6A-4A softball state tournament brackets
At ASA Hall of Fame Stadium
Class 6A
Thursday
Field 3
Moore vs. Tulsa Union, 11 a.m.
Mustang vs. Broken Arrow, 1 p.m.
Owasso vs. Edmond North, 3 p.m.
Jenks vs. Edmond Santa Fe, 5 p.m.
Friday
Field 4
Mustang/Broken Arrow winner vs. Moore/Tulsa Union winner, noon
Owasso/Edmond North winner vs. Jenks/Edmond Santa Fe winner, 4 p.m.
Saturday
Field 1
Championship, 4 p.m.
Class 5A
Field 1
Thursday
Carl Albert vs. Coweta, 11 a.m.
McAlester vs. Deer Creek, 1 p.m.
Tahlequah vs. Shawnee, 3 p.m.
Lawton MacArthur vs. Grove, 5 p.m.
Friday
Carl Albert/Coweta winner vs. Lawton MacArthur/Grove winner, 2 p.m.
McAlester/Deer Creek winner vs. Tahlequah/Shawnee winner, 4 p.m.
Saturday
Championship, 1:30 p.m.
Class 4A
Thursday
Field 4
Blanchard vs. Bethany, 11 a.m.
Oologah vs. Purcell, 1 p.m.
Fort Gibson vs. Tuttle, 3 p.m.
Berryhill vs. Harrah, 5 p.m.
Field 1
Friday
Blanchard/Bethany winner vs. Oologah/Purcell winner, noon
Berryhill/Harrah winner vs. Fort Gibson/Tuttle winner, 2 p.m.
Saturday
Championship, 11 a.m.
Rankings preview: Oct. 1
Class 6A
1. Tulsa Union (1)#5-0
2. Jenks (2)#4-1
3. Midwest City (3)#5-0
4. Broken Arrow (4)#4-1
5. Norman (5)#5-0
6. Edmond North (7)#5-0
7. Putnam City (9)#5-0
8. Edmond Santa Fe (NR)#4-1
9. Owasso (8)#3-2
10. Lawton (6)#3-2
A couple of times a year I throw out my rankings and start fresh, take an overall look at the season and don’t constrain myself with past rankings. This is one of those weeks and while their figures to be other classes that are more drastically affected, there is a bit of that here. The biggest questions in my mind were where to place Edmond Santa Fe (and Lawton) and what to do with Putnam City. I considered dropping Broken Arrow a spot but the Tigers still stand as the only team to really challenge Union this season and I’ll give them their small bump Friday. Edmond Santa Fe goes from just outside to No. 8 after their win at Lawton. The Wolverines drop to No. 10. Owasso stays in at No. 9 but has a tough test this week against Union.
Rankings preview: Sept. 24
Class 6A
1. Tulsa Union (1)#4-0
2. Jenks (2)#3-1
3. Midwest City (3)#4-0
4. Broken Arrow (4)#3-1
5. Norman (5)#4-0
6. Lawton (6)#3-1
7. Edmond North (7)#4-0
8. Owasso (9)#2-2
9. Putnam City (10)#4-0
10. Stillwater (NR)#3-1
With Westmoore falling out from No. 8 after its loss to Edmond Santa Fe, there were two logical candidates to take the spot: Edmond Santa Fe, who was ranked before its loss to Midwest City the week before, and Stillwater. I chose the Pioneers based on their recent performances but just barely. Santa Fe gets a tough test next week at Lawton. A good performance there, win or lose, gives the Wolves a chance to move back in.
Super 30 review: Nos. 21-19
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
Archie Bradley over Dylan Bundy for Player of the Year not an easy choice
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
***
Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Owasso is No. 1 HS baseball team in nation
In the latest Baseball America rankings of the top 25 high school baseball teams (released Tuesday morning), the Owasso Rams have made the jump to the No. 1 spot.
Let that sink in for a moment. Wow, gotta say that’s pretty cool. Owasso, led by uber-star pitcher Dylan Bundy, went from No. 4 in the last rankings to the top slot.
Broken Arrow went from No. 5 to No. 8. Of course with OKRankings.com rankings completed last week, yes, you can say Owasso is No. 1 in the nation and not even No. 1 in the state. That’s not a bash on anybody, but it is certainly weird to say.
The Rams are 26-1 and have been simply dominant all season. And like Deer Creek (No. 1 in 5A), Owasso has not lost to an in-state opponent. That was true of Broken Arrow until third-ranked Edmond Santa Fe won at BA on Saturday night.
The Baseball America rankings are released every other week, and it just happened to be at the right time for Owasso and its supporters.
***
Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
The showdown: Archie Bradley vs. Dylan Bundy
Archie Bradley of Broken Arrow is a two-sport star and is scheduled to pitch vs. Owasso's Dylan Bundy.
EDIT at 5 p.m.: Oh, stupid weather. The game between Owasso and Broken Arrow has been postponed. Word is that it’s postponed and not canceled, which might be the only good thing about the announcement.
No word on when the game is going to be made up. Sigh.
***
What more can you ask for? No. 1 vs. No. 2? Check. The two best prospects in the state faring off against each other? Check.
Great weather? Oh, we hit a snag there. Another one of those patented weather shifts is the only downside to what could be an epic evening Friday in Owasso.
While I’ve made it clear Edmond Santa Fe is the cream of the crop on the west side, even coach Lonny Cobble would admit the Wolves have a ways to go when it comes to No. 1 Broken Arrow and No. 2 Owasso.
The Tigers and Rams have not lost to an in-state opponent this year so something will change in that category tonight. The teams are a combined 45-2 and haven’t lost a game since March 16.
