer Creek­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

PITCHER OF THE YEAR

Sr. Michael Fulmer- Deer Creek­­­­­­­­­­­­

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Fr. Gavin Lavalley- Carl Albert

COACH OF THE YEAR

Ron Moore- Deer Creek

Former boys coach Jeff Tanner resigned Monday night, said Edmond athletic director Mike Nunley.

Tanner came to Edmond from Garden City, Kan., last year. Tanner has decided to move back to Kansas to teach and coach.

This will be the third year in a row the Huskies will have a new coach. Jeff Tompkins left the year before Tanner arrived.

The Huskies hired Karlie Free out of Houston to replace former girls coach Kevin Korstjens two weeks ago. After five seasons, Korstjens resigned last month and has accepted the girls basketball coaching job at Bridge Creek.

***

This is a tough situation all the way around. I enjoyed talking with Tanner and know he knew his stuff. But family comes first. That’s really been the case the last two years with Tanner and Tompkins – family came first.

But how do you expect the boys to gel as a team when there are these constant changes? Edmond North is already playing catch up to Edmond powerhouses Santa Fe and Memorial. And then you add in the coaching carousel, it’s tough to bounce back from everything.

You go from Tompkins’ system one year to Tanner’s system this last year to whatever system the new coach implements this time around. A lot to ask of 14-17-year-old kids.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Deer Creek quarterback Joel Blumenthal is ready to be 'the man' for the Antlers.

For the majority of the state, spring football kicked off Monday. Scott Wright and myself are going to try to make as many different stops as we can in the next two weeks.

I began my two-week journey at Deer Creek and that place is getting a makeover. The smallest press box in the state is officially gone, whoo hoo. The Antlers are having major renovations done. It’s such a beautiful area near the school, but it definitely needed an upgrade.

The stadium isn’t the only thing that is changing. Gone is unstoppable force Alex Christensen at quarterback and in is the smooth game of junior-to-be Joel Blumenthal.

Blumenthal rose to prominence (and me getting emails) with his performance for the freshman team. Last year, he saw spot duty and added another dimension to the passing attack.

This year? It’s his time to shine.

I got to learn a lot the last couple of years watching Alex, but I’m excited about what we have going on here,” Blumenthal said.

It was only the first hour of the first day, but Blumenthal is already starting to put his mark on the club. He was very assertive in applauding his teammates and on constructive criticism.

He knows what he needs to work on, and he’s been doing that. He’s put on some pounds since last year, and I believe his biggest thing is he has to learn how to get rid of the ball quicker.

Obviously not going to find out if that happens during spring ball, but Blumenthal did mention how that is something he has been addressing.

Running back Brennan Miyake also looked solid in his first practice. Going from Alex and Colten Sander to Blumenthal and Miyake.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Here are the rosters for the Oklahoma Coaches Association’s All-State tennis match. The match will be Tuesday, July 26 at the University of Tulsa

Boys
West
Brandon Cohlmia, Heritage Hall; Truit Gray, Edmond Memorial; Chris Haworth, Putnam City North; Wil Rodwell, Putnam City North; Eric Olson, Edmond North; Cooper Shear, Heritage Hall; Cole Trippet, Beaver; Bryan Ulrey, Edmond Memorial.
East
John Brothers, Metro Christian; Will Edwards, Cascia Hall; Ethan Ferguson, Durant; Robert Jackson, Ada; Matthew Medcalf, Ada; Connor Sokolosky, Cascia Hall; Raymond Westby, Tulsa Kelley; Tyler Wollmershauser, Tulsa Kelley.

Girls
West
Safaa Aly, Edmond Memorial; Ashleigh Chiaf, Bishop McGuinness; Lexie Maytubby, Anadarko; Trinian O’Neil, McGuinness; Natalie Price, Edmond North; Taylor Spradlin, Duncan; Carissa Villaflor, Heritage Hall; Mackenzie Zaloudek, Enid.
East
Annie Best, Broken Arrow; Laura Fillmore, Tahlequah; Shelby Fraser, Bartlesville; Taylor Haddad, Shawnee; Michelle Mesmer, Cascia Hall; Lauren Mitchell, Tahlequah; Gabrielle Siegler, Jenks; Lisa Waldron, Jenks.

The future is now for Edmond North's David Hager, who won his first championship Saturday.

We’re minutes away from ending the spring sports championship season. Been camped out (as always) at the OKC Tennis Center for the state tennis tournament, and it was another great weekend.

Some things went as expected (looking at you, Chris Haworth). Some things caught me off guard (looking at you, Heritage Hall, tying for the championships). But through it all, great two days.

6A
- How good is this Edmond North team? With Putnam North star/legend/icon Haworth now leaving to attend at Oklahoma State, you could realistically see the Huskies sweep 6A the next couple of years. Heck, only Haworth prevented that from happening this year.

And it wasn’t because Nate Roper didn’t give it his all. That first set Roper came out firing. He wasn’t frozen by the moment at all. That’s all you ask. Eventually his play dipped a little and Haworth did what he’s done all four years with the Panthers and found a way. Score was 6-4, 6-1.

On the court right next to him, Edmond North’s David Hager was engaged in an entertaining battle with Putnam North’s Wil Rodwell. I promise to stop mentioning Hager’s size, but it was among the most talked about things this weekend. Teams that had never seen Hager got an understanding of what he’s all about.

This match turned at 6-2, 1-4 in the second set. Rodwell hit a beautiful winner but started cramping. And then he started cramping in the other leg. And before you knew it, a 4-1 advantage became down 5-4 and match point. On Hager’s second match point, he closed the show.

I enjoyed this match immensely. The patience of Hager vs. the power of Rodwell. That final game saw points that lasted more than a minute. I videoed them, I know. Heck of a battle.

And on the court next to him, the doubles team of Bryan Lilley and Eric Olson were claiming their title against Norman North’s Nick Hardersen and Trey Pirtle. Edmond North beat Norman North in the other doubles title match.

And a fond farewell to Putnam North coach David Diefenderfer, who is calling it a career after 38 years of coaching.

