Carl Albert's Gioya Carter shoots over Harrah's Sydney Hessman during the Titans' win Tuesday. PHOTO BY SARAH PHIPPS, THE OKLAHOMAN

Bishop McGuinness was dealt a tough blow Monday in practice.

Senior Elyse Hight, the Irish’s top scorer and rebounder, suffered a hip injury that will keep her sidelined for the indefinite future.

The defending state champion Irish, ranked No. 5 in Class 5A, won its fifth straight game 43-36 over Stillwater on Tuesday.

Senior Kate Andrews, who led McGuinness with 16 points, said the team played for Hight.

“I think anytime you’re challenged with adversity, you have to come out and show you can play with just as much passion,” Andrews said. “We played in honor of her tonight. We really used this challenge to us to pick each other up and grow together.”

Andrews said replacing Hight is much more than making up for her points and rebounds.

“So many people just see the tons of boards and tons of points she puts up, but it was the little things,” Andrews said. “The blocks, steals, energy and leadership were missed.

“But where we lacked with her absence, everyone else really picked it up.”

Junior LaNesha Middleton led Stillwater with 17 points.

Jason’s take: I can’t emphasize enough how important it was for Bishop McGuinness to get this win in its first game without Elyse Hight. The Irish had just gotten a lot of their early-season kinks worked out, and losing a player of her caliber might have caused some teams to crumble. But the Irish got going quickly, shooting the ball well on its way to an 18-point first quarter and, ultimately, a fifth straight win. With Hight out for the foreseeable future,  it’s encouraging for Irish fans to see the team performing well and beating a solid Stillwater team without her.

CARL ALBERT WINS AT HARRAH

Junior Gioya Carter scored 16 points and Class 5A No. 4 Carl Albert won at Harrah 49-35 on Tuesday.

The Titans (7-3) jumped out to a 22-8 lead after the first quarter and led 28-16 at halftime.

Junior Bailey Mack led Harrah (6-5) with 15 points. It was Harrah’s third straight loss.

Carl Albert plays next at Chickasha on Friday, while Harrah travels to Noble the same day.

Jason’s take: It was important for Carl Albert to win this one on the road after losing two of three games in the Westmoore tournament last weekend. For Harrah, it’s a third straight loss after a three-game winning streak. They should pick up a win over Noble, but then Class 5A No. 1 Shawnee looms on Jan. 17.

MASSEY SCORES 33 AS CHRISTIAN HERITAGE TOPS JONES

Junior Maclayn Massey scored 33 points as Christian Heritage held off Jones to win 66-65 at home on Tuesday.

Christian Heritage took a big lead after outscoring Jones 25-11 in the second quarter. But the Longhorns rallied, scoring 40 second-half points, including 24 in the fourth quarter.

Sophomore Teddi Homan led the Longhorns with 22 points.

Jason’s take: An impressive performance by Massey, who was the Crusaders’ only returning starter from last year. Maybe the young Christian Heritage team is starting to gain some momentum with experience, and a win like this can only help the team going forward.

EDWARDS LEADS NORTHEAST PAST MILLWOOD

A run that started late in the third quarter gave Northeast enough cushion to hold off host Millwood 53-41.

Northeast’s T’ona Edwards sparked the run, scoring seven of her game-high 20 points in the third as the Vikings stretched a six-point advantage into a comfortable 20-point lead early in the fourth.

“(On Monday), we had practice without a basketball,” first-year Northeast coach Londaryl Perry said. “We had to have a reminder of who was in charge. I think it really brought us back together as a team instead of a bunch of individuals. I think that showed in how we played tonight.”

Shayla Williams scored 14 points and LaNesha Williams added 10 for Northeast. Millwood was led by Quira Demery with 14 points.

Jason’s take: Big thanks to Scott Wright for coverage of this game. Northeast got back on the right track after losing to Holland Hall in the finals of the Stroud Tournament. The Vikings are looking like they could be an awfully special team; their only other loss this year was a seven-point setback to Class 6A power Midwest City. Millwood lost its second straight after falling in the SNU/Bethany Classic finals to Norman North. The Falcons are still playing without junior starting guards Teanna Reid and Daneisha Threatt, who both have been injured all season.

TIP-INS

Senior Courtney Walker, a Texas A&M signee, scored 22 points and Class 6A No. 1 Edmond Santa Fe rolled past Putnam City West 83-30 at home. Santa Fe (12-0) plays at Yukon on Friday. … Class 5A’s top-ranked team, Shawnee, improved to 11-0 with a 55-24 home win over El Reno. Junior Micaela Yu led the Wolves with 18 points, and senior forward Taylor Cooper, an Oral Roberts signee, added 12. … Junior Kaitlyn Peterson scored 18 points and Edmond North (2-7) upset 6A No. 11 Putnam City North 40-37 on Tuesday. It was the Panthers third straight loss. … Senior Kenzie Solberg led Chandler with 28 points as it won 52-47 in overtime at Seminole.

All-District Team
First team
Offense
Quarterback: Dametric Sanders, Millwood
Running backs: Andy Habib, Christian Heritage; Ben McCoy, Luther
Wide receivers: Andrwe Herzer, Jones; Caleb McGehee, Christian Heritage; TreVoyne Willis, Northeast.
Linemen: Terrance Artrip, Luther; Devin Dobbins, Millwood; Jon Knowles, Christian Heritage; Tyler McCully, Jones; Justin Woody, Northeast
All Purpose: Haskell Browning, Luther

Defense
Linemen: Jordan Bell, Jones; Steven Koonce, Jones; Gonzalo Vasquez, Crooked Oak; Bobby Wilkes, Millwood
Linebackers: Devion Battle, Luther; Chris Humphrey, Jones; Marc Robinson, Millwood
Defensive backs: Chris McGrew, Northeast; Malcolm Scales, Millwood; Ryan Southerland, Christian Heritage

Second team
Offense
Quarterback: Michael Thomas, Northeast
Wide receiver: Phillip Norman, Luther
Linemen: Nick Deyoe, Luther; Harvey Hightower, Millwood; Savaughn King, Jones

Defense
Linemen: Theo Coleman, Northeast; Demarcus Long, Northeast
Linebackers: Adam Curtis, Christian Heritage; Court Hendrickson, Christian Heritage; Savon Peevy, Northeast
Defensive backs: Aron Gaines, Northeast; Caleb Gentry, Christian Heritage

Here are some of the players who are expected to sign this week:
BASEBALL
Blake Estep, Jones (Penn St.)
Isaac Hellbusch, Deer Creek (Arkansas)
Taylor Hawkins, Carl Albert (OU)
Ty Hensley, Edmond Santa Fe (Ole Miss)
Chase Stephens, Deer Creek (UCO)
Jordan Watson, Edmond Santa Fe (OSU)

BOYS BASKETBALL
Aaron Anderson, Edmond Santa Fe (Fresno St.)
Blake Blanchard, Deer Creek (Southwestern)
Matt Christiansen, McGuinness (San Francisco)
Joe Edmonds, McGuinness (San Francisco)
James Woodard, Edmond Memorial (Tulsa)
D’Andre Wright, Lawton Eisenhower (Tulsa)

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Kelsey Barnwell, Kansas (Missouri-Kansas City)
Ashley Clark, Midwest City (Tulsa)
Courtney Cowan, Kansas (Northeastern St.)
Ali Decker, Edmond Memorial (Wichita St.)
Toni Smith, Del City (Fresno St.)
Courtney Walker, Edmond Santa Fe (Texas A&M)

GOLF
Taylor Moore, Edmond Memorial (Arkansas)
Abby Thompson, Deer Creek (OCU)

GYMNASTICS
Keara Glover, Putnam North (Auburn)

SOFTBALL
Liz Broyles, Blanchard (Missouri-Kansas City)
Braxton Coil, Edmond North (Missouri St.)
Shalee Cordell, Newcastle (OBU)
Kaylin Hinshaw, Putnam North (Mid-America)
Leslie Miller, Blanchard (OU)
Kady Self, Edmond North (OU)
Caitlin Sill, Tuttle (Tulsa)
Bryana Wade, St. Mary (North Texas)
Brooke Zukerman, Lawton MacArthur (UCO)

TENNIS
Sarah Bowen, Heritage Hall (Hofstra)

VOLLEYBALL
Emily Belz, OCS (Henderson St.)
Sydney Fioretti, Edmond Santa Fe (OBU)
Hannah Holkum, Edmond Santa Fe (North Carolina St.)
Barbara Jackson, Edmond Santa Fe (OCU)

WRESTLING
Matt Manley, Perry (Missouri)

Large East
Sadie Schaffner, Bartlesville
Inky Ajanaku, Tulsa Kelley
Cat Roth, Tulsa Kelley
Sydney Eggers, Bixby
Cailyn Burd, Owasso
Aubrey Marsellis, Owasso
Alexa Knox, Tulsa Union
Kylie Johnson, Tulsa Union

Large West
Maddie Reddick, McGuinness
Skylar Conner, Edmond Memorial
Kristen Nashert, Edmond North
Heather Watson, Edmond North
Hannah Holkum, Edmond Santa Fe
Barbara Jackson, Edmond Santa Fe
Lexie Matthews, Norman North
Tori Thomas, Norman North

Small East
Kara Gleason, Lincoln Christian
Evette Allen, Lincoln Christian
Sunny Smarty, Oklahoma Union
Hayley Bryan, Copan
Aryn Dixon, Cascia Hall
Allie Murphy, Cascia Hall
Carolina Arnould, Victory Christian
Mayci Sparkman, Shawnee
Hannah McKenzie, Tulsa Wahsington
Morgan Allison, Catoosa

Small West
Dawnshate Blakes, Chickasha
Taylor Crismas, Oklahoma Bible
Bree Fritschow, Duncan
Danielle McGill, Big Pasture
Sydney Miles, Heritage Hall
Jessica Penner, Corn Bible
Jenny Pratt, Christian Heritage
Lindsey Smith, Big Pasture
Talie Stanley, Cache
Madison Ward, Cache

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.

That’s the kind of statement you wanted to make if you were McGuinness before the playoffs. The Irish were able to get the passing game going to go with that incredible rushing attack, and it led to a blowout win at Guymon.

Quarterback Camden Tharp hasn’t had the greatest season ever, but the last few weeks have been a step in the right direction. Against Guymon, he threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another.

If the Irish are balanced on offense, look out, could be a bad sign for the rest of the state. The running game added another 272 yards.

In the best first round matchup of the week, the Irish are at Glenpool on Friday night.

Other contenders

Sterling Shepard, Heritage Hall: Nothing new to what he’s doing, but his consistency has been incredible. Added another four touchdowns in win vs. Kingfisher.

Josh Bivens, OCA: Oklahoma Christian Academy went out on top as Bivens notched three touchdowns in a 45-0 blowout against Sasakwa.

Colton Lindsey, CHA: Freshman quarterback is coming of age. Lindsey threw for four touchdowns and rushed for another in Crusaders victory over Crooked Oak.

