Wariboko, at 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, has begun picking up steam on the recruiting scene this spring behind strong performances at the U.S. Army National Combine and the Rivals/Under Armour Camp.

Lawton offensive lineman Jalin Barnett was the first 2015 player in the state to be offered. Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Texas State and Oregon State have all offered him.

– By Jacob Unruh, junruh@opubco.com

Foot Locker Foundation and DoSomething.org partnered to honor students who demonstrate academic excellence and show their strength of character and devotion to their sports and communities.

Helms plays field hockey, soccer and runs track. She founded Knitting for Troops, a project where she uses scarf proceeds to create care packages for Oklahoma soldiers stationed overseas.

Casady’s Casey Roberts was named first-team All-Southwest Preparatory Conference while two teammates were also honored.
Jason Shelley also made the All-SPC team while Graham Bennett earned honorable mention honors.
Roberts averaged 11.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.9 steals and 4.1 assists for the Cyclones.
Shelley led Casady with 11.3 points per game, while added 8.8 rebounds.
Bennett averages 8.0 points and 10.4 rebounds.

Casady's Graham Bennett committed to play football at San Diego on Friday.

Casady defensive lineman Graham Bennett committed to San Diego on Friday.

Bennett was being recruited by several NCAA Division I schools.

“I came to camp here in the summer, and I really connected with the coaches,” said Bennett, who was in San Diego for the Toreros’ game Saturday against Marist.

Bennett added that he also picked San Diego for its academics, and in particular its business school.

Bennett recorded 37 tackles and eight sacks as a senior for the Cyclones.

Our man Jacob Unruh was at Heritage Hall’s 49-8 Polo Bowl win over Casady, and talked to quarterback Quinn Shanbour, receiver Sterling Shepard and running back Barry J. Sanders after the game. Enjoy!

Quarterback Mac Katigan, left, and Casady face rival Heritage Hall next week. PHOTO BY SARAH PHIPPS, THE OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE

Casady senior quarterback and safety Mac Katigan saw a lot of positive in Friday’s season-opening loss, and is excited by his team’s potential.

The Cyclones lost 24-10 to All Saints (Fort Worth, Texas), but went up 10-0 early.

“In the first half, that’s the best I’ve seen us look,” Katigan said. “By coming out strong in that first half, I thought it showed what potential we have for this year. We’ve just got to learn how to finish.”

Another positive? The Cyclones were able to hold All Saints quarterback T.J. Millweard, who has committed to play at Arizona State, to 72 yards and no passing touchdowns.

“We had that as our key, shutting down the passing game,” Katigan said. “Our secondary really stepped up.”

Next week, the Cyclones face defending Class 3A state champion and arch rival Heritage Hall.

“It’s gonna take everything we’ve got,” Katigan said. “Everybody knows that they’re one of the best teams in the state. We’re excited by the challenege. Everybody wants a shot at them. It will be good to see how we match up.”

Calhoun’s appeal upheld

Piedmont running back Cassius Calhoun will be eligible for his senior season after all. The OSSAA had initially denied his application for a hardship waiver after he transferred from Casady.

But on Wednesday, the Board upheld his appeal of the ruling after the family provided greater detail surrounding the reasons for his transfer during executive session.

“I didn’t really think I had a chance,” Calhoun said. “It was a real emotional process, but my parents, my athletic director, my coaches, my teammates all supported me through all of it.

“I knew I was gonna make it through, whether they said yes or no, but I’m glad they approved it.”

Davis brothers’ appeal delayed

The hardship appeal case of Tulsa Union’s Kendal and Joshua Davis had to be tabled after the family presented a significant amount of new information to the board. It is possible that the OSSAA staff could make a determination on the new information prior to the September board meeting.

Kendal Davis will be a senior and Joshua will be a sophomore after transferring from Sapulpa. Kendal, a 6-foot-2, 170-pound receiver has gained recruiting interest from some Big 12 programs.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Too early for 2013 class talk? Maybe, but Deer Creek's Joel Blumenthal is one to watch.

Before we get to the weekly news and notes on some of the top recruits, really think some recruiting experts are missing the boat on the class of 2012.

Heritage Hall’s Barry J. Sanders dominates the headlines and has for the last couple of years. And then when a program like Oklahoma offers players such as Jenks’ Alex Ross and Heritage Hall’s Sterling Shepard, that obviously makes people stand up and notice.

Those three again were recognized with Sanders at No. 51, Shepard at No. 85 and Ross at No. 89 of the Scout 300. And then that was it. Really?

No love for Norman RB Donovan Roberts or Douglass OL Cayman Bundage? Or an OL like Blake Belcher from Guthrie? And we might all be sleeping on just how good Ramsey Hamilton of Beggs after how well he has fared in workout/combine atmospheres.

I really like this class. Hey, maybe I’m overestimating how good this class is going to be, but I can tell you that I’m already excited for the fall. Heck, even spring practice.

With that said, more news and notes:

- Edmond Santa Fe has been off the radar lately, but that should change this year. Not only is Ty Hensley a top baseball/football prospect, defensive back Conner Bays performed extremely well at an Under Armour combine last weekend in Houston. It’s going to be a new looks Wolves team so it will be very interesting to see how this team gels together.

- When you start talking about the 2013 class, it starts in Lawton with D.J. Ward, but I’m wondering just how far up the ranks Deer Creek’s Joel Blumenthal is going to go. He performed well at a combine in Dallas in late March and has been invited to Tampa for a top camp in the summer. It is invite only with 25 quarterbacks from 15 different states.

- Mention Casady recruiting for 2011, and you go right to DL Graham Bennett and LB Garrison Lee. However, don’t forget about Mac Katigan. He’s going to Princeton’s Junior Day this weekend and has also been invited to the junior days at Yale and Dartmouth. Dartmouth seems like a natural fit considering his older brother, Austin, is a freshman on the football team.

- Incredibly busy time of year when it comes to combines. Casey Curtis of Putnam City is off to a couple more on this weekend. We won’t call Curtis ‘Scott Wright’s boy,’ but Scott is very high (rightfully so) on the ability of Curtis. With more info, read Scott’s blog.

- OKVarsity.rivals.com is going to have its in-state combines next month. The Oklahoma City area one is May 21 at Yukon, while the Tulsa area is May 28 at Broken Arrow. For much more info, here ya go. I definitely intend to attend both combines but have no idea if I’ll be able to. Justin Mitchell does a great job with the OKVarsity site, and it’s a very well-run exhibition.

- A couple of forgotten kids are starting to make some noise. Edmond North RB Jared Benway missed all of his junior season with a broken leg but is back and looking good. Same can be said for Heritage Hall quarterback Quinn Shanbour. Shanbour left Bishop McGuinness a day before the season opener. HH coach Andy Bogert said Shanbour played a vital role in helping the team practice against opposing QBs last year. Shanbour just returned from a visit to the University of Arizona.

- As always, you got info, drop me a line. You went to a camp? Let me know how it went.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

And while the team initially played with a fire and inspiration following the torn ACL to leader Preston Sullivan, it was too much to ask for that energy to carry through. Not that the Cyclones didn’t try, but being shorthanded eventually caught up to Casady.

The Cyclones closed the year on an 11-game losing streak in the first season for Allen Dukes. Here are the box scores from the SPC games last weekend in Houston and some thoughts from Dukes.

SPC Championships in Houston, Texas:

Game 1 — Austin St. Stephens 64, Casady 49
Austin*12*19*15*18 — 64
Casady*9*10*16*14 — 49
Casady — English 12, Casey Roberts 10, Bennett 8, Shelley 8, Silver 6, Mason Roberts 5.
St. Stephens — Green 19, Livsay 12, Coates 8, Almanza 6, Brivenmore 6, Panda 5, Austin 4, Asante 4

Game 2 — Arlington Oakridge 43, Casady 17
Oakridge*16*9*12*6 — 43
Casady*7*4*0*6 — 17
Casady — Roberts 4, English 4, Silver 3, Bennett 2, Shelley 2, Fleming 2.
Oakridge — Deques 11, Umbalance 10, Beck 6, Wall 6, Harder 2, Seidler 2, Clark 2, Ford 2, Garrett 2.

Game 3 — San Antonio St. Mary’s Hall 57 Casady 56
St. Mary’s Hall*15*13*16*13 — 57
Casady*17*16*15*8 — 56
Casady — Bennett 15, Silver 14, Roberts 10, Shelley 8, English 6, Henderson 3
St. Mary’s Hall — D. Rockherre 13, McNar 12, Greenwalt 10, Momin 10, Lopez 3, T. Rockherre 2.

Coach Allen Dukes sums up the season:
“After a great start to the season (9-3 at one time) a combination of injuries, bad weather, flu, and tougher than expected SPC made our stretch run tough as we lost the last 11 games and finished with an overall record of 9-14. We lost 2 starters because of ACL injuries (it took 5 players to replace what Preston Sullivan did) I knew the SPC was going to be tough, but it was tougher than I expected. I was especially impressed with the caliber of coaching in the conference, but we played a lot of younger kids down the stretch and should be twice as good next year.”

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

How long can Casady play this inspired ball? The Cyclones won most of Saturday’s game without the services of Preston Sullivan.

Found out Sullivan tore his ACL and will miss the rest of the season only to respond with a blowout win against rival Heritage Hall.

Now this weekend Allen Dukes’ boys begin play in the Southwest Prep Conference. Ooh boy, won’t be easy. I won’t be there Friday night, but I plan on making my way back to Grantham-Griffing Fieldhouse for Casady’s home date Saturday afternoon.

Anyway, here is a short video with Silver after the win against the Chargers. He took a shot late in the game so he was a little bloodied, but he’s doing alright. And he’s wearing No. 12 the rest of the way.

Horrible news to start the day, great news to end it for the Casady boys basketball team. In front of a standing-room-only crowd at Grantham-Griffing Fieldhouse, Cyclones got out fast and never looked back.

Guard Matt Silver connected on three three-pointers in the first quarter as the Cyclones took care of rival Heritage Hall 48-33 on Tuesday night.

I thought Casady would win in a tight one. However, once I found out Preston Sullivan tore his ACL, I flip-flopped to the Chargers.

But boy did the Cyclones come out fired up and inspired to play for their fallen leader. It started with Silver, who made the gesture to wear the No. 12 jersey the rest of the season. Sullivan had worn it and this was Silver’s way to honor his friend and teammate.

Just as important was the dunk by Graham Bennett. All it did was make it 5-0 at the time, but the building went nuts on the dunk and really never let up until Casady had the game in control.

Back-to-back big games by Bennett as he is starting to put it together more in basketball. We all know he’s a great football player, but he’s learning how to use his size on the court.

I won’t say Heritage would have won, but Quintaz Struble picking up two fouls in the first four minutes of the game was HUGE. He sat the rest of the first half and it was 29-13 at halftime. Struble actually finished with a game-high 13 points, but the Chargers never made a serious run.

Casey Roberts had 10 points for Casady, while Bennett led the way with 13. Look for a video with a bloodied Silver (he’s OK) on NewsOK on Wednesday.

Heritage Hall 42, Casady 18 (Girls)

I don’t want to call Ericka Wakefield a star just yet, but the freshman is an incredible talent. Every game I see her she is getting smarter and smarter out there.

She’s learning when to shoot the three, when to drive and when to look for her teammates. In fact, that first half was the best I’ve seen Leslie Warner’s club look all year.

Wakefield scored 15 of her 17 points in the first half as Heritage took a 29-6 lead into halftime. After a pedestrian 7-4 first quarter, the Chargers came alive and outscored the Cyclones 22-2 in the second quarter.

Much like the boys, Casady was playing without its leader, injured Shelby Cornelson.

Madison Garrett had seven points to help the cause for Heritage, who moved to 6-5 with the victory.

Good rivalry week coming up in my neck of the woods in basketball. Gonna kick it off (or tip it off) Tuesday night with Heritage Hall and Casady. Edmond North and Edmond Santa Fe are going at it Tuesday as well and Midwest City and Del City will lock up Friday night (I’ll be there).

As for the Chargers and Cyclones, expecting a couple of tight, competitive games for the boys and girls.

Like what the Chargers are doing under first-year coach Chris Hamilton. Quintaz Struble has emerged as a beast and interested to see how Tanner Tepe, a transfer from Piedmont, looks now that he has a week under his belt.

As for Casady, I’d be lying if I didn’t say the first person that comes to mind is Preston Sullivan. However, a couple of other players came up big for Allen Dukes at the Crooked Oak Bricktown Bash.

One we know from football as junior Graham Bennett played all 32 minutes and scored a career-high 19 points in the third-place win against Crooked Oak.

The other, junior Casey Roberts, went off for a career-high 23 points in the 73-58 victory.

Intense tournament for the Cyclones and great preparation for what’s in store the rest of the way. Pulled out a thrilling 52-51 win vs. Harding Prep in the first round. Came back and lost to Capitol Hill 45-43 when a game-winning three caromed off.

Should be a fun atmosphere at Casady on Tuesday night.

It’s not technically the second half of the season, but it’s close enough. After winter break, the games mean more and you start to see what teams are really made of.

Let’s start, shall we?

Bishop McGuinness
Boys: Look out, 5A. With Joe Edmonds back, this team is going to do some damage in the next couple of months. Matt Morrissey and Miles Newcomb have come up big, and Matt Christiansen should only become even more of an impact player with Edmonds back in the saddle. Get to see the complete Irish team this weekend at the McGuinness Classic (gonna be a fun 3 days).

Girls: Umm, though not original, look out, 5A. The Irish have not played their best ball, said coach Jennifer Burch. However, their only loss is to Santa Fe and have wins over Cache and Edmond Memorial and Weatherford. Great balance, led by Alexa Lienhard and Elyse Hight. The development of Kate Andrews and Theresa Nash is going to be key.

Heritage Hall
Boys: With the football boys back in the saddle, first-year coach Chris Hamilton should be able to perk up. Quintaz Struble might actually be better in basketball than football, something I would not have said last year. And with Tanner Tepe becoming eligible, Chargers have a chance to surprise some people.

Girls: It’s one thing to be young, it’s another to look young. Leslie Warner’s girls are incredibly small but showed some signs last week. Ericka Wakefield is going to become a player, and I think sophomore Carter Cloud is really going to develop as long as she becomes more aggressive. She gets down on herself too easy. She’s good. Starting lineup is three freshmen, a sophomore and a junior.

Casady
Boys: Coach Allen Dukes is loving his first year with the Cyclones, but the schedule is about to get infinitely tougher with Southwest Prep Conference play beginning this month. Preston Sullivan makes this team go, but it will be interesting to see how Matt Silver and Cecil Ray, among others, develop over the second half of the year.

Girls: I’ve heard it said that as a coach, Jen Warden might be the best coach in the Oklahoma City area. There is good improvement from last year in Warden’s second year, but it will be tough for the Cyclones. Shelby Cornelson should lead the charge.

OCS
Boys: Feel like I can repeat what I said from last year. You know what you’re getting with T.J. Holland and Jack Warren, but who will be that consistent third option? If Trent Toler finds one, Saints will be punching that state tournament ticket, I guarantee it.

Girls: Sometimes the ambitious boys schedule hurts the girls, but this is not a bad 3A team. From junior guard Dani Childress to post Jordan Gooch (stay healthy), the Saints have the pieces for a solid season.

Mt. St. Mary’s
Ohh, gotta admit I haven’t seen either team play yet (it’s on my list of things to do). I know Lenny Hatchett’s boys will be around come March. Not sure when I’ll see dem Rockets, but I’ll figure it out.

Back again. This time around we’re looking at the private schools in the Oklahoma City area. Plenty of good choices, couple of tough calls.

Here ya go:

All-Private schools
Offense
QB — Cooper Cloud, Heritage Hall
RB — Barry J. Sanders, Heritage Hall
RB — LaRone Richardson, Bishop McGuinness
WR — Skyler Sikes, OCS
WR — Jake Peace, Mt. St. Mary’s
WR — Charlie Cho, OCA
OL — Markus Wakefield, Heritage Hall
OL — Connor Morrison, Casady
OL — Bill Johnston, Heritage Hall
OL — Graham Bennett, Casady
OL — David Krenger, Bishop McGuinness

K — Keegan Carter, OCS
P — Kenny Wooldridge, CHA

Defense
DL — Zach Collums, Mt. St. Mary’s
DL — Nick Callaway, Bishop McGuinness
DL — Quintaz Struble, Heritage Hall
DL — Dakota Leftwich, Bishop McGuinness
LB — Garrison Lee, Casady
LB — Josh Blair, CHA
LB — Brandon Nguyen, Bishop McGuinness
LB — Graham Busby, Heritage Hall
DB — Mac Katigan, Casady
DB — Sterling Shepard, Heritage Hall
DB — Tyler Konarik, Bishop McGuinness

KR — Jamaal Whitney, Bishop McGuinness

Offensive Player of the Year: LaRone Richardson, Bishop McGuinness
Defensive Player of the Year: Sterling Shepard, Heritage Hall
Coach of the Year: Andy Bogert, Heritage Hall

Where to put Sterling Shepard became the biggest question. I had him at WR, KR and DB before deciding DB was where he could help this team the most. Bennett should be a DL, but he can be an OL, too, so we’ll be OK. No doubts on my three awards. If I switched and made Shepard offense, I would have gone with Lee of Casady as the defensive player.

Granted full access by the Heritage Hall coaching staff for the 3A championship against Kingfisher allowed me to see the things I normally don’t.

One of those was the group of Charger seniors huddling together separate from the rest of the team for one last final speech about what they mean to each other and what this season meant to them.

I won’t reveal anything that was said as that moment was for those nine seniors. Coach Andy Bogert would always have the seniors stand up first after the postgame talks, and he did it one more time Friday night.

And though a lot of talent resides in that spectacular junior bunch, those kids were quick to point out the leadership of the senior class and how that made all the difference starting from last year’s loss to Pawhuska.

The nine seniors: Graham Busby, Cooper Cloud, Shaun Tkach, Coby Brownrigg, Sami Horani, Dru Bullard, Blaine Kennedy, Andrew Johnson and Bill Johnston.

Seniors were members of 14-1, 15-0, 8-5 and 15-0 seasons.

Other contenders

Sterling Shepard, Heritage Hall: If you don’t know by now, Shepard scored all four of the Heritage Hall touchdowns and all in the second half of a classic 28-21 win over Kingfisher.

T.J. Holland, OCS, Basketball: He’s done it again. Man does he look sharp early on this season. Road win at Casady, followed by a tournament championship at Luther…not bad.

Alexa Lienhard, McGuinness, Basketball: In an incredibly brutal Edmond Open, the Irish beat Memorial and Cache with Lienhard doing significant damage.

Matt Silver, Casady, Basketball: I really like the potential of Silver this season. Cyclones were able to bounce back from OCS loss for consolation championship at Luther.

Was expecting a very intriguing basketball game at Casady on Tuesday night between the Cyclones and Oklahoma Christian School.

Guess OCS stars T.J. Holland and Jack Warren didn’t care what I was expecting. The Saints’ leaders combined with the defense for another impressive road win.

OCS 63, Casady 42

- Neither team got off to a great start. A lot of effort but not much execution. Jonathan Gibson scored the first five points of the game for OCS and never scored again. Just one of them games without any real rhythm.

- Eventually, Warren and Holland got on track. I was looking forward to a great battle between the Nos. 12, Holland and Casady’s Preston Sullivan. They both kinda neutralized each other. Holland ended up with 18 points. Sullivan had 15, but both really didn’t score on the other. Matt Silver also had a solid game for the Cyclones.

- I don’t wanna say Casady comes back and wins the game, but this game changed when Casady forward Cecil Ray picked up his second foul in the first half. Though Ray only finished with two points, he was cleaning up the backboard. OCS wasn’t getting many second chance opportunities. With Ray out, the lead was stretched out.

- OCS led 25-11 at halftime and was never really threatened in the second half. Casady got it down to 13 a couple of times and there was real good energy in the first home game for Allen Dukes and his boys. But anytime it looked like a run was happening, the Saints would stretch it out more.

- So back-to-back road wins to start the year for OCS…not bad. OCS still is not at home anytime soon as the Saints are a part of the Luther Tournament this weekend. Casady falls to 3-1.

- The girls game was canceled but look for a video with T.J. Holland on NewsOK on Wednesday.

One more week to perfection. A perfect season wasn’t the ultimate goal for Heritage Hall, but if the Chargers win Friday, it will happen.

Every game there seems to be another hero. Against a good Bethany team the second time around, it was lineman Markus Wakefield — just not the way I thought it would be.

I’ve said it more than enough at this point so I’ll keep it short. Wakefield threw a touchdown pass and recovered a fumble in the end zone for a score in the semifinal win.

Look for a story on Wakefield and his lineman counterpart Quintaz Struble later this week.

Other contenders

Heritage Hall defense: In a game where both defenses stopped what the other teams are known for, the Chargers in the second half were incredible in limiting Bethany to 9 total yards in the second half.

Preston Sullivan, Casady: Cyclones started the season going 3-0 and Sullivan earned MVP honors of the Liberty Academy Tournament in Shawnee.

T.J. Holland, OCS: What a way to start the year for the Saints. OCS, behind Holland and Jack Warren, won at John Marshall 62-57.

Jake Peace, Mt. St. Mary’s: Not just a star on the football field, Peace led a balanced effort in a win against Heritage Hall.

Kate Andrews, Bishop McGuinness: So many weapons, what do you do? Andrews led a balanced effort in a three-win week.

It wasn’t too long ago (around this point last year) where I wasn’t sure how far Heritage Hall was going to go with Cooper Cloud as its quarterback.

You know about the greatness about Sterling Shepard and Barry J. Sanders, but you need a quarterback to keep teams honest. Was Cloud really the answer?

Um, yes. Yes, he is. Cloud has improved dramatically in the last year, and what I saw Friday night was a continuation of that. He takes control of this team. Cloud threw for three touchdowns in the Chargers’ 34-0 win against Bridge Creek.

The health of Sanders and Shepard will continue to be a big story, but this team can still find a way, especially if Cloud can stay healthy.

Other contenders

Heritage Hall defense: Wrote about them after the fact. But two picks, two recovered fumbles, no points. Heck of a night vs. the Bobcats.

Sterling Shepard, Heritage Hall: Wasn’t the sharpest I’ve seen him, but man, I think we would all love to have two touchdown receptions and an interception on an ‘off’ night.

