Last night, Mount St. Mary’s girls clinched a spot in the Class 4A state tournament with a win over Heritage Hall. You can read about that here.

Here’s the video of the last moments of the game, including Aimee Rischard’s 3-pointer that put the Rockets ahead for good:

New Mt. St. Mary coach Andy Fisher with the Rockets' seniors-to-be

BY RYAN ABER
raber@opubco.com

A day after officially getting the job as Mount St. Mary head boys basketball coach, Andy Fisher met with his new team.
“I can’t wait to get started,” Fisher said. “It’s a great opportunity and Lenny (Hatchett) did a great job here.”
Fisher replaces Hatchett, who led the Rockets to three consecutive state tournaments from 2009-2011. Hatchett recently left to take the job at Edmond Santa Fe.
“We had numerous candidates for this position and after visiting with coaches throughout the state of Oklahoma, Andy Fisher’s name came to the forefront,” Mount St. Mary principal Talita DeNegri said in a release announcing the hire Friday. “Once I sat down with him, he had a special presence about him and a distinct insight into who we are and what we are all about at The Mount.
“He has an extreme passion for kids, an incredible knowledge of the game of basketball and he has the leadership skills to continue to enhance the tradition of Rocket basketball.”
Fisher was an assistant for seven years under Tondrell Durham. The Irish won four state titles during his time there including this year’s Class 4A title.
“I’m really going to miss those guys,” Fisher said Thursday. “I had a great time there and learned a lot. It just felt like the time was right.”

OKLAHOMA TENNIS COACHES RANKING
CLASS 6A
Boys
1. Edmond North
2. Jenks
3. Tulsa Union
4. Edmond Memorial
5. Broken Arrow
6. Tulsa Kelley
7. McGuinness
8. Enid
9. Muskogee
10. Edmond Santa Fe

Girls
1. Jenks
2. Edmond North
3. Enid
4. Edmond Memorial
5. Tulsa Kelley
6. Broken Arrow
7. Tulsa Union
8. McGuinness
9. Bixby
10. Owasso

CLASS 5A
Boys
1. Metro Christian
2. Heritage Hall
3. Carl Albert
4. Oklahoma Christian
5. Cascia Hall
6. McAlester
7. Shawnee
8. Durant
9. Duncan
10. Ardmore

Girls
1. Duncan
2. Heritage Hall
3. Cascia Hall
4. Tulsa Washington
5. Tahlequah
6. Ardmore
7. Deer Creek
8. Carl Albert
9. Shawnee
10. Altus

CLASS 4A
Boys
1. Anadarko
2. Ada
3. Henryetta
4. Byng
5. Clinton
6. Elk City
7. Oologah
8. St. Mary
9. Seminole
10. Okmulgee

Girls
1. Ada
2. Metro Christian
3. Elk City
4. Perry
5. Midway  
6. Byng
7. Beaver
8. Seminole
9. Oklahoma Christian
10. Anadarko

Former Edmond Memorial basketball coach and athletic director Mike de la Garza will be honored at halftime of Friday's Mount St. Mary boys basketball game. De la Garza graduated from St. Mary and began his coaching career there. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, THE OKLAHOMAN

Mount St. Mary will honor Mike de la Garza at halftime of its boys basketball game against Oklahoma Christian School on Friday.

De la Garza, who was inducted into the Oklahoma Coaches’ Association Hall of Fame last July, is a 1964 Mount St. Mary graduate. He began his coaching career as the Rockets’ boys basketball coach in 1969 before going on to coach at Edmond for more than 20 years.

He led the school to the 1993 state championship, and was Edmond Memorial’s athletic director when it took home its next boys basketball state title in 2011. He retired in May.

St. Mary will host a reception at 7 p.m. in the school’s Mollman Fitness Center for all of de la Garza’s former Rockets players and classmates.

Mount St. Mary, under first-year coach Chris Stiles, still has a slight chance to make the Class 2A playoffs. PHOTO BY JOHN CLANTON, THE OKLAHOMAN

Mount St. Mary lost 54-21 Friday to Comanche, but is clinging to a slim chance of making the playoffs out of District 2A-3.

If St. Mary can beat winless Walters on Friday and Hobart beats Washington, it throws the district into a three-way tie and goes to district points.