Joseph Reis-Herron, Mt. St. Mary’s: Momentum for next year for Rockets? End year on two-game winning streak as Reis-Herron tallied five rushing touchdowns in cruising to win vs. Walters.

Cooper Cloud, Heritage Hall: Not much said about passing game for Chargers, but Cloud notched three more touchdown passes and didn’t throw a pick.

For some teams, understanding their district scenarios can cause a real headache. That’s not the case for Christian Heritage Academy.

The Crusaders play Crooked Oak this week, and it’s simple. The winner is on the road at Hennessey next week, while the loser is at Watonga for a first-round matchup. CHA and Crooked Oak are battling for third and fourth place in 2A-2.

CHA has been on a roll lately, thanks to a move at quarterback. Former quarterback Bryant Hodge has moved to wide receiver and has allowed him to excel on defense. Freshman Colton Lindsey has taken over as the starting QB.

“He’s done fantastic,” coach John Merrell said. “He doesn’t even look nervous out there as a freshman quarterback.”

Merrell said part of that is because the offensive line has done a great job of protecting Lindsey and making sure he doesn’t have to take big hits. Hodge had a punt return for a touchdown in last week’s win against Luther.

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.

Why the Crusaders could win: Andy Habib and Bryant Hodge are a formidable rushing duo, combining for more than 700 yards and 12 touchdowns. Moving the ball will be key, because no one has been able to stop the Falcons yet. So if you’re going to beat them, you’ll need to score.

Why the Falcons could win: Last week’s comeback win over Jones should have opened the Falcons’ eyes a little to let them know that the district schedule won’t be a cake walk. Going undefeated — no matter the level of competition — isn’t easy and requires a team to maintain focus every week.

Key matchup: Falcon WRs vs. CHA DBs. If you can’t stop Josh Turner, Brandon Swindall and Mike Cole, you can’t beat the Falcons.

The pick: Millwood 45, CHA 21. QB Kevonte Richardson is just playing too well and has too many weapons at his disposal right now.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

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.

7:06: Boneman here. Arrived at Heritage Hall for football between Chargers and Newcastle to learn that the Heritage Hall volleyball team lost to Lincoln Christian in five games. Is it the start of a long night for Charger athletics?

5:51 p.m.: LC takes the third game to pull within 2-1. Fourth game coming up.

5:38 p.m.: Chargers up 2-0, but the third game is much tighter so far. HH leading 15-12.

5:15 p.m.: Heritage Hall is out to a commanding lead against Lincoln Christian. After winning the first game 25-12, the Chargers are on top 16-8 in the second.

4:16 p.m.: After falling behind 5-1 to start the fifth game, Cache rallies for the win. The Bulldogs will face OBA Saturday at noon in the semifinals… The Heritage Hall-Lincoln Christian match, originally scheduled for 3 p.m., will start at about 4:40 p.m.

4 p.m.: Another wild one as Victory Christian rallies to force a fifth game with Cache, which has led in all four games, including an eight-point lead in the second. The Bulldogs have had opportunities to close this one out, but Victory — winners of 27 straight matches coming in — won’t go away.

3 p.m.: Fun with numbers – During the between-games break I took a minute to do some math… Corn Bible Academy has an ADM of 58.0 in the 9th-12th grades, which means more than 25 percent of the high school’s enrollment is on the volleyball team (15 players). To have an equal ratio, Broken Arrow would need 1,192 players to come out for volleyball. That would require 2,384 knee pads.

2:44 p.m.: When I made the reference to Alyssa Wilson and Clinton from last season in my opening post, I did it without having seen Cache play. But the Bulldogs’ Madison Ward fits the mold. Big jumper, hard hitter, and she’s about 6-foot-2. Only a junior, but she’s getting recruited by several major programs around the country. Cache has a 1-0 lead on Victory Christian with the second game about to start.

1:59 p.m.: OBA pulls it out with a 15-7 win in the fifth game. Thriller all the way.

1:45 p.m.: We’re heading to a fifth game in our opening match between Corn Bible and Oklahoma Bible. It’s been tight all the way. The closest game was OBA’s 25-18 win in the second, after trailing 7-2 early.

Noon: We’re under way at the Class 4A state volleyball tournament, wtih Oklahoma Bible and Corn Bible on the court in the first game of the opening match at Chickasha High School.

This is my first visit to the Fightin’ Chicks’ gym since it was built, and it’s a great place for this event. Big enough to accomodate the crowd, but not too big that it feels empty. I’m betting Saturday’s semifinal and final matches will have this place shaking. It’s loud in here now and there isn’t the kind of crowd you’ll have on a Saturday.

And there’s no doubt this tournament is going to get rowdy. It’s an extremely balanced field, and I don’t know that there’s a team playing that would be a surprise if they’re holding the gold ball on Saturday evening.

Of the coaches I spoke with, Heritage Hall, OBA and Christian Heritage are battle-tested. Cascia Hall has been playing its best volleyball the last few weeks. Victory Christian has won 27 straight matches.

Cache and Lincoln Christian have some big hitters — and that plays a huge factor in this tournament… just ask Alyssa Wilson and Clinton last year. Corn Bible is the smallest volleyball-playing school in the state, but they can hang with anyone. And they’ve got a big crowd. For a school with an ADM of 58.00, half the high school must be in attendance here today.

I’ll update the happenings throughout the day. Here’s Friday’s first-round schedule

Game 1: Oklahoma Bible 3, Corn Bible 2 (22-25, 25-18, 21-25, 25-20, 15-7)

Game 2: Cache 3, Victory Christian 2 (25-19, 24-26, 25-20, 23-25, 15-9)

3 p.m.: Heritage Hall vs. Lincoln Christian

4:30 p.m.: Cascia Hall vs. Christian Heritage

Saturday’s schedule

Noon: Oklahoma Bible vs. Cache

1:45 p.m.: HH/LC winner vs. Cascia/Christian Heritage winner

3:45 p.m.: Semifinal winners

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

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.

Cascia Hall earned the preseason vote, with Heritage Hall taking over last week. Now, it’s Oklahoma Bible Academy, which will put its No. 1 ranking on the line tonight at Bethany.

The Enid-based school is 15-3, coming off a strong run to win the Clinton Tournament in which OBA 8-0 against Oklahoma teams. The only loss was at the hands of Pampa (Texas) HS. And among their victims were 4A’s defending champ, Clinton, No. 4 Cache (twice), No. 8 Corn Bible (twice) and Bethany.

The Trojans also knocked off another top-10 team in Santa Fe South last Tuesday. I’ll be catching up with coach James Ward this week to get his thoughts on the season.

No other major excitement this week in the 4A poll, though Christian Heritage stepped up another spot to No. 4. Big Pasture is in the top 10 with its 13-0 start.

And the 5A and 6A polls stayed mostly the same as well. In 6A, Norman North (11-1) moved up another spot to No. 7.

Shawnee is enjoying the move back down to 5A, jumping up to No. 9. Last year, the Wolves probably would have been state tournament contenders before getting bumped up to 6A just before the season started.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

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.

The Chargers defeated Cascia at the Broken Arrow Tournament, which was loaded with good competition from all classes.

In 6A, Edmond Memorial held onto the top spot and Jenks jumped from No. 4 to No. 2 after starting the season 9-0. The Trojans have lost two of their last three, including a loss Monday night to Edmond Santa Fe — the team they moved ahead of for the second spot.

The other team to beat Jenks was 5A’s No. 1, Tulsa Kelley, which is facing off with Edmond Memorial and Edmond Santa Fe tonight at Memorial. Should be a couple of thrillers.

Other items worth noting in Tuesday’s polls: Following its big win over Heritage Hall last week, Christian Heritage moved up one spot to fifth in 4A… Unbeaten Putnam City (9-0) moved up to No. 7 in 6A, Norman North (10-1) jumped to No. 8 and 8-3 Mustang slipped into the poll at No. 15… In 5A, unbeaten Coweta (9-0) moved into the top 5 at No. 5 and Southeast is No. 10.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Your All-City Preview champs, Douglass. Douglass 12, Star Spencer 0 in the final.

You’ll have to forgive us for all the talk about the Douglass passing game. Just wasn’t expecting a passing game as solid under Shon Bridges as what the Trojans showed this summer.

But there is no mistaken the bread-and-butter is going to be the running game, and those responsibilities will belong to Aliston Cobb and Diontay Washington.

I’ve been on the Cobb bandwagon since the semifinals last season when I saw him for the first time. I don’t care that he wasn’t one of the top rushers last year, Cobb is an all-state caliber back. He showed it during the first half of Douglass’ win against Star Spencer in the All-City Preview championship.

What I didn’t know was that Washington ain’t half bad, either. Washington showed a lot of power and earned that final touchdown after having another one called back. And Ian Robinson isn’t a slouch, either.

The Star Spencer defense is going to be rock solid. The Bobcats are going to be in just about every game because of that defense.

Offense is going to take a while. No Darwin Rideau and Terence Olds, and that’s just way too tough to say ‘we’ll find other guys.’ Love Stevo Henderson and what he brings and like the approach that Terrell Love is bringing to the club.

Caught the second half of Millwood and Southeast. Like what the Spartans showed but love what Shevin Patton is bringing to the table for the Falcons.

There was good reason to think this team would be hurting without Emilio Gatewood, but it doesn’t appear so.

Wanted to watch Christian Heritage and Mt. St. Mary’s, but life got in the way. This time life was the whole K.J. Rucker situation at Idabel happening. I missed nearly the entire varsity scrimmage as I was writing away on Rucker and former Jones QB Daxx Garman.

When I was finally done, the Rockets were driving for a last-minute score and sure enough, got it. I actually thought Jake Peace had caught the game-winner a couple plays before that, but he was ruled out of bounds when he caught it.

With six seconds left, quarterback John Tener scrambled for his life before throwing the game’s only touchdown pass for the victory against the Crusaders.

Look for a video with Douglass’ Aliston Cobb on NewsOK this weekend.

Hope you guys liked the zoned tab editions that came out Friday and Sunday is the big statewide preview: ‘The Gift of Grab.’

You can't think of CHA without coach John Merrell

Hope you enjoyed the pieces Monday on some of the coaching legends in Oklahoma high school football. I admit it was a hectic week, but I thoroughly enjoyed the long conversations and trips down memory lane with Duncan’s Jim Holloway and Christian Heritage’s John Merrell.

Needless to say, you can’s sum up 30 years in that short of a space so here are some of things that, yes, got lost on the cutting room floor:

* What has high school football meant to you?

“It’s caused so much excitement in my life. It all starts with support. The support I’ve had from my wife. She’s never made me feel guilty for doing what I love. And the support I’ve had from the administration here that has realized just how much athletics mean to the kids and the community.”

* How many more years do you think you’ll still be coaching?

“I have no idea. I’m just listening to the Lord and doing what He wants. I’m taking it one year at a time, and that’s always been my philosophy.”

On former players:

“It’s always great to see them and what they’ve become. Just last week, we had a couple of guys who were on the team 10-12 years ago or so just talking about their time here. I’m happy that those guys can look back and talk about how much their time at CHA has meant to them.”