Bob Kraft, Heritage Hall, Baseball: You don’t think of Heritage Hall and baseball, but the Chargers are making strides. Kraft signed with New Mexico State last week.

Shanna Schuelein, Casady, Diving: From elite gymnast to one of the best divers around, Schuelein signed with Auburn last week.

Diving, huh? Not that big of a shock that Casady’s Shanna Schuelein was able to sign somewhere to dive. She’s been a natural since she stopped gymnastics.

And Auburn, well, that was a shoo-in. Why? Because she took the visit to the campus during the Auburn-LSU weekend. That was one heck of a football game. And if you had any doubts about where you wanted to go, that would have erased them.

Oh yea, Tigers have a great diving program, too.

Here is a short video, following her signing:

This was a good battle for the honor this week. In one corner, you had Sterling Shepard and Cooper Cloud leading a comeback win at Bethany.

In the other corner, you had Mt. St. Mary’s wide receiver Jake Peace, who caught the game-winning touchdown to give the Rockets their first victory of the season.

The winner? Peace…by that much. Coach Dal Nichols has raved about Peace all season. He said bluntly he feels if MSM was a better team, more colleges would be taking a look at Peace.

Peace caught the game-winning TD with 26 seconds left. Rockets added an INT return for a score and won 28-20 against Comanche.

Other contenders

Cooper Cloud and Sterling Shepard, Heritage Hall, Football: Down at half, the duo connected for both touchdowns in a huge 14-7 road victory at Bethany.

LaRone Richardson, McGuinness, Football: Richardson notched another three touchdowns and turned a sluggish 7-3 halftime lead into a comfortable 27-3 victory against Cache.

Cassius Calhoun, Casady, Football: Look out for the Cyclones in 2011. All those juniors are going to be something special. Calhoun scored both touchdowns in the 35-14 loss to Holland Hall.

Christian Heritage returns: Crusaders had a pair of them. Kenny Wooldridge took an INT back for a touchdown. Bryant Hodge returned a punt for a score.

Irish cross country teams: Solid all season, the girls placed third and the boys finished fourth at the state meet at Mitch Park.

Marie Mason, Rhodes College (Casady), Field Hockey: Rhodes is 15-1 and has clinched the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference championship. Mason was named the conference Defensive Player of the Week.

Holland Hall (9-0) at Casady (3-6)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Hoot Gibson Field

Holland Hall
Why the Dutch can win: Because this is the best team people on the west side of the state do not get a chance to see. It would be so interesting to see Holland Hall against the Millwoods or Heritage Halls this year. Great offense, solid defense, dang near unstoppable this year.

Casady (L – FWAll Saints; L – Heritage Hall; W – OCS; L – Houston Kinkaid; W – Cistercian; W – Greenhill; L – St. Marks; L – St. Johns; L – Episcopal)
Why the Cyclones can win: It would take the perfect game and a whole bunch of uncharacteristic turnovers by Holland Hall to create the biggest upset in the state this season.

Quote:

This game means a lot to our kids, and I know they’re going to give everything they have.” – coach Koby Scoville

Key matchup: Casady defense vs. Brad Kragthorpe and Kwame Sexton. Nobody has had an answer all season for this talented Holland duo. Will the Cyclones?

The pick: Holland Hall 49, Casady 13. A good start would do wonders for the Cyclones’ confidence, but no matter how you slice it, the Dutch have earned this undefeated year.

Boneman’s Casady prediction record: 7-2.

Casady’s season is going to come to a close Friday night with a visit from rival Holland Hall. All that’s left to play for is pride and the spoiler role.

At 3-6, the Cyclones have lost their last three games, and the last two have been by a combined 94-16 score. But this is a rivalry game, and you throw out the records here.

In talking to coach Koby Scoville after last week’s game, he said there were a lot of positives, most notably with a couple of young players starting to grow up.

I thought Scott Fisher played his best game of the season. He’s starting to get real comfortable. Tripp Kerr was another kid that played well. We’re getting there.” – Scoville

Holland Hall has been incredible this season. From non-conference wins against Cascia Hall and Lincoln Christian to conference wins against teams like Houston St. Johns, not much this team hasn’t been able to do.

Casady has a solid run game with Cassius Calhoun and Ronnell Johnson, and you figure they’ll be playing with a ton of emotion.

The game is Friday at 7.

Gonna keep this short because you can read much in Tuesday’s paper. I thought I had lost my chance to name LaRone Richardson the best player of the week.

Seriously, how do you top his five-score outing in a loss to Millwood? Um, well, he did. Richardson found the end zone six times in a dominating win against Piedmont.

Always one of my favorite kids to talk to, look for his story in Tuesday’s paper.

Other contenders

Garrison Lee, Casady: Found out the day before the game he would be playing defensive line, and he was one of the best players on the field in the loss to Bellaire Episcopal.

Chris Easterly, OCS: Playing running back just because the Saints have no one left. How’d he do? Five touchdowns in the OCS win against Northeast.

Josh Bivens, OCA: I was really pumped about this team until the Parker Randell injury. Bivens notched four touchdowns in the win against Macomb, the Eagles’ first of the year.

Ray Frazier, Mt. St. Mary’s, Cross Country: Frazier was impressive at the state meet, placing fourth overall as the Rockets earned seventh.

Maddy Hill, McGuinness, Cross Country: The Irish girls were dominant at the 5A regional, placing second, third, fourth and sixth in winning the event.

Note: No Heritage contenders because SeeWorth Academy forfeited the game last week.

Two games left. Where do the Irish, Chargers and Cyclones stand?

Heritage Hall (8-0, 4-0)
Games remaining: at Bethany, vs. Kingfisher
Prognosis: Not too shabby. A Chargers win against the Bronchos will clinch the district championship (I think). I might be wrong, but I’m pretty sure that’s right.

The biggest question is the healthy of Barry J. Sanders. He needs to get healthy here down the stretch run. Biggest plus for this team is they’re going be incredibly fresh.

Bishop McGuinness (5-3, 3-2)
Games remaining: vs. Cache, at Guymon
Prognosis: Pretty good. Can still earn a district title through some insane scenarios. Most likely looking at either a second or third-place finish.

Like I said last week the good thing for Irish fans is they went through the ringer early. Now they can watch the rest of the district beat itself up.

Casady (3-6)
Game remaining: vs. Holland Hall
Prognosis: N/A. Cyclones are playing for pride this week against one of their biggest rivals. It won’t mean much to this year’s three seniors, but next year’s Casady team is going to be very very good.

Even though Casady was the home team, I had a road and underdog team’s mentality when it came to its game against Bellaire Episcopal.

Simply put: make a statement early and you’re in a fight. Get down early, and it’s going to be a long night. Unfortunately for Casady and its supporters, it was the latter.

Bellaire Episcopal 42, Casady 9

It was a perfect storm of everything going wrong in the first quarter. A bobbled punt snap, a fumble. Short field repeatedly for the Knights.

Not even midway through the first quarter, Episcopal had four plays and three touchdowns. Yea, just one of dem nights for the Cyclones.

Casady suffered a huge loss when Graham Bennett was diagnosed with mono this week. Not only is he one of the best players on the team, but it made Garrison Lee play defensive line for the first time in his career.

And it’s not like Lee did bad. He’s such a natural athlete, said coach Koby Scoville, that he was able to produce from his unfamiliar spot. I don’t know how many official tackles he had, but I know he had at least two big tackles for loss and one big sack.

Like I wrote in Saturday’s piece, was impressed with the team’s toughness. Had every reason to quit, but they never did. And though they didn’t execute well, they were disciplined. Seriously, unless I’m wrong (no doubt a possibility), I didn’t have Casady with one penalty in the game.

But Bobby Magness and James Melody and Dillon West were too much for the Cyclones on this night. Especially Magness, he was a star. He accounted for three touchdowns and had a punt return for a score called back because of a running into the kicker.

Boneman’s Breakdown

- Excited to see what happens with the chemistry between Mac Katigan and Michael Parry. Really feel Parry is going to be a good one with another year (and some pounds) under his belt. He’s already the team’s best receiver, but he’ll be that much and more in the future.

- Same thing goes at running back where Cassius Calhoun and Ronnell Johnson have that position on lock for the next year. Wasn’t exactly the best game to see them, but you could definitely tell there are signs of both doing real big things. Calhoun had a 37-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

- Not going to win a game with seven turnovers. There just wasn’t a lot of energy at Hoot Gibson Field on this night. I don’t know if it was the Rangers playing the Yankees or the weather or what, but the team reflected the crowd, especially in the first half.

Up next: Casady (3-6) has rival Holland Hall (9-0). Wow, the Dutch are good. But it is a rivalry, and you just never know….but really, Holland Hall is good.

Bellaire Episcopal (4-4) at Casady (3-5)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Hoot Gibson Field (I’ll be there)

Bellaire Episcopal
Why BE can win: Because even though they’re not as good as many Southwest Prep Conference gurus thought they would be, this is still a solid ball club. People were remarking about Kinkaid beating them as a big upset but Kinkaid has ended up being a great team. 4-4 against a tough schedule.

Casady (L – FWAll Saints; L – Heritage Hall; W – OCS; L – Kinkaid; W – Cistercian; W – Greenhill; L – St. Marks; L – St. Johns)
Why the Cyclones can win: Because they’re back home after a rough outing against Houston St. Johns. The last two weeks have not been what Casady was expecting, but Koby Scoville’s kids have a chance to end on a positive note with wins here and next week against Holland Hall.

Key matchup: Bellaire offense vs. Casady defense. The Cyclones defense is going to need to step up and force some turnovers. St. Marks pulled it out late and HSJ put up 52 points. It’s time for the pride of the defense to come through.

The pick: Bellaire Episcopal 33, Casady 20. Cyclones are definitely going to be fired up but won’t have the firepower to get in a shootout with Episcopal.

Boneman’s Casady prediction record: 6-2.

Casady (3-4) at Houston St. Johns (6-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: HSJ

Casady (L – FWAll Saints; L – Heritage; W – OCS; L- Kinkaid; W – Cistercian; W – Greenhill; L – St. Marks)
Why the Cyclones can win: Because they’re angry about last week. Casady let a very winnable game slip through its fingers and now must go on the road against a very good St. Johns team that hasn’t lost at home yet this season.

Houston St. Johns
Why HSJ can win: Because they’re supposed to. If this team has any hopes of staying alive for an SPC championship, this is a must-win. Most impressive stat on this team is that through seven games, St. Johns is giving up less than 13 points per game.

Key matchup: Casady’s mental state. I don’t think this team is just going to rollover and quit. Well, in fact, I know they won’t quit. But what will happen if St. Johns gets off to a great early start? Will the Cyclones be able to respond?

The pick: St. Johns 32, Casady 14. Even if Casady had won last week, this is a pretty big hill to climb. Cyclones find footing in second half, but it’s a little too late.

Boneman’s Casady prediction record: 5-2.

There were a lot of heroes in the Mt. St. Mary’s softball team winning its first state softball championship. Morgan McCalmon was phenomenal in the circle. She gave up two runs in three games.

Freshman Sable Hankins came up huge in the championship with a couple of hits and RBIs to lead the Rockets past Washington.

But this team has an unquestioned leader. And the great news for MSM fans is that catcher Bryana Wade will be back for one more season.

Wade was incredible, hitting a home run in the semifinals and the championship. Definitely in the running for Little All-City Player of the Year (no, I haven’t decided that yet).

Other contenders

Sterling Shepard, Heritage Hall, Football: Had more than 330 total yards and scored five touchdowns in a dominating win against Newcastle.

Barry J. Sanders, Heritage Hall, Football: In limited time, rushed for 162 yards and two long touchdown carries in the first half.

Irish offensive line: A statement was made in a rout of Elk City. LaRone Richardson had another big game with the line leading the way to 364 rushing yards.

Mac Katigan, Casady, Football: In a rather surprising loss (to me, anyway), Katigan ran for a score and threw for another against Dallas St. Marks.

Skyler Sikes, OCS, Football: Still operating without Jack Warren, Sikes came up huge with three touchdowns in the win against Perry.

Jake Peace, MSM, Football: Did they break the scoreboard in Lindsay? In a 71-40 loss, Peace scored four touchdowns for the Rockets.

Heritage Hall and CHA volleyball: Both had tremendous seasons. Chargers were ousted in the quarterfinals while CHA was downed by Cache in the championship.

Irish volleyball: Girls are one of the favorites to walk out with the 5A championship this weekend in Shawnee.

Irish cross country: Strong showing by both boys and girls in Edmond. Girls, led by Mary Kate Roy, placed third. Boys, led by Brett Scott, earned the 5A championship.

Dallas St. Marks (0-5) vs. Casady (3-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Hoot Gibson Field

Dallas St. Marks
Why DSM can win: Honestly? Not sure. I mean Casady is playing as well as it has all season. St. Marks hasn’t won a game. About the only thing you can hang your hat on is the team nearly averages 20 points per game, which is a lot for a winless team.

Casady (L – FWAll Saints, L – Heritage Hall, W – OCS, L – Houston Kinkaid, W – Cistercian, W – Greenhill)
Why the Cyclones can win: Because their big guns have been coming to play. Nobody is going to say this is the most talented team they’ve ever seen or the deepest club ever, but coach Koby Scoville is getting every little thing he can from his guys. It’s showing now.

Quote:

I wish I could say we’re doing something special. But we’re not. This is nothing fancy, but we’re clicking on all cylinders right now.” coach Scoville

Key matchup: Casady passing game vs. DSM secondary. One of those games where Mac Katigan and Cassius Calhoun should be able to run up and down. However, with showdowns against St. Johns, Episcopal and Holland Hall coming up, might be a good time to get that passing game going.

The pick: Casady 34, St. Marks 7. The strong, consistent effort continues for Casady. Look for Michael Perry to have a couple of big plays.

Boneman’s Casady prediction record: 5-1.

Casady went through some growing pains in the early part of the season, but the Cyclones are finding their groove now.

After a tough 10-7 win last week, the offense exploded for a season-high 42 points in a 42-14 win at Dallas Greenhill on Friday.

“It was nothing fancy, but we are playing well right now,” coach Koby Scoville said. “We’re on a high right now, both emotionally and with our confidence.”

The running game continues to lead the charge. Junior Cassius Calhoun rushed for 160 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Mac Katigan rushed for 140 yards on nine carries and added three touchdowns.

Scoville had to miss the game with a back injury but said the Dallas Greenhill administration sent him an e-mail complimenting the Casady staff and players for the way they conducted themselves.

***

Gotta admit I was wrong about this team. It wasn’t just that they were 0-2, but with a pair of losses by a combined 38 points, it felt like it was going to get worse before it got better.

A couple of things happened. The first, obviously, is that they got more comfortable in their new spots. Cassius Calhoun and Mac Katigan have become big offensive forces.

Kinda knew they would have to for this team to be successful, but that’s a lot different than actually going out there and doing. And what that is allowing is for Garrison Lee and Graham Bennett to dominate on defense. There is no pressure on them to have to pick up the offense.

Really good stuff by Scoville’s kids. And with Dallas St. Marks coming to town, it’s a really good bet this team is going to be 4-3 after starting 0-2.

He’s set the bar so high for himself that’s it has become increasingly tough to be surprised at the skills of Heritage Hall junior Barry J. Sanders.

But what he did Friday night in a blowout of Tulsa NOAH had my jaw dropping again. Sanders rushed for 313 yards and five touchdowns as the Chargers continue to make a statement in Class 3A.

Sanders has routinely put two- or three-touchdown outings that I don’t bat an eye at those. However, this was the type of statement that sure silence some critics. And in the short term, it’s this performance that has earned him the Private Schools Player of the Week.

The Chargers have  another big test this week with Newcastle (I’ll be there).

Other contenders

Jamaal Whitney, McGuinness, Football: Whitney broke through for a big one with a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in a 21-14 victory at Woodward.

Mac Katigan, Casady, Football: Gets better with every game. Katigan is proving to be a solid running option for the Cyclones, rushing for three touchdowns in the Dallas Greenhill thumping.

Cassius Calhoun, Casady, Football: The workhorse for the Cyclones was at it again with 160 yards on 24 carries and a touchdown.

Tom Frantz, Irish, Cross Country: Frantz placed eighth in leading McGuinness to a second-place finish at Holland Hall.

Mt. St. Mary’s softball: Back to the state tournament go the Rockets. Definitely a contender for the 3A championship.

Casady (2-3) at Dallas Greenhill (1-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: DGreenhill

Casady (L – FWAll Saints 26-7, L – Heritage 35-16, W – OCS 26-13, L – Kinkaid 56-20, W – Cistercian 10-7)
Why the Cyclones can win: Because last week was a big confidence booster. It’s one thing to win in a blowout but to hang on in a tough game says a lot about the character of the team. Garrison Lee was fantastic on defense in the victory.

Greenhill
Why DG can win: Playing at home certainly helps, but there have been a lot of holes in the Greenhill defense. They’re giving up more than 35 points per game and only scoring 13.

Key matchup: Casady run game vs. Greenhill defense. Mac Katigan has become a pretty big weapon in the run game for Casady, but this should be one of those special nights for Cassius Calhoun.

The pick: Casady 23, Greenhill 12. Back-to-back wins for Cyclones will be nice, especially with a crazy-difficult schedule in the final four weeks still left to come.

Boneman’s Casady prediction record: 4-1.

I’ll be keeping this one brief because you can read a whole lot more about this in Tuesday’s paper. But I thought it was a misprint to see Oklahoma Christian win and not see the name Jack Warren.

He’s the straw that stirs the drink for the Saints. But he wasn’t there last week, out with a concussion. So in came a sophomore who has never played quarterback. And all Austin Brooks did was a throw a couple of touchdowns and run for another in a shutout win against Chisholm.

For making the most out of a difficult situation and showing OCS fans the future is bright, Brooks is the Private Schools Player of the Week.

Other contenders

Barry J. Sanders, Heritage Hall, Football: Sanders added another four touchdowns, all in the first half, as the Chargers routed Centennial.

Cooper Cloud, Heritage, Football: He didn’t throw many passes, but the ones he did he sure made count. Cloud threw three touchdowns in the win.

LaRone Richardson, McGuinness, Football: Rushed for a touchdown and more than 100 yards in a 29-14 loss for the Irish to Clinton.

Garrison Lee, Casady, Football: With Cassius Calhoun taking over at RB, it’s allowed Lee to dominate on defense. He had 15 tackles in the Cyclones 10-7 win against Irving Cistercian.

Aimee Rischard, Mt. St. Mary’s, Cross Country: The freshman’s great year continued Saturday at the OSU Cowboy Jamboree, placing eighth in the 3A-A girls competition.

Gabby Marion, Casady, Cross Country: Marion was the highest finisher for the Cyclones who placed 15th in Stillwater.

The Bishop McGuinness boys cross country team: What more can be said about this group? They’ve been great all year and dominated at the Jamboree. How good were they? Larry Ressler (4th), Frank Frantz (5th) and Tom Frantz (6th) were all in the top 10. The girls, paced by Mary Kate Roy, took fifth.

Irving Cistercian (0-4) at Casady (1-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Hoot Gibson Field, CHS

IC (or is it Dallas? I’ve seen it both ways)
Why IC can win: Because they’re due? I’ve looked at their schedule and results. It hasn’t been an easy season so far. 0-3 at home and only averaging seven points per game is not a good recipe. Tough to find confidence in a start like that.

Casady (L – FWAll Saints 26-7, L – Heritage 35-16, W – OCS 26-13, L – Houston Kinkaid 56-20)
Why the Cyclones can win: Because the team is eager to get back out there after the Kinkaid loss. The pieces are in place for Casady to still make a pretty strong statement toward the end of this season. Kinkaid isn’t going to be an easy out for anybody.

Key matchup: Casady passing game vs. Cistercian defense. It’s crucial to find some early success here to wipe out that taste from last week. Mac Katigan has made some serious strides and this should be a game where he should be able to make things happen.

The pick: Casady 33, Irvin Cistercian 15. Cyclones get back on the right track in this one. Michael Perry ends up with a nice game receiving and the lines dominate on both sides of the ball.

Boneman’s Casady prediction record: 3-1.

Don’t do this too often, but he certainly deserved it. It’s rare that a losing team gets the Player of the Week honor, but I’m not going to deny what Bishop McGuinness RB LaRone Richardson did against Millwood.

Last year it was six touchdowns. This time it was ‘only’ five. Richardson must wish he faced the Falcons every week as he just seems to be able to handle that team.

In a 48-41 loss, Richardson ran for three touchdowns, threw for another and caught another. Trailing 20-0 at one point, the Irish stormed back to make it one of the best games of the week.

Richardson has been healthy this season so far and that’s one big reason why the Irish are contenders for the 4A gold ball. Up next is a Friday district opener against Clinton (I will be there).

Other contenders

Barry J. Sanders, Heritage Hall, Football: Added three more touchdowns to his total as the Chargers earned a tough 21-12 win at Davis.

CHA offensive line: Crusaders rushed for 342 yards, averaging nearly 10 yards a pop, in big 42-25 win against rival Oklahoma Christian.

Meredith Zerby, Heritage, Cross Country: Zerby was the leading runner for the Chargers, placing 12th at the Kingfisher meet.

Jack Bickford, Casady, Cross Country: Bickford finished 10th in the small schools run at the Edmond Dog Pack meet on Friday.

A couple of teams couldn’t be happier that district play has arrived. A couple showed they’re the real deal during non-district action. Here’s your guide to the OKC-area private schools.

Heritage Hall (3-0)
What a difference a year makes. At this time last year the Chargers were 0-3. So far they’ve passed every single test that’s been put in front of them.

Beat a rival, won a physical battle and won on the road in a tough environment. RB Barry J. Sanders has been every bit as good as advertised. But he’s had some help.

Sterling Shepard and Cooper Cloud have shown how a two-QB system can work. Quintaz Struble and Markus Wakefield are even bigger than I remember. There are so many weapons on this team and are easily one of the best teams in 3A.

Week 4: at Centennial on Thursday.

Bishop McGuinness (2-1)
The Irish have played three of the most fun, stressful non-district games in the state. A two-point win vs. Douglass. A thrilling win with :17 left vs. Bishop Kelley. And coming up short in a game where 89 points were scored in a 48-41 loss to Millwood.

RB LaRone Richardson has been dynamite the last two games. Brandon Nguyen has really stepped up on defense. Joe Lewis is another name you’re going to hear a lot about.