First-year coach Chris Stiles is working to build a winning culture at St. Mary, which hasn’t experienced a winning football season in 26 years.

And Stiles isn’t going to let his team quit this week, not with a chance for the school’s first playoff berth in years at stake.

“Ask the St. Louis Cardinals,” Stiles said of the World Series champions who were 10.5 games out of the playoff hunt with 31 left to play.

“Just keeping playing. We’ve gotta keep our heads up and keep pressing on and see what happens on Friday.”

The Rockets would be in pretty good shape if they win and Hobart is able to beat Washington. St. Mary lost to Washington by five points and heat Hobart by 14.

The website has only presented Oklahoma high school football games, but tonight will have a live webcast of the McAuley Catholic vs. Joplin JV game.

ZPreps is partnering with Mount St. Mary and other Catholic schools in the Oklahoma City area for the charity event.

Spencer was raised in Miami, OK.

“I have always considered Joplin a home away from home,” Spencer said in a release on ZPreps.com. “I came up with the idea for this project because I wanted to give back, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to get people together online for a few minutes and use the power of the internet/social media to help rebuild St. Mary’s Elementary.”

Donations began on Sept. 26 and will continue through Friday.

Spencer’s goal is to raise $5,000.

For more information or to donate, visit http://www.zpreps.com.

Oklahoma City police officer Chad Peery will be honored at Friday's Mount St. Mary home football game. PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN

Mount St. Mary will honor Oklahoma City police officer Chad Peery during their Friday night home game against Jones.

Peery, a 1995 graduate of the school, was partially paralyzed when he attempted to break up a bar fight while off duty. Both of his parents are also St. Mary graduates.

Peery, a former Rockets football player, will be honored during a halftime ceremony, and the school will collect a gift offering for Peery and his family during the second half.

“His family has a long history here,” Rockets coach Chris Stiles said. “It’s only appropriate that we honor his heroism with a special event.”

Check out the above video, produced by Mount St. Mary media student Derek Miracle and teacher Greg Spencer to preview the upcoming football season.

Stiles has the school excited about football heading into the 2011 season. I wrote about his past success and the veteran coaching staff he’s put together a couple weeks ago.

The video itself is really cool and fun. But to see Stiles’ dance moves, you have to pay really close attention at about 0:25.

The Rockets open their 2011 season tonight at Crooked Oak. And I guess whether he dances like that tonight depends on how his team performs.

I visited Mount St. Mary’s football practice on Tuesday and shot the above video. Coach Chris Stiles, who has previously had success at Lawton Eisenhower and Westmoore, is the new football coach and he has enlisted the help of former Oklahoma high school head coaches Mark Little and Dale Brown.

Here is the story that will appear in Monday’s newspaper about the team.

– JK
Follow @jasonkersey on Twitter

HALEY WEATHERS—LUTHER 

1^ST TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE

MORGYNE WEAVER—MOUNT ST. MARY
KELSEY DAWKINS—BRIDGE CREEK
CRISSY JOYNER—LEXINGTON
BAXLEE HORTON—JONES
AIMEE RISCHARD—MOUNT ST. MARY 

2^ND TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE
HANNAH HOLASEK—LEXINGTON
SHARON VOSS—LUTHER
NIKKI BRANDT—BRIDGE CREEK
SARAH TROSPER—CROOKED OAK
BRYANA WADE—MOUNT ST. MARY 

CENTRAL OKLAHOMA CONFERNCE
ALL-CONFERENCE
BOYS

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

RYAN SPANGLER—BRIDGE CREEK

 1^ST TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE
SHAWNEIL SKANES—CROOKED OAK
BLAKE GIFFORD—LEXINGTON
KYLE FOREHAND—LEXINGTON
RYAN GIBSON—LUTHER
JUSTIN WAGNER—MOUNT ST. MARY
TYLOR SEABOLT—JONES 

2^ND TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE
BRAD BEAHAN—MOUNT ST. MARY
JAKE PEACE—MOUNT ST. MARY
NATHAN COOPER—JONES
JEREMY WAGNER—MOUNT ST. MARY
JOSH PERSHICA—BRIDGE CREEK 

CENTRAL OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE
COACHES OF THE YEAR
AND
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS 

GIRLS CHAMPION

BRIDGE CREEK

GIRLS COACH OF THE YEAR

SKIP ASHWORTH, BRIDGE CREEK

BOYS CHAMPION

BRIDGE CREEK

BOYS COACH OF THE YEAR

JASON SANDERS, BRIDGE CREEK

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

And if that’s the case, then it’s back to the hardwood with a full slate of games. I’ll admit that on paper, this doesn’t look like the most intriguing night of ball ever, but it should be interesting.