5A
Felt it would be Bishop Kelley edging out McGuinness in this one but turned out the other way with the Irish edging the Comets. Irish No. 1 singles player Riley Hale had an incredible day. Five sets, biggest margin of win in any of them: 6-4.

He went more 3 1/2 hours with Tyler Wollmershauser of Kelley. It was 6-4, 6-7, 7-5. Hale said he actually had a lot more than he anticipated in the final against Robert Jackson of Ada. Jackson won 7-6, 7-6.

Great day for the Suburban Conference with Carl Albert and Shawnee each winning a doubles championship. The Titans, wow, that will be a group to watch next year. Junior Matt Franks and Ryan Mullins smoked the Irish in the final. Shawnee’s duo of Anthony Davis and Dalton Stewart were only consistent with their inconsistency. Pulled it off 6-1 in the third set.

4A
Welcome to coaching tennis in the spotlight, Brian Bogert. His first official year of running the Heritage Hall program, and he made a gutsy call late in the year.

Paid off in a tie for a championship with Metro Christian. Great drama in the No. 2 doubles championship of Heritage vs. Cascia Hall. A win by the Chargers would force a tie. A loss, and the Patriots would claim the title.

It didn’t start out well with Cascia winning 7-5 but the Chargers came back to win 6-1, 6-3 way out there on court No. 21. The theme has been to win it for the seniors this year (Brandon Cohlmia and Shear), and that’s what they did.

- Big ups to the way the tournament is being run. Under the second year of new management/leadership, that was about as smooth as anybody could possibly hope. A lot of the kinks were worked out. Great atmosphere as always and can’t wait to do it again.

- Look for videos with Haworth and Hager on NewsOK later in the weekend. Battery ran low and couldn’t get the others, sorry.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Class 3A
At Edmond Santa Fe
Friday
Quarterfinals
Game 1: Jones 4, Coalgate 3
Game 2: Eufaula 2, Chandler 1
Game 3: Sperry 1, Morris 0
Game 4: Verdigris 7, Purcell 1
Saturday
Semifinals
Game 5: Jones vs. Eufaula, 2:30
Game 6: Sperry vs. Verdigris, 5 p.m.
Championship: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6, 8 p.m.

Class 2A
At Dolese Park
Thursday
Quarterfinals
Game 1: Dale 12, Frederick 2
Game 2: Latta 4, Christian Heritage 3
Game 3: Silo 10, Haskell 0
Game 4: Wister 10, Newkirk 0
Friday
Semifinals
Game 5: Dale 5, Latta 2
Game 6: Wister 6, Silo 1
At Shawnee
Saturday
Championship: Dale vs. Wister, 2:30

Class 5A
Tuesday
Semifinals
Boys
Tulsa Kelley 3, Lawton MacArthur 1
Deer Creek 3, Tulsa East Central 1
Girls
Tulsa Kelley 1, McGuinness 0
Deer Creek 5, Coweta 1
Saturday
At Bixby
Championship
Boys: Deer Creek vs. Tulsa Kelley, 1 p.m.
Girls: Deer Creek vs. Tulsa Kelley, 3 p.m.

Class 4A
Tuesday
Semifinals
Boys
Cascia Hall 2, Santa Fe South 0
St. Mary 3, Catoosa 2 (OT)
Girls
Verdigris 3, Newcastle 0
Catoosa 1, Elk City
Friday
At Tulsa University
Championship
Boys: Cascia Hall 2, St. Mary 0
Saturday
At Tulsa University
Championship
Girls: Verdigris vs. Catoosa, 3 p.m.

Bracket B
At Bixby
Wednesday
Game 1: Broken Arrow 12, Choctaw 0
Game 2: Jenks 7, Putnam City North 6
Thursday
Game 3: Choctaw 7, Putnam North 5
Game 4: Broken Arrow 15, Jenks 2
Game 5: Jenks 6, Choctaw 2
Friday
Game 6: Broken Arrow 20, Jenks 8
Saturday
At OneOK Field
Championship: Owasso vs. Broken Arrow, Noon

Class 5A
Bracket A
At Broken Arrow
Wednesday
Game 1: Chickasha 5, Pryor 4 (8)
Game 2: Deer Creek 9, Ardmore 0
Thursday
Game 3: Pryor 12, Ardmore 2
Game 4: Deer Creek 6, Chickasha 3
Game 5: Pryor 16, Chickasha 6
Friday
Game 6: Deer Creek 7, Pryor 6

Bracket B
At Claremore
Wednesday
Game 1: Tulsa Kelley 18, Guthrie 14
Game 2: Shawnee 11, Carl Albert 4
Thursday
Game 3: Carl Albert 6, Guthrie 3
Game 4: Tulsa Kelley 16, Shawnee 0
Game 5: Shawnee 10, Carl Albert 5
Friday
Game 6: Tulsa Kelley 6, Shawnee 2
Saturday
At OneOK Field
Tulsa Kelley vs. Deer Creek, 2:30

Class 3A
At Edmond Santa Fe
Friday
Quarterfinals
Game 1: Jones vs. Coalgate, 5 p.m.
Game 2: Eufaula vs. Chandler, 7:30
Game 3: Morris vs. Sperry, 2:30
Game 4: Purcell vs. Verdigris, noon
Saturday
Semifinals
Game 5: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, Noon
Game 6: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 2:30
Championship: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6, 6 p.m.