McGuinness will have to get the passing game going and QB Camden Tharp shouldn’t have an issue with a target like Jamaal Whitney.

Week 4: vs. Clinton on Friday (I will be there).

Casady (1-3)
Yea, no district stuff here. However, the Cyclones are in the middle of their Southwest Prep Conference battles. Gotta think this team is one year away.

Graham Bennett – junior. Mac Katigan – junior. Garrison Lee – junior. Cassius Calhoun – junior. You get the picture when it comes to this team.

It might be a rough six weeks for Casady but have a feeling it won’t be that bad…it will just feel that way.

Week 5: vs. Dallas Cistercian on Friday.

Other private schools
OCS and Mt. St. Mary’s couldn’t be happier for district play to begin. Both shouldn’t be 0-3 but both are and have received a new beginning…OCA has had it rough without Parker Randell. Eagles have been competitive, but it hasn’t been enough so far…CHA will find out a lot about itself Friday against Jones. Crusaders are off to a nice 2-1 start.

Casady (1-2) at Houston Kinkaid (3-0)
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: Houston Kinkaid

Casady (L – FWAll Saints 26-7, L – Heritage Hall 35-16, W – OCS 26-13)
Why the Cyclones can win: Because the offense is catching up to the defense. Garrison Lee and Graham Bennett are anchoring a strong defense. And now quarterback Mac Katigan and running back Cassius Calhoun are starting to click. The running game was deadly in the win against the Saints last week.

Quote:

It’s tough to make these long drives, and it cuts out on your practices. But this isn’t the first time we’ve done this, and I know our guys are pumped up for this one.” – coach Koby Scoville

Houston Kinkaid
Why Kinkaid can win: Because this team is better than the bunch that lost 14-7 last year at Hoot Gibson Field. Stephen Hill has come on as the new coach and has this team rolling. Kinkaid has been dominant in its first three games and is extremely confident.

Key matchup: Cassius Calhoun vs. Kinkaid defensive line. Calhoun busted out for three touchdowns. He knows there is going to be a lot more attention paid to him now. How will he react to that? Success in the running game can open up Katigan’s attack with Michael Perry leading the way.

The pick: Houston Kinkaid 20, Casady 16. Think this one will be closer than some people expect. Cyclones are finding their footing but face an uphill task in this one.

Boneman’s Casady prediction record: 2-1.

I was all set for Garrison Lee to become the star running back for Casady this season. But when I talked to him, he mentioned a fella by the name of Cassius Calhoun.

Say wha? I know why now. Calhoun, a transfer from Richardson, Texas, brings the goods every game and had that bust out performance Friday in a win against OCS.

Calhoun scored three times as Casady earned its first win with an impressive showing against the Saints. He’s earned the Private Schools Player of the Week.

Just a junior, Calhoun is one of several crazy-talented 11th graders on this team. Oh, and Lee? Well, he’s become one of the unquestioned leaders on defense.

Other contenders

Nick Callaway, Bishop McGuinness, Football: I know him on defense, but he wrote his name in Irish lore with the TD reception with :17 left against rival Bishop Kelley.

Barry J. Sanders, Sterling Shepard and Cooper Cloud, Heritage Hall, Football: Each in one way or another accounted for two touchdowns in a win against Clinton.

Mac Katigan, Casady, Football: His numbers won’t blow you away, but Katigan is doing an effective job running and passing for the Cyclones.

Zach Peak, OCS, Football: In a losing effort, Peak scored both of the Saints’ touchdowns.

Meredith Zerby and Trevon Ivory, Heritage, Cross Country: The top girls and boys finishers for the Chargers at Deer Creek.

Larry Resler, Bishop McGuinness, Cross Country: In a field of top 6A teams, it was the Irish that won the OK Runner Classic event in Norman. The girls placed seventh.

Aimee Richard and Ray Frazier, Mt. St. Mary’s, Cross Country: Look out for the Rockets. Richard placed fourth and Frazier second at the OK Runner Classic.

Know any more nominations? Let me know.

Oklahoma Christian (0-1) at Casady (0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Hoot Gibson Field

OCS (L – Metro Christian 19-17)
Why the Saints can win: OCS did a lot of great things in its loss. The Saints were able to move the ball down the field effectively but couldn’t punch it in. Senior quarterback Jack Warren is showing just how strong of a leader he really is.

Quote:

We’re really encouraged after what we saw. I was feeling pretty good before the game, but now, yea, we have a lot of confidence and know we’re going to have a good season.” – Warren

Casady (L – FWAll Saints 26-7, L – Heritage 35-16)
Why the Cyclones can win: Two losses but I love what I’m seeing from quarterback Mac Katigan and running back Cassius Calhoun. Calhoun is still getting comfortable after transferring from Texas and is going to provide a lot of great moments for the Cyclones.

Key matchup: OCS passing game vs. Casady defensive line. This game is more than Warren against Graham Bennett, but that individual encounter is going to go a long way to determine what’s going to happen in this one.

The pick: OCS 23, Casady 18. Warren has enough targets with Logan Magill and Skyler Sikes to find a way to earn a big road victory. Magill is a playmaker not getting enough attention.

Oklahoma Christian senior quarterback Jack Warren said he doesn’t believe in moral victories.

But if ever there was a team that was feeling good following a defeat, it’s the Saints. OCS was a two-point conversion away from tying the game at 19 against 3A’s Metro Christian. The Saints lost 19-17.

“It was really encouraging,” Warren said. “To be able to compete the way we did against a team like that gave us a lot of confidence.”

Warren said OCS was able to do a lot of good things in the passing game, but it will need to be able to run the ball more consistently.

Stopping the run is going to be challenge, too. After missing the 2-point conversion, there were five minutes left in the game. However, OCS never saw the ball again. Casady running back Cassius Calhoun is going to provide a strong test for the Saints defense.

The Saints (0-1) are at Casady (0-2) on Friday night.

When healthy, he’s one of the most passionate players you’re going to find in the state. The key is going to be staying on the field for Heritage Hall’s Sterling Shepard.

He showed what he can do when he is on the field in a 35-16 win against Casady. Pick a way to score and Shepard did it. He had three touchdowns – one receiving, one rushing and one INT return. He has earned the Private Schools Player of the Week.

The Chargers made a big statement against their rival, catapulting to No. 3 in the Class 3A rankings. It doesn’t slow down as Heritage welcomes Clinton to Pop Murray Field on Friday.

Other contenders

Brandon Nguyen, McGuinness, Football: Defense dominated the day in a 9-7 win against Douglass and Nguyen made several key plays.

Graham Bennett, Casady, Football: A sensational defensive performance in a loss. Had many tackles, a sack and ran down Barry J. Sanders in the open field.

Barry J. Sanders, Heritage, Football: Didn’t play most of the second half but still ended up with almost 300 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns.

Jake Peace, Mt. St. Mary’s, Football: In a 30-28 losing effort against Crooked Oak, Peace was incredible with three receiving touchdowns.

Jack Warren and Logan Magill, OCS, Football: The two accounted for both touchdowns in a tough 19-17 loss to Metro Christian. Magill also had 14 tackles.

Caleb McGehee, CHA, Football: In a 33-0 win against Maysville, McGehee led the charge with three rushing touchdowns.

Bryana Wade, MSM, Softball: Wade is playing a huge role in why the Mount is ranked No. 3 in Class 3A and has a big showdown with Little Axe this week.

Jack Bickford, Casady, Cross Country: Was Cyclones best runner at Edmond Santa Fe meet and Casady placed 10th.

McGuinness volleyball: Irish picked up a big win against rival Heritage Hall last Tuesday.

Anyone else deserve recognition? Let me know.

Took us a little longer than anticipated, but we got there last night with Heritage Hall and Casady. The game was delayed for almost 80 minutes or so before we kicked off.

Once we did, found out just a little about how good this Heritage Hall team can possibly be this season.

Heritage 35, Casady 16

I expected Barry J. Sanders to have a big night for the Chargers. He did. His first several runs were so smooth, getting 10, 15 yards a carry. He lost a fumble inside the 10 yard line but that didn’t really deter him.

But what I really wanted to see was how the mix of Sterling Shepard and Cooper Cloud at quarterback was going to work. Turns out, it worked just fine.

Neither player seems too emotionally invested in the term ‘starter’ because they bring such different things to the table.

And you could argue the best play of the night was Cloud’s 36-yard touchdown pass to Shepard. Great play call, great execution, all that good stuff.

Shepard had a phenomenal game. He’s a tough, tough kid. He scored three times in three different ways. The first was a 25-yard rush that ended the scoreless streak Casady had against Heritage.

Then it was the reception, and he capped it off with an INT return to make it 35-7 at half. He gave all credit on that one to teammate Brandon Moews, who deflected it right into Shepard’s hands.

He added another pick in the third quarter. If he can stay healthy, college scouts are going to be busting down his door, too.

Boneman’s Breakdown

- Loved what I saw from Heritage’s Quintaz Struble. He had some monster hits on defense early in the game that really set the tone. He also had a nice reception in the third quarter. This is going to be the year where everyone learns how to spell his name.

- Sanders scored twice and showed what he is going to be able to do with an improved offensive line. The game ended too late, but I will ask him about that 73-yard punt return. 1. It was crazy he picked it up at the 5 yard line. 2. Graham Bennett found the angle and caught up to him.

- Casady’s Graham Bennett had a heckuva game. He tracked down Sanders in the open field on that punt return. He had a sack and numerous tackles (sorry, didn’t keep track). He’s just a junior, and he’s already 6-7. I don’t know if he should put on weight. His quickness is a huge asset…we’ll see.

- Casady’s Cassius Calhoun could not get on track in this one. The transfer from Texas is going to be really good, just not on this night. Chargers speed on defense is something to see. It might get them in trouble, too, because they’re definitely going to gamble. It hurt last night on a 61-yard reception to sophomore Michael Parry. Speaking of the Cyclone passing game, Mac Katigan is going to be OK. Don’t worry, Cyclone fans.

- Who in the world is A.J. Knowles? A freshman at 6-1 and 190 pounds? Heritage has its next future star, provided injuries don’t derail him. Very impressed with his outing.

Up next: Casady (0-2) hosts Oklahoma Christian next Friday. Heritage (1-0) hosts Clinton next Friday.

Heritage Hall at Casady (0-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday (because of TV)
Where: Hoot Gibson Field, Casady (I’ll be there)

Heritage Hall
Why the Chargers can win: The only question about this team is its size on defense. The speed is going to be incredible. From skilled kids like Sterling Shepard and Barry J. Sanders to the bigger boys like Quintaz Struble and Markus Wakefield, speed is not a problem. Cooper Cloud has really stepped up to become a leader, coach Andy Bogert said.

Quote:

We definitely feel good going into this one. We managed to go through the scrimmages without any major injuries, and that’s a lot different from last year.” – Bogert

Casady (L, FWAll Saints 26-7)
Why the Cyclones can win: Because after a rough start to the year, the team returns home and can build confidence off of the fact it shut out the Chargers through four quarters and an overtime last season. Cassius Calhoun is going to be a RB to watch.

Quote:

We made a lot of mistakes. We’re a young team, but they’re all correctable mistakes.” – coach Koby Scoville

Key matchup: Heritage running game vs. Casady defense. Cyclones did a good job of containing Sanders last year and not letting him turn the game with one big play. It’s going to take another big effort like that for a win in this rivalry.

The pick: Heritage Hall 28, Casady 14. A perfect storm for Chargers with their kids maturing and Casady trying to reload with younger kids. Shepard and Cloud should have big nights.

There wasn’t a last-second game-winning FG this year for Casady against Fort Worth All Saints, but coach Koby Scoville seemed pretty upbeat.

After hanging in there during the first half, the Cyclones ran out of steam in the second half as All Saints wore the smaller, younger Casady team down in a 26-7 defeat for the Cyclones.

“Our kids were still playing extremely hard,” Scoville said. “I was proud of our composure. Everybody was still talking and asking questions. We showed a lot of heart.”

The Cyclones scored in the second quarter on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Mac Katigan to Davis English.

Casady did have 127 rushing yards as junior Cassius Calhoun showed promises of things to come with 85 yards on 17 carries.

Scoville said his team made some mistakes, including two interceptions and two lost fumbles, but “they’re all fixable.”

Scoville said Katigan was sharp despite his 4-of-16 numbers. Scoville said Katigan was under duress a lot but stayed sharp.

The biggest thing Scoville is looking for? Consistency.

Casady hosts Heritage Hall on Thursday night (I’ll be there).

We have reached that time…finally. Friday night will kick off the season for Casady as the Cyclones travel to Fort Worth take on All Saints. Cyclones won a thriller last year as kicker Andrew O’Bannon booted a game-winner as time expired.

Casady (0-0) at Fort Worth All Saints (0-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: All Saints

Casady (0-0)
Why the Cyclones can win: Because even though they’re young, got enough mix of experience and kids that have been here before to make an impact. Juniors like Garrison Lee and Graham Bennett have been around for a while and senior Connor Morrison anchors the offensive line and serves as another coach out on the field. If you’re young, it helps to have a good line.

Quote:

We’ve watched a lot of film on this team, and we’re definitely focused for this. It’s tough with Heritage next week, but we can’t look ahead, and we’re ready.” – QB Mac Katigan

All Saints (0-0)
Why the All Saints can win: After a rough start, FWAll Saints earned a 5-5 record last year but lost a strong nucleus from that team. The team will utilize a spread offense and has a transfer quarterback in T.J. Millweard that should provide a new look for the team.

Key matchup: Casady running game vs. All Saints defensive line. To go with Lee, the team has been high on junior Cassius Calhoon in the backfield. Best chance for the Cyclones will be to try to grind this sucker out on the ground.

The pick: FWAll Saints 17, Casady 10. Tough to go on the road for your first game with such a young team. Defense will be stout, but it might take a while for the offense to gel. Casady fans will remember I picked All Saints and Heritage last year so not necessarily a bad thing I’m picking against ya.

So you wanna be a high school sportswriter, huh? If your answer to that was a resounding yes, then last week was your dream. Few weeks are better than the start of football practice. And my answer was yes, and I had a heckuva time.

There are more important weeks, but the second week in August tells ya ‘it’s time to get back to work.’

And for me (and fellow chum Scott Wright), that’s exactly what we did.

While Scott was back in his old stomping grounds of the West Metro and getting acquainted with OKCPS schools, I went wherever the wind blew me.

OK, that’s not true, but here’s a short account of the week that was for The Boneman:

Tuesday
- Got things started at midnight at Star Spencer. Good food, great energy, a lot of fun. For a short video with Stevo Henderson, here ya go.

- An OSSAA meeting took up most of the day but did hit Heritage Hall at night. Those sophomores are now juniors and getting bigger every time. For a short video with Sterling Shepard, here ya go.

Wednesday
- Started with a trip to Millwood for our HS cover photo shoot with Josh Turner and Brandon Swindall. Always good to talk with those boys. For a short video with Turner, here ya go.

- From there, time to hit the Mid-Del area and Midwest City. Love the speed, love the talent on this teams, hated the 2 p.m. start. For a short video with Ricky Reeves, here ya go.

- Closed up the day with a trip to Bishop McGuinness. Coach Kenny Young can talk your head off, but it’s always entertaining. For a short video with Quinn Shanbour, here ya go.

Thursday
- Started at Edmond Memorial. The atmosphere under second-year coach Justin Merideth is incredible, love watching the ‘Dogs. For a short video with Cale Olbert, here ya go.

- Went straight from Memorial to Guthrie and catching up with Rafe Watkins and the boys. And it was starting to get a little hot around this time. For a short video with Bryan Dutton, here ya go.

- Up next was my first trip to Santa Fe South for a photo shoot with Abraham Luna, the best WR you haven’t heard of. Like this team’s attitude. For a short video with Jameson Ballinger, here ya go.

- After a trip to Heritage for a photo shoot with Barry Sanders, time for another midnight practice. Edmond North does it right. You get da pads, let’s go at midnight. For a short video with Jared Benway, here ya go.

Friday
- First time to Cashion. Not to sound elitist, but I was very impressed with the facilities at Cashion. No video with Jeremy Seaton because it was incredibly windy but look for a future story.

- Wanted to go to Deer Creek, signals got crossed. Instead, went to Edmond Santa Fe. Bruce Gowen’s boys are young, but they’re going to be good – just a question of how soon? For a short video with Patrick Hinton, here ya go.

- And concluded the week with a stop at Casady for the Blue-White scrimmage. Only three seniors, but coach Koby Scoville has done a good job with the Cyclones. For a short video with Garrison Lee, here ya go.

And then all day Saturday and all day today (Sunday), just working on the football preview. Back to the grind Monday as I still wanna hit Deer Creek (always feel better after talking to Grant Gower) and Del City, among other spots.

Final stop of a long week was at Casady. And while all OSSAA teams are finishing their first week of practice, the Cyclones (not a member of the OSSAA) concluded their second week Friday.

Because of the extra time they’ve had, it was a Blue-White scrimmage at Casady. For those that care about such things, White won 28-16.

Liked what I saw from quarterback Mac Katigan. It’s going to be tough to duplicate the type of success that Cale Shivers had before him, but Katigan was very efficient Friday. He threw a couple of really nice balls and commanded the offense well for both sides.

It could be a rebuilding year for the Cyclones. Take out some of the usual suspects, and this team is young and small. That means good things for the future, but that’s tough to digest for this year.

There are reasons to smile, though, if you’re a Casady supporter. To go with Katigan, RB Garrison Lee looked great and should be a good one-two punch with Lee and Cassius Calhoon.

It feels like Graham Bennett just gets bigger every time I see him. Bennett and Connor Morrison are going to be vital to the line’s success.

All ‘n all, not a bad showing. It’s not as complex this year in terms of the system, but the boys are executing it well.

Look for a video with Lee on NewsOK this weekend.

Song of the day: Nelly “Just a Dream.” You have no idea how pumped I am that Nelly is back. Feels like a time warp with Nelly, Eminem and Enrique Iglesias all relevant again.

And thus concludes a wild week of football practice. I didn’t get out to all the spots I was hoping for, but there’s always next week. Hope you enjoyed taking the ride with me.

OK, I’m cheating here. I admit I haven’t been out to Casady yet. I plan on going to the Cyclones’ Blue-and-White scrimmage Friday.

However, I did speak briefly with coach Koby Scoville about how his team is shaping up. In a word: young.

No doubt about it. This team was full of not just seniors but quality seniors that were natural born leaders.

So who’s left now? At quarterback will be Mac Katigan. His older brother, Austin, was a solid player for Casady and is now at Dartmouth.

And Garrison Lee and Graham Bennett are going to be the two names you hear over and over…and over.

But what Scoville said was that Connor Morrison, a senior, has really emerged as a leader on the offensive line.

With him out there, it’s like having another coach. Seriously, he commands the respect from his teammates and understands what we’re trying to do.”

Understanding the system is going to be an issue right now for Casady with all the youth for the Cyclones.

Back more late Friday after the scrimmage.

You can call this a version of ‘Boneman’s Musings.’ Just some little things I’d like to pass on.

Weatherford
The news here is that stud pitcher Dillon Overton will not be a part of the Heartland Classic roster. I was able to talk to the left-hander Thursday afternoon, and he confirmed it.

Overton was originally on the roster, but he said he will be heading out to Boston in early July and wants to be ready. He will be visiting the Red Sox organization for a nice introduction. He was chosen by Boston in the 26th round of the MLB Draft last week.

He said the whole process was actually tense more than anything else as he thought his name would be called a couple of times but wasn’t.

The Heartland Classic runs in Norman from Monday night (opening ceremonies) through next Saturday.

Guthrie
It simply will never stop for star recruit Kentrell Brothers. His whirlwind summer tour continued this week and so did the offers. Brothers received an offer from Oregon State on Wednesday to bring his ridiculous total to 15.

Most impressive about Brothers is the variety of the offers from Duke and Syracuse on the east coast to a bevy of Pac-10 schools on the west side. He’s marketed himself beautifully.

Jones
The hype is pretty crazy for junior wide receiver Tylor Seabolt, but you know what? The Longhorns have a pretty dang good defensive tackle right now in Micah Thompson, who will be a senior.

He’s 6-5 and close to 300 pounds, and he has turned some heads this summer. Thompson already has an offer from Tulsa and was one of several recruits who stood out last week at the Oklahoma State camp.

Yukon
Fellow chum Scott Wright is going to be crazy-busy following the progress of Yukon QB Corben Jones. He’s only going to be a junior in the fall, but he has caught the attention of several top programs.

Jones has gotten bigger and stronger and can beat you with his legs as well as his arm. He was another one solid at OSU, and his stock grows with each passing day. And you know confidence will never be his problem.

Casady
Diver Shanna Schuelein continues to succeed. She was nominated for all-American status on the high school level, and she came in second place at a regional competition in both the springboard and platform events.

She will be back in action June 30-July 3. Schuelein is also a cheerleader for the Cyclones and was great during the winter in SPC competitions.

Boys basketball coach Allen Dukes is taking over at Casady. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Last year for Casady was about turning the athletic program around, and it happened. The senior class led a resurgence for the Cyclones.

This year has already led to two HUGE developments at Casady as Steve Shelley will taking over for Jim Bonfiglio as athletic director while Allen Dukes will be the new boys basketball coach as has been reported before.

Both are officially unofficial. Shelley starts July 1 while the paperwork is still being finalized for Dukes.

The Shelley name is synonomous with Casady. This wasn’t a spot Shelley campaigned for, but he ‘s happy to be of service to the school.

Our family has always had passion and been interested and supportive of sports. For me, it’s going to be about achievement.

It’s great to get everyone involved, and we’ll continue to do that, but we’re striving for championships at Casady.” – Shelley

Shelley has served as the baseball coach the last two years and said as of now, he will remain in that spot.

He met with Dukes earlier this week and everything seems to be in good standing. It’s going to be weird to see Dukes not on the Del City sidelines.

Shelley said Dukes will bring stability and experience to the boys basketball program. Dukes is replacing Josh Bottomly, who was in his first year as head coach last season.

Looked at moments 15-8 on Saturday, let’s finish the countdown. Like I said before, I had to witness these moments for them to be included.

No. 7 – Perry’s Ian Fisher and El Reno’s Cory Dauphin become four-time state champions

I always feel like Saturday night wrestling finals take forever, but they really don’t. Dauphin was absolutely incredible in his four years with the Indians while Fisher was so steady with almost like stoic presence. The two became No. 26 and No. 27 as Oklahoma four-time champions. Neither had any difficulty in achieving the feat.