Another great moment:

“Two years ago. It was our first year as a member of the Activities Association, and we were just so glad to be in it. But we got off to an 0-2 start and were starting to wonder. We won our next eight games, and I remember thinking ‘I’ve never practiced on Thanksgiving weekend.’ Our season was always over by that point. That year, we got to do that, and I had to change my Thanksgiving plans. I had no problems doing that.”

On mission trip to Brazil:

“I went to Brazil in 1988. Well, the whole family went. We were there on a mission trip to help build an airport runway, of all things. We did it and got to see the first plane take off. It is one of the most wonderful experiences in my life.”

On CHA making the state basketball tournament:

“That was incredible. The excitement in the school for that basketball team was something I’ll never forget. That’s what being in the Association has done for us. It’s just created such an exciting atmosphere. It’s definitely easier to go to practice and keep the kids motivated.”

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.

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.

Had a chance to talk with some private school athletic directors and their thoughts about what happened at the OSSAA board meeting Wednesday.

Bishop McGuinness AD Gary Savely and Heritage Hall’s Rod Warner declined to comment since they’re on the committee, but I got in touch with Mt. St. Mary’s Lenny Hatchett and Christian Heritage Academy’s John Merrell.

One of the six proposals was an enrollment multiplier where certain schools would have to multiply their enrollment by 15 or 30 percent.

Lenny Hatchett

Every school is different. Something like this would really hurt the Mount. We only have like 300 kids, so this would be a big increase. It’s not like we have 800, 900 kids.

Every administration is trying to do what’s best for them and that makes sense. It’s not a perfect answer to everything. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

John Merrell

We just want to be a good member of the Association. This has been a great experience for us ever since joining. We wanted to get in for years, and we’re just happy to be a part of this.

It’s created a lot of excitement with the student body, going to state tournaments and having success. We’re embracing everything. Whatever decision is made, we’ll happily abide by it.”

In the multiplier proposal, MSM would move up to 4A from 3A while CHA would move to 3A from 2A.

For a full list of the schools affected by the multiplier and how the enrollment numbers would change, Ryan Aber wrote a detailed piece in Thursday’s paper.

Cleveland hit .667 during recent tournaments in Altus and Prestonwood, Texas. At the Altus tournament, he had nine RBIs and a home run.

Cleveland, the grandson of former Major Leaguer Don Demeter, has signed with Morehead State.

CHA is 5-4 after the tournaments and will play at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Class 6A Del City.

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.

The ending of the season in the private school realm was a little disappointing for the girls. And with stars like CHA’s Meagan Henson and Mt. St. Mary’s Liana Garcia (among others) leaving, it will be interesting to see what happens. OCS’ Dani Childress should really become a name to remember next year.

One of the bigger moments of the season will happen in July with the ADM. Heritage Hall would really benefit from moving down to 3A while the Irish might benefit to a move up to 5A.

Bishop McGuinness
This year’s disappointment should be a driving force all summer, fall and winter for Jennifer Frakes’ squad. It’s sad that girls like Cara Pugh and Lissy Fuller won’t get the opportunity to play for a state championship, but look at the talent that is coming back.

It’s going to start with a healthy Caroline Cameron. She was having a fantastic start to the season before tearing her ACL against Edmond North. In the post, Alexa Lienhard and Elyse Hight are going to give opponents’ fits just like they did this season.

The only question will be is how long will the mental hangover last? I wasn’t at Midwest City when the Irish were taken out by Clinton, but I’m sure it still stings right now.

Heritage Hall
The Chargers lose one of the best pure scorers I saw this season in Murphy Burns, but D Brown does return. Brown had to carry a lot of the load this season when the team was faced with pressure defenses.

However, Carter Cloud will be a year older and ready to do more and look for BreAuna Gaddis to absolutely explode next season for Leslie Warner’s club.

All year long sophomore Matt Christiansen was making strides for the Bishop McGuinness basketball team. An injury at a tournament in New Mexico was going to slow him down, I thought.

Once fully healthy again, Christiansen started to become that force again. And at the state tournament, he and fellow sophomore Joe Edmonds showed why the Irish will once again be knocking on the door.

McGuinness lost to Douglass in the Class 4A finals but just about any team in the state would have lost to that Douglass. Heck, maybe EVERY team in the state would have lost to that Douglass team.

Christiansen has really developed a solid low post game and is a beast on the glass. Going to be interesting how comfortable he feels as he becomes even more of option 1A or 1B with Edmonds.

Despite the setback, Christiansen’s performance easily gives him the Private Schools Player of the Week.  Wonder if he is going to get any taller?

Other team contenders

Mt. St. Mary’s boys basketball team: Had an unexpected loss to Hugo in the quarterfinals, but Hugo ended up reaching the finals so that was more a case of not realizing how good that team was. Losing some tremendous seniors on this team that did represented the school well. Injuries hurt as well as we never got to see what they truly could have done, but Lenny Hatchett will have this team back in the conversation next year.

CHA girls basketball team: Heartbreak Hotel on Day 1 had a room for the Crusaders as Washington beat CHA with a 3-pointer at the buzzer. CHA had a tremendous season, going undefeated heading into the playoffs. Going to be tough to replace Meagan Henson, the CHA star headed to Texas Christian. But this is the type of season you can build on and start to develop your own tradition – just like a school with the reputation of Washington. Gonna take a while to get that experience.

With the winter season officially in the books, time to turn to the spring season.

The Memorial girls were smiling after area. Will they still be after Thursday's showdown with Norman. Photo courtesy of Jana Hill.

Class 6A Boys
Edmond Memorial vs. Midwest City
Prediction: MWC. The Bombers are the scariest team playing right now. Tough draw to get MWC in the quarterfinals. One thing working in Memorial’s favor is having played the Bombers twice already. Always tough to beat a team three times in one season.

Edmond Santa Fe vs. Norman North
Prediction: Santa Fe. It’s a great story what the Timberwolves have done, but this is the year for Santa Fe if ever there has been a year. Too much toughness and a game-changer like Josh Richardson keeps the Wolves bid for a title alive.

Class 6A Girls
Edmond North vs. Norman North
Prediction: Edmond North. The Huskies remember all too well what happened last year against Norman. This team is mentally tougher than most give ‘em credit for, and they’ll show it with a victory here.

Edmond Memorial vs. Norman
Prediction: Memorial. I might have blinders on for this one, but I’ve seen how far the Bulldogs have progressed in the last month. You can wipe out Memorial’s win vs. Norman because it was early in the season and Norman’s win because it was during a brutal stretch. This should be the best first-round game of the tournament.

Edmond Santa Fe vs. Putnam City North
Prediction: Santa Fe. Bankin’ on Courtney Walker to put this team on her shoulders and carry them as far as she can. Getting this first one will be huge. PCN is an extremely dangerous squad right now and again, beating a team three times in one season is not an easy thing to do.

Class 5A Girls
Deer Creek vs. Booker T.
Prediction: BTW. You can’t game plan for championship experience and the two-time defending champions certainly have that on their side. The XFactor if Deer Creek is going to win this game: sophomore Jalyn Jackson, she’ll have to be a force in the post.

Class 4A Boys
Bishop McGuinness vs. Cache
Prediction: Irish. Cache is a great story for reaching this point, but coach Tondrell Durham has been here too many times to be spooked by the moment. Can’t reiterate it enough, but the balance of Kevin Caruthers, Jameel Whitney, Joe Edmonds and Matt Christiansen is going to be tough to take out.

Class 3A Boys
Mt. St. Mary’s vs. Hugo
Prediction: Rockets. Any doubts I had about Lenny Hatchett’s club went right out the window with that statement-making win against Bridge Creek. Vincent Mason and Dalton Newsome can carry this team a long way, and they’re battle-tested.

Class 2A Girls
Christian Heritage vs. Washington
Prediction: Washington. Any other team (just about), and I would pick CHA to earn its first win. But with the tournament experience that Washington has, it is such a tough chore to come out with the victory. Think it helps that it’s the 2 p.m. game, though. No time to think and get nervous.

I’ll be at 6A girls Thursday, and you can follow me on Twitter @BPrzybylo. If I’m wrong on the picks, you know I’ll be the first person to make fun of myself for it.

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.

From one extreme to another if you follow the private school clubs. You’re jumping up and down for Christian Heritage as the girls worked their way back to state. You sigh in disappointment as the Bishop McGuinness girls were knocked off by Clinton. And you do a double-take on the 31-point win for Mt. St. Mary’s over Bridge Creek.

Advanced to State
Bishop McGuinness boys

Bishop McGuinness
Girls: Irish lost to Clinton (56-53). It’s the end of the road for McGuinness in one of the biggest shockers (in my opinion). This team will be back, but it’s a tough way to go out for those seniors.

Mt. St. Mary’s
Boys: Rockets def. Bridge Creek (64-33). Advance to state. In an absolute shocker (not really), it was Vincent Mason (18 pts) and Dalton Newsome (16 pts) leading the charge.

CHA
Girls: Crusaders def. Savanna (65-51). Huge second half has CHA in state tournament. Meagan Henson had 17 points to lead the way.

Maybe we all found out just how good the Woodward boys are, pushing the Irish to the limit before McGuinness won in overtime. Bids fell short for Irish girls and Mt. St. Mary’s boys.

Bishop McGuinness
Boys: Irish def. Woodward (57-51 OT). Advance to state. Senior guard Kevin Caruthers stepped up in this one, scoring 21 points. Irish were down six entering fourth quarter but found a way.
Girls: Irish lost to Anadarko (64-54). Play Clinton at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at Midwest City. Winner advances to state. Theresa Nash and Elyse Hight played well, but Anadarko is dang good team.

Mt. St. Mary’s
Boys: Rockets lost to Millwood (45-42). Play Bridge Creek at 8 p.m. on Saturday at Moore HS. Winner advances to state. Two teams have split fist two meetings this season, each winning by three. As said all week, tough draw for 3A Area I boys.

CHA
Boys: Crusaders lost to Davis (65-56). It’s the end of the road for CHA, but this year was a good learning experience.
Girls: Crusaders def. Crowder (53-17). Play Savanna at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at SE Expo in McAlester, winner advances to state. Good balance for CHA, led by Meagan Henson’s 12 points. Need one more.

Only one team was in action Thursday in the private school realm, but both Christian Heritage squads have lived to see another day. Girls game sounds like a classic.

Bishop McGuinness
Boys: Irish play Woodward on Friday at 8 p.m. at Midwest City. Winner advances to state.
Girls: Irish play Anadarko on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Midwest City. Winner advances to state.

Mt. St. Mary’s
Boys: Rockets play Millwood on Friday at 8 p.m. at Moore HS. Winner advances to state.

CHA
Boys: Crusaders def. Silo (52-46). Play Davis in an elimination game at SE Expo in McAlester on Friday at 3 p.m.
Girls: Crusaders def. Central Sallisaw (54-51, 3OT). Play Crowder in an elimination game at SE Expo in McAlester on Friday at 1:30 p.m.