Still waiting on word about Tuesday’s games. That was a loaded schedule on both the boys and girls sides. Like I said before, just gonna be real tough to find a way to schedule these so close to the stretch run.

Back to Friday, there are a couple of big games to keep tabs on, but overall I’ll be looking for that whole rust vs. rest concept.

A lot of coaches felt this delay couldn’t have happened at a better time as a lot of the kids were sick in the last week. Not many teams were at full strength. A week later everybody should be good to go.

But it’s also been a week of no playing at all. Numerous kids on Facebook were expressing that cabin fever. “I need a gym now.”

Here are some of the top girls games Friday:

Millwood at Star Spencer
Ah, always good to see the longtime rivals go at it. Millwood has been every bit as good as anticipated. Great balance in terms of guard play and post presence. Love watching Teanna Reid play. Star is more than Sharane Campbell, but the Oklahoma signee is another player worth the price of admission.

Shawnee at Carl Albert
Don’t know if anybody is paying attention to the Wolves, but all they do is win. In fact, one of those wins was against the Titans in a 25-19 struggle. Micaela Yu came up big in a road win at Harrah last week. CA, led by sophomore Gioya Carter, is on a bit of a slide. Perhaps that week off did the team some good.

Choctaw at Edmond Santa Fe
Can you prove you’re for real in a loss? I thought that’s what Choctaw did in losing a competitive battle against Edmond North last Friday. I’m thinking about checking this one out myself. Santa Fe is still undefeated but doesn’t always look like it’s clicking on all cylinders.

Mt. St. Mary’s at OCS
I’m interested in seeing what makes this MSM team so good. I don’t know if OCS is the right gauge, but I’ve seen the Saints enough and know that with Dani Childress and Jordan Gooch, they’re never an easy out. The Rockets only have two losses but also (according to OKRankings) don’t have a win against a top-20 team.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

This was a fun story to write on Mount St. Mary’s Caitlin Baker, a star swimmer who has turned her attention to much bigger issues.

At 17, she’s done more than most people twice her age. And it seems like she’s never satisfied and will never take ‘no’ for an answer.

For my story on Baker, here ya go. For her site and more photos, go here. And for some of her long list of accomplishments, well, keep reading after the jump.

Presentations

• September 2007 Tahlequah High School and Sequoyah High School with Olympian Mark Spitz.
• December 2008   Keynote speaker at the University of Arizona’s Childhood Obesity/Diabetes Conference, San Diego, California.
• April 2009 Long Beach, California. Speaker at the CDC National Diabetes Translation Conference Plenary session.
• May 2009 Washington, DC.  Panel member at the Robert Woods Johnson’s National Childhood Obesity Summit.
• June 2009 Tucson, Arizona.  Swim Clinic for the Indian Health Clinic and Pascua Yaqui Tribe.  Keynote speaker at the Family Wellness Day.
• June 2009 Addressed Norman, Oklahoma City council prior to vote to ban smoking from all city parks. Ordinance passed unanimously.
• July 2009 Presented at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health Youth Leadership Retreat.
• September 2009 Presented at SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) Leadership Retreat.
• June 2010 testified before the U.S. Senate subcommittee on the Diabetes Crisis in Indian Country.
• July  2010 presented workshop at the Tahlequah Youth Leadership Conference
• August 2010 presented at the Cleveland County SWAT Leadership Conference.
• September 2010 presented at the United Sates Aquatic Sports Assoc. National Convention. Dallas, Texas.
• October 2010 Panel member, Zarrow Mental Health Symposium, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

SWIM CLINICS, CAITLINB PROGRAMS, PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS

• Fall 2006 Started the CAITLINB (Competitive American Indians Turning Lifestyles In to New Beginnings) program.
• 2007-present Speaking and instructing at TURTLE CAMP, diabetes prevention program held by the OKC Indian Clinic.
• June 2007 Helped organize a swim clinic for the Boys and Girls Clubs in Pryor, Oklahoma, bringing in Josh Davis, Olympic gold medalist to speak and instruct.
• September 2007 spoke at Tahlequah High School and Sequoyah High School with Olympian Mark Spitz. Held swim clinic with Mark Spitz for local swimmers.
• Partnered with Lucas Taylor, Creek Nation, spoke at “4 Love of the Game” College Day.
• April 2008 profiled on the Today show along with the OKC Indian clinic on a series highlighting non profits that benefit youth.
• October Nov. 2008 Partnered with National Museum of the American Indian in Manhattan, NY and the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Designed and presented  “Stepping Out to Health with Caitlinb.”
• March 2009, Sisseton, South Dakota.  Worked with the Sisseton Indian Clinic and presented a Healthy Youth Program to area public and tribal schools.  Approximately 500 youth participated.
• March 2009, Began partnership with CDC in their launch of the Eagle Series national tour.
• June 2009 Tucson, Arizona.  Swim Clinic for the Indian Health Clinic and Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
• October 2009 Hosted swim clinic for the Winnebago Tribe, Winnebago, Nebraska.
• October 2010 began partnership with the OK Department of Mental and Kiowa Tribe Suicide and Injury Prevention programs.  Currently designing a program to address suicide crisis in teens.

The Rockets were 2-8 this season, winning the final two games of the year. Nichols led MSM to five wins the last two years after a winless campaign in his first season.

“We are grateful for the dedication and commitment coach Nichols has given to the Rockets,” principal Talita DeNegri said in a statement released by the school. “The Mount wishes him well as he moves forward in a new direction.”

The school is currently accepting applications for the position.

“The Mount is a great place and I am appreciative of the effort that our kids and coaches gave each and every day,” said Nichols, who previously worked as the head coach at El Reno. “I am thankful for the support I have received, but at this point in my life I have some other opportunities that I would like to pursue.”

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

Let’s start, shall we?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here ya go:

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

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

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

KR — Jamaal Whitney, Bishop McGuinness

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other contenders

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

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

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

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

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

There were some tense moments in the second half of Heritage Hall’s victory against Little Axe.

And if it wasn’t for Sterling Shepard’s early heroics, we could have really been talking about some anxious times.

Before Shepard left with a hip injury, he scored two touchdowns and started it with an interception return for a score in the 27-7 win vs. the Indians.

The health of Shepard and running back Barry J. Sanders are questions 1a. and 1b. heading into Friday’s game with Bridge Creek (I’ll be there).

Other contenders

LaRone Richardson, Bishop McGuinness: Not the end he was hoping for, but Richardson notched two more touchdowns in the 26-23 loss at Glenpool.

Cooper Cloud and Cale Courtney, Heritage: Hooked up on a touchdown in the fourth quarter to seal the deal against Little Axe.

Nick Callaway, McGuinness: Wasn’t always a pretty thing was the Irish passing game this year, but Callaway came up with key grabs, including a touchdown Friday.

Austin Brooks, OCS: Overmatched against Millwood but was able to stay with it and ran for a score and threw for another in the 59-28 loss to Falcons.

Victoria Vaughn, Mt. St. Mary’s, Cheerleading: I know her from tennis, but she became the first MSM cheerleader to make the all-state team.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Other contenders

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well, you knew with Heritage Hall running back Barry J. Sanders sitting out with an ankle injury that somebody was going to have to join Sterling Shepard and step up.

And as much as I rave (and I do) about the junior class, the senior leadership is also readily apparent with this Chargers club. Heritage needed someone to pick up the slack and senior quarterback Cooper Cloud was more than willing to be the guy in a 42-12 win against John Marshall.

Of course, it helps to have an elusive target like Shepard to throw it to, but Cloud ended the night with four touchdown passes. Three of them went to Shepard while the other went to Cale Courtney.

That may have answered some critics about the lack of balance in the Heritage offense. The offensive line is vastly improved this season, which is making this magical year happen so far.

Other contenders

LaRone Richardson, Bishop McGuinness, Football: It was a down week for the Irish in a loss at Elgin, but Richardson notched two more touchdowns.

Sterling Shepard, Heritage, Football: That’s nine touchdowns in two games. Also three INT returns for scores in the last two games. His stock continues to soar.