No. 6 – Casady beats Heritage Hall 7-0 in 2OT

The term ‘Redeem Team’ wasn’t coined here, but this was the moment where you knew Casady was not going to be a pushover this  season. This game was full of great defense. Heritage’s Cale Courtney almost scored on a long fourth down run before the Cyclones finally found the end zone on a TD pass from Cale Shivers to Travis Hibdon.

Star vs. Douglass was memorable for many reasons - one of them was Darwin Rideau's performance. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

No. 5 – Championship Monday: Boys Tennis

Even if they’re not, when events run longer than they’re supposed to, it gives that feeling of being special. And for me, the tennis nut, this was like a dream to just go back and forth from four courts to watch one championship after another. Putnam North’s Chris Haworth reclaim his title, Nate Roper of Edmond North show he’ll be a force in years to come and the Huskies finishing a crazy-good season.

No. 4 – All-OKCPS Class 4A football championship (Star Spencer beats Douglass)

Maybe Stillwater wasn’t the best site for the two schools, but it was still a magical night at Boone Pickens Stadium. I don’t know if we’ll ever see anything like that ever again. It was a track meet in the first half before Terence Olds and Darwin Rideau powered the Bobcats to the victory and the state championship. Truly a great night for Oklahoma City Public Schools.

No. 3 – Edmond Santa Fe girls basketball beats Memorial in OT (aka the Arielle Cooper game)

Not only was this one of the best moments of the year, it was easily the best basketball game I saw the entire year. This was phenomenal with both teams taking shots at each other. Memorial is more than Alie Decker and Santa Fe is more than Courtney Walker, but they were phenomenal. Cooper, a sophomore, banked in a 3 to send the game into OT where the Wolves pulled it out. Even Memorial coach Shane Coffey couldn’t say anything bad about this one.

No. 2 – Booker T. boys basketball team wins state championship

Under Shea Seals, the Hornets had been so close in the last couple of years. Then this year, they clearly weren’t supposed to win against Tulsa Memorial. But Tharone Chilton and the rest of the BTW kids didn’t care about losing three times to the Chargers in the regular season. What sets this moment apart was the great celebration that included all the students there in the stands singing while the team had the gold ball. Really a special moment.

No. 1 – Edmond Memorial defeats Edmond North in biggest regular season Edlam game ever

OK, admit a little bias here. Being the Edmond writer, I admit to seeing the Bulldogs and Huskies (and Wolves) more than any other school. But this game had the feel of a big-time moment. North was 7-1 and off to its best start ever. Memorial was 5-3 and on a four-game winning streak. It was a battle for second in District 6A-2. And it was a defensive performance by the ‘Dawgs for the ages, culminating in Nelson Medeiros intercepting a pass in the fourth quarter and returning it for a touchdown in a 10-0 victory. It wasn’t a fluke as Memorial advanced to the quarterfinals and was tied with Jenks in the fourth quarter. And perhaps attending many practices and a pep rally for this game had my psyched as I remember saying this to one of my best friends: “I’m more pumped about Edlam than I was about OU-Texas. Is there something wrong with me?”

Now that we’ve looked back, time to look ahead to what should be a great 2010-11 high school sports year.

Well, we did it. We’re through another great year of high school sports. A lot of great moments, a lot of special kids, here is just a small sample of some of my favorite memories.

Qualifying statement: I had to see these in person. I know I missed a lot of great moments so these can only be the ones I actually saw.

Here we go.

One of the best moments of the year was Casey Distaso's three-set battle of wills victory against Union Logon Collins in the semis. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

No. 15 – Bethel repeats as slowpitch softball state champions

This was a wild game against Purcell in the championship. At first, you thought the Wildcats were going to run the Dragons right out of the park. Purcell fought back, but it was still 12-4 entering the seventh inning. Then things got wacky. Purcell had hit after hit after hit only to lose 12-9. Bethel’s Brittany Watson is one of the best softball players I’ve seen in my three years of covering the game.

No. 14 – Edmond North boys swim team ekes out 200 individual medley relay

This is more of a personal one as I was gassed after all the 5A championships. However, this relay woke me up and had me ready to roll for the next hours. Edmond North just barely edged out Union by .06 for the title. Of course, Jenks would sweep both the boys and girls championships as Jacob Pearce had a memorable Saturday.

No. 13 – Buzzer beaters (Western Heights’ D.J. Taylor and Holland Hall’s Kwame Sexton)

There was a span of a couple of weeks where I just happened to be lucky enough to have my video camera with me. Taylor hit a 3-pointer to give the Jets a thrilling win against Deer Creek in the Bruce Gray Classic. Sexton drained a 3 at the buzzer to beat rival Casady after the Cyclones connected on 3 seconds earlier to tie the game.

No. 12 – Edmond Santa Fe goes for 2-point conversion vs. Edmond North and fails

Heck of a way to start your head coaching career, no? Bruce Gowen, in his first game with the Wolves, elects to go for a two-point conversion and the win. The Wolves were down 14-0 but rallied to make it 14-13. Gowen was riding momentum and had total confidence his boys could pull it off. North’s Rickey Lawyer intercepted the conversion attempt.

No. 11 – Edmond North’s Casey Distaso upends Union’s Logon Collins in three-set marathon

You know I’m a tennis aficionado, for better or worse. This was everything everybody thought it would be in the state semifinals. Collins earned the first set and was up 3-0 in the second. But Distaso, who decided to play specifically for this weekend, rallied back to earn the second set, 7-5. He never looked back in winning the third.

No. 10 – Bishop McGuinness boys basketball beat Carl Albert in OT in finals of McGuinness Classic

I love the basketball tournament weeks and this was no exception. The atmosphere was insane for the Irish and Titans and McGuinness’ Kevin Caruthers and CA’s Caleb Price were going back and forth in making one big shot after another. A Jameel Whitney block in OT spurred McGuinness to the victory.

Moment No. 8 saw Heritage pitcher Bob Kraft strike out 20 vs. rival Casady. Photo by John Clanton, The Oklahoman

No. 9 – Bishop McGuinness’ Emily Conrad and Whitney Ritichie become four-time champions

I feel like I’ve watched these two grow up the last three years. The Irish girls were dominant in all four years of their careers, never losing a match. Phenomenal stuff every time they went out there. Conrad will play at Abilene Christian while Ritchie will become the latest Irish player to play at OU.

No. 8 – Heritage Hall’s Bob Kraft strikes out 20 against Casady

Sometimes you stumble onto the greatness. Sure felt like it with this moment. Kraft struck out seven in two innings so figured it would be something special. He ended up recording 23 outs as two Ks got by the catcher. His variety of pitches is easily his strength. Heritage won, 8-1.

Moments 7-1 on Sunday.

You’re only as strong as your next day’s starting pitcher has been a saying in baseball for years. Well, at the Southwest Prep Conference Championships, Casady never faced a pitcher like Heritage Hall’s Bob Kraft.

And the Cyclones had some pretty solid arms of their own as Casady outscored its three opponents 24-2 in earning the SPC Division II championship.

The Cyclones received phenomenal pitching performances in all three games as no pitcher gave up more than one run. Casady also played solid defense, only committing one error in the three games.

First game: Casady 3, St. Mary’s Hall (San Antonio) 1
The Cyclones received a dynamite outing from Matt Silver as he gave up one run on four hits in the toughest battle of the weekend. Not much offensively though Silver did have a triple in the win.

Second game: Casady 10, Dallas Greenhill 0
This time it was Mason Roberts’ time to shine, both on the mound and at the plate. He threw a six-inning shutout and also drove in two runs. Roberts had 9 Ks while Daniel Jeffreys added a home run for the Cyclones

Championship: Casady 11, Holland Hall 1
Pretty fun way to close out the career by run-ruling one of your biggest rivals, no? I’ve talked about them all year, but it was Cale Shivers and Ryan Shelley who led the charge. Shivers was stout on the mound while Shelley had two hits and two RBIs. Jeffreys had two hits and a run batted in.

Special thanks to Bart Shelley for the details.

It’s the final week of Player of the Week honors that won’t involve state champions, so I wanted to give some kudos to people that may have been overlooked this year.

The obvious winner would have been Heritage pitcher Bob Kraft, but I think we’ve more than covered his great 20-strikeout outing against Casady. So went in another direction.

This week’s honor goes to Heritage Hall freshman Nikoli Jezdan, who had a big outing at the track and field regional at Watonga.

Jezdan placed fourth in the shot put and third in the discus throw for the Chargers. Sophomore Quintaz Struble placed fifth in the discus. The Chargers will compete at state in Ardmore this weekend.

Other contenders

Cale Shivers, Casady, Baseball: Been a vital part to the turnaround of the Cyclones in football and baseball. He was a gutsy quarterback that was never afraid to put himself out there. On the diamond, he’s the same way as a pitcher, unafraid to challenge the best of hitters.

Whitney Ritchie, Bishop McGuinness, Tennis: The way she has handled transition from No. 1 singles to No. 1 doubles has been admirable. Ritchie, now teaming with Trinian O’Neil, is now a part of the most dominant doubles team in the state and will be gunning for her fourth state title Saturday.

Cody Haines, OCS, Soccer: Haines came up with big save after big save as OCS eked out a tough 1-0 win against Mt. St. Mary’s in a first-round playoff matchup. It doesn’t get any easier at this point as the Saints play at OKC Dove Science on Tuesday night.

***

EDIT: Casady’s Graham Bennett had a huge weekend as well, winning the discus throw (147-4) at the SPC Championships. It is Casady’s first gold medal in track since 2005.

Heritage Hall junior pitcher Bob Kraft had an incredible outing in Monday’s win at Casady. I don’t have too much more to say or add to this 20-strikeout outing in an 8-1 win.

All I will say is that the way he can vary his attack is impressive. It wasn’t all fastballs as his change-up was working well and as Casady assistant Bart Shelley said, “If you have three pitches you can use to get people out, you’re going to be effective in high school baseball.”

For those wondering, here is the inning-by-inning recap of Kraft’s magnificent outing:

1st inning: K, K, W, K (runner reaches), K
2nd inning: K, K, K
3rd inning: K, Groundout, Groundout
4th inning: K, 2B, RBI 2B, W, K, K
5th inning: K, W, 1B, K, K
6th inning: FO, K (runner reaches), K, K
7th inning: K, K, K

Final line: 7 IP, 3 H, R, 3 W, 20 K

Here is a video with Kraft following the game and look for more on Kraft in Thursday’s Oklahoman.

Pretty cool what the Casady groundscrew did before senior night.

Senior night didn’t go as planned for Casady, but the mood wasn’t all doom and gloom afterward. Sometimes you just meet someone who is on a roll.

The Cyclones have a chance to end things the right way as they begin play in the Southwest Prep Conference Championships on Thursday in Fort Worth, Texas.

We’re feeling pretty good. We like how our side of the bracket breaks down, and we definitely want to go out on a positive note.” – assistant Bart Shelley

A three-team tie-breaker placed Casady in the Division II portion of the SPC where the Cyclones lost out by one run in the run differential.

Matt Silver has been a bright spot all season for Casady, but the heart of this team has been its seniors as has been the case all year in every sport.

That’s what makes it worth it. There are some games where you’re absolutely scrambling for something good to say. And then there’s Monday’s game between Heritage Hall and Casady.

Whenever I’ve talked to anybody within the Chargers program, the first name that has come up has been junior Bob Kraft.

Now I know why.

Kraft was incredible, sensational, unbelievable, phenomenal (add in your own word here) as he struck out 20 in an 8-1 win against the rival Cyclones.

Can’t wait for the NewsOK video to be edited with Kraft, it’s one strikeout after another. I knew it could be something special when he had seven Ks through two innings (one got by catcher Shaun Tkach, so Kraft had another chance).

He finished just as strong, fanning the last six batters he faced. I wasn’t sure if the team was aware of it, but oh yea, they were when the game was over.

If Kraft was a little bit taller, scouts would be knocking down his door. He’s now 8-0 this season with 95 strikeouts and is a left-hander with a whole arsenal of pitches.

My arm felt strong today, and it still feels pretty good right now (after the game). It’s definitely the best I’ve pitched.” – Kraft

Kraft gave up three hits, two in the fourth as Ryan Shelley had an RBI 2B for Casady. He also walked three so see, he’s not perfect (sarcasm).

Before he took the mound, the Chargers already had a 2-0 lead…without an RBI. Heritage scored on a wild pitch and a double steal (though the runner was out at second).

In fact, Heritage didn’t get its first RBI until its sixth run and the only major hit was a two-run double by Tkach.

Kraft credited the hitting and the defense, but anybody who saw the game knows what the real story was in this one.

These last two games – he’s just thrown so well and has really stepped it up. He’s been like this all season, and he’s been like this ever since he was a ninth grader.” – coach Rod Wisley

Casady pitcher Cale Shivers actually didn’t throw bad but errors led to unearned runs, and he got a little frustrated. In their previous battle, Kraft beat Shivers 1-0 in March.

It’s not the senior night the boys were hoping for (Shelley, Shivers, Sam Hoffman, Tripp Lopez and Daniel Jeffreys), but the Cyclones can still end this week on a positive with the SPC Championships starting Thursday.

As for Heritage, the 11th-ranked Chargers are now 21-2. If you would have told me that before the season, I would have laughed in your face. But this team has got it going right now.

Kraft also had two hits and he bats in the leadoff spot for Heritage. As I said, look for the video with Kraft on Tuesday on NewsOK.

If all Bishop McGuinness girls soccer player Alexa Gonce did was score the game-winning goal against Deer Creek last week, she would have been in the conversation for Player of the Week.

But she had two goals in that one AND added two more in a 4-0 win against Metro Christian on Thursday. And she’s been solid all season and easily gets this week’s honor.

The Irish are in great shape heading into the playoffs (that begin next week), having defeated No. 1-ranked Bishop Kelley and No. 2-ranked Deer Creek.

Paced by Gonce and Abbey Akin and goaltender Elyse Hight, the Irish might have all the components necessary to make that run this year.

Other Contenders

Ryan Shelley, Casady, Baseball: Shelley came up huge against rival Holland Hall. He had a home run and three RBIs. Might he top it Monday vs. Heritage? (I’ll be there)

Kyle Ahmad, Irish, Baseball: Ahmad busted out of his slump at the Deer Creek Classic, getting multiple hits in games and using his speed to get things going.

Nathan Bowker, Heritage Hall, Baseball: The Chargers are still rolling at 20-2 and Bowker has added pitching depth to go with Bob Kraft.

Levi Fisher, Heritage, Track and Field: Fisher was dominant in winning the discus throw at the Route 66 Classic at Chandler.

Sam O’Brien and Caitlin Farris, Irish, Golf: O’Brien has been consistent all season for McGuinness while Farris placed second at the Altus Invitational last week.

Jackson Ogle, OCS, Golf: Won the Enid Tournament last week and has been involved in three scorecard playoff ties for championships this year.

Collin Groves, Heritage, Soccer: Chargers blanked Bethany last week as Groves added a goal and has been a strong scorer all season.

Emily Conrad, Irish, Tennis: After three years of being in doubles, Conrad, an Abilene Christian signee, has done well at No. 2 singles.

Coming down the stretch of the baseball season. It’s getting here faster and faster, especially for Casady.

The Cyclones will be in the Southwest Prep Conference championships next weekend, but they have some unfinished business first with some familiar friends.

Casady took on Holland Hall on Wednesday. And paced by senior Ryan Shelley, the Cyclones earned an 8-6 victory.

Shelley had three hits, including a home run and three RBIs to give pitcher Cale Shivers enough run support to earn the win on the mound.

One rival down, one more to go. Monday is the showdown between Casady and Heritage Hall at Casady (I’ll be there). When the teams played in March, Heritage edged out a 1-0 game.

The emotion is already going to be high because of the rivalry, but when you think about this being the final game for this special group of Casady seniors, yea, the intensity is going to be high for this one.

It’s easy to get enamored with hitting in baseball. It makes for great highlights and sound bytes as we found out a long time ago ‘chicks dig the long ball.’

But you’re going to need some pitching if you’re really going to make a run, and that’s why I feel Heritage Hall has a great chance in Class 4A.

Leading that charge is Bob Kraft, who has been sensational on the mound all season and is a huge reason the team is 17-2 entering this week.

I’m hesitant to say Heritage is ranked No. 11 because I think it might move up a spot or two when the rankings are released here shortly.

Kraft has overpowered hitters, leading the team in strikeouts and has yet to face defeat and is earning the Private Schools Player of the Week. Though the offense deserves a nod as the Chargers scored at least 11 runs in all four wins last week.

For a look at how sophomore Barry Sanders came to love baseball, here is my story from Sunday’s paper.

Other contenders

Abbey Akin, Bishop McGuinness, Soccer: The Irish have a lot of deadly scorers but Akin might be the most feared one of the bunch. McGuinness hasn’t been challenged lately but will receive a big one Tuesday when Deer Creek is at the Irish (I’ll be there).

John Ratliff, Casady, Golf: Among all the top names in the state at the big events, his name keeps on sneaking up on the leaderboard. Would love to get a chance to see Ratliff in action one of these days.

(weather kept the list a lot shorter than normal, but if you know of anybody, let me know)

Now that girls’ guru Justin Harper has unveiled his all-city and Super 5 basketball teams, thought I’d chime in with my own picks in the private realm.

First Team
Meagan Henson, Sr., Christian Heritage: Led CHA to first state appearance, headed to TCU
Murphy Burns, Sr., Heritage Hall: A gritty player and natural scorer for the Chargers
Elyse Hight, So., Bishop McGuinness: Her best days are yet to come, strong finisher inside
Cara Pugh, Sr., Bishop McGuinness: The OCU signee was a tough matchup for teams in the post
Alexa Lienhard, Jr., Bishop McGuinness: The team’s most consistent performer, could dominate next year

Second Team
D Brown, Jr., Heritage Hall
Lissy Fuller, Sr., Bishop McGuinness
Dani Childress, So., OCS
Alyssa Puckett, Jr., OCS

Honorable mention
Bishop McGuinness: Kamber McMaster, Sr.; Casady: Shelby Cornelson; Sarah Roush. Heritage Hall: BreAuna Gaddis, So. Mt. St. Mary’s: Liana Garcia, Sr.; OCS: Mackenzie Barnes, Sr.

MVP: Henson
Proves the old adage that good things do come in small packages. Teams would try to key in on her, but she always found a way to make something special happen. Created huge excitement at the school with first state appearance. Good luck at TCU.

Coach of the Year: Jennifer Frakes, Irish
Yea, it was disappointing for the Irish to not make state but tough to discount what the team did this year. With such a solid nucleus coming back, the hunger should be there, and you know Frakes will have the team ready.

It’s tough for me to understand just what this senior year by these Casady kids has meant to the school. I start to get a much better understanding when I talk to them.

One of the boys leading the ‘redeem team’ has been Austin Katigan. And Katigan had a dream come true last week, being accepted into Dartmouth where he will play football.

Katigan is looking at either being a punter or wide receiver. That’s funny that they’re asking him to try out for both as they’re two very different positions.

Like I said last week, former Oklahoma receiver Jarrail Jackson has opened up the Dartmouth campus to Oklahoma recruits. Jackson is an assistant for Dartmouth.

Katigan won’t be going to Dartmouth alone as Bishop Kelley’s Joe Dowdell is also heading there.

Katigan and Dowdell will be heading to the campus in two weeks for the spring football game. For now, he’ll have to be content with being named the Private Schools Player of the Week.

Other contenders

Barry Sanders, Heritage Hall, Baseball: The Chargers have been one of the biggest surprises, entering the 4A rankings at No. 15 this last week. Sanders’ versatility is one reason why.

Dax Maroney, Bishop McGuinness, Baseball: The Irish lost a three-hour marathon at No. 1-ranked Class 5A Deer Creek 16-12, but Maroney had a great game.

Julie Labarthe, Heritage Hall, Tennis: The senior lost one game in the championship match, winning the Ada Tournament at No. 1 singles.

Mia Lancaster, Bishop McGuinness, Tennis: Lancaster has earned the No. 1 singles spot and has been dominant this season.

John Byrne and Jonathan Kraft, Bishop McGuinness, Tennis: This No. 1 doubles team might be the favorite to win the 5A championship.

Lizzy Whitbeck, Irish, and Narayan Naik, Heritage, Swimming: The swimmers were named Swimmers of the Year by me and deserved it for a great year. Good luck at Arkansas and Wyoming, respectively.

Caitlin Farris and Hannah Tubbs, Irish, Golf: The duo makes up one of the best one-two combos in the state and were solid in two tournaments last week.

Alexa Gonce, Irish, Soccer: The girls are taking care of business as Gonce had a big game in a 10-0 victory against Western Heights.

Quintaz Struble, Heritage, Track: Struble won the discus throw at the Bethany meet on Saturday. Levi Fisher placed third.

Foerster, Heritage, Track: My Heritage friends, need help with the first name as Foerster won the high jump at the Bethany meet.

Erin Gaffney, Irish, Track: Won the 3,200 at the Bethany meet while Swink won the pole vault.

Now that Scott Wright has unveiled his Super 5 and All-City teams, would like to chime in with my own thoughts on the private school boys.

First Team
Dalton Newsome, Sr., Mt. St. Mary’s: When the Rockets needed a big bucket, Newsome got the call
Joe Edmonds, So., Bishop McGuinness: Incredible talent will make him one to watch in the future.
Jameel Whitney, Sr., Bishop McGuinness: Versatility at positions and sports is biggest asset
Ryan Shelley, Sr., Casady: Heart and soul of a team that left everything on the floor
Vincent Mason, Sr., Mt. St. Mary’s: A force in the post with double-double potential every night

Second Team
Kevin Caruthers, Sr., Bishop McGuinness
Jack Warren, Jr., OCS
T.J. Holland, So., OCS
Matt Christiansen, So., Bishop McGuinness
Hans Thun, Sr., OCA

Honorable mention
Bishop McGuinness: Zach Murphy. Casady: Preston Sullivan; Bentley Williams, Sr. Christian Heritage: Kenny Wooldridge. Heritage Hall: Collin Groves; Quintaz Struble; Sterling Shepard; Andrew Hudiburg. Mt. St. Mary’s: Christian Hill. OCS: Jake Cranfield.