Missing out on all the area goodness this weekend as I’ll be at State Fair Arena for Class A and B state tournament games. But I’ll definitely be keepin’ tabs on what is going.

Bishop McGuinness
Boys: Irish play Woodward on Friday at 8 p.m. at Midwest City. Winner advances to state.
Girls: Irish play Anadarko on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Midwest City. Winner advances to state.

Mt. St. Mary’s
Boys: Rockets play Millwood on Friday at 8 p.m. at Moore HS. Winner advances to state.

CHA
Boys: Crusaders play Silo on Thursday at 3 p.m. at the SE Expo in McAlester in an elimination game.
Girls: Crusaders play Central Sallisaw on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the SE Expo in McAlester in an elimination game.

I guess I never actually elaborated on my point when I saw the same characteristics in the Bishop McGuinness boys and girls basketball teams.

The biggest thing they share is balance and the multiple options who can get the job done on any given night. For the boys, the dynamic quartet of Matt Christiansen, Jameel Whitney, Kevin Caruthers and Joe Edmonds can all score in bunches.

On the girls side, Lissy Fuller, Elyse Hight, Cara Pugh and Alexa Lienhard can all be the first name you see in a box score for Jennifer Frakes’ club.

This week I’m going with Lienhard as the Private schools Player of the Week. She was outstanding in the win at Heritage Hall as was the team. It just seems like this girls team is so focused on making state. It’s fun to see a team rise up to the occasion instead of becoming overwhelmed in the moment.

The Irish (both squads) need to win one game this week and both will punch their tickets to the state tournament.

Other contenders

The boys quartet, Irish, Basketball: Christiansen, Edmonds, Whitney and Caruthers were the top four scorers in both regional victories.

Murphy Burns and Collin Groves, Heritage Hall, Basketball: The Chargers’ seasons came to an end last weekend, but these seniors were sensational and made their mark at Heritage.

T.J. Holland and Jack Warren, OCS, Basketball: Warren was big one night, Holland the next, but the Saints are staying home. Absolute definition of an up-and-down season.

Christian Hill, Mt. St. Mary’s, Basketball: Another team with good balance, Hill had 15 points in MSM’s huge road win at Kingfisher for regional title.

Liana Garcia, Mt. St. Mary’s and Mackenzie Barnes, OCS, Basketball: Overshadowed by the boys’ programs, these girls represented their schools well and were dang good on the court.

Meagan Henson, CHA, Basketball: Christian Heritage lost its first game of the season Saturday to another great team in Konawa, now we’re going to see how this team can bounce back under Henson’s leadership.

And here is a video of Lienhard that I shot after the Heritage game.

A somber day in the OKC-area private schools sector of the world. A couple of boys teams saw their season come to an end while CHA took it on the chin twice, but the Crusaders will be back.

Bishop McGuinness
Boys: Irish def. Perkins (55-36) for the regional championship.
Girls: Irish def. Perkins (42-30) for the regional championship.

Heritage Hall
Boys: Chargers lost to Piedmont (58-44) in an elimination game. Chargers have the pieces to make a run in the future, but it’s tough way to go out for Collin Groves and Andrew Hudiburg (among others). Just like football, that sophomore class can bring it on the court, too.

Mt. St. Mary’s
Boys: Rockets def. Kingfisher (50-40) for regional championship. Huge win as the game was at Kingfisher. That’s the type of momentum you want heading into Area.

OCS
Boys: Saints lost to Centennial (47-46) in an elimination game. Really thought the Saints were going to find their way to the state tournament. That win vs. Bethel I thought was going to get this team on track. OCS played well late in the season but picked the wrong time for a bad weekend.

CHA
Boys: Crusaders lost to Haworth (63-37) in regional championship.
Girls: Crusaders lost to Konawa (67-60) in regional championship. Not a bad loss at all, but it would have been a HUGE win on the road.

Somebody was upset about losing to Perry. That somebody would be OCS’ Jack Warren, who absolutely went off for 36 points.

Bishop McGuinness
Boys: Irish def. Piedmont (53-35). Play Perkins for the regional championship at 8 p.m. on Saturday at Cushing.
Girls: Irish def. Heritage Hall (78-39). Play Perkins for the regional championship at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at Cushing.

Heritage Hall
Boys: Chargers def. Cleveland (54-49). Play in an elimination game Saturday against Piedmont at 3 p.m. at Cushing.
Girls: Chargers lost to Cushing (50-34). Chargers had a great one-two combo in Murphy Burns and D Brown and they delivered all season.

Mt. St. Mary’s
Boys: Rockets def. Prague (50-45). Play Kingfisher for the regional championship at 8 p.m. on Saturday at Kingfisher.
Girls: Rockets lost to Alva (49-38). A nice surge late in the season, but it was a rough schedule for MSM.

OCS
Boys: Saints def. Lexington (87-68). The Saints scored 53 points in the second half. Play Centennial in an elimination game Saturday at Bethel at 3 p.m.

CHA
Boys: Crusaders def. Davis (68-57). Play Haworth for the regional championship at 8 p.m. on Saturday at Konawa.
Girls: Crusaders def. Latta (54-44). Play Konawa for the regional championship at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at Konawa.

Bishop McGuinness showed its dominance, Mt. St. Mary’s boys survived a good tussle and the Oklahoma Christian boys got upset by Perry. Eventful first day.

Bishop McGuinness
Boys: Irish def. Piedmont (53-35). Play Perkins for the regional championship at 8 p.m. on Saturday at Cushing.
Girls: Irish def. Heritage Hall (78-39). Play Perkins for the regional championship at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at Cushing.

Heritage Hall
Boys: Chargers def. Classen (54-26). Play Cleveland in an elimination game Friday at 8 p.m. at Cushing.
Girls: Chargers lost to McGuinness (78-39). Play Cushing in an elimination game Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Cushing.

Mt. St. Mary’s
Boys: Rockets def. Prague (50-45). Play Kingfisher for the regional championship at 8 p.m. on Saturday at Kingfisher.
Girls: Rockets lost to Prague (63-22). Play Alva in an elimination game Friday at 1:30 p.m. at Kingfisher.

OCS
Boys: Saints lost to Perry (38-35). Play Lexington in an elimination game Friday at 3 p.m. at Bethel.
Girls: Saints lost to Chandler (54-49). The Saints’ season is over. A tough schedule and injuries really kept this team from being able to realize its potential.

CHA
Boys: Crusaders def. Davis (68-57). Play Haworth for the regional championship at 8 p.m. on Saturday at Konawa.
Girls: Crusaders def. Latta (54-44). Play Konawa for the regional championship at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at Konawa.

I’ll be at wrestling all day Friday and Saturday but will try to post the nightly basketball results when I get home from everything.

Wondering where you should go Thursday? Well, if you’re an OKC-area private school follower, I got ya hook up. Some intriguing spots. I’ll be at Heritage Hall for a trio of Chargers and Bishop McGuinness games. All first games listed are Thursday contests.

Bishop McGuinness
Boys: Irish vs. Piedmont at Heritage, 8 p.m. (Winners’ Bracket). Winner plays Cleveland/Perkins winner at Cushing on Saturday.
Girls: Irish vs. Heritage at Heritage, 6:30 p.m. (Winners’ Bracket). Winner plays Cleveland/Perkins winner at Cushing on Saturday.

Heritage Hall
Boys: Chargers vs. Classen at Heritage, 3 p.m. (Losers’ Bracket). Winner plays Cleveland/Perkins loser at Cushing on Friday.
Girls: Chargers vs. Bishop McGuinness, 6:30 p.m. (Winners’ Bracket). Winner plays Cleveland/Perkins winner at Cushing on Saturday.

Mt. St. Mary’s
Boys: Rockets vs. Prague at Prague, 8 p.m. (Winners’ Bracket). Winner plays Kingfisher/Northeast winner at Kingfisher on Saturday.
Girls: Rockets vs. Prague at Prague, 6:30 p.m. (Winners’ Bracket). Winner plays Kingfisher/Northeast winner at Kingfisher on Saturday.

OCS
Boys: Saints vs. Perry at Chandler, 8 p.m. (Winners’ Bracket). Winner plays Bethel/Centennial winner at Bethel on Saturday.
Girls: Saints vs. Chandler, 1:30 p.m. (Losers’ Bracket). Winner plays Bethel/Lexington loser at Bethel on Friday.

CHA
Boys: Crusaders vs. Davis at Wewoka, 8 p.m. (Winners’ Bracket). Winner plays Konawa/Haworth winner at Konawa on Saturday.
Girls: Crusaders vs. Latta at Wewoka, 6:30 p.m. (Winners’ Bracket). Winners plays Haworth/Konawa winner at Konawa on Saturday.

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.

Midwest City’s Richa Jackson is the lone state player represented on the McDonald’s All-American Game roster released earlier this week.

Jackson, a Duke signee, averages more than 16 points and 8 rebounds per game for the Bombers.

The McDonald’s All-American Game will be played March 31 in Columbus, Ohio.

Here’s the list of state players who were nominated for the game:

BOYS
Luke Bryant, Cascia Hall
Derrick Bull, Altus
Cameron Downing, Tulsa Memorial
Cale Elam, Oktaha
Oren Faulk, Muskogee
Amric Fields, Putnam West
Chris Fitzpatrick, Enid
Tavion Fleeks, John Marshall
Mark Florie, Choctaw
Denzel Goudeau, Harding Charter Prep
Trevon Hartfield, Watonga
Austin Haywood, Southmoore
Carlos Henderson, Hugo
Cale Jackson, Bethel
Dylan Lemley, Roff
Xavier McClish, Midwest City
Kyle Morton, Choctaw
D.J. Taylor, Western Heights
Dane Thrash, Cheyenne
Hayden Vencl, Garber

GIRLS
Desiree Bradley, Carl Albert
Ali Brown, Chattanooga
Jenni Bryan, Coweta
Brenna Burnett, Dale
Kylie Castonguay, Lomega
Kaila Crawford, Beggs
Carissa Crutchfield, Fort Gibson
Carrington Fox, Tulsa Union
Jonna Gregory, Vici
Tiffany Harper, Weatherford
Meagan Henson, Christian Heritage
Autumn Huffman, Midwest City
Kyla Johnson, Okemah
Kortney Kendrick, Kansas
Kylie Mayes, Carl Albert
Britney Morgan, Pawnee
Tarrington Oakes, Midwest City
Justice Payne, Perkins-Tryon
Taylor Posey, Wayne
Katy Preaus, Metro Christian
Cara Pugh, McGuinness
Chelsea Stricklen, Adair
Kendra Suttles, Lawton
Paiten Taylor, Hulbert
Kayla Thomas, Harrah
Morgan Toben, Owasso
Alex Tucker, Crowder
Talor Ward, Beggs
Kaylee Wilkins, Dale

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

Note: Districts 3, 4, 7 and 8 play Friday, Feb. 19. Districts 1, 2, 5 and 6 play Saturday, Feb. 20. Girls play at 6:30 p.m., boys play at 8 p.m.

