All-State volleyball announced
The Oklahoma Coaches Association released its All-State volleyball roster on Thursday. The All-State game will be played Tuesday, July 24 at a venue to be determined. The small school game will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the large school game at 7:30 p.m. The coaches will be announced at a later date.
Large East
Sadie Schaffner, Bartlesville
Inky Ajanaku, Tulsa Kelley
Cat Roth, Tulsa Kelley
Sydney Eggers, Bixby
Cailyn Burd, Owasso
Aubrey Marsellis, Owasso
Alexa Knox, Tulsa Union
Kylie Johnson, Tulsa Union
Large West
Maddie Reddick, McGuinness
Skylar Conner, Edmond Memorial
Kristen Nashert, Edmond North
Heather Watson, Edmond North
Hannah Holkum, Edmond Santa Fe
Barbara Jackson, Edmond Santa Fe
Lexie Matthews, Norman North
Tori Thomas, Norman North
Small East
Kara Gleason, Lincoln Christian
Evette Allen, Lincoln Christian
Sunny Smarty, Oklahoma Union
Hayley Bryan, Copan
Aryn Dixon, Cascia Hall
Allie Murphy, Cascia Hall
Carolina Arnould, Victory Christian
Mayci Sparkman, Shawnee
Hannah McKenzie, Tulsa Wahsington
Morgan Allison, Catoosa
Small West
Dawnshate Blakes, Chickasha
Taylor Crismas, Oklahoma Bible
Bree Fritschow, Duncan
Danielle McGill, Big Pasture
Sydney Miles, Heritage Hall
Jessica Penner, Corn Bible
Jenny Pratt, Christian Heritage
Lindsey Smith, Big Pasture
Talie Stanley, Cache
Madison Ward, Cache
Day 1: Camden Tharp leads Irish to strong finish
Well, the Edmond North camp is just as fun as I remember. It’s also just as hectic. There is no way I’m going to be able to track down all 15 teams, but I’ll do my best.
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.
***
Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Big Team Camp at Edmond North: Day 3…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
What am I going to get up at 8 in the morning for now? The team camp at Edmond North has come and gone, and it was a great experience for the 13 teams.
I decided to cut out some of the video interviews Friday so I could instead watch the scrimmages more intently.
For those that missed it, videos with Hennessey’s Derrick Luetjen, Cashion’s Jeremy Seaton and Norman North’s Brad Valentino are up on NewsOK now.
Thoughts and Observations
- MVP of the camp: Bixby. The Spartans are in 6A and let everyone know about it this week. Bixby concluded the camp by scoring two touchdowns against Norman North while also forcing a fumble and intercepting a pass in the final play of the scrimmage. It was an impressive display by Bixby. Up until that point, thought Norman North had the best camp as TWolves had some great moments, especially hard hits on D.
- In the next scrimmage, Bishop McGuinness was dominant over Deer Creek. Running back LaRone Richardson scored both touchdowns for the Irish as McGuinness also picked off a pass and stifled the Antlers’ offensive attack. The McGuinness kids were probably the most vocal of any group this week, they were really into it with each play.
- The final scrimmage I got to fully see was Midwest City and Edmond North, and the Bombers speed was on full display. It’s tough to grade the Huskies accurately as Jared Benway is going to mean a lot to that team. However, James Flanders did score for the Bombers, and it was also funny to see Trevon Lewis playing fullback, a spot he will play this year.
- Coach Eric Cardin has had McLoud in the playoff hunt on a regular basis, but the Redskins are going to be a-hurtin’ this year because of youth. Cardin did say he’s not worried about the long term future, and he’s glad to have WR Travis Carroll back after dislocating his kneecap last year.
- Really good camp for OCS, said head coach Derek Turner. Where some coaches used the three days as more of a feeling out process, the Saints were looking to find some answers. Turner believes they did so, especially on defense at linebacker.
- Woodward is going to be solid. The Boomers kinda get lost in the shuffle because of where they’re at, but the Boomers looked good this week. That run in basketball last year caught my attention, so I got my eye out for Woodward.
- Couldn’t find a coach/player that didn’t feel better about their respective team after these three days. If you were out there, you’d understand as the players brought it for this being the first week of June.
- And finally I’m giving a shout out to Meeker and MWC players and Deer Creek coaches for wearing BLACK in the hot sun. I was drippin’ in sweat today, it was a hot one. Why in the world would you wear black?
- Look for a video featuring some of the day’s top plays on NewsOK either later today or this weekend. Was hoping to catch up with MWC’s Lewis, but his voice is shot. I mean he can barely get a word out right now.
Big Team Camp at Edmond North: Day 2…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
The rain delayed things a tad for Day 2 of the 13-team extravaganza at Edmond North so we also ended a little bit later than anticipated.
And once the rain was officially out of the way, wow, did it heat up in a hurry.