Class 2A
At Dolese Park
Thursday
Quarterfinals
Game 1: Dale 12, Frederick 2
Game 2: Latta 4, Christian Heritage 3
Game 3: Silo 10, Haskell 0
Game 4: Wister 10, Newkirk 0
Friday
Semifinals
Game 5: Dale vs. Latta, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Silo vs. Wister, 6:30
At Shawnee
Saturday
Championship: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6, 2:30

Bracket B
At Bixby
Wednesday
Game 1: Broken Arrow 12, Choctaw 0
Game 2: Jenks 7, Putnam City North 6
Thursday
Game 3: Choctaw 7, Putnam North 5
Game 4: Broken Arrow 15, Jenks 2
Game 5: Jenks 6, Choctaw 2
Friday
Game 6: Broken Arrow vs. Jenks, 4 p.m.
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 6:30 (if necessary)
Saturday
At OneOK Field
Championship: Winner Bracket A vs. Winner Bracket B, Noon

Class 5A
Bracket A
At Broken Arrow
Wednesday
Game 1: Chickasha 5, Pryor 4 (8)
Game 2: Deer Creek 9, Ardmore 0
Thursday
Game 3: Pryor 12, Ardmore 2
Game 4: Deer Creek 6, Chickasha 3
Game 5: Pryor 16, Chickasha 6
Friday
Game 6: Deer Creek vs. Pryor, 4 p.m.
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 6:30 (if necessary)

Bracket B
At Claremore
Wednesday
Game 1: Tulsa Kelley 18, Guthrie 14
Game 2: Shawnee 11, Carl Albert 4
Thursday
Game 3: Carl Albert 6, Guthrie 3
Game 4: Tulsa Kelley 16, Shawnee 0
Game 5: Shawnee 10, Carl Albert 5
Friday
Game 6: Tulsa Kelley vs. Shawnee, 4 p.m.
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 6:30 (if necessary)
Saturday
At OneOK Field
Winner Bracket A vs. Winner Bracket B, 2:30

It began Wednesday as defensive end Quintaz Struble was offered by Arizona, the junior told The Oklahoman on Wednesday night.

After having nearly his entire sophomore season wiped out because of a knee injury, Struble was dominant at defensive end last year.

Struble finished the season with 104 tackles and 15 sacks. He also caught two touchdowns at tight end but said he is being recruited more as a defensive end and as an athlete and not as a tight end.

Struble’s offer comes on the heels of quarterback Quinn Shanbour also receiving interest from the Wildcats. After being forced to sit out last season after transferring from McGuinness, Shanbour is also expected to make a splash for Heritage Hall in the fall.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Bracket B
At Bixby
Wednesday
Game 1: Broken Arrow 12, Choctaw 0
Game 2: Jenks 7, Putnam City North 6
Thursday
Game 3: Choctaw vs. Putnam North, 1:30
Game 4: Broken Arrow vs. Jenks, 4 p.m.
Game 5: Loser Game 4 vs. Winner Game 3, 6:30
Friday
Game 6: Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5, 4 p.m.
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 6:30 (if necessary)
Saturday
At OneOK Field
Championship: Winner Bracket A vs. Winner Bracket B, Noon

Class 5A
Bracket A
At Broken Arrow
Wednesday
Game 1: Chickasha 5, Pryor 4 (8)
Game 2: Deer Creek 9, Ardmore 0
Thursday
Game 3: Pryor vs. Ardmore, 1:30
Game 4: Chickasha vs. Deer Creek, 4 p.m.
Game 5: Loser Game 4 vs. Winner Game 3, 6:30
Friday
Game 6: Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5, 4 p.m.
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 6:30 (if necessary)

Bracket B
At Claremore
Wednesday
Game 1: Tulsa Kelley 18, Guthrie 14
Game 2: Shawnee 11, Carl Albert 4
Thursday
Game 3: Guthrie vs. Carl Albert, 1:30
Game 4: Tulsa Kelley vs. Shawnee, 4 p.m.
Game 5: Loser Game 4 vs. Winner Game 3, 6:30
Friday
Game 6: Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5, 4 p.m.
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 6:30 (if necessary)
Saturday
At OneOK Field
Winner Bracket A vs. Winner Bracket B, 2:30

However, Sanders and teammate Sterling Shepard are among the three Oklahoma players that have made the cut for the Rivals 250, a list of the top 250 football recruits for the 2012 class.

Sanders is the highest ranking Oklahoman at No. 121. Jenks star running back Alex Ross, who has committed to Oklahoma, is No. 183.

Shepard, who has also committed to the Sooners, is No. 220. All three are rated as four-star prospects. Sanders is No. 1, Ross is No. 2 and Shepard is No. 4 on The Oklahoman’s Super 30 for 2012.

***

Won’t argue with any of these guys making it, obviously. I still feel names like Donovan Roberts of Norman and Cayman Bundage of Douglass aren’t getting enough love but that can still change.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Bracket B
At Bixby
Wednesday
Game 1: Broken Arrow vs. Choctaw, 1:30
Game 2: Putnam City North vs. Jenks, 4 p.m.
Game 3: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 6:30
Thursday
Game 4: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 4 p.m.
Game 5: Loser Game 4 vs. Winner Game 3, 6:30
Friday
Game 6: Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5, 4 p.m.
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 6:30 (if necessary)
Saturday
At OneOK Field
Championship: Winner Bracket A vs. Winner Bracket B, Noon

Class 5A
Bracket A
At Broken Arrow
Wednesday
Game 1: Chickasha vs. Pryor, 1:30
Game 2: Deer Creek vs. Ardmore, 4 p.m.
Game 3: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 6:30
Thursday
Game 4: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 4 p.m.
Game 5: Loser Game 4 vs. Winner Game 3, 6:30
Friday
Game 6: Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5, 4 p.m.
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 6:30 (if necessary)

Bracket B
At Claremore
Wednesday
Game 1: Tulsa Kelley vs. Guthrie, 1:30
Game 2: Shawnee vs. Carl Albert, 4 p.m.
Game 3: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 6:30
Thursday
Game 4: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 4 p.m.
Game 5: Loser Game 4 vs. Winner Game 3, 6:30
Friday
Game 6: Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5, 4 p.m.
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 6:30 (if necessary)
Saturday
At OneOK Field
Winner Bracket A vs. Winner Bracket B, 2:30

Class 3A
At Edmond Santa Fe
Thursday
Quarterfinals
Game 1: Jones vs. Coalgate, Noon
Game 2: Eufaula vs. Chandler, 7:30
Game 3: Morris vs. Sperry, 2:30
Game 4: Purcell vs. Verdigris, 5 p.m.
At Shawnee
Friday
Semifinals
Game 5: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, Noon
Game 6: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 7:30
Saturday
Championship: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6, 5 p.m.