AREA I
Dist. 1: Chisholm at Fairview
Dist. 2: Pawnee at Hominy
Dist. 3: Drumright at Luther
Dist. 4: Oklahoma Bible at Tonkawa
Dist. 5: Pioneer at Hennessey
Dist. 6: OKC Dove Science at Crooked Oak
Dist. 7: Harding Arts at Dale
Dist. 8: Crescent at Wellston

AREA II
Dist. 1: Hobart at Mangum
Dist. 2: Wynnewood at Washington
Dist. 3: Ringling at Healdton
Dist. 4: Frederick at Walters
Dist. 5: Cordell at Sayre
Dist. 6: Hinton at Watonga
Dist. 7: Dibble at Apache
Dist. 8: Carnegie at Snyder

AREA III
Dist. 1: Yale at Newkirk
Dist. 2: Foyil at Wyandotte
Dist. 3: Mounds at Preston
Dist. 4: Lincoln Christian at Liberty
Dist. 5: Commerce at Quapaw
Dist. 6: Fairland at Oklahoma Union
Dist. 7: Hulbert at Ketchum
Dist. 8: Warner at Oktaha

AREA IV
Dist. 1: Wewoka at Chr. Heritage
Dist. 2: Konawa at Vanoss
Dist. 3: Tushka at Haworth
Dist. 4: Latta at Davis
Dist. 5: Gore at Central Sallisaw
Dist. 6: Talihina at Crowder
Dist. 7: Colbert at Silo
Dist. 8: Wister at Savanna

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.

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.

Christian Heritage Academy catcher Caden Cleveland signed with Morehead State of the Ohio Valley Conference.

Last year, Cleveland set a school record with a .541 batting average, which included a 30-game hit streak. As a sophomore, he hit .454 with 50 RBIs.

Cleveland chose Morehead State over Ole Miss.

Look for the signing list to run in Sunday’s Oklahoman.

Christian Heritage catcher Caden Cleveland looked to be headed to Ole Miss but has reconsidered his decision. He took a visit this weekend before making a planned decision this week. It appears Cleveland will choose between the Rebels and Morehead State.

Here’s a video of Cleveland at the 2009 International High School Power Showcase in Tampa (A quick warning on the video: the first minute is advertising). Cleveland competed in the competition with his brother Cole. The brothers are the grandsons of former MLB standout Dom Demeter.

Class 6A
1. Midwest City (18)
2. Tulsa Union (1)
3. Norman
4. Edmond North
5. Edmond Memorial
6. Edmond Santa Fe
7. Lawton
8. Del City (2)
9. Norman North
10. Putnam City North
11. Jenks
12. Broken Arrow
13. Sapulpa
14. Owasso
15. Ponca City
16. Yukon
17. Enid
18. Southmoore
19. Bixby
20. Choctaw

Class 5A
1. Carl Albert (10)
2. Tulsa Kelley (1)
3. Claremore
4. Coweta (1)
5.  Tulsa Washington (3)
6. Tulsa Edison (1)
7. Tulsa Memorial (4)
8. Deer Creek
9. Durant
9. McAlester
11. Ada
12. Altus
13. Tulsa East Central
14. Lawton Macarthur
15. El Reno
16. Skiatook
16. Southeast
18. Collinsville
19. Ardmore
20. Western Heights

Class 4A
1. Cache (12)
2. Anadarko (9)
3. Fort Gibson (4)
4. Vinita (4)
5. Harrah (2)
6. Bishop McGuinness (2)
7. Star Spencer (1)
8. Perkins-Tryon
9. Muldrow
10. Weatherford
11. Newcastle
12. Wagoner
13. Clinton
14. Heritage Hall
15. Metro Christian
16. Tuttle
17. Elgin
18. Piedmont
19. Roland
20. Sallisaw

Class 3A
1. Kansas (21)
2. Adair (8)
3. Millwood (5)
4. Sequoyah Tahlequah
5. Beggs (1)
6. Bethel (2)
7. Tishomingo
8. Verdigris
9. Kingfisher
10. Sulphur
11. Morris
12. Marietta
13. Heavener
14. Chelsea
15. Vian
16. Oklahoma Christian School
17. Riverside Indian
18. Stroud
19. Marlow
19. Cascia Hall

Class 2A
1. Pawnee (23)
2. Dale (11)
3. Apache (2)
4. Newkirk
5. Washington
6. Konawa
7. Oktaha
8. Savanna
9. Preston
10. Walters
11. Fairview
12. Healdton
13. Christian Heritage
14. Watonga
15. Cordell
16. Oklahoma Union
17. Crowder
18. Chisholm
19. Wellston
20. Latta

Class A
1. Chattanooga (33)
2. Okarche (2)
3. Calumet (3)
4. Seiling (6)
5. Thomas (1)
6. Cashion
7. Fort Cobb-Broxton
8. Wayne
9. Copan
10. Amber-Pocasset
11. Sasakwa
12. Howe (2)
13. Beaver
14. Merritt
15. Ninnekah
16. Ripley
17. Quinton
18. Afton (1)
19. Mooreland
20. Indianola

Class B
1. Cyril (40)
2. Moss (10)
3. Lomega (4)
4. Hammon
5. Vici (1)
6. Frontier (1)
7. Boynton
8. Forgan
9. Red Oak
10. Caney
11. New Lima
12. Kiowa
13. Binger-Oney
14 Leedey
15 Deer Creek-Lamont
16 Erick
17. McCurtain
18. Arnett
19. Big Pasture
20. Varnum (6)

Class 6A
1. Putnam City (8)
2. Putnam City West (7)
3. Muskogee (4)
4. Southmoore
5. Tulsa Union
6. Jenks
7. Edmond Santa Fe
8. Midwest City
9. Broken Arrow
10. Putnam City North
11. Owasso
12. Edmond Memorial
13. Lawton
14 Enid
15. Choctaw
15. Del City
17. Norman North
18. Edmond North
19. Lawton Eisenhower
20. Norman

Class 5A
1. Tulsa Edison (13)
2. Tulsa Memorial (8)
3. Tulsa Washington
4. Guthrie (1)
5. Carl Albert
6. Ardmore
7. Tulsa East Central
8. Tulsa Kelley
9. Capitol Hill
10. El Reno
11. Southeast
12. Northwest
13. Lawton Macarthur
14. Claremore
15. Tahlequah
16. Coweta
17. Tulsa Central
17. McAlester
19. Chickasha
20. Altus

Class 4A
1. Star Spencer (15)
2. Douglass (8)
3. Bishop McGuinness (2)
4. John Marshall
5. Fort Gibson
6. Vinita
7. Metro Christian (1)
8. Madill
9. Tulsa McLain
10. Bethany
11. Anadarko
12. Newcastle
13. Cache
14. Blanchard
15. Piedmont
15. Roland
17. Tecumseh
18. Weatherford
19. Glenpool
20. Heritage Hall

Class 3A
1. Sequoyah Tahlequah (11)
2. Cascia Hall (9)
3. Bethel (6)
4. Saint Mary
5. Northeast (6)
6. Millwood
7. Hugo (1)
8. Okemah
9. Oklahoma Christian School
10. Plainview
11. Kingfisher
12. Verdigris
13. Heavener
14. Prague
15. Bridge Creek
16. Beggs
17. Victory Christian
18. Sperry
19. Vian
20. Riverside

Class 2A
1. Pawnee (34)
2. Talihina (5)
3. Oktaha
4. Preston
5. Chisholm
6. Haworth
7. Lincoln Christian
8. Watonga
9. Washington
10. Latta
11. Dale
12. Tonkawa (1)
13. Christian Heritage
14. Fairview
15. Cordell
16. Pioneer
16. Oklahoma Bible Academy
18. Healdton
19. Walters
20. Gore

Class A
1. Garber (45)
2. Okarche (4)
3. Stratford (1)
4. Texhoma
5. Ripley
6. Fort Cobb-Broxton (1)
7. Stuart
8. Cheyenne (1)
9. Rock Creek
10. Okeene
11. Thomas
12. Porter
13. Chattanooga
14. Seiling
15. Welch
16. Turpin (1)
17. Fletcher
18. Calumet (1)
19. Howe
20. Caddo

Class B
1. Roff (49)
2. Red Oak (4)
3. Forgan (9)
4. Frontier
5. Coyle
6. Hammon
7. Medford
8. Big Pasture
9. Burlington
10. Lomega
11. Mason
12. Binger-Oney
13. Erick
14. Vici
15. Glencoe
16. Earlsboro
17. Fargo
18. Boynton
19. Stringtown
20. Corn Bible

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)

Three area private school teams remain. All three have real chances to make some big playoff runs.

Bishop McGuinness (8-2, 6-1)
The Irish were dominant at Elk City. McGuinness rolled up more than 430 yards in a 49-12 win.

The Whitney boys (Jameel and Jamal) played huge while Camden Tharp was once again solid.

Amazing to think this team is now ranked No. 2 by Ryan. I know I never saw this type of season coming.

That’s a credit to Kenny Young and his staff for putting the kids in the right spots to be successful.

Up next: Another 8-2 team in a first-round battle with Tecumseh. Irish get to play at Pribil Stadium for this one.

Heritage Hall (6-4, 6-1)
I heard Heritage had 64 rushing yards and Barry Sanders didn’t score. Wow. But senior Tanner France had a huge game for the Chargers in 37-19 win against Mt. St. Mary’s.

France ran for a score, caught another and had an interception return to clinch the district title.

Sounds like Cooper Cloud was efficient in his first start. This was big for the team’s confidence after the John Marshall loss.

Up next: Well, we think Meeker. Depending on the OSSAA ruling with Jones, it’s either Meeker or Lexington. Either way, someone is coming to Pop Murray Memorial Field on Friday to face Heritage.

Other private schools

Mt. St. Mary’s (3-7, 2-5): Stifling run defense but couldn’t keep up with Heritage. Mikey Mollman scored three touchdowns in the loss. Strong finish by Dal Nichols’ club.

Oklahoma Christian (8-2): I’m tellin’ ya now that this is a sleeper team. Jack Warren and Jeff Smith are rolling to go with Jon and Skyler Sikes and a better defense than most give ‘em credit for. Won 55-7 at Luther.

Christian Heritage (5-5): Rebounded from rough start to end up .500. Limited Mounds to 62 total yards in a 37-8 win on Friday. Kicker Ian Sanders is one of the best.

Oklahoma Christian Academy (3-7): Huge strides in second season in OSSAA. Parker Randell closed season out in style as OCA won 42-22 against Bowlegs. Randell had five touchdowns.

Well, I’m going to let the cat out of the bag a little early on this one. Mt. St. Mary’s football coach Dal Nichols was out last week with the H1N1 flu, so he didn’t make the trip to Newkirk.

The Rockets, who are playing their most inspired ball of the year, went out and won 28-21 to move to 3-6, 2-4 in district and give the Tigers only their second district loss.

That’s not why MSM is earning the Team of the Week honor, oh no. It’s what those seniors decided to do Saturday morning that wins them this award.