Still not hooked? OK, how about Dylan Bundy vs. Archie Bradley? Got ya paying attention now. As of Thursday, both teams were planning on giving EVERYBODY what it wants with a showdown of the two best arms in the state.
Bradley, of course, has signed with Oklahoma for football and baseball. Bundy has committed to Texas. A lot of of experts believe neither will see a day at their respective campus because they’re going to be first-round draft picks in the MLB Draft in June. Bundy has 95 strikeouts in 42 innings.
This seemed like a prime spot for Cox to swoop in and broadcast the game. However, Cox has opted for Bedlam baseball between OU and OSU. However, VYPE will have a broadcast on ihigh.com. Because of prior commitments, I cannot make it out to Owasso (really wanted to), so here’s to hoping my laptop is compatible with the video on ihigh.
Once again, No. 1 Broken Arrow (Bradley) at No. 2 Owasso (Bundy), 7 p.m. Friday.
***
Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
The Oklahoman’s Super 30 revisited, Pt. II
Back in August, we unveiled the Super 30 for the Class of 2011. Here’s where they’re all going as we get closer to Signing Day:
11. Davion Pierson, Millwood (TCU) — The other local boy (not on Del City) going to Gary Patterson and the Horned Frogs. Pierson’s dedication to his conditioning was key this year.
12. Daniel Davis, Norman North (Pennsylvana) — Went his separate ways with Stanford and has found a home in the Ivy League. Comfortable with decision.
13. Archie Bradley, Broken Arrow (Oklahoma) — Such a great baseball prospect that I would be shocked to see Bradley on OU’s campus in the fall though he said he really wants to be there.
14. Tyler Lockett, Tulsa Washington (Kansas State) — Played the role of recruiter himself in getting teammate Dante Barnett to join him in Manhattan.
15. Kameron Doolittle, Edmond Memorial (Northeastern Oklahoma) — Coaching changes proved crucial at Colorado and Tulsa. Still has a very upbeat attitude about his future.
16. Cody Miller, Lawton (East Central University) — A steal for the Ada-based program. Miller is about as solid as they come. ACL injury hurt his prospects.
17. Hunter Davis, Choctaw (Kansas State) — A late change from Tulsa to KSU, said he felt really comfortable in Manhattan.
18. Trevon Lewis, Midwest City (Texas State) — Midwest City assistant Jason Sexton said Lewis should be signing with Texas State, he’s another late sleeper if you ask me.
19. David Glidden, Mustang (Oklahoma State) — Proving again size doesn’t matter, Glidden could become a household name in a couple of years for the Cowboys.
20. Jake Love, Tonkawa (Kansas) — A solid senior season removed any doubts about Jayhawks taking a chance on Tonkawa product.
Wednesday: Nos. 10-1.
***
Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Broken Arrow vs. Lawton Capsule…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Broken Arrow (9-2) at Lawton (11-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Cameron Stadium, Lawton (wish I could be there)
Broken Arrow
Why the Tigers can win: Because their only two losses are to Jenks and Union. Geez, couldn’t even beat those teams, huh? A little sarcasm, fellas. No, this team hasn’t missed a beat under Steve Spavital. The health of QB Archie Bradley has been a concern, but he should be ready to go.
Lawton
Why the Wolverines can win: Because this entire season has been geared toward this moment. Most (yours truly included) have thought Lawton is the best team on the west side. But how do you prove it? By beating a top-notch east side team when it matters most. I was really impressed with how strong this offense looked despite not having Cody Miller.
Key matchup: BA after the long trip. Broken Arrow’s longest trip of the year was to Putnam City for a blowout win against Putnam West. This is a heck of a trek to make for a second-round matchup. Will that have any effect on the game, or at least the start of the game?
The pick: Lawton 27, Broken Arrow 24. I’m counting on the stars to come out in this one. Jabral Johnson with a big play on defense to lead to some heroics from Tyrequek Zimmerman and a Wolverine victory.
Boneman’s Lawton prediction record: 11-0.
Boneman’s BA prediction record: 11-0.
Norman vs. Broken Arrow Capsule…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
No. 6 Norman (7-0) at No. 3 Broken Arrow (6-1)
7:30 p.m., tonight, Tiger Memorial Stadium, Broken Arrow
Why bother: Norman overcame one big test against Southmoore, but this is the biggest one the team will have seen so far.
The Tigers have been paced by the production and durability of junior running back Donovan Roberts. He has had no issues carrying the ball 30 times per game and not wearing down.
The defense, led by Greg Offenburger, hasn’t seen the likes of an offense such as Broken Arrow.
With all the talk of quarterback and Oklahoma commit Archie Bradley, Broken Arrow has been able to be extremely successful on the ground. Broken Arrow has been dominant in district play.
The pick: Broken Arrow 42, Norman 27. The start of this game will be crucial. How will Norman adapt to seeing the speed and strength of Broken Arrow?
***
More thoughts that weren’t fit to print: Can’t stress enough how big I think the first 6-8 minutes of this game are going to be. Norman has to show early that it belongs on the same field as BA.
Broken Arrow has a certain kind of swagger right now and definitely feels it can beat any west side teams. For the record, they’re not wrong right now.
Names that can come up big for Norman: Jaime Myers and George Kittle. Myers is an explosive kickoff returner while Kittle has a penchant for making big plays on defense.
Of course, Norman is going to need a huge game from Donovan Roberts. I think BA is going to try to disrupt and harass QB Zach Long early and get him rattled.
Hate to say this whole game comes down to confidence, but I think it will. I’m 7-0 in picking Broken Arrow games and 5-2 with Norman (winning the last four). Anyone heading to the game, would love constant Twitter updates @BPrzybylo.