I felt today would be the best day of three-day camp because you get your feet wet that first day, and you’re dog-tired during that final day. But Day 2? Yeah, you bring the lumber.
In case you missed it, there are videos with Midwest City’s James Flanders, OCS’ Jack Warren and Bishop McGuinness’ LaRone Richardson on NewsOK and here on the blog.
Thoughts and Observations
- Gotta tell ya that right now drinking the Norman North Kool-Aid. Quarterback Brad Valentino really threaded the needle on a couple of the balls today. Raymond Demby looks fantastic, and what more can you say about Daniel Davis? Solid effort from Lance Manning’s kids, punctuated by a great effort by Davis to score on McGuinness during the final play of their scrimmage.
- Interesting year for the Spartans of Bixby. Moving up to 6A is one thing, introducing Loren Montgomery as the new coach is another. Montgomery has a great football mind, really happy to see him land on his feet with a great opportunity. The loss of Kevin Lamb and DeWitt Jennings is definitely being felt, but I think the more explosive offense might work for Bixby. QB T.J. Eckert seemed more poised today in the limited time I got to see them.
- Another solid day for the Antlers, said coach Grant Gower. Deer Creek is the lone 5A school in the camp, but Gower said playing the 6A big boys has helped immensely. Deer Creek closed out today with a scrimmage against Midwest City. TE Kyle Kanady is growing into a security blanket for Alex Christensen and Joel Blumenthal.
- Gotta hand it to the boys at Cashion. The Wildcats were here last year and are only a couple of years removed from playing eight-man. Lynn Shackelford does a phenomenal job of getting that team fired up, and Cashion has fought hard the first two days. QB Jeremy Seaton said there were no wide-eyed looks today, down to business.
- Hennessey is in that same mold as Shannon Watford continues to have that program in contention on a yearly basis here lately. I hope to watch more of the Eagles (among others) on Friday for the final day. Especially would like to see star recruit Derrick Luetjen more.
- Weirdest sight of the day goes to Flanders. Not sure why seeing a talented kid like him with an umbrella to block out the sun was so funny, but I sure thought it was.
- Lovin’ the intensity these teams are bringing. It dies down a little during the 7-on-7 portion but picks right back up in that final half hour.
- Just like Wednesday, look for more videos on NewsOK. Another sights and sounds from the day to accompany vids with Norman North QB Brad Valentino, Hennessey’s Derrick Luetjen and Cashion’s Jeremy Seaton.
- Back tomorrow as we wrap up the camp. Word on the street is Friday will be the hottest day of the three days…oy.
Big Team Camp at Edmond North: Day 1…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
I’m not sure what to call it because there are a lot more teams than Edmond North at this ginormous 13-team camp the Huskies are hosting Wednesday through Friday. So ‘Big Team Camp’ will have to do.
Great first day, saw a lot of familiar faces and got acquainted with some new ones.
Your teams: Edmond North, Midwest City, Norman North, Bixby, Deer Creek, McGuinness, McLoud, OCS, Hennessey, Newkirk, Meeker, Cashion and Woodward.
My apologies to some of the teams as today was more of an intro day for me, and I didn’t get to see every team in an in-depth manner.
However, from what I saw, it was a fun day and actually a rather intense one.
Thoughts and observations
- No question the most intensity was between Bixby and Midwest City. The Spartans and Bombers don’t see each other too much, but there was some tension there, for sure. Good to catch a glimpse of MWC’s James Flanders as he enters his junior year and great to see MWC’s Trevon Lewis. In what little I saw (jumping back and forth all day), Lewis has really stepped up to be the leader.
- The most impressive person I saw was undoubtedly Norman North’s Daniel Davis. Whether it was running the ball or running through blockers, Davis looked like a beast out there today. Definitely going to catch up with Davis in the days to come.
- Edmond North’s Travis Townsend had some really good throws at quarterback. He might be a little small at this point, but his arm looks stronger, and he’s always been pretty accurate. With Jared Benway out with the high ankle sprain, Ryan Hammons stepped in and had some moments.
- Great to see Bishop McGuinness stud LaRone Richardson looking like himself again. That explosiveness is definitely back. He said it took him to around track season to finally start feeling good again. Irish are in good shape with either Camden Tharp or Quinn Shanbour but very interested in how that plays out.
- Ugliest sight of the day was Edmond North’s Brock Byford. The sophomore and younger brother of Colton had a bad turf burn that tore up his knee pretty good. I shot video of that so it will be on NewsOK shortly.
- Deer Creek coach Grant Gower was extremely pleased with how the first day went for the Antlers. Alex Christensen and Joel Blumenthal continued to share the reps at quarterback.
- Real nice format to the day as well. Some 7-on-7, some where the big teams played the small teams and closed out with 10 minutes of hard scrimmaging between teams that should be playing each other. Again, the most intense was Bixby and Midwest City.