I’ve written a lengthy piece about this for Tuesday’s paper, so I’m just going to say the seniors decided they would all go over to coach’s house Saturday morning and give him the game ball.

It’s something Nichols said he will never, ever forget. It’s a type of feel-good moment that you really can’t get enough of nowadays.

Check back Tuesday, and I’ll post the link so you can read the whole story. What a cool move by those kids and what a heartfelt, genuine moment that must have been.

UPDATE: It’s Tuesday, so here ya go.

Other contenders

Camden Tharp, QB, Bishop McGuinness: Tharp was efficient in a 37-22 win vs. Southeast. He ran for a touchdown, threw for another and was 9-of-13 through the air.

Jameel Whitney, RB/QB, McGuinness: I kid about the “QB” label, but Whitney did throw a touchdown pass and ran for another in the Irish win.

Barry Sanders, RB, Heritage Hall: Sanders scored the lone touchdown and rushed for 128 yards in a 12-7 loss to John Marshall.

Parker Randell, RB, Oklahoma Christian Academy: Randell was good for four rushing touchdowns as OCA once again knocked off Prue.

Bryant Hodge, QB, Christian Heritage: Solid game from Hodge who ran for two touchdowns and threw for two more in a 38-15 win against Thomas.

Jack Warren and Jeff Smith, Oklahoma Christian: They’re almost connected at the hip at this point. Smith rushed for three scores and caught another while Warren threw four touchdown passes in a 55-14 victory over Crescent.

Mary Kate Roy, McGuinness, Cross Country: The Irish were stunned in the team race, placing second. Roy led the individual charge with a fourth-place finish.

Frank Frantz, McGuinness, Cross Country: The Irish were good enough to take third in the team race with Frantz placing eighth.

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.

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

A couple of teams took big steps up while some took a step back. Coming down the stretch with only two weeks left.

Bishop McGuinness (6-2, 4-1)
I predicted 34-7. In actuality, it was 34-0 for the Irish at Guymon. That’s what you’re supposed to do against a weaker opponent.

The most notable thing in Week 8 happened at Moses F. Miller Stadium when Weatherford beat Douglass. I talked to Jameel Whitney on Saturday, and he said they were getting their hopes up.

A Douglass win would have made a three-way tie. But with the Eagles win, Weatherford is in the driver’s seat to claim the 4A-1 title. Irish are looking at second as have head-to-head edge on the Trojans.

The Irish take on Southeast on Friday.

Heritage Hall (5-3, 5-0)
Another team that put itself in control of its own destiny for a district crown. The Chargers had their most impressive game of the season in a 49-7 win against Newkirk.

Sterling Shepard is playing with a lot more confidence at quarterback and that is crucial if this team is going to make a run.

The rich get richer as sophomore Quintaz Struble has been cleared to play. The only question is when he will suit up.

Heritage hosts John Marshall (6-2, 3-2) on Friday.

Casady (7-2, 3-2)
Knew it would be a battle with Houston Episcopal. It was 17-15 HE in the fourth quarter when HE put the game out of reach.

Talked with coach Koby Scoville on Saturday, and he agreed with my assessment. Casady has not dropped off its level of play the last two weeks, but the Southwest Prep Conference is just that strong this year.

To close out with Houston St. Johns (who was fired up after a tough loss), Episcopal and of course, Holland Hall is just a tough chore to take on.

The rivalry game caps off the season for the Cyclones as Casady goes to Holland Hall. HH had an impressive win over HSJ this last week.

Other private schools

- In a close and exciting game, Cashion got the best of OCS by a 12-10 score. The Saints running game was practically nullified. OCS is still in good shape for a playoff berth.

- CHA’s playoff chances took a turn for the worse with a loss to Luther. A win, and the teams would have flipped positions. Now John Merrell’s club is going to need to take care of business and get some help.

- Mt. St. Mary’s received a big game from Aaron Smith and Dalton Newsome and beat Fairview 35-21. The Rockets are now 2-6 this season. Doesn’t sound much, but it’s definitely an improving program.

- Thought it might be a ‘run-rule’ game between Davenport and OCA. It was as Davenport won 50-0 against Keith Lough’s club. The Eagles have a winnable game vs. Prue this week.

Going into the Bishop McGuinness and Douglass game, it wasn’t going to be that hard to figure out who was going to win. If the Irish stopped the Trojans running game, it was going to be a W for Kenny Young’s club.

And there’s no doubt Douglass put up some yards, but for the most part, McGuinness held it in check in a 14-7 win.

Biggest reason? Senior linebacker Jameel Whitney. Whitney has been a stud all season but never more than Friday night. He had 21 tackles, yep, 21 in an outstanding performance in a game the Irish needed for any hopes of another district crown. His rushing touchdown also proved to be the game-winner.

Think the biggest misconception for McGuinness is that it is not a tough, physical team. While the Irish can finesse you, make no mistake that there is some hitting going on with this club.

A huge win after a couple of tough, one-point losses earlier in the season.

Other contenders

- Barry Sanders Jr., RB, Heritage Hall: Sanders had another four-touchdown performance in a 41-0 win at Fairview. He also had two scores called back because of penalties.

- Camden Tharp, QB, McGuinness: Numbers don’t stand out, but a huge win for the sophomore in such a pivotal district encounter.

- Jack Warren, QB, OCS: The Saints are on a collision course with Cashion this week and are 6-1 after Warren threw for three touchdowns in a 37-8 win vs. Minco.

- Austin Katigan, WR, Casady: Caught the Cyclones only touchdown of the game in a 28-7 loss at Houston St. Johns.

- Ian Sanders, K, CHA: Would love to see this kid kick once. Made a couple of field goals in a 22-15 victory against Crescent.

Other winners

- Bryana Wade, Mt. St. Mary’s, Softball: Wade had an RBI double in the Rockets’ 2-1 loss to Purcell at the state tournament.

- Cassie Iser, McGuinness, Volleyball: Was named to the All-Tournament team and helped lead Irish to 5A state finals but lost to the incredible Bishop Kelley team.

- Frank Frantz, McGuinness, Cross Country: In the loaded field at the Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival in Fayetteville, Ark., Frantz placed 30th and was fourth among Oklahoma runners.

One big win, one big performance and one unexpected loss. That sums up the week in the private schools, so let’s get to it.

Bishop McGuinness (5-2, 3-1)
The Irish needed this if they have any hope of winning the 4A-1 title. After beating Douglass, 14-7, McGuinness now becomes the Trojans’ biggest fans with Douglass playing Weatherford this week.

Talking with Ryan Aber (who was there), most impressed with how the McGuinness defense handled the vaunted Douglass running attack.

Let’s just say a certain Irish LB is more than worthy of the Player of the Week (teaser for Monday). And while Camden Tharp still will sometimes try to make more out of what is there, his progression is coming along fine.

Up next is the trip nobody wants to make, the LONG trek to Guymon. Will there be a letdown?

Heritage Hall (4-3, 4-0)
Here is your big performance. Heritage sophomore Barry Sanders Jr. once again scored four touchdowns in a game. This time it was in a 41-0 victory at Fairview. Also heard he had two TDs called back.

No passing touchdowns but 10-of-14 for 189 yards is a good sign for Sterling Shepard and the aerial attack.

So far in the four district games, it’s been three shutouts and 6 points in the other for the defense.

Friday night is a big one vs. Newkirk (6-1, 4-0). How big is it? Yours truly will be back at Pop Murray Field.

Casady (7-1, 3-1)
It wasn’t a huge upset as I knew Houston St. Johns is a pretty dang good team. But never expected a 28-7 loss for the Cyclones.

HSJ played with a lot of intensity after a tough loss the week before, and Casady just couldn’t match it and couldn’t execute.

First big question of the season for Casady: how will the boys respond after its first loss?

Casady will get a chance Friday when Houston Episcopal comes to Hoot Gibson Field. Also interested to see how Holland Hall does with HSJ on Friday.

Other Private schools

- How about a hand for John Merrell and Christian Heritage Academy? After an 0-3 start, CHA is now 3-4 and in fifth in A-2. CHA can take fourth (for now) with a win at fourth-place Luther this week.

- Oklahoma Christian School took an 8-0 deficit and made it a 37-8 win pretty fast. A couple of scores from Jeff Smith, three TD passes from Jack Warren, ya kinda get used to it with the Saints (6-1). Huge showdown with undefeated Cashion this week, might be for district title.

- Perry’s run game was too much Mt. St. Mary in a 48-7 loss. The Rockets are now 1-6 and host Fairview.

- Oklahoma Christian Academy was dropped by Sasakwa, 54-24. Keith Lough’s boys have a tough assignment with Davenport coming to town.

Well, we didn’t have any dramatic, last-second thrillers this time around in the private school realm.

A solid week by the private bunch and a big week loomin’ for Bishop McGuinness and Casady.

Bishop McGuinness (4-2, 2-1)
This game was crucial in trying to adapt without Sam Crabtree. A good first step in a 31-6 win against Woodward.

Junior RB LaRone Richardson had a pair of touchdowns while Jameel Whitney and Jay Lester combined for 20 tackles.

QB Camden Tharp wasn’t asked to make the big play, but he didn’t make too many mistakes, either.

Up next: Oh boy, the big one with Douglass (5-1, 3-0) on Friday night. Wish I could be there, but I’ll be at softball.

Heritage Hall (3-3, 3-0)
Not too much to add from my SMQ on the 14-6 victory against Perry. It’ll only be a matter of time before the Sterling Shepard video is up and running on NewsOK.

I’m impressed by how “sure” you are whenever Shepard, Marc Robinson, Markus Wakefield and Barry Sanders Jr. have someone in their sights on defense. They won’t miss, or you’re totally shocked when they do.

Up next: Battle at Fairview on Thursday as Chargers have really come on strong district play. Hmm, smell it? I smell a story in Monday’s paper about that.

Casady (7-0, 3-0)
I guessed 28-3, and it was 28-0 in the win vs. Dallas St. Marks. That’s what I get for doubting Graham Bennett and Austin Katigan and the rest of the defense.

Just a well-oiled machine right now for Koby Scoville’s club. Cale Shivers and Bentley Williams really have this team going in the right direction.

Up next: A big showdown at Houston St. Johns. This’ll be a tough one.

Other thoughts

- Good win for Oklahoma Christian School (55-0 vs. Wellston). It was the Saints’ first “on the field win” in three weeks. Lost two weeks ago and had a forfeit last week.

- Christian Heritage couldn’t stop Jeremy Seaton and thus, couldn’t stop Cashion in a 26-10 loss. Lynn Shackelford’s group is 6-0, though.

- Mt. St. Mary’s couldn’t get anything going against a stingy John Marshall defense and lost 21-0.

- And Oklahoma Christian Academy was unable to mount much of a threat to Wetumka. It’s tough for Keith Lough’s club, but they’re still competing.

No rainouts.