Class 2A
At Dolese Park
Thursday
Quarterfinals
Game 1: Frederick vs. Dale, Noon
Game 2: Latta vs. Christian Heritage, 2:30
Game 3: Silo vs. Haskell, 5 p.m.
Game 4: Wister vs. Newkirk, 7:30
Friday
Semifinals
Game 5: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 6:30
At Shawnee
Saturday
Championship: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6, 2:30

Soccer
Class 6A
Boys
Quarterfinals
Norman 1, Edmond Memorial 0
Jenks 3, Tulsa Union 1
Broken Arrow 2, Owasso 0
Norman North 1, Mustang 0
Semifinals
Tuesday
Jenks at Norman
Norman North at Broken Arrow
Girls
Quarterfinals
Edmond North 4, Yukon 0
Broken Arrow 2, Jenks 0
Tulsa Union 1, Owasso 0
Mustang 2, Norman North 1
Semifinals
Tuesday
Edmond North at Broken Arrow
Mustang at Tulsa Union

Class 5A
Boys
Quarterfinals
Lawton MacArthur 1, Northwest Classen 0
Tulsa Kelley 11, Skiatook 1
Tulsa East Central 4, Tulsa Washington 1
Deer Creek 2, Southeast 0
Semifinals
Tuesday
Tulsa Kelley at Lawton Mac
Deer Creek at Tulsa East Central
Girls
Quarterfinals
Bishop McGuinness 5, Durant 0
Tulsa Kelley 5, Tulsa Washington 0
Coweta 1, Claremore 0 (2 OT)
Deer Creek 6, Carl Albert 0
Semifinals
Tuesday
Tulsa Kelley at McGuinness
Deer Creek at Coweta

Class 4A
Boys
Quarterfinals
St. Mary 3, Madill 1
Catoosa 4, Metro Christian 1
Cascia Hall 3, Poteau 1
Santa Fe South 4, Bethany 0
Semifinals
Tuesday
St. Mary at Catoosa
Santa Fe South at Cascia Hall
Girls
Quarterfinals
Newcastle 5, Clinton 1
Verdigris 5, Glenpool 0
Catoosa 1, Cascia Hall 0
Elk City 1, Bethany 0 (OT)
Semifinals
Tuesday
Verdigris at Newcastle
Elk City at Catoosa

One of the sights to remember at the state tennis tournament as father (Dick Villaflor) and daughter (Carissa) embrace after Carissa's 3rd title.

If you’ve known me long enough, you know the four days of the state tennis tournament are among my favorites ones in the entire year.

Halfway home, and the girls lived up to the billing. Jenks, Bishop McGuinness and Heritage Hall all earned another championship.

Thoughts and observations

- Wow, Madison Westby of Bishop Kelley is the real deal. Just a freshman, she bounced back from losing the first set to beat three-time champion Ashleigh Chiaf of Bishop McGuinness in the championship. What impressed me more than anything was how hard Westby hits the ball. Love watching powerful ground strokes. After a battle in the first two sets, Westby turned it on for a 6-0 win in the third set.

- Duncan is close, and I would make the Demons the No. 1 team for next year, but the Irish were able to get title No. 13 in a row. Trinian O’Neil won the championship at No. 2 doubles, but what turned out to be key was the young doubles teams being able to reach the finals. The Demons won both doubles championships, but the Irish were able to hold on for a 30-29 points edge. Fun stuff as always.

- 6A became an absolute mess after the semifinal round. But off the strength of its incredible singles players of Stephanie Wei and Piper Huey, Jenks was able to claim the crown. Edmond Memorial coach Randy Mays made all the right moves that resulted in a doubles title for Megan Montgomery and Safaa Aly and a team runner-up finish. And Enid was right there in the mix. Love how Darrell Herndon runs that program.

- 4A was an emotional moment for the Villaflor family. The last Villaflor kid is done at Heritage Hall. Carissa went out on top with her third state championship. She’s got three, Caleb and Natalie each have one. It was a touching scene to see Carissa and her father and coach, Dick Villaflor, embrace after the match. Such a sense of finality. All those years of coaching and that’s the final time. Very similar to what the scene was a couple of years ago at McGuinness with the Connelly family.

- Academic champions: Heritage Hall (4A), Tahlequah (5A), Muskogee (6A).

- Look for videos with Villaflor, Chiaf and Montgomery-Aly on NewsOK. Boys regionals are Monday, followed by the state tournament Friday and Saturday. You know I’ll be there.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Class 5A
Boys
First Round
Lawton MacArthur 5, McGuinness 2
Northwest Classen 5, Carl Albert 0
Tulsa Kelley 7, Tulsa Memorial 0
Skiatook 4, Tahlequah 2
Tulsa Washington 3, Pryor 0
Tulsa East Central 3, Tulsa Edison 0
Deer Creek 8, Durant 0
Southeast 2, Altus 0
Quarterfinals
Friday
NW Classen at Lawton Mac
Skiatook at Tulsa Kelley
Tulsa East Central at Tulsa Washington
Southeast at Deer Creek
Girls
First Round
Durant 5, Harrah 1
Bishop McGuinness 7, Chickasha 0
Tulsa Kelley 10, Tahlequah 0
Tulsa Washington 3, Skiatook 0
Coweta 2, Pryor 0
Claremore 2, Tulsa Edison 1
Deer Creek 10, Noble 0
Carl Albert 6, Northwest Classen 0
Quarterfinals
Friday
McGuinness at Durant
Tulsa Washington at Tulsa Kelley
Claremore at Coweta
Carl Albert at Deer Creek

Class 4A
Boys
First Round
Madill 3, Weatherford 2
St. Mary 4, OKC Dove Science 2
Metro Christian 1, Oologah 0
Catoosa 6, Heavener 1
Cascia Hall 5, Sequoyah-Claremore 0
Poteau 3, Fort Gibson 2 (OT)
Santa Fe South 5, Heritage Hall 0
Bethany 2, Classen 1 (2OT)
Quarterfinals
Friday
Madill at St. Mary
Catoosa at Metro Christian
Poteau at Cascia Hall
Bethany at Santa Fe South
Girls
First Round
Clinton 5, Classen 0
Newcastle 3, Heritage Hall 0
Glenpool 3, Metro Christian 2
Verdigris 8, Wagoner 0
Cascia Hall 1, Westville 0 (OT)
Catoosa 2, Sequoyah-Claremore 1
Elk City 3, Oklahoma Christian School 0
Bethany 2, Cache 1
Quarterfinals
Friday
Newcastle at Clinton
Glenpool at Verdigris
Catoosa at Cascia Hall
Elk City at Bethany