MVP: Edmonds, Irish
Feels wrong to give it to a sophomore…until you watch him play. Edmonds is the total package, so who knows what’s going to happen and how much he’ll develop in the next two years? Edmonds and Christiansen give McGuinness a solid foundation for next year.

Coach of the Year: Tondrell Durham, Bishop McGuinness
Expectations were not as high for this team, but the Irish always came up big on the biggest stage. Losing to Douglass in the 4A final is nothing to be ashamed about, and the Irish continue to show discipline and execution under Durham’s guidance.

At this point last year, Casady’s Austin Katigan didn’t think it was going to be possible to play college football.

But in what has been a memorable senior season for all the Casady football players, Katigan has been accepted to Dartmouth and will play football.

Casady had a special ceremony for Katigan on Wednesday.

“This day has been crazy. I’m thrilled about this opportunity,” Katigan said. “I fell in love with the campus when I went there. They’re a rebuilding program, and I think I can be a part of something special there.”

Katigan said he will play either wide receiver or punter as Dartmouth has asked him to try out for both positions.

***

I had Katigan as the All-Private punter, so I’m feeling pretty good about that now. Real nice ceremony Wednesday. No official signing, but it was just the same.

Interesting to note that Dartmouth has an Oklahoma tie with assistant coach Jarrail Jackson. Jackson is in tight with today’s kids and Dartmouth is becoming more popular.

Congratulations to Katigan and here is a short video with him celebrating the honor.

Heritage Hall had a couple of really good choices this week. But since I’m going to write a feature about her for Thursday’s paper, figured I’d go with tennis player Sarah Bowen.

I love the confidence of this sophomore. Even when she was a freshman, she wasn’t bashful or anything like that.

Now with some experience under her belt, she is definitely on her way to becoming the next great tennis player for Dick Villaflor and the Chargers.

At the Heritage Hall Tournament of Champions, Bowen came up with one of the biggest singles victories in her career. She defeated Jenks’ Gabrielle Siegler (a great player as well) to earn the No. 2 singles title and Private Schools Player of the Week.

For more on Bowen, check out Thursday’s paper.

Other contenders

Julie Labarthe, Heritage, Tennis: Bowen’s partner in crime as Labarthe was dominant at No. 1 singles in earning the title.

Bob Kraft, Heritage, Baseball: The pitcher has been a huge reason for the tremendous start for the Chargers. He enters this week with a 4-0 record.

Cooper Cloud, Heritage, Baseball: Cloud’s bat (especially in a win against Perry) has helped Heritage to a fantastic start.

Andrew Murphy, Bishop McGuinness, Baseball: A light week for the Irish squad, but coach Bryan Wade has said Murphy’s leadership has been one of the reasons for the recent roll.

CC Guzman, Bishop McGuinness, Soccer: This team is absolutely loaded, and Guzman came up big Tuesday. Soccer guru Justin Harper named her the Player of the Week last week.

Matt Silver, Casady, Baseball: Silver is incredible. I’m really hoping I can find an excuse to see the Cyclones play because Silver’s stats are amazing.

John Ratliff, Casady, Golf: In a loaded field featuring some of the best players around, Ratliff placed second last Tuesday.

Tiatjah Johnson, Casady, Track and Field: Johnson easily won the 200-meter dash at the Kingfisher meet and was the only girl to run under 28 seconds.

Bobbe Chafin, Casady, Track and Field: Also at the Kingfisher meet, Chafin placed second in the 100 and the long jump.

Victoria Vaughn, Mt. St. Mary’s, Tennis: Vaughn was impressive in winning the No. 2 singles title at the Central Oklahoma Classic at Harrah.

All three Edmond teams were there, along with teams from Carl Albert, Oklahoma Christian and a few other top programs.

I mentioned in Monday’s paper that Norman North would get another shot at Edmond North, as both are among the state’s top teams, but I found out shortly after arriving at the course Tuesday morning that the Timberwolves only took their junior varsity. So their next shot at the Huskies will be next Monday at a 36-hole event in Enid.

Carl Albert’s Talor Gooch shot a 1-over-par 71 Tuesday to win by a stroke over Edmond Memorial’s Taylor Moore and Casady’s John Ratliff. Gooch has played two tournaments this spring and the Oklahoma State signee has won them both.

Five other golfers had 75 or better on Tuesday, which was pretty impressive with the crazy wind blowing across the course, as well as the slick greens.

Edmond North edged Memorial by three shots for the team title, followed by Edmond Santa Fe.

Putnam City North and Yukon each had strong team outings, finishing at 315 and 316 respectively. Yukon won its first tournament of the year before spring break, and PC North had a little bit slower start, but both look to have some solid golfers.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

First full week of spring sports is in the books, and it was an eventful one. It’s always interesting to see who will start to be among the common names you’re going to see throughout the season.

Definitely have one at Casady in Matt Silver, who is this week’s Private Schools Player of the Week. Whether it’s with the bat or on the mound, Silver has been huge for the Cyclones.

He had three hits in a big win against Oklahoma Christian and on did a little bit of everything in a 4-1 win against All Saints on Saturday.

He was the winning pitcher and added three hits with an RBI.

Other contenders

Ryan Shelley, Casady, Baseball: A warrior all year battling that wrist injury, Shelley had two hits and a home run in a loss Friday.

Barry Sanders, Heritage Hall, Baseball: Not too bad with a bat in his hand as he is with a football. Sanders had three hits and a home run in a big win against Bethany.

Cooper Cloud, Heritage Hall, Baseball: Guess it’s a natural transition from being a quarterback to a pitcher as Cloud was solid on the mound in a 9-1 win against Kellyville.

Brendan Dye, Bishop McGuinness, Baseball: Dye is off to a great start on the mound for the Irish as Bryan Wade’s team is coming out of the gates fast.

Alexa Gonce, Bishop McGuinness, Soccer: The Irish girls team was involved in a fun, tight Bishop Kelley Invitational, but Gonce gets it for his six-goal outing against Capitol Hill.

Abbey Akin, Bishop McGuinness, Soccer: A dynamite player in her own right, Gonce and Akin are an electrifying duo for Sally Cole’s team.

Jake Peace, Mt. St. Mary’s, Baseball: Peace had two hits, including a home run as the Rockets rolled Oklahoma Christian 16-4.

Carissa Villaflor and Sarah Bowen, Heritage Hall, Tennis: The Chargers, led by Julie Labarthe, could sweep once again and this No. 1 doubles team is one of the best, regardless of class.

It seems like every sports season there is a name or two that might always be in the running for player of the week. You could have made a real argument for Xavier Smith of Edmond North and Kameron Doolittle of Edmond Memorial in football.

The same could have been said about Santa Fe’s Courtney Walker and North’s Elizabeth Donohoe in girls basketball.

Definitely have candidates in the spring, especially in track. I have a feeling I’ll be typing Isaiah Duke of Memorial and Gunnar Nixon of the Wolves over and over and over.

When I typed last week’s winners, I had no idea about what Nixon had done at the Nike Indoor event in Boston. So it’s a week late, but he still deserves the honor. And since there was such little action because of spring break, it’s a combined award for the Edmond and Private Schools Player of the Week.

Nixon was phenomenal at the Indoor meet in Boston last week, setting a junior meet record in the Pentathlon.

Nixon scored 4,141 points in the event, helped by a high jump of 7-feet, 0.5 inches — the best by a prep athlete indoors this year.

In addition to his high jump, Nixon won the 1,000-meter run, finished second in the 60 hurdles and fourth in both the long jump and the shot.

Going to be fun to ‘track’ (get it? I’m hilarious) all the success of the spring athletes here in the next couple of months. Excited for the seasons to really get going (despite the snow). I’ma try to make it out to as many events as I possibly can.

But I’m throwing it out to you guys as well. Spring is so busy that it’s tough to make sure everyone gets included that deserves a mention. So if you have suggestions, send ‘em this way whenever you can.

Other contenders

Michael Fulmer, Deer Creek, Baseball: The Antlers and Wolves headed out to Alabama last week, and Deer Creek went a perfect 4-0 on the trip. Fulmer was sensational on the mound in one of the big wins.

Jordan Lopez, Santa Fe, Baseball: Cody Rosecrans should probably get this nom, too, but Lopez had a great ‘Bama trip as well, proving to be the most consistent hitter and scored a bunch of runs.

Tyler Smith, Mt. St. Mary’s, Baseball: Another diamond hero as Smith was fantastic in a 9-1 win against Oklahoma Christian on Friday. Smith struck out 11 in a complete game victory.

Sometimes you forget about things. Because the OSSAA no longer has diving as part of its winter championships, you forget that diving does still exist in the state. And in fact, Casady has one of the better ones.

Junior Shanna Schuelein has been diving since she was 9 years old and placed second at the Southwest Prep Conference Championships last month.

A lot of diving schools are giving her looks and one thing I know is that location won’t be the No. 1 reason on her making the choice.

Here’s a small sample of where she’s been for competitions: Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Florida, North Carolina, Wisconsin, California.

Heck, during the summer, she trains in California for 5-6 hours a day. Interesting to see how she develops here in the next couple of years or so.

Favorite movie: The Wizard of Oz
Favorite TV show: Friends
Favorite singer: Taylor Swift

And here’s the piece I wrote on Schuelein for Friday’s paper:

Casady diver got her start in gymnastics
By Robert Przybylo

When Casady junior Shanna Schuelein was 9 years old, she was headed toward a career in gymnastics.

Her mother has been a gymnastics coach for more than 20 years, and Schuelein was following in those footsteps.

Then came a chance meeting with diving legend Alik Sarkisian.

Sarkisian, a 13-time Armenian national champion who also coached the Armenian team at the 1996 Summer Olympics, saw Schuelein at a tumbling and trampoline event and asked if Schuelein had ever thought of diving.

The sports utilize a lot of the same skills, and Schuelein decided to give it a try. She hasn’t let up since, specializing in springboard diving.

“I just love how it feels flying through the air,” Schuelein said. “I wasn’t so much scared on my first dive but really excited.”

For a while, Schuelein participated in diving and gymnastics. But the latter became tough on her ankles, and she decided to give it up to focus more on diving.

Despite her mother’s passion for gymnastics, it was a smooth transition for Schuelein.

“Being a parent and being a coach are two completely different things,” Shanna’s mother, Terri Schuelein, said. “I’m very excited that she has found a passion for something – doesn’t matter what it is.”

Sarkisian became the coach at Northwestern in Evanston, Ill., and Mark Butcher took over the coaching duties in 2005.

Butcher created Dive Oklahoma that saw a lot of success before Butcher became the program director for Santa Clara Diving in California.

Though Butcher still resides in California, that hasn’t stopped the partnership.

Schuelein shoots video of every practice and sends it to Butcher via e-mail.

“It’s really unique and pretty cool,” Schuelein said. “He’s able to help me even though he’s far away.”

The sessions must be working. Schuelein placed fourth at a recent Junior Olympic Camp and was second at the Southwest Prep Conference Championships.

Her life isn’t dominated by diving – it just feels that way. She practices two hours a day when in Oklahoma. During the summer, when she goes to California to practice, she’s out there between five and six hours a day.

“I’m still able to do so much stuff and just be a normal kid,” Schuelein said.

Schuelein also runs cross country and is a cheerleader for Casady.

Competitions have taken her to places such as Texas, Florida, California and Wisconsin.

“I’ve gotten to see a lot of cool things and meet some wonderful people and families,” Schuelein said. “Diving has been a real blessing in my life.”

This is about as obvious as it gets. This year’s sophomore class in the private school realm is going to be extremely special, and that’s not to say they’re not already. But in these next two years, yeah, there are going to be some unforgettable moments.

Bishop McGuinness
The Irish are going to be led by Matt Christiansen and Joe Edmonds. That alone should make them reach the state tournament. Edmonds should be one of the best all-around players in the state while Christiansen should become one of the best low post players in the state.

The loss of Jameel Whitney and Kevin Caruthers will be tough for Tondrell Durham’s boys. But knowing Durahm, he’ll find a way to make it all work.

Heritage Hall
The crazy-good sophomore class in football didn’t exactly translate to basketball success for Mike Walker. But I do believe it can.

Collin Groves and Andrew Hudiburg will leave a void, but I think the Chargers are going to be a better team next year. Quintaz Struble is only going to get bigger and stronger. Markus Wakefield is a very intelligent player and serves his role well while Sterling Shepard is still a freakish athlete.

You don’t want to rein in someone like Shepard, but his style of play is so Dwyane Wade-ish that afraid he’s going to be all banged up by the time he gets a chance to become the star he will be.

Mt. St. Mary’s is taking a real hit, losing the bulk of the kids that brought them to state. The Wagner boys are coming back, so that’s a plus. However, coach Lenny Hatchett will make the pieces work…OCS is going to be back next year. T.J. Holland and Jack Warren return, and you know that team is going to be real motivated after what happened this season…Casady will be depleted with the loss of that tremendous senior class, but Preston Sullivan should lead the way for the Cyclones.

It’s been a big turnaround season for Casady sports, thanks in large part to the tremendous senior class that has really gotten every single thing it can from its potential.

The boys have one final season to try to make something special happen, and coach Steve Shelley said he is excited about the prospects of this year’s baseball squad.

This is as about as good as we’ve been in the last four years. We’re much improved from where we were.”

Leading the way will be some familiar names as Cale Shivers and Ryan Shelley are both expected to produce big numbers for the Cyclones.

Shivers is being tabbed as the No. 1 starter.

But to go with the experience, there is a lot of youth. Steve Shelley said there are nine seniors but also nine freshmen on the team.

You never know sometimes about undefeated teams. Are they that good, or were they a product of their schedule? And after the Christian Heritage girls lost in regionals, hmm, became skeptical.

But they fought and fought and fought some more. The girls worked their way through the losers’ bracket, a thrilling OT battle with Central Sallisaw and qualified for the state tournament.

The biggest reason is the play of senior Meagan Henson, who has been phenomenal all season. The TCU signee just finds a way to make the big plays.

She was the leading scorer in all three games this week and just has that certain ‘it’ factor that can’t be described or put in a box score.

CHA’s reward for all the battling is a date with perennial power Washington on Thursday at 2 p.m. at State Fair Arena.

Other contenders

Kevin Caruthers, Bishop McGuinness, Basketball: The senior guard was HUGE in the OT win against Woodward. Sometimes he’s a little too unselfish, but he definitely makes this team go. Irish play Cache at 2 p.m. at Oklahoma Christian University.

Elyse Hight, Irish, Basketball: You could argue the girls squad is the best team not playing this, but Hight did everything she could. A 10-point loss to Anadarko and a three-point loss to Clinton ended their season.

Vincent Mason, Mt. St. Mary’s, Basketball: A tough loss against Millwood put the Rockets up against a solid Bridge Creek club that had already beaten ‘em once. Led by Mason and Dalton Newsome, MSM won by 31 points. Rockets take on Hugo at 3:30 p.m. at Moore.

Boneman’s note: Because of all the basketball coverage (B-6A), I admit to not having much knowledge at all at how the first week of spring sports went. If you have someone you would like to nominate for a POW from the spring sports, send it along. Appreciate the assistance.

A little uneven week in the world of the OKC-area private schools. Only a couple of schools were able to survive the week without tasting a defeat.

One of those teams was a club I got to see for the first time this season, the Mt. St. Mary’s Rockets. And though MSM wasn’t clicking on all cylinders against Heritage, they found a way to win and they picked up two more Ws in the process.

It’s really more of a team award, but I’ll go ahead and give this week’s honor to Vincent Mason. I was impressed with all the little things he did against the Chargers, and he followed that with solid outings, especially against Christian Heritage.

This is a solid bunch that plays hard for each other and for coach Lenny Hatchett. Mason and Dalton Newsome make the team go, but there are so many key contributors for this team that it’s tough to single out anybody.

Christian Hill and Jake Peace come up big on defense while Jeremy Wagner provides a spark off the bench with his outside shooting.

Class 3A is wide open, and it’ll be fun to track the Rockets’ run to the gold ball.

Other contenders

Lissy Fuller, Bishop McGuinness, Basketball: Of all the talk of the post players, she’s the one running the show at point. She’s maybe a little too unselfish, but Fuller is as solid as they come. Good wins at Union and Lawton MacArthur for the Irish.

Ryan Shelley, Casady, Basketball: Cyclones fought hard in the Southwest Prep Conference tournament in Houston and showed that tremendous spirit that has epitomized this senior class.

Quintaz Struble and Collin Groves, Heritage Hall, Basketball: Tough week for Mike Walker’s club, but you get that when you play MSM, OCS and Northeast. Struble is starting to come around while Groves is most consistent scorer.

D Brown and Murphy Burns, Heritage, Basketball: Shocker here, huh? They make this team go, it’s all about the supporting cast for Leslie Warner’s club.

Hunter Hogan, OCS, Basketball: Friday’s win vs. Heritage was the best game I’ve seen from Hogan this season, and the Saints will need those type of outings in the playoffs.

Meagan Henson, CHA, Basketball: Christian Heritage remains undefeated, thanks in large part to Henson. Interesting to see how CHA fares heading into playoffs.

As I type this, the Casady basketball teams are on their way to Houston for the Southwest Prep Conference tournament this weekend.

It’s going to be a tough weekend for the Cyclones of Jen Warden and Josh Bottomly as the girls are last in the North Zone of the SPC and the boys are second-to-last.

But there are reasons to be optimistic as the boys team has been good enough to beat Heritage Hall and Capitol Hill this season. And like most teams, the Cyclones’ confidence is pretty high when making shots.

There is no question the boys team is more suited for the football field, and Bottomly openly admits that. However, he’s also been extremely quick to point out how hard this group works.

The drive carried over from the football field, even if the success didn’t. Ryan Shelley has been the ringleader while Bentley Williams plays WAY bigger and tougher than his size would indicate. Alex Dudley has become a clutch performer while Preston Sullivan will be someone to watch for next season.

Before we start looking ahead, there is this season to close out.

For the girls, Shelby Cornelson and Sarah Roush have led the team, but I’ve also been impressed with the play of Molly Brown. Either way, this weekend should be a great experience for the Casady clubs.

I remember two years ago how excited I was to see all these great young swimmers at the state championship meet. It’s always fun to meet the young kids because you can grow your relationship with them from the start.

Some of those young stars are now the class of the state now. I’m talking about names like Chickasha’s Isaac McKnight, Norman North’s Wilson Wei, Southmoore’s Paul Le, etc.

But from looking at the top qualifying times this season and now the results of the Mid-State and Metro conference meets this weekend, here comes a new group of kids looking to dominate.

Right now Southmoore freshman Alex Ballard is standing out amongst the crowd. She’s been fantastic all season and proved it with a big-time outing at the Mid-State meet. She won the 200-yard freestyle and the 500 free.

She was dominant in both events, and ironically, Norman sophomore Jacque Medina was second in each of those events.

From there, I think you have to go to Kimmie Reneau of Westmoore. The sophomore won the 50 free and 100 backstroke and gives Westmoore another star to go with Dakota Wheeler.

The Edmond schools are littered with underclassmen that are already dynamite. From Carlie Pearson to Sean Simpson to Sara Riggs and up and down the lineup, the best is yet to come for them.

Norman schools, too. From Medina to Bradley Quy, it’s incredible how deep the Norman teams are starting to become.

In fact, of the 32 individual titles in the two conferences, 11 of the Metro titles were underclassmen and 14 of the Mid-State were underclassmen for 25 of the 32 going to non-seniors. Westmoore’s Wheeler was the only senior to win titles at the Mid-State event.

But for how great the youth have been, how will they react to the biggest stage of them all at state? Though most get to swim at the Aquatic Center at OCCC during the season, there is no atmosphere that can equal the state meet.

Believe me, I’m working on year No. 3 of being the swimming dude, it gets a lot more crazy at that pool than anyone would think possible. It’s a fun weekend.

It was a battle between a couple of Bishop McGuinness standouts for this week’s honor, but I thought this sophomore made a bigger impression this week.

The Irish girls basketball team was in danger of not only blowing an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter but doing it at home…on homecoming…against their rival.

But there would be no miracle comeback for Bishop Kelley because of Elyse Hight. Scoring more than half the team’s points and derailing the comeback attempt makes her the Private schools Player of the Week.

Hight scored 20 points in the 39-35 win. And the way she played in the second half opened my eyes. She’s had a couple of big games this season (most notably in a loss to Edmond North), but the way that she played Friday has to have Irish supporters a little bit giddy.

McGuinness is being powered by its post, and you thought that just meant Cara Pugh and Alexa Lienhard. But Hight is showing when she gets a chance, she’ll make the most out of it.

I said it Friday night, but it’s how strong she is with the ball that is setting her apart. She’s able to convert when she gets a hit, and there’s a big difference in always going for three-point plays vs. shooting two free throws.

If the Irish are going to make a run in an ultra-deep 4A, they’re going to need more big-time performances from places they don’t normally look.

Other contenders

Jameel Whitney, Basketball/Football, Irish: Big week for Whitney. Signed with East Central to play football Wednesday and scores game-high 15 points in win vs. Bishop Kelley on Friday.

Ryan Shelley, Basketball, Casady: Cyclones went 0-3 last week but not because of Shelley. Good week for the senior, who moved into sixth on the all-time scoring list.

Daniel Blackwood, Basketball, OCS: You know about Jack Warren and T.J. Holland, but Blackwood returned this last week as OCS pulled out two more Ws vs. Riverside and Christian Heritage.

Hans Thun, Basketball, OCA: This is more of a ‘season achievement’ award as Thun has been almost beyond sensational for the Eagles this season.

Note: Heritage Hall did not compete in basketball this week.

It was senior day at Casady for the boys basketball team Saturday morning against Dallas St. Mark’s. The Cyclones hung in there early, but Will Dickson and the Lions were too much in a 59-44 win for DSM.

I was confused after Ryan Shelley’s first basketball for Casady as the game was stopped. But then it was explained that Shelley had moved into 6th place on the all-time scoring list with 1,146 points. He passed Casady grad and now Holland Hall boys coach Brad Shelley. Brad was in attendance Saturday.

Shelley would finish the afternoon with 1,157 points and 13 on Saturday.

Rough week for Casady with three losses heading into the Southwest Prep Conference tournament in Houston next week.

The Cyclones led 33-32 at halftime but only managed 11 points in the second half. Missed free throws, good defense led to a tough final 16 minutes for Casady.

DSM’s Will Dickson could pretty much do whatever he wanted in there, scoring 10 points in the first quarter. And after a slow second quarter, got going again in the second half to finish with 22 points.