While everyone else is scrambling to find alternate fields and dry places to play their state and regional tournament games this week, volleyball moves ahead on schedule. Even though I had to put arm floaties on my chihuahua just to send him out into my backyard, 4A volleyball’s state tournament will go off without a hitch Friday at noon inside the dry climate of the Edmond Santa Fe High School gym.

Now, here’s a look at the teams that made it to the 4A state tournament

Match 1: Christian Heritage vs. Oklahoma Bible, noon

CHA (25-9): Like several teams in this tournament, CHA has a lot of seniors, most of whom play key roles at vital positions, like Abbey McNeill at libero. Coach Heath Kufahl will put her talents up against any libero in the state. Lindsey LittleJim is a big play — or a big block — waiting to happen in the middle. Skye Coffman is a strong outside hitter as well, and CHA has come closer to beating Heritage Hall than any other 4A team this season. They’ve won 15 straight.

OBA (27-11): Without a lot of 4A schools in the immediate area, OBA ends up playing a pretty tough schedule, and coach James Ward hopes that pays dividends this week. A team without an offensive superstar lives on its defense, which will be among the best in the field this weekend. Libero Rachael Walker anchors that defense and junior setter Whitney Maple has been starting since her freshman year. Remember that 15-game winning streak for CHA? Their last loss came to OBA on Sept. 15. So there should be a rivalry aspect to this game.

Match 2: Heritage Hall vs. Lincoln Christian, 1:30 p.m.

Heritage Hall (24-6): They’ve won four straight titles, and though they lost a lot of key players and their head coach, first-year coach Greg Dewey has the Lady Chargers right back where they’ve been as the 4A favorite. Brooke Bogert and Haydn Beatty are the big-play girls, but others like Coralee Toal are just as important to their success. Dewey has said all season that he feels the 4A field is evenly matched, so we’ll see if it plays out.

Lincoln Christian (22-9): These girls are in their first state tournament with three sophomores starting and they’re opening against the four-time defending state champs. But coach Whitney Warren doesn’t sound timid about the matchup, and it didn’t come across as false bravado. Her team has good size, led by Haley Byrd. Chelsie Holt in the middle and Maddie Starr at outside hitter will make some plays, too. They have good leadership on the court and play as a team.

Match 3: Victory Christian vs. Clinton, 3 p.m.

Victory Christian (28-6): Strong hitters who played a strong schedule. Could be a dangerous combination. VC has a strong pair of middles in Caroline Arnould and Stephani Feeley, a great blocking tandem. Setter Natalie Donohue makes the offense go with her unmatched passing skills. Six players on the team have played in the state tournament before.

Clinton (24-9): Like Victory Christian, Clinton has several players with state tournament experience. Alyssa Wilson, a senior outside hitter, is the total package. At 6-foot-1 with good leaping ability, she’s built for the sport, and she hits it as hard as anyone you’ll see at the tournament the next two days. But victories will come via team chemistry, which has been a key to success all year, says coach Jackie Sternberger.

Match 4: Cascia Hall vs. Cache, 4:30 p.m.

Cascia Hall (15-16): Solid all the way around, but especially in the middle with senior Kate Brandon and sophomore Aryn Dixon, both of whom started on last year’s runner-up squad. Aside from their physical talent, they’re on-court leaders as well. And Nikkie Price, another senior, runs the show at setter for a group that relies heavily on team unity. Cascia is another team that has played a tough schedule, which is evident in the overall record, and will be ready for whatever the state tournament has to offer.

Cache (28-3): This is a team with a lot of athletic ability, and good hitters at nearly every position. Coach Stephanie Dilks says a different player is stepping up to lead the team in kills each game. Senior outside hitter Lauren Winham is a leader on the floor who makes the plays when her team needs her. And though Cache relies a lot on its six seniors, a pair of sophomores play crucial roles in setter Madison Ward  and middle hitter Talia Stanley. Ward is a glue girl, doing whatever is needed to hold the team together, and Stanley is the team’s big hitter who works hard at the net on defense.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Always thought I would have made a good teacher if I wasn’t doing what I’m doing. So let’s bust out the red pen for a little progress report on the private schools.

Bishop McGuinness (3-2, 1-1)
In a loaded 4A, the Irish will be right there in the thick of things just like they’ve been the last three years.

The offense has come alive, and the defense was already good. They’re a fun team to watch.

Look for QB Camden Tharp to put up some gaudy numbers down the stretch as he gets more and more comfortable. He’s a good one.

Tough to pin-point the biggest strength of the team, but it’s probably the LBs with Jay Lester and Jameel Whitney leading the way.

Best 3-2 team in the state? Kinda weird title, but two losses by a combined two points to 5A’s No. 1 team (Bishop Kelley) and 4A’s No. 3 team (Weatherford).

Biggest question: Trying to replace Sam Crabtree on both sides of the ball. He broke his collarbone Friday and was a vital piece to the puzzle.

Final grade: I like what I’m seeing. Showdown with Douglass will tell us more in Week 7. For now, solid B+.
***
Heritage Hall (2-3, 2-0)
I was one of the bigger Charger backers after the first three weeks. Didn’t feel they deserved the harsh criticism.

The last two weeks have been 73-0, and Barry Sanders Jr. has come alive. The young’uns are growing up and learning all about how to condition themselves for 48 minutes.

Sophomore LB Marc Robinson is even better this season, and the defense has been great for 19 of 20 quarters (and 2 OTs).

Biggest question: The passing game. Will it be needed, can Sterling Shepard deliver it when necessary?

Final grade: Should be able to win the district and poise themselves for another run. Gotta go with a B.
***
Casady (6-0, 2-0)
The biggest surprise of the season among the teams I cover. Never pictured a 6-0 start.

A lot of hunger from a senior class looking to leave its mark and a new coach (Koby Scoville) that has brought that fight out of them.

Cale Shivers is a QB who just knows exactly when to get the job done, and there isn’t a doubt about the defense, paced by the “Granite Wall” Graham Bennett.

Biggest question: Maintaining the intensity. The feel-good story is gone. Now it’s about living up to the expectations from this point on.

Final grade: Tempted to give the A+, really wanted to. Can’t, sorry. Not yet anyway. A solid “A” that could get a + by the end of the season.
***
Mt. St. Mary’s (1-4, 0-1)
The attitude is different this season, and the Rockets are giving it all they got. That’s all you can ask for. Senior Aaron Smith is something special. Let’s say a C+ at this point.

Oklahoma Christian School (4-1, 2-1)
Shocked by loss to Watonga. I mean floored by it. Don’t see how a team with Jack Warren, Jeff Smith, Jon Sykes and Jeff Levy leading the way only score 14. Still in the thick of things. Let’s say a solid B.

Christian Heritage Academy (2-3, 2-2)
Back-to-back wins have things going a little better in Crusader country. But wins of 10-6 and 7-6 are causes for concern. Offense needs to step up for John Merrell. Gonna go with a C for now.

Oklahoma Christian Academy (1-4, 1-3)
Been involved in some of the more fun games this season and RB Parker Randell has been a star this year. Kiefer needed a huge fourth quarter last week to move to 5-0 vs. Keith Lough’s kids. Compared to last year, a B- sounds fair.

Two weeks ago, Tulsa Union had defeated Edmond Santa Fe, but remained behind them in the rankings. Then last week, when both teams went unbeaten, Union jumped ahead. This week, Santa Fe beat Union, but lost to Edmond Memorial — which also beat Union — and Santa Fe jumped to No. 1, Memorial to No. 2 and Union fell to No. 3.

Shawnee made its debut in the 6A rankings. Had they remained in 5A, I think they’d be a top contender for a spot in the state tournament, but in 6A that’ll be tough. They’re a talented team, though.

In 5A, not much has changed, with Tulsa Kelley, McGuinness and Carl Albert holding the top three spots. Tulsa Washington has faded, sliding from No. 2 to No. 5 over the last few weeks. But Tuesday night’s win over McGuinness was a good statement win for a team that people were unsure about.

In 4A, Oklahoma Bible Academy and Christian Heritage both made a move to No. 3 and 6, respectively. Christian Heritage is an interesting team, which I will be writing about in Thursday’s Oklahoman. It’s still hard to tell if anyone out there will be able to challenge Heritage Hall for the crown. Head-to-head, Heritage has beaten just about every one of the top 4A teams during the season.

The 4A regionals begin Thursday and will be completed by Saturday, so we’ll know the state tournament field this weekend.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

We all know Casady isn’t a part of the OSSAA as the Cyclones are a member of the Southwest Prep Conference.

Right now, Houston St. Johns and Casady have put some distance between themselves in Divsion I as each is 4-0.

Casady’s 28 points allowed is the second-least amount allowed. Only Fort Worth Trinity Valley has given up less (20), but that’s been in three games.

Paced by Austin Katigan and Graham Bennett on defense and Cale Shivers and Bentley Williams on offense, this Casady team is no longer surprising anybody.

It seems players are taking turns having big games, so I’m gonna go with my gut and say it’s about time for Williams to have his big game.

Mt. St. Mary’s

The Rockets are 1-2 as they begin play in District 2A-1. That’s just such a tough district to pull out any wins. No cupcakes up and down that lineup.

Dal Nichols’ boys probably won’t see the postseason, but this team is vastly improved. And if the Rockets can keep the kids coming out, more success isn’t too far away.

And now for some Class A & B teams that have already started district play.

OCS & CHA

Oklahoma Christian School and Christian Heritage Academy are both in District A-2. The Saints have a real shot at not just a district crown, but a state championship.

They might be one of the most consistent teams through the first three weeks of the season.

Stop QB Jack Warren? RB Jeff Smith will get ya. Stop Smith? Warren will find Jon Sykes or any other number of receivers and burn ya. This team is good.

It’s been a rough start for the Crusaders in their second year. A rough schedule compounded by the loss of so many kids from last year doesn’t have John Merrell and company smiling too much right.

CHA is going to be battling it out for a playoff spot.

OCA

Keith Lough’s Eagles won’t be contending for a district title, but they’re already putting up more fight and have been in more interesting games than most teams.

Oklahoma Christian Academy has played three overtimes, losing one in double OT and winning the other.

Running back Parker Randell has put up some ridiculous numbers through three games.

Didn’t have a chance to catch a private school scrimmage at all last week, but that all changes this week.

Loaded up with the private schools the next two days. Not included is Casady’s game vs. Fort Worth All Saints as I’ll have more to say on that in a separate entry Friday morning.

Bishop McGuinness vs. Lawton Eisenhower, 7 p.m. at Mustang (I’ll be there)

Had a fun time covering the Pigskin Preview last year, hope it’s the same way this year.

It was here where I first saw how good Ryan Randolph and Gabe Ikard were for the Irish.

Will it be here where we first see how good David Krahl, Quinn Shanbour or Camden Tharp can be?

Other than that, watching the lines. The offensive line played better than expected last week while the defensive was below expectations.

I definitely expect the D-Line to play much better, but I’m wondering if the O-Line will be able to continue playing well.

This is after Mustang vs. Altus and before Putnam West vs. Lawton MacArthur and Midwest City vs. Norman North.