Irish volleyball: Gave it a great effort against a dominant Bishop Kelley team in the championship but ultimately lost in four games.

Dylan Murray, Mt. St. Mary’s, Football: Murray scored three touchdowns as the Rockets went down to Cordell.

Irish boys cross country: One of several state teams to make the trek to Arkansas. The Irish, led by Frank Frantz, placed 12th out of 54 teams in Fayetteville.

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.

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

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

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

Other contenders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Other contenders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Know any more nominations? Let me know.

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.

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.’

Oh ye tennis gods, all I ask is a weekend of no rain and getting everything in. Friday begins the state tennis tournament at the OKC Tennis Center (my home away from home).

Here’s some thoughts and insights on what I believe will happen. And look for a story on Edmond North’s Ann Pepper in Friday’s paper.

6A
Last year’s champs: Edmond North

The Huskies have a great shot at repeating this year. I’m expecting an all Edmond North-Jenks singles final with Rachel Mitcham against Lisa Waldron of Jenks at No. 1 and Pepper vs. Gabrielle Siegler of Jenks at No. 2.

Broken Arrow’s Jodi Blackim will have something to say about that and Enid might go and mess up everything, too.

Edmond Memorial was able to earn both doubles regional titles against rival North, which I found very interesting. The Bulldogs might end up keeping the Huskies off the top spot.

Prediction: Jenks wins a nail-biter, followed by Edmond North, Enid and Edmond Memorial.

5A
Last year’s champs: Bishop McGuinness

There is no drama in this as the Irish should cruise to their 12th straight state championship. However, there will be drama at No. 1 doubles with Whitney Ritchie and Trinian O’Neil of McGuinness who could possibly take on Tulsa Edison in the championship.

Edison has Haley Martin, one of the best players in the state (and nation, for that matter). Martin has had Ritchie’s number on the Missouri Valley circuit, so it would make for one heckuva championship. Martin is teamed with Abby Tolson.

Also will be interesting to see how Duncan’s Melanie Barnes does if she gets a crack at Mia Lancaster of McGuinness. The depth and dominance of the Irish can’t be questioned, though.

Ritchie and No. 2 singles Emily Conrad are going for their fourth state titles while Ashleigh Chiaf and Lancaster are gunning for their third championship. Insane.

4A
Last year’s champs: Heritage Hall

Definitely expect the Chargers to take at least three of the four titles here. Nobody can touch Julie Labarthe and Carissa Villaflor should be able to handle things at No. 2 singles (though I got a hunch Mt. St. Mary’s Victoria Vaughn and Perry’s Lauryn Sullins will play a role).

At No. 1 doubles, Sarah Bowen of Heritage is so strong that it doesn’t matter too much who her partner is though Kelsey Grace is dang good in her own right.

Should be a fun weekend, and you’ll know I’ll be back each night with thoughts.

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.

Fellow chum Ryan Aber is dealing with some of the insights from the public side of things, but I’ve been catching up with some coaches/administrators from the non-public schools.

The reactions vary from the OSSAA’s decision to send back to committee the transfer and multiplier proposals.

Here is a sample of what is being said: 

“This is a good way to address things. Like I’ve said before, my concern is for the Mount. I know that if I had to come up with specific criteria, that I would miss out on a thing or two. It’s a tough decision. But knowing the board is looking out for everybody and taking their time – that is making me feel comfortable.”
- Mt. St. Mary’s athletic director Lenny Hatchett

“We’re glad they went back to committee. We felt this would have unfairly raised us and Riverside up a class. We’re happy that they’re going to take their time on this and not rush it. We’re not worried about this from a competitive standpoint at all. Selective enrollment is tough because students need to have a CDIB (Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood) to attend here.”
- Sequoyah-Tahlequah principal Mitch McGehee

“One thing I think that’s gets overlooked is the misconception that private schools don’t have boundaries (to get students). We do have boundaries but some people don’t realize that. Everyone is working hard to get stuff done, but nothing that is done will make everyone happy. I do hope there is some kind of resolution soon.”
- Heritage Hall football coach Andy Bogert

“When I looked at the proposal, I thought this would be tabled. They’re on the right track, and I’m glad there weren’t any knee-jerk reactions to this. This about what is fair and not fair, and I think the committee is doing a great job in trying to figure it out.”
- Northeast boys basketball coach Malcolm Roberts