Class 5A
Game 1: Bethel 11, Morris 5
Game 2: Purcell 20, Vian 9
Game 3: Blanchard 20, Valliant 8
Game 4: Little Axe 19, Blackwell 5
Game 5: Purcell 10, Bethel 0
Game 6: Blanchard 13, Little Axe 6
Championship: Purcell 15, Blanchard 4

Class 4A
Game 1: Washington 5, Dale 4
Game 2: Warner 14, Colbert 10
Game 3: Haskell 23, Latta 9
Game 4: Konawa 11, Apache 1
Game 5: Washington 10, Warner 0
Game 6: Konawa 18, Haskell 7
Championship: Washington 13, Konawa 7

Assistant coach Ronnie Delk has been named the Perry coach, replacing Scott Chenoweth. Chenoweth has accepted the superintendent position of Perry Public Schools.

Chenoweth has coached Perry to 12 state championships in his 16 years, and the Maroons have won eight consecutive titles.

Delk was a two-time state champion at Collinsville and was a part of three national championship teams at Oklahoma State. He has been the assistant coach at Perry for the last four years.

To put into context Chenoweth’s contribution, here’s what Chenoweth has done:

Scott Chenoweth
Three-time state champion for Perry (1984-86)
Three-time All-American for the University of Nebraska (1989-91)
Head coach of Perry 1996-2011 (16 years)
State Champions – 12 times including last eight in a row
State runner-up – 2 times
3^rd place at State – 1 time
Dual State Champions – 11 times including 8 of last 9 years
Dual State runner-up – 3 times
Dual State semi-finalists – 2 times
Academic State Champions – 4 times
Total State Championships won under Chenoweth – 27 (12 State, 11 Dual State and 4 Academic State)
Career Dual Record         263-76
Coached 42 individual state champions and 22 All-State wrestlers.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Shepard was officially nominated for the US Army All-American game in January in a ceremony in the Upper School’s commons, while Sanders was recognized for being selected as a participant for the game.

The Charger stars join Jenks running back Alex Ross as the other football stars from Oklahoma to be considered. More than 400 players from the nation will be nominated for the game.

“I was surprised. I had no idea about this (presentation),” Sanders said. “It’s really cool to have Sterling be nominated, too. He didn’t have any idea, either.”

Shepard and Ross have both committed to Oklahoma. Shepard, a wide receiver has been hitting the weight room since the end of the season, putting on 15 pounds of muscle.

Sanders, who had foot surgery following the year, said he is still not 100 percent. He said he’s doing a lot better, and he’s been the designated hitter for the Chargers baseball team.

Look for (yet) another video with Shepard and Sanders on NewsOK.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Class 2A
Game 1: Binger-Oney 7, Sterling 0
Game 2: Sentinel 10, Stonewall 7
Game 3: Tupelo 6, Turner 3
Game 4: Fort Cobb-Broxton 13, New Lima 3
Game 5: Binger-Oney 9, Sentinel 2
Game 6: Fort Cobb-Broxton 3, Tupelo 1
Championship: Binger-Oney 3, Fort Cobb-Broxton 1

Class A
Game 1: Leedey 15, Moss 1
Game 2: Covington-Douglas 15, Coleman 10
Game 3: Red Oak 8, Maud 0
Game 4: Hammon 12, Shattuck 2
Game 5: Leedey 15, Covington-Douglas 0
Game 6: Red Oak 10, Hammon, 1
Championship: Leedey 16, Red Oak 4

Out of all the applicants for the two positions, Edmond athletic director Mike Nunley said only about 5 percent of the candidates interviewed for both spots.

The two schools couldn’t have selected two more different candidates as Memorial named former Choctaw coach Dandy Peeler head coach. Edmond North named Karlie Free, a coach out of Houston, as the Huskies leader.

Both coaches were approved Monday night by the Edmond Board of Education and both coaches accepted their respective position.

For the second time in a row, a big position at Memorial has been filled by a former Yellowjacket leader.

The Bulldogs named former Choctaw football coach Bill Bays the athletic director last month.

Peeler has coached at Choctaw and Putnam City.

For the second year in a row, Edmond North has looked out of state to find its basketball coach. Last year the Huskies named Jeff Tanner, formerly of Garden City, Kan., to lead the boys program.

Free had been the coach at the Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center in Houston. Free grew up in Newkirk and graduated from Central Oklahoma.

Both Free and Peeler will come in with high expectations as Memorial and North each made the state semifinals last season. Former Memorial coach Shane Coffey is now an assistant coach at Tulsa University, while Kevin Korstjens resigned at North after five years.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

At Wellston
Thursday
Game 1: Hominy vs. Wellston, 1:30
Game 2: Dale vs. Hennessey, 3:30
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 7:30
Friday
Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 1 p.m. (if necessary)

At Latta
Thursday
Game 1: Latta vs. Luther, 1:30
Game 2: Drumright vs. Warner, 3:30
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 7:30
Friday
Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 1 p.m. (if necessary)

At Pocola
Thursday
Game 1: Wister vs. Wyandotte, 1:30
Game 2: Fairland vs. Pocola, 3:30
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 7:30
Friday
Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 1 p.m. (if necessary)

At Walters
Thursday
Game 1: Calera vs. Frederick, 1:30
Game 2: Walters vs. Mangum, 3:30
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 7:30
Friday
Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 1 p.m. (if necessary)

At Ponca City
Thursday
Game 1: Newkirk vs. Commerce, 1:30
Game 2: Alva vs. Ketchum, 3:30
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 7:30
Friday
Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 1 p.m. (if necessary)

At Christian Heritage
Thursday
Game 1: Christian Heritage vs. Watonga, 1:30
Game 2: Cordell vs. Apache, 3:30
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 7:30
Friday
Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 1 p.m. (if necessary)

At Oktaha
Thursday
Game 1: Liberty vs. Oktaha, 1:30
Game 2: Tushka vs. Haskell, 3:30
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 7:30
Friday
Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 1 p.m. (if necessary)