Early in the fourth, it was 45-42 for the Lions, who then went on a 14-2 run to close out the show.

Seniors Bentley Williams and Alex Dudley each had nine points for the Cyclones.

Casady had senior ceremonies before the game and two things stood out: 1. Big senior class for Casady as I believe there were six seniors introduced.

2. All of them said one of their favorite basketball memories was the win at Heritage last month. Gotta love those rivalries.

There was no girls game.

Alumni Football USA is looking for former players from at least 30 local high schools to participate in full-contact alumni football games in May.

Cost for the game is $75 per player with equipment provided. The first 40 players to register from each school will be accepted.

Among the rivalry games open for registration are: Millwood-Douglass, Moore-Westmoore, Carl Albert-Guthrie, Casady-Heritage Hall, Del City-Midwest City, Putnam City-Putnam West, Southeast-Northeast, Norman-Norman North, Yukon-Mustang, Edmond Santa Fe-Edmond North, McGuinness-Tulsa Kelley, Edmond Memorial-Putnam North, John Marshall-Star Spencer, Little Axe-Washington and Tuttle-Blanchard.

Additional games may be added if there is interest.

There will also be a series of games featuring Tulsa area high school alumni, also in May.

To register or for more information, call 877-578-8576, e-mail tjcavender@sbcglobal.net or register online at AlumniFootballUSA.com.

FOOTBALL
Henry Alexander, Ardmore (SEOSU)
Jake Alexander, Jenks (Tulsa)
Jamaal Allen, Lawton (SNU)
Joe Alston, Berryhill (NSU)
Daryn Alves, Durant (NSU)
Gerard Anderson, Tulsa Central (NEO)
Matthew Anderson, Sand Springs (Pittsburg State)
Joe Aska, Edmond North (Garden City)
Brad Avery, Madill (SWOSU)
David Balenseifen, Mustang/NEO (SNU)
Tyler Barnes, Enid (SNU)
Calvin Barnett, Tulsa Washington (Arkansas)
Josh Barrett, Wayne (SNU)
Skylar Bartlett, Ringling (SNU)
Jason Bear, Stillwater (SNU)
Eric Bennett, Tulsa Washington (Arkansas)
Que’Shaun Bennett, Enid (NWOSU)
Matt Berrey, Purcell/NEO (ECU)
Ken Berry, John Marshall (ECU)
Ethan Biddy, Tuttle (Air Force)
Michael Billingsley, Southeast/NEO (Nichols State)
Qumain Black, Ada (NEO)
Kenyad Blair, Northeast/NEO (Nichols State)
Kenneth Blake, Davis (ECU)
Mason Blake, Lindsay (NWOSU)
Rhett Blundell, Kingfisher (NWOSU)
Brenton Bogar, Muskogee (Tulsa/NEO)
Hunter Bohannan, Yukon (Southwestern, Kan.)
Zach Boren, Southmoore (NEO)
Austin Brasher, Edmond North (BYU)*
Julian Brockington, Del City (NEO)
D’Juan Brooks, Edmond Memorial (NEO)
Brenden Brown, Norman North (ECU)
LaBron Brown, Southmoore (NEO)
Jon Bullock, Broken Arrow (UCO)
Jeremy Burton, Muskogee (La.-Monroe)
Justin Butterfield, Bartlesville (NSU)
Troy Buffington, Southmoore (SNU)
Tate Byers, Tulsa Kelley (Washington, St. Louis)
Colton Byford, Edmond North (UCO)
Irvin Caldwell, Star Spencer (NEO)
Chris Campbell, Enid (NWOSU)
Nick Canavan, Norman North (Missouri State)
Michael Cane, Okmulgee (ECU)
Chance Carey, McAlester (ECU)
Londre Carson, Muskogee (NEO)
Luke Chalfant, Hinton (SWOSU)
Mark Chestnut, Miami/NEO/OSU (Pittsburg State)
Keldin Choate, Shawnee (ECU)
Chris Clark, Moore (NWOSU)
Arthola Clarke, John Marshall (NWOSU)
Colton Cline, Norman North (Sam Houston State)
Alex Cochran, Broken Arrow (SWOSU)
Demarco Cobbs, Tulsa Central (Texas)
Aaron Colvin, Owasso (OU)
Tuswani Copeland, Lawton MacArthur (Baylor)
Jacoby Crowley, Lawton Eisenhower (SEOSU)
Nathan Crownover, Del City/NEO (SNU)
Dakota Crumbie, Tulsa Washington (ECU)
Clayton Cunningham, Ringwood (NWOSU)
Roper Cunningham, Waynoka (NWOSU)
Steven Daniels, Tulsa East Central (UCO)
Robert Dansby, Tulsa Memorial (McPherson)
Nolan Davenport, Seminole (Southwestern, Kan.)
Dakota Davis, Broken Arrow (SWOSU)
Dalton Davis, Tulsa Union (SNU)
Niko Davis, Millwood (NEO)
Ryan Day, Tulsa Union (SNU)
Johnny Deaton, Sand Springs (OSU)
Gregory DeLozier, Seq. Claremore (Pittsburg State)
Terrance Dixon, Sand Springs (NSU)
Colton Dost, Tulsa Union (Western Kentucky)
Joe Dowdell, Tulsa Kelley (Dartmouth)
Brandon Downing, Edmond North (Washburn)
Alex Dowty, Mustang (Washburn)
Dalton Duckett, Tulsa Union (NSU)
Stephen Eastham, Dewey (NEO)
Bryce Ebbs, Vinita (NEO)
Cole Eddy, Midwest City (UCO)
Jordan Edwards, Washington (NEO)
Brandon Elmore, Blanchard/Coffeyville (SWOSU)
Josh Engert, Nowata (NEO)
B.J. Evans, Tulsa Union (Garden City)
Ryan Feller, Altus (SWOSU)
Darryl Fields, Madill (SMU)
Aaron Fisher, Tulsa Central (Ga. Southern)
Drew Fischer, Timberlake (NWOSU)
Blake Fogle, Caney Valley (NWOSU)
Kevin Forbes, Douglass (Langston)
Adam Ford, Broken Arrow (NEO)
Teontez Fortune, Douglass (Langston)
Donnie Fuston, Enid (NEO)
Ruben Gaines, Muskogee (UCO)
Eric Gardner, Lone Grove (ECU)
Jake Garrett, Tuttle (SNU)
Courtney Gaston, Fort Gibson (Arkansas)
Blake Gatewood, Edmond North (UCO)
Kimes Gilbert, Southmoore (SWOSU)
Jaimon Gilstrap, Tulsa East Central (NSU)
Zakk Gipson, Pryor (NWOSU)
Cord Gothard, Velma-Alma (SWOSU)
Gimo Grace, Tulsa East Central (Emporia State)
Bob Graham, Jenks (Iowa State)
Cale Grauer, Lincoln Christian (Mo. Western)
Delans Griffin, Clinton (Texas Tech)
Logan Grinstead, Sulphur (UCO)
Colby Hager, Sayre (NWOSU)
Justin Harmon-Brewer, Edmond Santa Fe (SNU)
Rowdy Harper, Broken Arrow (Houston)
Demantre Harris, Del City (Garden City)
Devante Harris, Duncan (SEOSU)
Halston Harris, Marlow (SEOSU)
Michael Harris, Edmond Santa Fe (Washburn)
Austin Haywood, Southmoore (OU)
Haden Hedges, Pioneer (SNU)
Alec Henry, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Trayvon Henry, Millwood (Butler County)
Aries Herrion, Tulsa Washington (Pittsburg State)
Rylan Hess, Metro Christian (Colo. School of Mines)
Steven Hopper, Broken Arrow (Vian)
Brett Horn, Waynoka (NWOSU)
J.J. Hugine, Del City (New Mexico)
Caleb Hulva, Enid (SNU)
Chris Hummingbird, Seq. Tahlequah (NEO)
Dalton Hunter, Maysville (ECU)
Derrick Hurst, Millwood (NWOSU)
Taylor Inman, Seq. Claremore (SWOSU)
Bronson Irwin, Mustang (OU)
Royal Isokariari, Tulsa Memorial (McPherson)
Rico Ivy, Douglass (Langston)
Miles Jackson, John Marshall (ECU)
Aaron James, Douglass (UCO)
Ethan James, Gore (NSU)
Franky Jamison, Star Spencer (NEO)
Antonio Jenkins, Putnam North (NEO)
Dewitt Jennings, Bixby (Tulsa)
Kenny Johnson, Weatherford (SWOSU)
Jace Johnson, Bethel/ECU (SWOSU)
Tyler Johnson, Berryhill (NEO)
Willie Johnson, Tulsa Memorial (NEO)
Dominque Jones, Midwest City (Baylor)
Emmitt Jones, Star Spencer (NEO)
Gus Jones, Wagoner/OU (NSU)
Brendon Jordan, John Marshall (NEO)
Jordan Karriman, Grove/NEO (La.-Monroe)
Jacob Keller, Tulsa Union (La.-Monroe)
Jake Kelley, Beggs (Peru State)
Brandon Keplinger, Watonga (NWOSU)
Kyle Keplinger, Watonga (NWOSU)
Johnny Ketterman, Timberlake (NEO)
Drake Keys, Skiatook (SWOSU)
Chris King, Jenks (UCO)
Cecil Kirkendoll, Clinton (SWOSU)
Jarrett Lake, Jenks (Arkansas)
Alex Land, Edmond Santa Fe (Weber State)
Ricky Lawyer, Edmond North (NEO)
Justin Lepley, Seq. Tahlequah (NEO)
Chris Littlehead, Seq. Tahlequah (OSU)
David Lore, Jenks (Air Force)
Matt Luetjen, Hennessey (Army)
Randy Mack, Edmond Santa Fe (Washburn)
Tyler Mackey, Afton (NEO)
Dalton Mahoney, Alva (NWOSU)
Mike Major, Tulsa Kelley (Princeton)
George Mallett, Southmoore (SNU)
Beau Marsaln, Metro Christian (NEO)
Dominique Massengil, Lawton (ECU)
Mason Mathews, Yukon (Mid-America Nazarene)
Ty Matthews, Choctaw (SNU)
Chris McAlister, Del City (Central Arkansas)
Ryan McCaul, Moore/NEO (La.-Monroe)
Shawn McIntosh, Lawton MacArthur (SNU)
Nelson Medeiros, Edmond Memorial (Fort Hays State)
Ryan Merrill, Cordell (NWOSU)
Clifton Miller, Atoka (SEOSU)
Lucas Miller, Capitol Hill (NEO)
Brian Mills, Edmond Santa Fe (Princeton)
Corey Mitchell, Douglass (Weber State)
Deonte Morris, Tulsa Union (Tulsa/NEO)
Cory Mosely, Midwest City (Hutchinson)
Cole Mount, Deer Creek (Washburn)
Mason Myers, Southmoore (Colorado State)
Cody Nall, Ardmore (ECU)
Josh Napper, Lawton Eisenhower (SEOSU)
Carlos Nazario, Lawton (ECU)
Nic Nealy, Douglass (Grambling State)
Marco Nelson, Glenpool (Tulsa)
Chase Neuman, Dewey (SWOSU)
Jordan Newby, Southmoore (SNU)
Tanner Newby, Enid (NEO)
Justin Nole, Washington (SNU)
Alex Oden, Victory Christian (NEO)
Terence Olds, Star Spencer (NEO)
Cade Oller, Billings (NWOSU)
Tyler Ott, Jenks (Harvard)
Johnny Pack, Seminole (Southwestern, Kan.)
Dustin Parks, Waukomis (NWOSU)
Chris Patterson, McAlester (NEO)
Chris Peoples, Vian (SEOSU)
Richard Peoples, Norman North (ECU)
Gordon Perry, Weatherford (SWOSU)
Brandon Piercy, Muskogee (NEO)
Tre Porter, Carl Albert (Texas Tech)
Zac Powell, Garber (NWOSU)
Scott Powers, Sperry/NEO (Emporia State)
Ronnie Price, Broken Arrow (NEO)
Cody Pritchard, Stroud (NWOSU)
Sonny Puletasi, Lawton (Wyoming)
Chris Ramey, Wagoner (Arkansas Tech)
Sean Reed, Shawnee (ECU)
James Renfrow, Broken Arrow (NSU)
Joel Reser, Del City (NEO)
Sean Rigney, Shawnee (ECU)
James Roberson, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Thomas Roberson, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Kevin Roberts, Madill (SWOSU)
Brady Robinson, Broken Arrow (NEO)
Howard Roebuck, Tulsa Washington (Prairie View A&M)
Carl Salazar, Broken Arrow (Air Force)
Ian Sanders, CHA (SNU)
Kale Sawatzky, Weatherford (OU)*
Austin Schultz, Chisholm (SNU)
Taylor Schuyler, Bixby (Central Arkansas)
Tye Scott, Salina (NEO)
Derek Serowski, Southmoore (UCO)
Burgess Shaw, Sand Springs (ECU)
Tyler Shaw, Edmond Santa Fe (ECU)
Lamares Shields, Del City (ECU)
Denton Simek, Prague (Arkansas)
Ethan Simpson, Claremore (Pittsburg State)
D.J. Sims, Edmond Santa Fe (ECU)
Richard Sims, Edmond North (Dordt)
Kyler Skinner, Weatherford (SWOSU)
Ryan Smith, Muskogee (NEO)
Travis Smith, Durant (NEO)
Tyler Smith, Sand Springs (Pittsburg State)
Xavier Smith, Edmond North (Missouri)
Luke Snider, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Anthony Sparks, Stillwater (NEO)
Trent Spurgeon, Owasso (Arizona)
James Stephens, Broken Arrow (UCO)
Matt Stevenson, Edmond Memorial (Baker)
P.J. Stimson, Pryor (NWOSU)
Tyler Stitt, Mustang (NWOSU)
Ray Stovall, Tulsa Washington (La.-Monroe)
Jake Streck, Kremlin-Hillsdale (NWOSU)
Ricky Streck, Kremlin-Hillsdale (NWOSU)
Casey Strate, Dewey (NEO)
Clint Strate, Dewey (NEO)
Ryan Stringer, Clinton (SWOSU)
Caleb Sullivan, Seminole (Deer Creek)
Garrett Sullivan, Deer Creek (UCO)
Jon Swanfeld, Tulsa Union (SNU)
Nyko Symonds, Southmoore (OU)*
Kwame Tate, Elgin (UCO)
Dylan Taylor, Vian (NSU)
Matthew Tingle, Putnam North (NEO)
Robert Thomas, Sulphur/Cowley County (ECU)
Andre Thompson, Douglass (Langston)
Mike Thompson, Bartlesville (Pittsburg State)
Taylor Thurman, Seq. Claremore (Haskell)
Reuben Tiller, Ardmore (ECU)
Corey Todd, Hilldale (NWOSU)
Kobey Trower, Hominy (NEO)
Zach Trujillo, Deer Creek (Kansas State)**
Hayden Vencl, Garber (NWOSU)
Eddie Venters, Muskogee (NEO)
Markell Walker, Carl Albert (ECU)
Dillion Wallace, Tulsa East Central (NEO)
Patrick Wallace, Tulsa Central (NEO)
Nick Walters, Edmond Memorial/NEO (Arkansas)*
Davis Walton, Tulsa Kelley (NEO)
Raphael Watts, Capitol Hill (NEO)
Cole Way, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Clifford Weatherford, Muskogee (NEO)
Dane Weippert, Guymon (Panhandle State)
Stanley West, Westmoore (SNU)
Scott Whitaker, Norman North (Drake)
Norris White, Douglass (Weber State)
Jameel Whitney, McGuinness (ECU)
Ryland Widener, Southmoore (Northern Colorado)
Blair Williams, Beggs (NEO)
Kyle Williams, Broken Bow (SEOSU)
James Williams, John Marshall (NEO)
Terry Williamson, Broken Arrow (UCO)
Julian Wilson, Southmoore (OU)
Roman Wilson, Lincoln Christian (Princeton)
Ray Wolber, Tulsa Kelley (Drake)
Josiah Woodard, Stillwater (SEOSU)
Jordan Woods, Kingfisher (NWOSU)
Jeff Wright, Star Spencer (Langston)
Clayton Yancy, Seminole (Southwestern, Kan.)
Collin Yeary, Norman North (NEO)

BASEBALL
Wade Ambrose, Tulsa Union (Northeast Texas CC)
Tyler Carter, Ada (NOC-Enid)
Caden Cleveland, Christian Heritage (Morehead State)
Braden Cook, Chickasha (Connors State)
Cale Coshow, Deer Creek (OU)
Casey Coyle, Putnam North (OU)
John Davenport, Jay (NOC)
Luis DeJesus, Collinsville (EOSC)
Cale Elam, Oktaha (Wichita State)
Brad Fisher, Jenks (ORU)
Jonathan Furlong, Bixby (Neosho)
Nick Goza, Collinsville (EOSC)
Jonathan Gray, Chandler (OU)
Josh Halbert, Choctaw (Wichita State)
Landon Hallam, Edmond Memorial (Seminole)
J.R. Head, Midwest City (NOC-Enid)
Mason Justice, Holland Hall (Kansas State)
Shane Kinnear, Tulsa Union (Harding)
Jordan Lopez, Edmond Santa Fe (Texas Tech)
Joe McGee, Tulsa Washington (Connors State)
Jose Olizagosti, Collinsville (Seminole)
Mitch Osburn, Broken Arrow (Seminole)
Dillon Overton, Weatherford (OU)
J.T. Realmuto, Carl Albert (OSU)
Jacob Rice, Tulsa Union (Arkansas)
Dillon Robinson, Broken Arrow (Fort Scott)
Brandon Ruiz, Yukon (NOC)
Garrett Schaede, Owasso (Neosho)
Taylor Schneeberger, Broken Arrow (Connors State)
Cayle Shambaugh, Jay (OU)
Andrew Smith, Tulsa NOAH (Coffeyville)
Tyler Smith, Kelleyville (NOC)
Logan Taylor, Jenks (Texas Tech)
Billy Waltrip, Fort Gibson (New Mexico State)
Ryan Wilson, Owasso (Seminole)
Kyle Wood, Owasso (Fort Scott)

BOYS BASKETBALL
Will Baysinger, Owasso (MIT)
Cameron Downing, Tulsa Memorial (Buffalo)
Amric Fields, Putnam West (TCU)

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Ashlie Baker, Tulsa East Central (Fort Scott)
Jimi Blagowsky, Edmond Santa Fe (Air Force)
Desiree Bradley, Carl Albert (USC)
Brenna Burnett, Dale (Palm Beach Atlantic)
Y’Cedria Devers, Bixby (Pittsburg State)
Lindsey Hammer, Seq. Tahlequah (Mercer)
Meagan Henson, CHA (TCU)
Whitney Hocutt, Claremore (NOC)
Aianne Hunter, Putnam North (Dartmouth)
Ebonie Jackson, Tulsa East Central (Friends)
Richa Jackson, Midwest City (Duke)
Kortni Kendrick, Kansas (John Brown)
Christian Key, Victory Christian (ORU)
Kalie Lucas, Harrah (Missouri Southern)
Sophia Mahmoodjanloo, Edmond Santa Fe (State Fair College)
Mylie Mayes, Carl Albert (UCO)
Jessica McCarville, Sulphur (Southwestern, Kan.)
Ashlee Pitts, Tulsa East Central (SW Baptist)
Cara Pugh, McGuinness (OCU)
Lacy Reinke, Lawton (Cameron)
Hannah Ritter, Jay (Fort Hays State)
Kendra Suttles, Lawton (OSU)
Morgan Toben, Owasso (New Mexico)
Talor Ward, Beggs (Okla. Christian)
Kala White, Claremore (Labette)

EQUESTRIAN
Kelly Bovaird, Tulsa Kelley (Kansas State)

FIELD HOCKEY
Amanda Adwon, Holland Hall (Michigan)
Maggie Brady, Holland Hall (Brown)
Lauren Hauge, Holland Hall (Michigan)
Natalie Hood, Holland Hall (St. Louis)

GOLF
Lindsey Bensch, Broken Arrow home school (UCO)
Tressa Brumley, Chouteau (UCO)
Ian Davis, Deer Creek (OSU)
Macy Douglas, Broken Arrow (SNU)
Talor Gooch, Carl Albert (OSU)
Brad Hager, Bartlesville (NSU)
Matt Helms, Edmond Santa Fe (Wichita State)
Lauren Michael, Jenks (Drury)
Taylor Neidy, Clinton (UCO)
Cody Reed, Edmond Santa Fe (NSU)
Jade Staggs, Westmoore (OSU)
Shelby Stavely, Sallisaw/Harding (NSU)
Zach Tucker, Putnam North (NSU)

GYMNASTICS
Brittany Harris, Tulsa Union (Oregon State)

ROWING
Courtaney Miller, Jenks (SMU)