- Look for videos with OCS quarterback Jack Warren, MWC’s Flanders and McGuinness’ Richardson on NewsOK.
- Back for Day 2 on Thursday where I’ll try to catch some more action from Hennessey, Cashion, McLoud, etc.
6A Girls Playoffs
The OSSAA has just released the Class 6A girls playoff pairings.
The first-round will be played Thursday, Feb. 25
WEST
At Midwest City
Mustang vs. Yukon
Midwest City vs. U.S. Grant
At Putnam City
Norman vs. Moore
Putnam City vs. Lawton Eisenhower
At Edmond Santa Fe
Lawton vs. Southmoore
Edmond Santa Fe vs. Putnam West
At Edmond North
Choctaw vs. Del City
Edmond North vs. Westmoore
EAST
At Norman North
Sand Springs vs. Putnam North
Norman North vs. Bixby
At Jenks
Ponca City vs. Broken Arrow
Jenks vs. Muskogee
At Shawnee
Owasso vs. Enid
Shawnee vs. Stillwater
At Tulsa Union
Edmond Memorial vs. Sapulpa
Tulsa Union vs. Bartlesville
6A Boys Playoffs
The 6A boys playoff brackets have just been posted. Here’s the pairings:
First-round games will be played Friday, Feb. 26
WEST
At Edmond Santa Fe
Del City vs. Lawton
Edmond Santa Fe vs. U.S. Grant
At Midwest City
Southmoore vs. Norman
Midwest City vs. Westmoore
At Putnam City
Lawton Eisenhower vs. Edmond North
Putnam City vs. Yukon
At Putnam West
Choctaw vs. Mustang
Putnam West vs. Moore
EAST
At Broken Arrow
Enid vs. Bixby
Broken Arrow vs. Shawnee
At Norman North
Putnam North vs. Sapulpa
Norman North vs. Sand Springs
At Edmond Memorial
Jenks vs. Stillwater
Edmond Memorial vs. Owasso
At Muskogee
Tulsa Union vs. Ponca City
Bartlesville vs. Muskogee
Rugby growing in popularity…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Received an out-of-the-blue call from Canton football coach Rob Davis on Tuesday, always good to hear from the coach.
But he wanted to talk about rugby. Wait, rugby? Apparently the sport is really picking up steam here in Oklahoma. And who am I to disagree?
Football players who don’t play other sports but need that focus to stay in shape now have another alternative. Powerlifting has really become huge because of it and now rugby is joining that group.
Canton made the Class B football championship, losing to Garber. Davis said rugby was a reason as to why the team had such great success.
Right now there are 10 club rugby teams, with Canton easily the smallest of the schools participating.
Last week was the first week of the season. Here are the standings and here is the schedule:
Standings:
Bixby (1-0)
Canton (1-0)
Mustang (1-0)
The Brethren (1-0)
Union (1-0)
Bartlesville (0-1)
Broken Arrow (0-1)
Edmond Storm (0-1)
Jenks (0-1)
Norman (0-1)
This week’s matches (all Saturday): Bixby at Broken Arrow; The Brethren at Bartlesville; Union at Mustang; Edmond Storm at Norman; Canton at Jenks.
Signing List 2010
It’s still a work in progress. Know a signing we missed? E-mail me at raber@opubco.com and we’ll get it added. We’ll run the signing list several times over the next few weeks:
Signing Day Surprise: Jarrett Lake
By Ryan Aber
raber@opubco.com
Jenks’ Jarrett Lake has signed a letter of intent with Arkansas, becoming the first surprise of signing day in the state.
Lake had committed to OU in July and remained committed to the Sooners throughout the year, even as he was ruled ineligible at Jenks.
Lake’s eligibility was at the center of a scandal that saw Jenks forfeit games from last season and wound up with Trojans’ coach Allan Trimble being suspended for the remainder of the year.
Lake considered a transfer to Tulsa’s Holland Hall after being ruled ineligible by the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association but elected to stay at Jenks and finish his senior season there.
Other in-state players that have signed (as of 9:30 a.m.):
Jake Alexander, Jenks (Tulsa)
Aaron Colvin, Owasso (OU)
Johnny Deaton, Sand Springs (OSU)*
Delans Griffin, Clinton (Texas Tech)
Austin Haywood, Southmoore (OU)
Alec Henry, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Bronson Irwin, Mustang (OU)*
Dewitt Jennings, Bixby (Tulsa)
Tre Porter, Carl Albert (Texas Tech)
James Roberson, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Thomas Roberson, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Cole Way, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Xavier Smith, Edmond North (Missouri)
Trent Spurgeon, Owasso (Arizona)
Julian Wilson, Southmoore (OU)
*Player is already enrolled