At Bethel
Thursday
Game 1: Bethel vs. Meeker, 1:30
Game 2: Okemah vs. Chandler, 3:30
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 7:30
Friday
Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 1 p.m. (if necessary)

At Verdigris
Thursday
Game 1: Verdigris vs. Salina, 1:30
Game 2: Henryetta vs. Inola, 3:30
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 7:30
Friday
Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 1 p.m. (if necessary)

At Morris
Thursday
Game 1: Morris vs. Westville, 1:30 p.m.
Game 2: Vian vs. Lincoln Christian, 3:30
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 7:30
Friday
Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 1 p.m. (if necessary)

At Jones
Thursday
Game 1: Jones vs. Kingfisher, 1:30
Game 2: Perry vs. St. Mary, 3:30
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 7:30
Friday
Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 1 p.m. (if necessary)

At Coalgate
Thursday
Game 1: Coalgate vs. Valliant, 1:30
Game 2: Kingston vs. Sulphur, 3:30
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 7:30
Friday
Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 1 p.m. (if necessary)

At Sperry
Thursday
Game 1: Sperry vs. Kellyville, 1:30
Game 2: Pawhuski vs. Perkins-Tryon, 3:30
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 7:30
Friday
Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 1 p.m. (if necessary)

At Marlow
Thursday
Game 1: Plainview vs. Marlow, 1:30
Game 2: Purcell vs. Davis, 3:30
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 7:30
Friday
Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 1 p.m. (if necessary)

At Weatherford
Thursday
Game 1: Weatherford vs. Woodward, 1:30
Game 2: Piedmont vs. Clinton, 3:30
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 7:30
Friday
Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 1 p.m. (if necessary)

At Blanchard
Thursday
Game 1: Blanchard vs. Ada, 1:30
Game 2: Heritage Hall vs. Seminole, 3:30
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 7:30
Friday
Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 1 p.m. (if necessary)

At Sallisaw
Thursday
Game 1: Fort Gibson vs. Sallisaw, 1:30
Game 2: Poteau vs. Broken Bow, 3:30
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 7:30
Friday
Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 1 p.m. (if necessary)

At Cache
Thursday
Game 1: Cache vs. Newcastle, 1:30
Game 2: Byng vs. Lone Grove, 3:30
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 7:30
Friday
Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 1 p.m. (if necessary)

At Mannford
Thursday
Game 1: Mannford vs. Blackwell, 1:30
Game 2: Glenpool vs. Cascia Hall, 3:30
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 7:30
Friday
Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 1 p.m. (if necessary)

At Oologah
Thursday
Game 1: Oologah vs. Locust Grove, 1:30
Game 2: Stilwell vs. Jay, 3:30
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 7:30
Friday
Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 1 p.m. (if necessary)

At Tuttle
Thursday
Game 1: Tecumseh vs. Tuttle, 1:30
Game 2: Anadarko vs. Bethany, 3:30
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 7:30
Friday
Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 4 p.m.
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 1 p.m. (if necessary)

Class B
Thursday
At Edmond Memorial
Game 1: Red Oak vs. Dover, noon
Game 2: Lookeba-Sickles vs. Sentinel, 2:30
Game 3: Granite vs. Coleman, 5 p.m.
Game 4: Arnett vs. Tupelo, 7:30
Friday
At Dolese Park
Game 5: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 2:30
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 5 p.m.
Saturday
Championship: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6, noon

Lawton sophomore defensive end D.J. Ward picked up his first offer as Texas A&M offered Ward earlier this week.

Ward was helped out in getting notice with how deep and talented last year’s Wolverines squad was. Lawton went 12-1 and lost to eventual champion Tulsa Union in double overtime in the semifinals.

Ward is 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds.

Belcher with five offers

Guthrie football coach Rafe Watkins knew it was only a matter of time before the recruiting interest started to pick up for offensive lineman Blake Belcher.

Watkins was right. Belcher has picked up two offers in the last week to give him five from three different conferences.

The Pac-10 has been the biggest supporter of Belcher as Oregon State, Stanford and Arizona have offered the junior.

Belcher, 6-foot-6 and 271 pounds, has also been offered by Iowa State and Tulsa. He is No. 6 on The Oklahoman’s Super 30 for 2012.

Top area recruiting camp returns

OkVarsity.com will have two separate all-state combines for the first time. The website, the Oklahoma high school site in the Rivals.com network, has always had an Oklahoma City area venue but has added a Tulsa one, too, for the top football recruits

The first combine is May 21 at Yukon, while Broken Arrow is the site for the combine May 28.

Check-in for offensive players participating will begin at 8:30 a.m. for both combines. Defensive players’ registration will begin at 9:30.

Recruits will be tested in the 40-yard dash, 20-yard shuttle, vertical leap, kneeling power ball toss and bench press.

The combine costs $45 at the event, but recruits can register on the website for $35 through the day of the event.

Players that shine can participate in an invitation-only all-state showcase in the summer. For more information, visit OkVarsity.com.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

* Pitchers Clayton Blackburn (11), Michael Fulmer (11) and Kyle Shaw (3) combined for 25 strikeouts out of a possible 42 outs.
* Nobody had more than one hit. Blackburn had lone RBI on sacrifice fly to score Lacy.
* The only Antler to not strike out was shortstop Brian Anderson (Arkansas signee). Anderson didn’t have one of the two hits, though. Three Wolves didn’t K (Conor Costello, Brady Newville and Zac Cobble). However, none of them figured in the only run.
* Blackburn’s no-hitter was broken up by a bunt single with two outs in the fifth by Hunter Dinkines. The single eventually led to the final out of the inning at home plate when DC tried scoring from second base on the bunt.
* Blackburn struck out seven consecutive batters at one point. Fulmer retired 10 of the last 11. Only person to reach had the courtesy runner caught stealing.
* The loss snaps Deer Creek’s 21-game winning streak and is first loss to in-state opponent.
* Santa Fe’s Lonny Cobble: “We’re as healthy as we’ve been all season today. Our arms are coming back, and we’re feeling really good.”
* Deer Creek’s Ron Moore: “Anybody who says a loss is a good thing before the playoffs – that’s a bunch of bull. You want to win every game. We let a couple of opportunities slip away. The competition level today was great and Michael threw the ball really well.”