SOCCER
Jennifer Abernathy, Tulsa Union (ORU)
Ashley Bechtold, Putnam North (Missouri Southern)
Bobby Behrens, Sand Springs (John Brown)
Ashlynn Betts, Jenks (William Penn)
Leah Bickers, Victory Christian (ORU)
Rochelle Bohuslavicky, Edmond Memorial (Troy)
Bailey Boulware, Mustang (OU)
Whitney Brannon, Victory Christian (ORU)
Matt Bray, Putnam North (Missouri State)
Devon Bullard, Sand Springs (Rogers State)
Corbin Campbell, Deer Creek (OBU)
Sara Chalmers, Tulsa Kelley (Abilene Christian)
Sherri Collins, Edmond North (UCO)
Madison Cook, Tulsa Union (SWOSU)
Kyle Craft, Tulsa Kelley (Notre Dame)
Natalie Crosslin, Bixby (SWOSU)
Jessica Dale, Wagoner (Neosho)
Sam Diacon, Tulsa Washington (Missouri S&T)
Sam Duininck, Summit Chr. (Liberty)
Krista Dyess, Broken Arrow (NSU)
Kelsey Godfrey, Tulsa Union (SNU)
Tyler Groh, Putnam North (Missouri State)
Austin Gross, Jenks (Memphis)
Ashley Haines, Jenks (NSU)
Drew Hall, Edmond Santa Fe (OCU)
Mary Kate Halsmer, Jenks (ORU)
Jordan Harris, Claremore (UMKC)
Hayley Harryman, Edmond North (OSU)
Garron Hayes, Tulsa Union (Rogers State)
Hailey Haynes, Seq. Claremore (Central Arkansas)
Madi Hillis, Edmond Memorial (Kansas)
Bradi Hinch, Jenks (Tulsa)
Tyrell Jackson, Tulsa Union (Rogers State)
Morgan Jones, Jenks (Mid. Tenn. St.)
Kristen Kelley, Tulsa Kelley (OSU)
Kelsey Killion, Broken Arrow (Tulsa)
Preston Langholz, Tulsa Washington (Stanford)
Logan Lax, Putnam North (OBU)
Loren LeForce, Coweta (Rogers State)
Lindsey Lofton, Skiatook (NSU)
Omar Mata, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Sally Matthews, Owasso (NSU)
Shelby Martin, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Meghan McMahon, Putnam North (OCU)
Tori Peters, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Amy Petrikin, Tulsa Kelley (OU)
Caitlin Phillips, Claremore (UCO)
Jessy Phillips, Bartlesville (NSU)
Kristin Pollard, Broken Arrow (Central Arkansas)
Brandon Reed, Owasso (Drury)
Stephanie Romera, Tulsa Kelley (Lipscomb)
Aubrey Roth, Tulsa Union (SWOSU)
Camille Sanders, Edmond North (OU)
Ryan Sanders, Broken Arrow (OCU)
Brianna Shamblin, Miami (Rogers State)
Jessica Sisney, Broken Arrow (Rogers State)
Dillon Stallings, Putnam North (OBU)
Alex Starrett, Tulsa Kelley (Arkansas)
Andrew Stone, Cascia Hall (St. Edward’s)
Jeremy Swift, Bixby (Rogers State)
Jenna Taylor, Bartlesville (Harding)
Alex Tiem, Broken Arrow (Rogers State)
Addie Tipton, Metro Christian (USAO)
Claire Walker, Tulsa Washington (Penn)
Carley Yates, Edmond North (OU)
Miranda Zoller, Jenks (Tulsa)

SOFTBALL
Kacey Acker, Guthrie (SNU)
Jessica Barnes, Pawhuska (Pittsburg State)
Shelby Blanton, Newcastle (Tulsa)
Kristin Blasingame, Carl Albert (Rogers State)
Page Boling, Hilldale (Connors State)
Sierra Bronkey, Edmond Santa Fe (Arkansas)
LaDarra Brown, Muskogee (Carl Albert)
Tiffany Brown, Catoosa (Pittsburg State)
Julie Brunk, Mustang (SNU)
Bailee Cartwright, Moss (Northwestern St., La.)
Tara Chatkehoodle, Tulsa Rogers (Haskell)
Jordan Clark, Muskogee (Carl Albert)
Kylee Cole, Collinsville (NEO)
Lacie Cook, Collinsville (Labette)
Aimee Creger, Mustang (Tulsa)
Morgan Deerinwater, Savanna (Carl Albert)
Kaiti Dutton, Tulsa Union (Tennessee-Chattanooga)
Hannah Edmiston, Coweta (Independence)
Allison Edwards, Duncan (Oklahoma Wesleyan)
Katie Ellington, Tulsa Kelley (NOC)
Lindy Fluman, Cleveland (NEO)
Shelby Foreman, S. Coffeyville (Coffeyville)
Dani Fox, Yukon (Washburn)
Devon Frazier, Little Axe (St. Gregory’s)
Sydney Garcia, Moore (OCU)
Shaylee Griffin, McAlester (OCU)
Sutton Halferty, Harrah (St. Gregory’s)
Meagan Hardy Fry, Checotah (Haskell)
Ashley Harper, Drumright (Carl Albert)
Haley Henshaw, Catoosa (Tulsa)
Javen Henson, Red Oak (OU)
Paige Hightower, Chickasha (Washburn)
Whitney Hocutt, Claremore (NOC)
Jordan Jones, Skiatook (Connors State)
Hannah Justus, Catoosa (UCO)
Candace Kellar, Coweta (Rogers State)
Jamie King, Tulsa Union (NEO)
Miranda Kiser, Tulsa Union (NEO)
Kayce Long, Moss (Carl Albert)
Beth Manship, Harrah (Southeastern)
Mya Mahsetky, Little Axe (NOC)
Mary Kate McKay, Madill (Angelo State)
Alex Milligan, Moore (Cameron)
Taylor Mills, Fort Gibson (Austin Peay State)
Holly Mock, Drumright (Carl Albert)
Candace Monigold, Broken Arrow (NEO)
Shelby Morose, Seq. Claremore (Concordia)
Ashlee Nation, Tulsa Union (William Jewell)
Jeneva Nelson, Frontier (Lipscomb)
Shylar Nichols, Carl Albert (USAO)
Caitlin O’Hagan, Midwest City (St. Gregory’s)
Sam Oxford, Adair (Fort Scott)
Katie Parsons, Pryor (NWOSU)
Ashley Paxton, Mustang (Okla. Christian)
Sarah Peoples, Piedmont (Okla. Christian)
Allyson Pogue, Claremoer (NEO)
Lauren Poole, Putnam North (Seminole State)
Natalie Powers, Holland Hall (Tennessee-Chattanooga)
Hillary Price, Moss (Carl Albert)
Sarah Raunikar, Coweta/Connors State (Central Baptist)
Shelbi Redfearn, Stillwater (Baylor)
Madison Reed, Muskogee (Missouri Southern)
Megan Robison, Catoosa (NEO)
Morgan Rockwell, Coweta (Rogers State)
Kylee Rounsaville, Mustang (OCU)
Meghan Russell, Bristow (Farleigh Dickinson)
Kenna Self, Madill (OBU)
Carly Skinner, Verden (UCO)
Megan Sullivan, Broken Arrow (NEO)
Cheyenne Thomas, Coweta (Labette)
Jessica Turner, Broken Arrow (Santa Clara)
Lauren Tyndall, Edmond Memorial (Northwestern, Ill.)
Tara Underhill, Henryetta (Central Arkansas)
Shelbie Wagnon, Beggs (NEO)
Brianna Walker, Rogers (Haskell)
Emily Wares, Morris (Connors State)
Hillary Weatherford, Carl Albert (Washburn)
Shelby Wheeler, Westmoore (St. Gregory’s)
Kala White, Claremore (Labette)
Hannah Wilkinson, Coweta (Rogers State)
Briana Williams, Midwest City (Western Illinois)

SWIMMING
Dakota Wheeler, Westmoore (South Dakota)

TENNIS
Brandon Champagne, Jenks (OSU)
Logon Collins, Tulsa Union (Marquette)
Ashley Coleman, Owasso (Seminole State)
Emily Conrad, McGuinness (Abilene Christian)
Casey Distaso, Edmond North (Georgetown)
Cale Hammond, Tulsa Kelley (Duke)
Mia Lancaster, McGuinness (OU)
Evan McElwain, Tulsa Washington (Cornell)
Whitney Ritchie, McGuinness (OU)
John Harry Warden, Tulsa Union (OU)
Danielle Whitehorn, Tahlequah (OU)

TRACK AND FIELD/CROSS COUNTRY
Beau Brown, Edmond Santa Fe (Bethany)
Dewayne Golbek, Claremore (Arkansas)
Jenna Griffin, Pawhuska (Southwestern, Kan.)
Rozlyn Hamilton, Idabel (Okla. Christian)
Brock Hime, Woodland (Cowley County)
Hillarie Kessler, Deer Creek (WOSC)
Michelle Marcha, Altus (Okla. Christian)
Ryan Minkley, Ardmore (Tulsa)
Erin Patterson, Tulsa Union (ORU)
Rachel Roberts, Guthrie (Harding)
Darren Ross, Edmond Memorial (Okla. Christian)
Michael Spencer, Edmond Memorial (Okla. Christian)
Emma Steele, Holland Hall (Dartmouth)
Antonio Taylor, Northwest (Okla. Christian)
James Turner, Plainview (Okla. Christian)

VOLLEYBALL
Ashley Acklin, Carl Albert (Radford)
Tyler Cockrell, Tulsa Washington (Gardner-Webb)
Jordan Cook, Broken Arrow (NOC)
Sarah Groesbeck, Jenks (SNU)
Tate Hardaker, Edmond Santa Fe (UCO)
Julie Labarthe, Heritage Hall (Quinnipiac)
Sallie McLaurin, Carl Albert (OU)
Laura Taylor, Tulsa Union (ORU)
Alyssa Wilson, Clinton (Northern Colorado)

WRESTLING
Christian Bailey, Davis (OCU)
Ronnie Balfour, Tulsa Union (OU)
Justin DeAngelis, Jenks (OU)
Greg Delk, Skiatook (OCU)
Quincy Mondaine, Muskogee (OU)
Dax Perrier, Pawhuska (OU)
Jared Porter, Carl Albert (Central Michigan)
Dustin Reed, Choctaw (OU)
*Will walk on
**Graduated last year, currently enrolled at Kansas State

Before everyone gets lost in the hysteria that is signing day, here is the video from Tuesday night’s Holland Hall victory over Casady in overtime.

Holland Hall junior Kwame Sexton hits a game-winning 3 as time expires for the 51-48 win, seconds after Casady’s Alex Dudley hits a 3 to tie it up.

Well, that’s one way to be re-introduced to basketball after all these weather closings. A chaotic ending sees one rival walk away with a buzzer beater on the other’s home floor.

Holland Hall 51, Casady 48 – OT (Boys)

Knew there was potential for fireworks when both coaches were out of timeouts with 54 seconds left in overtime. That’s when the kids just play on instinct and you get the dramatics.

Casady’s Alex Dudley hit a game-tying 3 (off a great pick by Ryan Shelley) to make it 48-48 in the closing seconds.

However, that was just enough time for Holland Hall’s Kwame Sexton to rise up to the occasion. He took it the length of the floor, pulled up for 3 and there ya go.

Casady coach Josh Bottomly was thrilled with the team’s effort and said it ranks in the top 5 games he’s ever been a part in.

He knows he has a bunch of football players trying to play basketball, but he also knows there is certain grit, toughness and pride in this club.

Entering this game, I thought Holland Hall would roll right through the Cyclones. Sexton and William Tisdale are dang good, if you haven’t seen ‘em.

But Casady really executed well in keeping it a low-scoring game. Plus, the Cyclones took it to the Dutch. Bentley Williams and Graham Bennett, on certain plays, just said they weren’t going to be denied.

Sexton might be one of the best leapers in the state. He’s got the kind of ups where even if he’s guarded, you tell him to shoot because he’s that much higher than anyone else.

Sexton finished with a game-high 23 points while Tisdale had 12. Shelley led Casady with 14 points while Dudley had 10.

If you missed the crazy ending on Cox, well, that’s what the Boneman is here for. Look for video of Dudley’s and Sexton’s shots on NewsOK on Wednesday as well as a short video with Sexton.

Casady led for the entire third quarter and the teams traded the lead back and forth throughout the fourth. Sexton had a chance to win it with the game tied 41-41, but his shot was off the mark.

Holland Hall is now 16-4, and I think could compete with anybody in 3A (Brad Shelley’s club beat Cascia Hall). Casady falls to 8-10, but Bottomly said there is no quit in this team. Interesting to see how both teams bounce back later this week.

Holland Hall 42, Casady 21 (Girls)

Townsend sisters take out Casady

There is a reason the Holland Hall girls basketball team is undefeated in conference play, and Casady found out why Tuesday.

The Dutch jumped out to an early lead and never looked back in the win at Casady.

Holland Hall was paced by sisters Paris and Jules Townsend as Paris had a game-high 16 points while Jules had 15.

Molly Brown led Casady with eight points.

Since just about every team only had one opportunity to make an impression (some had none), thought I’d just combine the player of the week entry this week.

And any chance of hoping to see this week’s player of the week on Monday has gone out the window as Oklahoma Christian and Heritage Hall has once again been postponed.

But because of his game-high 23 points and leading the team to a victory against No. 1-ranked and previously unbeaten Bethel, OCS junior T.J. Holland is the combined Edmond/Private schools Player of the Week.

Holland has had to learn to be more aggressive. He admitted that it was tough early on, but he’s kinda getting the hang of it now.

Thinking this break may actually hurt the Saints team as they were just starting to put everything together and gel as a team. Will they be able to still build off that momentum a full week later?

I wrote a piece about the OCS boys team in Monday’s paper. For that, here ya go.

Other contenders

Courtney Walker and A.J. Anderson, Santa Fe, Basketball: Was sensational in that great OT win against Edmond Memorial, has most complete game in the state. Anderson made clutch shots in victory.

Paige Locke and Alie Decker and Obi Emegano, Memorial, Basketball: The Memorial leaders in that great battle with Santa Fe. Emegano was a beast in losing effort.

Daniel Emesiani and Elizabeth Donohoe, North, Basketball: Boys lost at the buzzer to Putnam North while Donohoe was sensational once again in a blowout win (11 pts, 16 rebs).

Deer Creek and North wrestling: In blowout wins, the teams combined for a 134-18 margin of victory. DC beat Clinton 71-9 while North took out Putnam West 63-9.

Kaitlin Kliewer, Memorial, Swimming: Went more in-depth on this last week, but Kliewer nabbed two titles as Memorial beat North in the Edmond City showdown.

Joe Edmonds and Cara Pugh, Bishop McGuinness, Basketball: Each led their respective squad to a good, solid win against Union.

Collin Groves, Heritage Hall, Basketball: Big revenge win for Chargers at Casady, leading the way with 12 points.

Ryan Shelley, Casady, Basketball: In loss to Heritage, Shelley led Cyclones with 14 points.

Dalton Newsome, Mt. St. Mary’s, Basketball: No tournament hangover for Rockets in a road win at Jones.

Took a look at the Edmond schools, now let’s do the same with the private schools and where they’re at heading down the stretch.

Bishop McGuinness

Tough to make a dent into Douglass, but the Irish are a solid bunch. Love the senior leadership of Jameel Whitney and Kevin Caruthers while sophomores Joe Edmonds and Matt Christiansen are going to be players to watch in the future for Tondrell Durham.

Chances of making state: High. The theory is everyone is playing for second, but if you can there, all it takes is one game.

The girls might overshadow the boys this year as Jennifer Frakes has a great team, led by senior Cara Pugh. Big wins against Star Spencer and Union in last two games say a lot about the club. So much depth, and it’s been needed with all the injuries team has suffered.

Chances of making state: High. 4A is crazy-good this year, but the Irish should be one of the eight teams making it.

Heritage Hall

Excited to see this team Monday against OCS. Coach Mike Walker said it’s a different look than what I’ve seen earlier this season. Collin Groves is a stud, and it sounds like everyone else is finding their role.

Chances of making state: Low-Medium. Two weeks ago would have said low but want to see how this new approach does with my own eyes.

The girls have been paced by D Brown and Murphy Burns. Like what I see in glimpses of Carter Cloud and BreAuna Gaddis but not sure if it is going to be enough in the long run.

Chances of making state: Low. Not in this loaded 4A group, would have had a better chance in 3A.

Casady

The early season was dominated by Ryan Shelley, but the Cyclones are receiving big-time contributions (and consistent ones) from Bentley Williams and Preston Sullivan that is bringing balance to Josh Bottomly’s club.

It’s an uphill battle for the girls team, a big learning experience. But from the times I’ve seen ‘em, they don’t quit and keep pluggin’ away.

Mt. St. Mary’s

Ah, the only team I haven’t seen in person that I still really want to see. Want to see the stars like Dalton Newsome and Vincent Mason and want to see how Lenny Hatchett runs his ship. Not sure when, but I’ll see the Rockets sometime soon.

Chances of making state: High. Sounds like a fun team to watch that should be making a run.

The girls team lost eight of nine during one stretch but has now won four of its last six to improve to 6-10. Coach Rory Hamilton has the team playing better.

Chances of making state: Low. Team is improving, but it’s a little too much to ask.

OCS

Writing a big story on the Saints boys for Monday’s paper. Believe in this team. Juniors T.J. Holland Jack Warren are great scorers while Jake Cranfield and David Coury are playing bigger roles. Most of all, believe in coach Trent Toler.

Chances of making state: Medium. Next couple of weeks will be crucial in trying to see what the future holds for the Saints.

The girls team with Jordan Gooch is formidable, but it’s been rough without Gooch. Dani Childress can score and Mackenize Barnes is a strong leader for Elizabeth Clower’s squad.

Chances of making state: Low. Going to be a tough, tough road to get there and just don’t see it happening.

One shot, one moment can change the season. It remains to be seen if the game-winning 3 by Christian Hill of Mt. St. Mary’s leads the Rockets to bigger and better things.

For now, he’ll have to be content with being named the Private schools Player of the Week. Hill drained a 3 to give the Rockets an improbable win in the finals of the Heart of Purcell Tournament.

How improbable was it? Fellow chum Ryan Aber was there, and here is his story from Sunday.

Hill overshadows teammate Dalton Newsome, who had some late heroics of his own. On Thursday, he hit huge free throws for an overtime win against Byng, and he had the first crazy 3 in the final seconds against Anadarko.

Either way, it was a huge weekend for Lenny Hatchett’s boys. But the key, as I always stress out, is building off the big win.

Other contenders

Alexa Lienhard, Bishop McGuinness, Basketball: After an 11 percent shooting night in the semis, it was key for the Irish to make some shots. That’s what Lienhard did in leading the Irish to a third-place finish at the Bruce Gray Invitational.

Jake Cranfield, OCS, Basketball: Jack Warren and T.J. Holland were their normal selves, but I was impressed with how Cranfield has become a legit third option.

Collin Groves, Heritage Hall, Basketball: An exciting weekend for the Chargers. After a first-round loss to Bethany, Heritage won by two vs. Tuttle and two in OT vs. Perry. Groves led the team in scoring in two of the three games.

Dani Childress, OCS, Basketball: The Saints have had to weather the storm without Jordan Gooch, and they’re almost there. Childress has really become the No. 1 scoring option for Elizabeth Clower’s club.

Bentley Williams, Casady, Basketball: A couple of nail-biters for the Cyclones this week. An OT win and a one-point loss, but Williams was sensational in both.

D Brown and Murphy Burns, Heritage, Basketball: Can’t have one without the other as they feed off each other. Chargers placed fourth at Kingfisher.

Meagan Henson and Kenny Wooldridge, Christian Heritage, Basketball: Both were phenomenal at the Little Axe Tournament. Henson led the girls to a touranment championship while Wooldridge and the boys lost by two points in the championship.

I’m sure if you’ve read my stuff this school year, you’ve learned there are certain things that impress me. Playing good against a rival earns high marks, but I put just as much stock into following up a big win as well.

That’s why I’m giving this week’s Private schools Player of the Week to Casady’s Preston Sullivan. I’ve documented how clutch he was in the win at rival Heritage Hall, hitting the game-winning free throws. And I loved how honest he was about being caught up in that moment and how special it really was.

But that win doesn’t mean as much without the followup performance Friday against Arlington Oakridge. Sullivan once again led the team in scoring as he had 17 points in a 48-42 win.

Early on in the season, it was Ryan Shelley doing the heavy lifting, but Bentley Williams is finding his basketball legs and Sullivan is turning out to be a stud, too. Coach Josh Bottomly is getting everything he can out of this team.

Casady did go on the road and lose to Dallas Episcopal on Saturday, however.

Other contenders

D Brown, Heritage Hall, Basketball: She just has a certain way about her. Fantastic point guard who is able to create her own shots and get her teammates involved.

Cara Pugh, Bishop McGuinness, Basketball: Pugh had 22 points in a blowout win vs. NW Classen. Irish weren’t challenged much last week but will be this week at the Deer Creek Tournament.

Jack Warren, OCS, Basketball: Gets predictable to see his name at the top for the Saints but his consistency has been outstanding. OCS is also at Deer Creek Tournament.

Vincent Mason and Dalton Newsome, Mt. St. Mary’s, Basketball: Since loss to Purcell, Rockets have been rollin’ just fine. Sometimes it’s Mason, sometimes it’s Newsome, sometimes it’s both. Dynamic team.

Just like in football, this Casady team is surprising a lot of people. Shocked me good with the win against Capitol Hill on Friday. As Heritage Hall coach Mike Walker was telling me before the game, the Casady group is never short on effort and that can wear teams down.

But after a lackluster first half with only 14 points, I thought for sure that the Cyclones were be making the short trip home Tuesday night with a loss.

But give a lot of credit to Josh Bottomly’s kids, who pulled it out when it’s obvious neither team was playing at their absolute best.

Here’s a short little video with Casady hero Preston Sullivan, who made the game-winning free throws in a 36-34 victory at Heritage Hall.

When rivals get together, you throw out all records and you also throw out a lot of what you’ve seen in the past of the two teams.

You either get two teams that play their best or you can also get a hard-fought battle with tons of effort but little execution. We got the latter Tuesday night between Heritage Hall and Casady.

Casady 36, Heritage 34 (Boys)

In the end, Casady’s Preston Sullivan drained two free throws with 17.2 seconds left to give the Cyclones the win at Heritage.

I was expecting Ryan Shelley to steal the show all night, but Sullivan was in a better rhythm it seemed like all game.

He led the team with 14 points and just seemed to be in total control of his emotions throughout, which is so key when facing a rival.

Sullivan told me after the game that the atmosphere was pretty nuts for him, but he just tried to stay focus. The fans were going back and forth, and he had to block it out.

As for the free throws:

“I was just trying to keep my mind open and not think about the crowd. I wanted to act like I was back at the gym.”

It was a sloppy game, but a fun one. There six lead changes in the fourth quarter alone and the margin was never more than two points throughout the fourth. It led to a fun finish.

After Sullivan hit the FTs, Heritage called timeout with 9.1 seconds left. However, the Chargers never got a shot off, and Casady got to celebrate at Heritage for the second time this school year and start the chant ‘just like football.’

Big-time effort by Heritage’s Collin Groves, but he was the only one who seemed in synch on this night. He finished with 17 points, exactly half of what the team ended up with.

Free throws hurt the Chargers in the second half, missing front ends of 1-and-1s and starting off the half with three straight trips to the foul line, only to go 1-for-6.

It’s another big win for Casady, coming off the fine showing at the Crooked Oak Tournament.

Disappointing setback for Heritage coming off its best game of the season against Jones. Quintaz Struble finished with nine points. Bentley Williams had 10 for Casady while Shelley added nine.

Look for a video with Sullivan on NewsOK on Wednesday.