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Other contenders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CLASS 3A
Jordan Burrell, Valliant
Hayden Darst, Antlers
Marlo Harden, Hartshorne
Christian Hill, Mount St. Mary
Gary Inglett, Plainview
Cale Jackson, Bethel
Brandon Kirkland, Heavener
Dalton Newsome, Mount St. Mary
Noah Polk, Haskell
Jordan Woods, Kingfisher

CLASS 2A
Austin Collins, Pioneer
Jimmy Doolin, Dale
Cale Elam, Oktaha
Kchris Griffin, Haworth
Trevon Hartfield, Watonga
Kyle Klaus, Pawnee
Nic Lappke, Cordell
Dakota Martin, Chisholm
Ralston Moore, Pawnee
Dustin Shade, Hulbert

CLASS A
Jabe Karr, Okarche
Zach Medley, Stuart
Tyler Miller, Garber
Andrian Mosley, Porter
Joey Powers, Welch
J.D. Pugh, Texhoma
Zach Samaha, Fort Towson
Dane Thrash, Cheyenne-Reydon
Hayden Vencl, Garber
Jason Wixon, Porum

CLASS B
Dylan Baker, Fargo
Aaron Cornell, Roff
Roper Cunningham, Waynoka
Drew Fischer, Timberlake
Nick Herrington, Erick-Sweetwater
Dylan Lemley, Roff
Adonis Sumlin, Coyle
Josh Sweat, Big Pasture
Colby Walker, Hammon
Dillon Worley, Mason

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

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

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

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

Other contenders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Fellow chum Ryan Aber will be on hand for both events.

ROCKETS TO HOST CELEBRITY ALL-STAR WEEKEND

Oklahoma native Cato June leads a group of athletes who will be at Mount St. Mary High this weekend for an all-star basketball game and a football camp at the sixth annual Celebrity All-Star Weekend, presented by the Carrie Garth Well Institute and The June Family Foundation.

June grew up in Oklahoma before moving to Washington, D.C., during his high school years and is currently an NFL free agent.

The Cato June and Terrance Jackson All-Star basketball game is tonight at 7 at MSM. Admission is $5 for children and $8 for adults. The football camp is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pre-registration for the camp begins at 9 a.m. Saturday and is $30 per person. Anyone from ages 5-18 is allowed to participate.

Other players who will be in attendance include Tommie Harris, Mark Clayton, Reggie Wayne and Reggie Smith among others.

***

For more information on the CGWells Institute, here ya go. For more info on The June Family Foundation, here ya go.

Special thanks to Jones coach Kenny Daugherty for passing the info along. The scary thing about Bridge Creek’s Ryan Spangler? He’ll be BACK. Bridge Creek has a phenomenal nucleus, paced by their star. Without further ado, here ya go:

Central Oklahoma Conference Awards

MVP: Ryan Spangler, Bridge Creek

Coach of the Year: Lenny Hatchett, Mt. St. Mary’s
Conference champions: Mt. St. Mary’s

1st Team All-Conference
Dalton Newsome, Mt. St. Mary’s
Christian Hill, Mt. St. Mary’s
Blake Gifford, Lexington
Marquis Burden, Luther
Shawneil Skanes, Crooked Oak

2nd Team All-Conference
Vincent Mason, Mt. St. Mary’s
Josh Pershica, Bridge Creek
Sheldon Laws, Crooked Oak
Kyle Forehand, Lexington
Andrew Herzer, Jones

Honorable mentions
Chris Stevens and Caden Locke, Bridge Creek
Michael Lowe, Tyler Seabolt and Tyler Ford, Jones
Ryan Gibson and Ethan Sherer, Luther
R.T. Pittman, Omar Olivarez, Christian Knowles and Trevon Jones, Crooked Oak
Ryan Coker, Dalton Capps, Dillon Dodd and Matthew Bugher, Lexington
Jake Peace and Tim Campbell, Mt. St. Mary’s

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Mt. St. Mary’s boys coach Lenny Hatchett isn’t making a big deal out of it, but how in the world have the sixth-ranked Rockets had to go through what they’ve been through?

In regional play, MSM had to play at Prague on Thursday night. It was a tight one, but the Rockets pulled it out by five.