5:54 – Kyle Shaw strikes out the side.
Edmond Santa Fe 1, Deer Creek 0 – Final

5:46 – Fulmer closes the day by retiring 10 of his last 11. The only batter to reach had the courtesy runner picked off on a caught stealing. Fulmer goes 7 IP, 5 H, 11 K. Blackburn has reached his limit, too. Kyle Shaw in to close out the show.
Edmond Santa Fe 1, Deer Creek 0 – Bot 7th

5:36 – Antlers try to play small ball again but to no avail. Blackburn gets Ross Stracke to pop out on a nice effort by Newville to retire the side.
Edmond Santa Fe 1, Deer Creek 0 – End 6th

5:30 – Fulmer picks up strikeout No. 10 and retires the side 1-2-3. He has now taken down the last eight batters. Blackburn will throw the sixth. Coach Lonny Cobble said he was going to try to limit Blackburn to 5 innings or 80 pitches. But when you’re throwing as good as Clayton is, hmm, tough to do, no?

5:24 – Ooh, a heads up play by Ty Hensley keeps it 1-0. After making a throwing error to start the inning, Hensley triggers the rundown to end the inning. Hunter Dinkines picked up the Antlers’ first hit on a bunt with Chase Stephens at second base. Instead of throwing to first, Hensley kept the ball, which enabled the Wolves to gun down Stephens at the plate (attempting to score from 2nd on the bunt). Blackburn with two more Ks to give him 10.
Edmond Santa Fe 1, Deer Creek 0 – End 5th

5:15 – We were so close to having a half inning without a strikeout. But Fulmer struck out the final batter of a 1-2-3 inning. He’s got 9 for the day.
Edmond Santa Fe 1, Deer Creek 0 – Bot 5th

5:08 – A great defensive play at short by Brady Newville, add in another strikeout and the Antlers are retired in order. Blackburn has 8 Ks through four, too.
Edmond Santa Fe 1, Deer Creek 0 – End 4th

5:02 – Fulmer works around a couple of singles, strikes out two to give the Arkansas signee eight through four frames.
Edmond Santa Fe 1, Deer Creek 0 – Bot 4th

4:52 – Wow, it’s reached a point where if the ball is hit, that’s cause for celebration. Blackburn punches out two more before Brian Anderson ends the streak at seven on a ground out. Thirteen Ks between Blackburn and Fulmer.
Edmond Santa Fe 1, Deer Creek 0 – End 3rd

4:47 – Everything you would expect from these two. Fulmer gives up a one-out single to Zac Cobble and strikes out the next two to give him six so far.
Edmond Santa Fe 1, Deer Creek – Bot 3rd

4:38 – Blackburn is on fire. The OU signee has now struck out five consecutive batters in fanning the side in the bottom of the second.
Edmond Santa Fe 1, Deer Creek 0 – End 2nd

4:32 – Fulmer brings it in this frame. Retires the side 1-2-3 and strikes out the final two batters looking. He’s got four Ks through two.
Edmond Santa Fe 1, Deer Creek 0 – Bot 2nd

4:25 – Blackburn works out of it. Two uncharacteristic errors by the Wolves, but Blackburn strikes out the final two batters to escape out of the jam. Not sure how crowd is looking on TV, but it’s packed here at John Hundley Memorial Field and the ‘blue out’ by Deer Creek is certainly adding to it.
Edmond Santa Fe 1, Deer Creek 0 – End 1st

4:12 – Edmond Santa Fe gets on the board first. Kyle Lacy jacked a triple and was brought in via sacrifice fly by Clayton Blackburn. Lacy was down 0-2 and took a tough pitch. A lot of people (yours truly included) thought it was strike three. Given new life, Lacy hit a towering drive to left-center. Michael Fulmer had two Ks.
Edmond Santa Fe 1, Deer Creek 0 – Bot 1st

3:32 – Arrived at John Hundley Memorial Field for the battle between Deer Creek and Edmond Santa Fe. Great crowd for the game still being 30 minutes away. Will post inning-by-inning updates. Can’t make it out here, game is also being televised LIVE on Cox.

Part of me was shocked to hear that Norman running back Donovan Roberts committed to Arkansas on Wednesday. The writer in me was thrilled I didn’t have to hound the junior all summer about recruiting updates.

But the part that was shocked was because I didn’t think Roberts had reached his ceiling in terms of schools that were going to offer him. That’s just how good he can really be. With offers from nearly every big conference in the nation, I felt he could pick and choose.

However, Roberts was pretty sure about Arkansas after his first visit. He named a top four of Pittsburgh, Michigan, Arizona and the Razorbacks. And after getting the seal of approval from Mom (hey, that’s the biggest approval you need), Roberts made it official.

Did he do it too early? Not if you ask him.

“When you know in your heart that this is where you want to be, there’s no point in waiting,” Roberts said. “You want to get on that wagon before it’s too late.”

Roberts said talking to Arkansas running backs also convinced him Fayetteville was the place to be. And if you think he’s a soft commit, Roberts quickly debunked that: “I’m a Hog 100 percent. I’m done.”

Roberts is ranked No. 5 on The Oklahoman’s Super 30 for 2012 and rushed for more than 2,000 yards as a junior.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Slowpitch Softball
At ASA Hall of Fame Stadium
Wednesday
Class 6A
Game 1: Jenks vs. Poteau, 1:45 (Field 1)
Game 2: Tulsa Union vs. Moore, 11:15 a.m. (Field 3)
Game 3: Westmoore vs. Muskogee, 11:15 (Field 4)
Game 4: Southmoore vs. Tahlequah, 1:45 (Field 2)
Game 5: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 3:15 (Field 2)
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 3:15 (Field 3)
Championship: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6, 6:15 (Field 1)

Class 5A
Game 1: Bethel vs. Morris, 11:15 a.m. (Field 1)
Game 2: Purcell vs. Vian, 12:30 p.m. (Field 4)
Game 3: Blanchard vs. Valliant, 12:30 (Field 3)
Game 4: Blackwell vs. Little Axe, 11:15 a.m. (Field 2)
Game 5: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 1:45 (Field 3)
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 1:45 (Field 4)
Championship: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6, 4:45 (Field 1)