Heritage 64, Casady 24 (Girls)

Had a feeling this might get out of hand, and it did. Casady gave its best, but there’s too much size, speed and depth with the Chargers.

Heritage has been paced by D Brown and Murphy Burns all season. And against its biggest rival, nothing changed.

Brown had a game-high 17 points and Burns added 15 points as Heritage rolled to a 64-24 win against Casady on Tuesday night.

Casady scored the first basket of the game, but the Chargers went on a 15-0 run after that and never looked back. Molly Brown led Casady with eight points.

The biggest internal debate I had all Saturday night was who was the McGuinness Classic MVP? For Bishop McGuinness, your contenders were Kevin Caruthers and Jameel Whitney. For Carl Albert, it was Markell Walker and Caleb Price.

Once the Irish won, it was down to two. Really, thought both deserved the honor. The award went to Whitney and while he may have been the best player on the floor, Caruthers was the most important.

In the semifinals, it was Caruthers who made sure the team kept it together when Whitney and Joe Edmonds both had four fouls midway through the third.

In the championship, it was Caruthers who nailed three 3s in the first quarter to get the Irish off to a hot start. In overtime, Caruthers made four free throws to help seal the deal.

Simply put, Caruthers did a little bit of everything out there and earns the Private schools Player of the Week.

Maybe this last weekend will let Caruthers know it’s OK for him to be aggressive. In fact, the team will shine even more if Caruthers can be as consistent as he was this weekend.

Either way, it was a big Classic championship for the Irish. Just when you thought Tondrell Durham’s team was a little down, here they come again.

Other contenders

Casady boys basketball team: Haven’t been able to get in touch with coach Josh Bottomly but shocked a lot of folks with a runner-up finish at the Crooked Oak Tournament. Cyclones beat Capitol Hill in semis and lost by four to Northeast. I’ll get to see the boys (and girls) up close Tuesday at Heritage Hall.

T.J. Holland and Jack Warren, OCS, Basketball: Saints placed third at the Wellston Tournament, beating Luther by 29 points after a disappointing effort against Tuttle.

Jameel Whitney, McGuinness, Basketball: That block he made in OT made such a thud, I tells ya. Whitney, like Durham said, has his basketball legs now. Named Classic MVP.

Dani Childress, OCS, Basketball: The Saints are going to have to find a way to score without Jordan Gooch (injured), but Childress will take this team as far as she can.

D Brown, Heritage Hall, Basketball: Back for the Chargers after being a little banged up, Brown is one of the best floor generals around.

Dalton Newsome, Mt. St. Mary’s, Basketball: Rockets were shocked by Purcell on Friday night. Newsome led the way with 19 points.

This was a little tougher as not all coaches sent in their forms. Now to officially turn the page to the winter sports season.

All-Private Schools

Offense
QB: Jack Warren, OCS (all-around leader, excited for senior season)
RB: Barry Sanders, Heritage Hall (media buzz will only grow for super soph)
RB: LaRone Richardson, Bishop McGuinness (even with the injuries, a fun player to watch)
RB: Parker Randell, OCA (routinely put up the big numbers for the Eagles)
WR: Jon Sikes, OCS (one of the key components on an explosive team)
WR: Aaron Smith, Mt. St. Mary’s (good leader, big-play capability for MSM)
OL: Jeff Levy, OCS (better served on defense, but a dang-good HS OL, too)
OL: Markus Wakefield, Heritage Hall (big improvement from freshman to sophomore year)
OL: Dakota Leftwich, Bishop McGuinness (prob belongs on defense, leader for Irish)
OL: Sam Hoffman, Casady (made smooth transition to O-Line for senior year)
OL: Tyler Holt, OCA (DL by trade and came up big for Eagles)
K: Ian Sanders, Christian Heritage (easily one of the best in the OKC area)
KR: Kyle Ahmad, Bishop McGuinness (explosive speed always made him fun to watch)

Defense
LB: Logan McGrath, Heritage Hall (stellar senior season capped great career)
DL: Ryan Shelley, Casady (Cyclone D was a beast early, Shelley was a big reason why)
DL: Jared Clark, Christian Heritage (coach John Merrell raved about his play all season)
LB: Jameel Whitney, Bishop McGuinness (after being ‘snubbed’ in the other ones, ha ha, gets his spot, you know I loved watching him)
LB: Marc Robinson, Heritage Hall (a great first two years, look for even more in the next two)
LB: Jay Lester, Bishop McGuinness (became more of a vocal leader this year)
DL: Graham Bennett, Casady (just wait until he grows into his body, already a beast)
DB: Sterling Shepard, Heritage Hall (plays with such intensity, hits like a LB and plays QB)
DB: Cale Shivers, Casady (heart and soul of Cyclones…end of story)
DB: Dalton Newsome, Mt. St. Mary’s (best athlete and most exciting player for MSM)
DB: Tyler Minx, OCA (Eagles have come a long way, Minx has been in the thick of things)
P: Austin Katigan, Casady (another solid all-around talent, could play just about anywhere)

Offensive Player of the Year: Sanders, Heritage Hall
Defensive Player of the Year: Whitney, Bishop McGuinness
Coach of the Year: Kenny Young, Bishop McGuinness
Honorable mentions: Bishop McGuinness: Sam Crabtree, DB; Camden Tharp, QB; Will Blaik, FB; Nick Callaway, DL. Casady: Bentley Williams, RB; Mac Katigan, DB; Garrison Lee; David Driskell. CHA: Josh Blair, LB; Heritage Hall: Cale Courtney, WR; Tanner France, WR; Travis Harrison, LB. OCS: Mac McDaniel, P; Skyler Sikes, WR; Jeff Smith, RB.

OPOY: Sanders. This was an easy one. Where to start? Hmm, how about 1,707 rushing yards, 21 receptions, 6 interceptions, 30 total touchdowns and a 35-yard average on punts? He learned a lot this year and is becoming much more than just an athletic freak. He’s learning to play within the system without taking anything away from his jaw-dropping ability.

DPOY: Whitney. Didn’t get to see the Irish too much or as much as I would have liked but knew where Whitney was on just about every play. He was sensational and played his best in the biggest games (which has to count for something). Whitney scored five touchdowns and had 127 tackles with two sacks and two interceptions. Had to be accounted for on every single snap, no doubt about it.

COY: Young. Boys basketball coach Tondrell Durham is in the same spot as Young as both are seeing what they can do now that the ‘cornerstones’ of the programs have moved on. Expected to be a down year for the Irish, McGuinness was in every game. Despite injuries to key components (Quinn Shanbour, Sam Crabtree and LaRone Richardson immediately come to mind), kept the team together. Team’s three losses came by a combined eight points (10-9 at Bishop Kelley), 21-20 at Weatherford and 20-14 at Sallisaw).

(Boneman’s note: I’ve been switching Logan McGrath (HH) and Graham Bennett’s (Casady) positions all season for some unknown reason. The changes have been made.)

In a few short hours, I’ll be back home in Springboro, Ohio (between Dayton and Cincinnati), for a good 10 days for Christmas and my birthday (27th). Just want to wish all the readers in the Edmond and private school zones a safe and happy holidays.

I won’t be updating too much during my time off, but I do have a couple of gems for ya. To go with Little All-City (25th), Big All-City (26th) and All-State (27th), I’ve made a couple of other teams.

I spent a good chunk of last Tuesday creating my All-Edmond and All-OKC-area Private School team, so I’ll be releasing that this weekend as well.

Be back and ready to roll with basketball, swimming and wrestling. Have fun these two weeks.

Bishop McGuinness coach Tondrell Durham gave little indications before the season that he thought sophomore Joe Edmonds could develop into something special.

Well, we haven’t had to wait that long. No sir, not at all as Edmonds has been spectacular in the first eight games for the Irish.

Edmonds scored 31 points in two games in a pair of victories for McGuinness at the Deer Creek Festival, good enough to be named the Private Schools Player of the Week.

I don’t know if there is one thing that stands out about him, he’s just solid in just about every way possible. He’s got a nice little jump shot. He can move without the ball, but he’s not afraid to mix it up inside and get the big rebound.

Either way, the emergence of Edmonds and Matt Christiansen are two good reasons why Irish fans should be excited about what’s to come in 2010.

Other contenders

Cara Pugh, Irish, Basketball: With Caroline Cameron out for the season, Pugh is going to have to step up even more. She was good in her first test as the Irish won a pair of games at the Festival.

T.J. Holland, OCS, Basketball: Another kid with just all the tools to make something special happen. Holland and Jack Warren will have the Saints in position to make another run.

Jordan Gooch, OCS, Basketball: She was productive this weekend, but she’s on here more for her toughness and grit as it was a tough task for the OCS girls squad vs. the Irish and Deer Creek.

Irish girls swimming team: The defending 5A champions were able to beat Edmond Santa Fe in a meet last week and still look like the team to beat in 5A.

Ryan Shelley, Casady, Basketball: Another big-time outing by the senior, but the Cyclones haven’t been able to put together victories with ‘em. Shelley scored 28 in a loss to John Marshall.

Vincent Mason, Mt. St. Mary’s, Basketball: The Rockets outscored Christian Heritage 31-16 in the second half to cruise to a 21-point victory. Mason led the team with 14 points. MSM is now 5-0.

Any number of girls on the Bishop McGuinness basketball team deserve this honor. This is such a well-balanced and deep team that frankly I didn’t feel it was right to choose between them.

And since it’s my blog, I didn’t. Giving the Private Schools Player of the Week to the entire Irish girls basketball team for its big-time showing at the Edmond Open.

This team gets overshadowed by the boys team. And with the program Tondrell Durham has, you understand why. But each year Jennifer Frakes’ club has gotten a little bit better, faster, bigger. And this year, well, they’re putting it all together.

If I had to choose, I would say Cara Pugh was the best in the last week, but Alexa Lienhard and Caroline Cameron are so crucial to the team’s success, too. Cameron left with a knee injury Saturday but is said to be OK.

The Irish came up big with wins against Santa Fe and Memorial. And a loss to North is never anything to be ashamed about, especially with the way they fought the whole way. Frakes said this team is 12-deep, that’s crazy. It might not show up too much now, but that kind of depth is going to pay huge dividends in March.

Other contenders

Dalton Newsome, Mt. St. Mary’s: The Rockets are flyin’ high (get it?) and Newsome is the No. 1 reason why. Easily one of the hottest teams in the state.

Quintaz Struble, Heritage Hall: Tough week for the Chargers in losses to MSM and Weatherford, but Struble is playing well right now for Heritage.

Joe Edmonds and Jameel Whitney, Irish: After beating Bishop Kelley by one point Tuesday, Irish lost to Comets in finals of the Bishop Kelley Classic. However, Edmonds and Whitney and Matt Christiansen (for that matter) have made sure there is no dropoff for Irish.

Murphy Burns, Heritage Hall: Helped team to big win against MSM, but the Chargers were no match for Weatherford later in the week.

Ryan Shelley, Casady: He’s the dominant force for the Cyclones basketball team. Added another 20 points as Casady cruised on by Tishomingo 47-25 last week.

First full week of the basketball season, and a couple of the private school teams really went after it Saturday night in a matchup between Oklahoma Christian and Mt. St. Mary’s.

Paced by Dalton Newsome, the Rockets got the best of the Saints 53-45 on the road. MSM also went on the road Friday night at Lexington and picked up a 75-61 victory.

It took a second half comeback by the Rockets to get past OCS. The Saints held a four-point lead at halftime, but MSM outscored ‘em 33-21 in the second half.

Newsome scored 17 while Vincent Mason added 14 in the win. Mason was also the game’s high scorer Friday at Lexingoton. Newsome’s big showing is enough to win the Private Schools Player of the Week.

Tough to go on the road to start the season, but Lenny Hatchett’s team has done that right now. Couple of big victories in someone else’s gym. Possible they could get another as MSM is at Heritage Hall on Tuesday.

Other contenders

Cara Pugh and Caroline Cameron, Bishop McGuinness: Pugh came up huge in a blowout win against Ardmore on Friday while Cameron duplicated the effort in an easy win against Northwest Classen on Saturday.

T.J. Holland and Jack Warren, OCS: Maybe the Saints were a little emotionally drained. The day before the battle with MSM, OCS took out one of 4A’s top teams, John Marshall. Down one point entering the fourth, OCS got the job done.

Collin Groves, Heritage Hall: It’s going to take a while to get rollin’ for the Chargers, but Groves played huge in a loss to Northeast. Groves had a game-high 27 points.

Ryan Shelley, Casady: The Cyclones picked up a big win against Tulsa NOAH, thanks in large part to Shelley. The senior had 29 points in the 57-48 victory.

With so many more games, it’s possible I’ve left out a name or two. If you feel someone deserves the honor, drop me a line. Appreciate it.

I don’t have any info on the girls team as of this moment. If you can help a Boneman out, send any info to BPrzybylo@opubco.com. Thanks in advance.

Casady
Boys
Last year’s record: 12-13
Outlook: Might we see a repeat of the football turnaround? The Cyclones have a new coach here as Josh Bottomly is taking the reins.

And much like Koby Scoville had with the football team, Bottomly has a strong contingent of his team coming back as four seniors are returning.

Leading the way is senior Ryan Shelley. As a junior, he averaged 16 points and 8 rebounds per game. Senior John Ratliff will also provide a big spark to the team. He scored 10 ppg last year. Bentley Williams is among some of the other big names coming back.

Here are the ones I have so far:
BASEBALL
Cale Coshow, Deer Creek (OU)
Casey Coyle, Putnam North (OU)
Cale Elam, Oktaha (Wichita State)
Brad Fisher, Jenks (Oral Roberts)
Josh Halbert, Choctaw (Wichita State)
Mason Justice, Holland Hall (Kansas State)
Jordan Lopez, Edmond Santa Fe (Texas Tech)
J.T. Realmuto, Carl Albert (OSU)
Jacob Rice, Tulsa Union (Arkansas)

BOYS BASKETBALL
Cameron Downing, Tulsa Memorial (Buffalo)
Amric Fields, Putnam West (TCU)

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Jimi Blagowsky, Edmond Santa Fe (Air Force)
Brenna Burnett, Dale (Palm Beach Atlantic)
Meagan Henson, CHA (TCU)
Kalie Lucas, Harrah (Missouri Southern)
Ashlee Pitts, Tulsa East Central (SW Baptist)
Cara Pugh, McGuinness (OCU)

GOLF
Tressa Brumley, Chouteau (UCO)
Ian Davis, Deer Creek (OSU)
Talor Gooch, Carl Albert (OSU)
Matt Helms, Edmond Santa Fe (Wichita State)
Lauren Michael, Jenks (Drury)
Cody Reed, Edmond Santa Fe (NSU)

SOCCER
Corbin Campbell, Deer Creek (OBU)

SOFTBALL
Shelby Blanton, Newcastle (Tulsa)
Sierra Bronkey, Edmond Santa Fe (Arkansas)
Tiffany Brown, Catoosa (Pittsburg State)
Bailee Cartwright, Moss (Northwestern State, La.)
Dani Fox, Yukon (Washburn)
Shaylee Griffin, McAlester (OCU)
Haley Henshaw, Catoosa (Tulsa)
Javen Henson, Red Oak (OU)
Hannah Justice, Catoosa (UCO)
Beth Manship, Harrah (Southeastern)
Mary Kate McKay, Madill (Angelo State)
Lauren Poole, Putnam North (Seminole State)
Natalie Powers, Holland Hall (Tenn.-Chatt.)
Shelbi Redfearn, Stillwater (Baylor)
Kylee Rounsaville, Mustang (OCU)
Kenna Self, Madill (OBU)
Lauren Tyndall, Edmond Memorial (Northwestern, Ill.)
Hillary Weatherford, Carl Albert (Washburn)
Briana Williams, Midwest City (OCU)

TENNIS
Logon Collins, Tulsa Union (Marquette)

VOLLEYBALL
Ashley Acklin, Carl Albert (Radford)
Tate Hardaker, Edmond Santa Fe (UCO)
Julie Labarthe, Heritage Hall (Quinnipiac)
Sallie McLaurin, Carl Albert (OU)
Alyssa Wilson, Clinton (Northern Colorado)

WRESTLING
Ronnie Balfour, Tulsa Union (OU)
Justin DeAngelis, Jenks (OU)
Greg Delk, Skiatook (OCU)
Quincy Mondaine, Muskogee (OU)
Jared Porter, Carl Albert (Central Michigan)
Dustin Reed, Choctaw (OU)

There was one surprise after another in the private school realm this last week. Teams losing I thought would win and teams winning I thought would lose. You really just never know.

Bishop McGuinness (7-2, 5-1)
Well, there were no surprises with the Irish. A dominating first half had ‘em up 24-0 before earning a 37-22 win against Southeast.

Senior Jameel Whitney had a rushing touchdown. Yea, that’s usual. But he also had a passing touchdown, finding David Krahl on a 31-yarder. I would love to see that video.

McGuinness was able to total more than 400 yards of offense, so that’s a good sign as we get deeper and deeper in the season.

The Irish close out their regular season at Elk City. EC has come a long way and is a totally different team from the one that lost to Western Heights.

Heritage Hall (5-4, 5-1)
Maybe the biggest shocker of the week. John Marshall went into Pop Murray Memorial Field and gutted out a 12-7 road victory.

Sophomore Barry Sanders had a big game as usual, but the Bears controlled the rest of the club.

The biggest question is the health of Sterling Shepard, and it will be the first question I ask coach Andy Bogert when I talk to him Monday.

When I first heard it, I thought it was overconfidence. But after hearing about Shepard’s injury in the first half, think it was more confusion to go with a determined club from John Marshall.

Heritage is at Mt. St. Mary’s on Friday.

Casady (7-3, 3-3)
Not the end the Cyclones wanted. Casady was the toast of the town at 7-0, but the wheels fell off in losing the final three games.

Losing to Houston St. Johns and Houston Episcopal were things I could see. But I really thought Casady was better than Holland Hall, so the 35-12 margin was shocking to me.

Casady gave up 61 points the first seven games and 87 in the final three.

Plan on giving coach Koby Scoville a call to wrap up the season for the Cyclones later this week.

Other private schools

- What a performance by Mt. St. Mary’s in winning 28-21 at Newkirk. Wow. It was the usual suspects (Dalton Newsome, Aaron Smith and Mikey Mollman) doing the bulk of the damage, but Andrew Aguilar and Jake Peace came up big, too.

The Rockets did something for coach Dal Nichols on Saturday that I don’t want to talk about just yet. Let’s just say it says a lot about those kids and how those kids see their coach. A truly touching moment.

- Parker Randell once again stole the show as Oklahoma Christian Academy made it two wins in a row against Prue. This time it was a 32-14 victory. Randell had four touchdowns while OCA held Prue to -6 rushing yards.

- Christian Heritage also had an offensive explosion. The Crusaders won 38-15 against Thomas, with QB Bryant Hodge throwing two touchdowns and running for two more.

- And Oklahoma Christian School was dominant in a 55-14 win vs. Crescent. OCS had 461 yards of total offense as Jeff Smith and Jack Warren each accounted for four touchdowns.

Casady (7-2, 3-2) vs. Holland Hall (4-4, 3-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Holland Hall

Casady (W, FWAll Saints; W, Heritage Hall; W, Crooked Oak; W, Houston Kinkaid; W, Tulsa NOAH; W, Dallas Greenhill; W, Dallas St. Marks; L, Houston St. Johns; L, Houston Episcopal)
Why the Cyclones can win: Because like I’ve said, their two-game losing streak is nothing to be ashamed of. But it definitely has the team pumped up, not that it needed any extra motivation going against their conference rival and a chance to play for the championship.

Quote:

You can just throw out the records when it comes to this rivalry. We’ve had many classic games with them before. This should be another good one.” – coach Koby Scoville

Holland Hall
Why HH can win: Two reasons. Holland is coming off a huge win against Houston St. Johns, so the confidence is high. The other thing is the home-field advantage. Holland is only 1-3 on the road, but it’s home sweet home with this one where Holland is 3-1.

Key matchup: Casady defense vs. Holland offense: The Cyclones defense has a lot of pride. They’ve allowed 52 points in the last two games after giving up 61 in the first seven. Look for a monster game from the defense.

The pick: Casady 19, Holland Hall 15. Think the difference is going to be turnovers. Casady will cause one late in the game and earn a huge win to get another crack at Episcopal. A favor to ask Holland, Casady fans. If you’re on Twitter, @BPrzybylo would love constant updates on this battle all night.

This is a fun week for me, personally. Whether it’s the Edlam showdown between North and Memorial or the SPC battle between Casady and Holland Hall.

A couple of weeks ago I would have given Casady a huge advantage in this game. Not so much because of the way the Cyclones were playing (that hasn’t changed all season) but because Holland wasn’t putting it together.

If last week is any indication, I might be wrong about that one. That was a huge win by Holland Hall against Houston St. Johns.

Now comes the showdown Friday.

Casady has been steered by its stellar senior class all year, anchored by quarterback Cale Shivers. A true leader. His stats don’t indicate what he means to the team.

When Travis Hibdon went down, it definitely put the Cyclones in a tough spot, but they’ve battled. Austin Katigan has become a solid No. 1 option.

Interesting to see that though Casady has given up 52 points in its last two games, it has allowed just one more point than Houston Episcopal (113-112). That’s how good this Cyclone defense is.

Holland Hall has a nice, balanced offense, but its defense seems to be where Casady can find some holes. HH has allowed 201 points in eight games, a little more than 25 ppg.

Offensively, HH is paced by RB Kwame Sexton. He has rushed for 982 yards and 13 touchdowns. Quarterback Jay Swab is explosive but does make mistakes. He has nine TDs vs. 11 INTs. If Casady’s defense can force the action, it should create some turnovers.

I can’t be in two places at once, but this should be another classic in this outstanding rivalry. Each team is 3-2 in Division I of the Southwest Prep Conference.

Here’s a few I’ve come up with. Let me know, either through a comment here or an e-mail (raber@opubco.com), if you have any others.

I’m sure there are plenty more I’ve missed but here are a few:

- Morrison and Shattuck’s 90-game winning streaks in football
- Tulsa Union’s and Jenks’ stranglehold on the 6A football title
-Asher and Owasso baseball dominance
-McGuinness girls cross country
-Bethel girls basketball state tournament streak
-Bartlesville boys swimming
-El Reno wrestling
-McGuinness girls tennis
-Cascia Hall boys tennis