And then for the regional championship, the Rockets had to go to Kingfisher to play the Yellowjackets. In an even more impressive performance, the Rockets won 50-40.

Hatchett said he was extremely pleased with the way his team played. Most notably, he said he was content with how well the team rebounded and how balanced the scoring was. MSM has three solid scorers in Vincent Mason, Dalton Newsome and Christian Hill.

And the Rockets reward? Playing Millwood for the chance to go to state.

But you can basically copy and paste everything I’ve just said for ANY team in Area I for the 3A boys. How ridiculously deep is this group?

It’s amazing to think that four of these six (ranked) teams won’t make it: Millwood, MSM, Northeast, Kingfisher, Purcell and Bridge Creek.

Hatchett said the depth of the Area has actually been a big topic of discussion. Whoever comes out of this group has definitely earned that trip to the Big House at State Fair Arena.

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.

This is the first class I feel like I’ve watched grow up. I remember watching Lizzy Whitbeck as a sophomore at the state tournament.

As good as she was, she was only the third best swimmer in her normal practice group as her sister, Katie, and Edmond Memorial star Samantha Woodward had her beat.

Flash forward to this year, and I don’t think there is a better girls swimmer in the state. She just carries herself around with so much confidence because she knows her abilities.

And while I’m giving the Private schools Player of the Week to Lizzy Whitbeck, it could really go to the entire Irish girls swimming team.

Seniors Danielle and Amee Pena and Erin Gaffney all played big roles in giving the team its second straight Class 5A state championship.

Whitbeck plans to walk-on at Arkansas, where Katie is at. I think she’ll be just fine. Lizzy won the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke and was also named the Swimmer of the Year by the coaches.

Spoiler alert: she has one more award coming to her from this writer as well.

The senior quartet also won two relays, the 200 Medley and the 400 Free. In other words, they started the show with a title and closed it out with one.

Other contenders

Narayan Naik, Heritage Hall, Swimming: Concluded a great career for the Chargers with wins in the 200 IM and 100 backstroke and was also named the Swimmer of the Year by the coaches. Chargers placed a solid third.

Naresh Naik, John Byford and Matt Veneklasen, Heritage, Swimming: Combined with Narayan to pull off an upset and win the 200 Free Relay at state. Chargers placed third as a team overall.

Ryan Bass, Pat Carver, Clint Edgeman, Bishop McGuinness, Wrestling: These boys will represent the Irish at the state tournament this weekend (I’ll be there).

Liana Garcia, Mt. St. Mary’s, Basketball: It’s been a rough season for the Rockets, but came up with a huge upset of Jones, led by Garcia’s 14 points Saturday.

Christian Hill, Mt. St. Mary’s, Basketball: The Rockets have great depth, and Hill is just one of many options for Lenny Hatchett’s club. He led the way in a win vs. Jones.

Elaine Cooper, Irish, Basketball: McGuinness easily won 73-8 against Classen with Cooper and others gaining some valuable playing time. Cooper had 12 points.

Matt Christiansen and Jameel Whitney, Irish, Basketball: Christiansen was big in a win vs. Ardmore and Whitney led balanced attack in victory against Classen.

Jack Warren, OCS, Basketball: In a gritty battle against Stroud, Warren had 20 points for the Saints in the road victory.

Murphy Burns, Heritage Hall, Basketball: The Chargers went to Piedmont and took out a solid Wildcats club in district action.

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.

When talking to Mt. St. Mary’s coach Lenny Hatchett after Tuesday’s win against Heritage Hall, the first thing he talked about was the team’s spirit.

The Rockets just have that type of resolve that won’t let them be denied, and they showed it Tuesday. It stems from Hatchett and trickles down to the boys.

While Dalton Newsome was huge in the fourth quarter (where he scored all eight of his points), Hatchett was also quick to give credit to Jake Peace and Christian Hill for the work they did defensively.

MSM has now bounced back successfully after each of its two losses this season and is at Christian Heritage Academy on Friday.

Here is a short video with Newsome after the win.

I never go into a game rootin’ for a player or team. But since this was my first time to see the Mt. St. Mary’s boys basketball team, I was hoping to see why they’re so good.

Down the stretch, it was the team’s heart and its star waking up that showed me just why the Rockets will be a contender for the 3A title.