Class 4A
Game 1: Dale vs. Washington, 10 a.m. (Field 1)
Game 2: Colbert vs. Warner, 10 a.m. (Field 3)
Game 3: Haskell vs. Latta, 10 a.m. (Field 2)
Game 4: Konawa vs. Apache, 10 a.m. (Field 4)
Game 5: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 12:30 (Field 1)
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 12:30 (Field 2)
Championship: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6, 3:15 (Field 1)

Tuesday
Class 3A
Game 1: Rattan vs. Fletcher, 1:45 (Field 1)
Game 2: Barnsdall vs. Merritt, 11:15 a.m. (Field 3)
Game 3: Healdton vs. Tushka, 11:15 a.m. (Field 4)
Game 4: Wayne vs. Dewar, 1:45 (Field 2)
Game 5: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 3:15 (Field 3)
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 3:15 (Field 2)
Championship: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6, 6:15 (Field 1)

Class 2A
Game 1: Binger-Oney vs. Sterling, 11:15 a.m. (Field 1)
Game 2: Stonewall vs. Sentinel, 12:30 p.m. (Field 3)
Game 3: Tupelo vs. Turner, 12:30 (Field 4)
Game 4: New Lima vs. Fort Cobb-Broxton, 11:15 a.m. (Field 2)
Game 5: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 1:45 (Field 3)
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 1:45 (Field 4)
Championship: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6, 4:45 (Field 1)

Class A
Game 1: Leedey vs. Moss, 10 a.m. (Field 1)
Game 2: Covington-Douglas vs. Coleman, 10 a.m. (Field 3)
Game 3: Red Oak vs. Maud, 10 a.m. (Field 4)
Game 4: Shattuck vs. Hammon, 10 a.m. (Field 2)
Game 5: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 12:30 (Field 2)
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 12:30 (Field 1)
Championship: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6, 3:15 (Field 1)

Kyle Lacy and Jackson Matthews have played big roles in helping Edmond Santa Fe this season.

There should be a ‘Boneman’ championship trophy given to the winner of Saturday’s Edmond Santa Fe and Deer Creek baseball game. Somebody get on that and design the trophy. We only have a day to get it done.

I haven’t gotten to see Broken Arrow or Owasso this season (and we know how awesome both of those teams are), but when you talk about the west side, it’s been the Wolves and the Antlers.

There’s not much more either team can do to stand out at this point. They’ve both made their mark on this season and both know it won’t matter unless they can claim that championship in two weeks. Regardless, it should be a whole lotta fun at John Hundley Memorial Field at Deer Creek.

Coaches Lonny Cobble and Ron Moore have said they’re going to throw their aces – Michael Fulmer for the Antlers and Clayton Blackburn for the Wolves. Fulmer, of course, has signed with Arkansas, while Blackburn is going to be a Sooner.

No idea how long either will throw. I can’t imagine them going more than 4-5 innings. It might be where they reach a certain pitch count limit and then are taken out. For however long they’re both on the mound, it will be a showcase of two of the best. And again, for the west side, the version of Archie Bradley vs. Dylan Bundy.

Deer Creek started the season 6-0 before going 0-4 in a tournament in Alabama. It fueled the team, initially, and the Antlers haven’t let up yet. Brian Anderson is one of the best players around and has also signed with Arkansas. Every time I see him I’m more impressed. Fulmer is also a solid hitter, and I like what Ross Stracke brings to the table. And Isaac Hellbusch, well, his stock has gone up so much since the beginning of the season.

The "Arkansas boys" as Michael Fulmer and Brian Anderson have led Deer Creek to another great season.

The Antlers have won 21 consecutive games and have not lost to an in-state component this season. Notable wins include at Carl Albert, Norman North, Westmoore, Stillwater, Chickasha, Guthrie (twice), Bishop McGuinness (twice).

Santa Fe has been every bit as good as expected. This season also marked coach Cobble’s 500th win with the Wolves but that didn’t serve as a distraction.

Between Conor Costello (Arkansas) and Ty Hensley and Blackburn, that’s a scary trio either on the mound or at the plate. Easton Mitchell has surprised me all season as a pitcher, and the ‘Kyles’ Lacy and Shaw can both bring it.

The Wolves’ biggest win was last Saturday at Broken Arrow. Under next year’s single elimination format, that would spell the end of the Tigers. I think that’s part of the reason the coaches weren’t in favor of that. Show you can do it again. That’s another argument for another time.

Santa Fe has had the target on its back and has been up to the challenge. Two wins against Yukon, Putnam City North. Wins against Norman North, Westmoore, among others.

The game was originally scheduled for 6 p.m. However, Santa Fe has Prom on Saturday so the game has been moved (yay) to 4 p.m. and will also be on Cox.

So as I asked in the title, No. 3 Edmond Santa Fe (6A) vs. No. 1 Deer Creek (5A)…what more do you want?

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Class 6A
District 1
Southmoore, Edmond North, Mustang, Norman, Putnam City North, Lawton Eisenhower, Norman North, Putnam City
District 2
Edmond Santa Fe, Yukon, Moore, Westmoore, Midwest City, US Grant, Del City, Lawton
District 3
Tulsa Union, Edmond Memorial, Putnam City West, Stillwater, Enid, Choctaw, Sand Springs, Jenks
District 4
Broken Arrow, Sapulpa, Ponca City, Claremore, Muskogee, Bixby, Bartlesville, Owasso

Class 5A
District 1
El Reno, Carl Albert, Deer Creek, Bishop McGuinness, Guthrie, Shawnee, Northwest Classen, Southeast.
District 2
Chickasha, Duncan, Noble, Altus, Lawton MacArthur, Ardmore, Western Heights, Capitol Hill
District 3
Skiatook, Grove, Pryor, Tahlequah, Tulsa Edison, Tulsa Memorial, Tulsa East Central
District 4
Coweta, McAlester, Collinsville, Durant, Tulsa Washington, Tulsa Kelley, Tulsa Hale.