Heritage Hall at OCS, Thursday

Bounce back day for the Chargers. And a big opportunity to show what they can do against a 2A team for the Saints.

For Heritage, it’s all about concentration and execution. There is no question the talent is there. The young’uns just need to focus a little more.

I’m wondering if maybe they’re putting too much pressure on themselves at this point. It’s tough to find that balance between being too tense and too relaxed. Even tougher when you’re just a sophomore.

If OCS was in 2A, I’d still consider them a top-10 team. So loaded up and down the roster. Young, yet experienced and hungry.

The Chargers offense struggled at Holland Hall, so the Heritage O vs. the Saints D is what I’m most curious about.

This is another tough scrimmage to miss, but I’ll have a full report for Heritage coach Andy Bogert and OCS coach Derek Turner sometime Friday.

Mt. St. Mary’s vs. Christian Heritage Academy, Thursday

The more I read about the MSM kids, the more I think they’re going to shock some teams. Or at least give ‘em better games than people think.

This is a good test for the Rockets. CHA is always a stout program under John Merrell. The Crusaders lost some key components from last year and are still trying to find their footing.

Some scrimmages are more about execution and stuff like that. Both teams, of course, want to execute, but I think a scrimmage like this will give each squad an idea of where they’re at on the totem pole.

We’ve looked at the Edmond schools, now let’s do the same for the private schools.

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend any private schools scrimmages, but I’ll find out from the coaches what’s up.

Lawton MacArthur at Bishop McGuinness (7 p.m., Thursday, Justin Harper will be there)

Number of things to watch for with the Irish. 1. The quarterback battle. All three will get their shot to make something happen.

2. The effectiveness of junior RB LaRone Richardson. He had quite the O-line last year to pave the way. He might have to make a lot of things happen on his own this year.

3. Leadership. Now this won’t be answered tonight in a scrimmage, but you can’t say enough about Gabe Ikard and Ryan Randolph. Who is going to take that throne?

There is also a big storyline with the Highlanders. Besides trying to replace Javon Harris, who is Tuswani Copeland?

The WR is a transfer from Maryland and is expected to do huge things this year. Never seen him play, interested to see what he brings to the table.

Heritage Hall at Holland Hall (6 p.m., Friday)

Another easy one: inexperience. Who will step up for the young Chargers and grab ahold of a starting position or two?

I’m seeing big things from lineman Markus Wakefield this season, so I’m wondering if Friday will be the start of his bust out campaign.

And want to see how Barry Sanders Jr. and Marc Robinson do now that they’re squarely in the spotlight. From talking to both, seem like they have their heads on straight and it shouldn’t be an issue.

And to answer Tuesday’s question: Not sure who the best bowler is, but Tanner France was pretty proud of his 138.

Casady and Cushing at OCS (Friday)

This will be the lone scrimmage for Casady as the Cyclones begin their regular season next Friday night.

There is a lot of optimism for the Casady players, and it’s spilled over into their practices.

Looking forward to hear how Bentley Williams does back in his usual running back position.

For more Casady, here is today’s story on Sam Hoffman.

With OCS, it’s all about Jack Warren and Jeff Smith and that QB-RB duo will do for the Saints.

But I don’t want to dismiss OL Jeff Levy. He was quite the character yesterday at media day. He’s not a bad lineman, either.

All ‘n all, the Saints and Cyclones should be a great gauge to see where both teams are at. OCS just had a banner season and Casady is looking to work its way back to that point.

Mt. St. Mary’s at Luther (Friday)

Had a chance to speak with MSM coach Dal Nichols yesterday, and there are reasons to be excited if you’re a Rockets fan.

Seventeen starters are coming back. The biggest change is last year’s QB, Dalton Newsome, is moving to WR. Nichols said this will be a way to get him the ball in some space instead of crowded in the pocket.

Nichols also said he’s been impressed with the turnout as MSM has 53 kids out for football this year that is naturally giving the team more depth.

CHA and Little Axe at Riverside (Friday)

For Christian Heritage Academy, it’s all about no longer being the new kid on the block.

The Crusaders certainly didn’t play like that, either. John Merrell’s boys are loaded at WR with Jordan West and Jared Clark. But the best player might be K Ian Sanders, who made a 50-yard FG last year.

If you’ve read the NewsOK high school sports blog the last two years, then there is no introduction necessary.

If not, my name is Robert Przybylo a.k.a. “The Boneman,” and I am entering year No. 3 of covering high school sports for The Oklahoman.

We’re taking a totally different approach to covering the high school scene this year. One that I think will be a huge success for us as well as for all our readers.

With each writer taking designated zones, this is the place to go for anyone looking for information on the private schools.

It’s a natural transition as it’s been joked that I’ve been the Heritage Hall football writer and McGuinness tennis writer the last two years. Well, let’s just make it official.

To go with the Chargers and Irish, I’ll be reporting on other private schools such as Christian Heritage and OCS, to name some others.

Football practice officially begins today (as do all the other fall sports), so it’s off to work I go. My first stop will be at Heritage Hall, and I’ll be hitting different sites throughout the week. So check back often for all the latest news, opinions and practice reports.

District previews: Classes 6A-C

Class 6A
District 6A-1: Lawton’s Sunny Puletasi learns quickly

District 6A-2: D’Juan Brooks stepping up for Edmond Memorial

District 6A-3: Jenks still strong without Jarrett Lake

District 6A-4: Choctaw trying to build tradition

Class 5A
District 5A-1: Coach Tom Cobble says it’s a good time to be in El Reno

District 5A-2: Carl Albert QB J.T. Realmuto could see time on defense

District 5A-3: Tulsa Washington unanimous No. 1

District 5A-4: McAlester poised to rebound; East Central wants more

Class 4A
District 4A-1: McGuinness’ offensive line a concern

District 4A-2: Tecumseh is strong up front

District 4A-3: Home playoff game is Collinsville’s goal

District 4A-4: Broken Bow coach high on Eric Dockins

Class 3A

District 3A-1: Tuttle battling lack of experience

District 3A-2: Madill trio has coach Kerry Roberts looking for big things

District 3A-3: Jody Iams’ Eagles rely on Wing-T

District 3A-4: Metro Christian gains valuable asset in QB Beau Marsaln

Class 2A

District 2A-1: Marc Robinson still growing for Heritage Hall

District 2A-2: Little Axe ready for breakthrough?

District 2A-3: Washington’s Chance Pistole moving to fullback; Bridge Creek rebuilding its line

District 2A-4: Atoka QB commands attention

District 2A-5: Chandler counting on Brandon Cummings

District 2A-6: Toughness key for Valliant

District 2A-7: Verdigris has 15 experienced seniors

District 2A-8: Colcord hoping to build on strong finish

Class A

District A-1: Hennessey avoids logjam at quarterback

District A-1 coaches’ poll

District A-2: OCS’ Jack Warren hasn’t forgotten loss

District A-2 notes: Trio vying for QB job at CHA

District A-3: District loaded with talented teams

District A-4: Bray-Doyle deals with adversity

District A-5: Tough three weeks for Stroud

District A-6: Talihina a cut above the rest

District A-7: Morrison ready to reload

District A-7 notes: Barnsdall seniors looking for wins

District A-8: Commerce looks to preserve streak

Class B

District B-1: Could district dominance repeat?

District B-2: Paoli defense is a strength

District B-3: Weightlifting competition inspires OCA

District B-4: Copan’s secret is out

Class C

Shattuck closing in on record win streak

District C-1: Finding running back key for Forgan

District C-2: Aaron Vondrak to lead Thackerville

District C-3: Seiling to turn QB Zach McDonald loose

District C-4: Maud’s Jarrid Resler works way back

MORRISON — Morrison could very well win the Class A championship, thus adding to an illustrious football history.

But next year could be a different story.

The Wildcats are graduating 12 seniors, which represents roughly 37 percent of its team. And Morrison only has two juniors on its roster this year — tight end Kyle Dotter and running back Elam Cronquist.

Cronquist got some carries late in Saturday’s 48-10 quarterfinal rout of Christian Heritage. He carried the ball 4 times and finished with minus-1 yards.

This team is senior dominated — both in numbers and talent. Quarterback Shawn Walls throws a beautiful ball, and running backs Cale James and Joey Quinata were impressive in the win over Christian Heritage.

Joey’s little brother, Dylon Quinata, could be the future of Morrison football. He is just a freshman, but in Saturday’s game, the RB/SS had 3 sacks, had a 42-yard run and caught a touchdown from Walls. Quinata took a few snaps late in the game, so it’s possible that he takes over under center for Walls next season.

The quarterback position will be the toughest one to fill for Morrison, so if Dylon Quinata can step in, that would be huge in the transition from these 12 seniors. There are no other quarterbacks listed on Morrison’s roster, so unless there is a stud 8th grader, Dylon or someone else will have to step up.

But, that is all in the future. What’s important right now is that Morrison looks very, very tough. The Wildcat defense gave up just 44 yards on the ground and swarmed Christian Heritage quarterback Grant Lindsey all game. It will be very interesting next week, when Morrison faces Hennessey and electric running back Auggey McCulley.

Christian Heritage and Morrison play Saturday afternoon, continuing the teams’ epic series that (still) hasn’t taken a year off.

For more information on that, check out Ryan Aber’s column from Monday’s paper. 

The game is at Morrison, which is a big advantage for the Wildcats. The current players have never lost a game at home.

“We’re excited we get to play this game at home,” Morrison coach Cory Bales said. “It’s big that we’re playing at a place that this group of seniors has never lost. Psychologically, that comes into play.”

Christian Heritage coach John Merrell said: “I would rather have it at home, but once the game starts that stuff isn’t even on the radar. I just concentrate on the game. Maybe to the players, it matters a little, but it doesn’t to me.”

The series history on the Christian Heritage/Morrison game. The two teams have played every year since CHA has been in existence. This was the first year that the game wasn’t scheduled in the regular season, but oddly enough, they are playing in the Class A quarterfinals.

1980: Morrison, 34-6
1981: Morrison, 46-40
1982: Morrison, 48-20
1983: Morrison, 56-20
1984: Morrison, 36-0
1985: Chr. Heritage, 27-14
1986: Morrison, 29-8
1987: Chr. Heritage, 30-22
1988: Morrison, 50-16
1989: Morrison, 42-13
1990: Morrison, 32-12
1991: Morrison, 43-14
1992: Morrison, 20-6
1993: Morrison, 35-0
1994: Morrison, 46-6
1995: Morrison, 20-0
1996: Chr. Heritage, 22-0
1997: Chr. Heritage, 35-14
1998: Chr. Heritage, 34-8
1999: Morrison, 40-13
2000: Morrison, 32-26 (OT)
2001: Morrison, 24-14
2002: Chr. Heritage, 28-14
2003: Morrison, 38-21
2004: Morrison, 26-22
2005: Chr. Heritage, 18-6
2006: Morrison, 50-6
2007: Morrison, 44-14  

All-time series: Morrison leads, 21-7

See also: Ryan Aber’s column from Monday’s paper about the CHA-Morrison series.