Mt. St. Mary’s 41, Heritage Hall 37 (Boys)

For three quarters, senior night could not have been any worse for Dalton Newsome. The MSM star was bottled up and was ineffective.

But he didn’t panic, and the Rockets didn’t panic, a staple of Lenny Hatchett’s club.

Newsome remained patient and found other ways to contribute (couple of big boards, a huge assist to Jeremy Wagner for a 3 to make it 35-31).

And then he found his rhythm and scored all eight of his points in the fourth quarter, including icing the game at the free throw line (though he admitted to being nervous at the charity stripe).

I was impressed how he let the game come to him. Even though he hadn’t scored, he also didn’t force crazy-looking shots. Everything was in the flow of the game.

The Rockets received a big lift from Wagner, who connected on four 3s for his 12 points while Vincent Mason helped with 10 points. Wagner really got the team out of an early funk as it was 6-0 Heritage with half the first quarter already done before Wagner nailed back-to-back 3s.

Heritage Hall did so many right things in this game but didn’t finish. That’s three games (Kingfisher, Casady and MSM) where victory was there, but the Chargers couldn’t pull it out in the end.

Quintaz Struble led the team with 12 points, but if you watched the game on KSBI, the freakish talent of sophomore Sterling Shepard was once again on display. He made some highlight-worthy assists.

But all that flash doesn’t mean anything if you can’t execute when it matters most and that is Heritage’s problem right now.

The Chargers led 27-21 late in the third and entered the fourth with the lead. Heritage is at OCS on Friday (I will be there).

Look for a video with Newsome on NewsOK on Wednesday.

Heritage 55, Mt. St. Mary 49 (Girls)

Heritage Hall girls coach Leslie Warner knew there would be some rust. Because of the weather, the Chargers hadn’t played in two weeks.

Despite some early problems, she was pleased with her team’s win at St. Mary on Tuesday night.

“Our conditioning was better than expected and was never a problem,” Warner said. “It was just good to get back out there.”

Senior Murphy Burns led the way with a game-high 21 points while BreAuna Gaddis and D Brown each had 14 for the Chargers. Kellie Redd scored all 13 of her points in the second half for St. Mary.

Heritage Hall’s win at Casady feels like a long time ago for the Chargers. No, not because the team has gone into a big funk or anything, but it’s because the team hasn’t played since (two weeks ago).

Part of that was the weather and part was the actual schedule for Heritage. The Chargers were supposed to play OCS (and I was supposed to be there) on Friday, Jan. 29.

However, that was when the weather was horrendous. So the teams tried to make up the game for last Monday (and I was going to be there). But again, it was still postponed. Then canceled completely.

The Chargers had the week off anyway, so Mike Walker’s and Leslie Warner’s clubs will not have seen game time in two weeks when they head to Mt. St. Mary’s on Tuesday.

And for the third time in a row, I plan on seeing Heritage and being at MSM for the Rockets and Chargers. And what do you know as we’re supposed to get bad weather again. Maybe I’m just not meant to see Heritage again.

MSM is coming off a tough loss to a VERY good Bridge Creek team, so you know Lenny Hatchett’s boys will be looking to bounce back. The Rockets won the first meeting 58-50 before the Christmas break.

Trying to track down all the make up dates for basketball for ‘my boys’. A couple (PCNorth/Santa Fe and Memorial/Norman have already been made up). Here is what I know as of now:

Saturday
Deer Creek vs. Piedmont
Edmond Santa Fe vs. Choctaw (make up of ‘no refs’ game)

Monday
Edmond North vs. Mustang

Tuesday
Deer Creek vs. Western Heights

Thursday
Edmond Santa Fe vs. Yukon

Monday, Feb. 15
Southmoore vs. Edmond Memorial

OCS plays Mt. St. Mary’s and Heritage Hall later in the season, so the first meeting for each has just been thrown out, too tough to try to make up.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other contenders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bishop McGuinness

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

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

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

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

Heritage Hall

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

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

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

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

Casady

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

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

Mt. St. Mary’s

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

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

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

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

OCS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other contenders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other contenders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other contenders

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

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

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

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

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

Dalton Newsome, Mt. St. Mary’s, Basketball: Rockets were shocked by Purcell on Friday night. Newsome led the way with 19 points.

This was a little tougher as not all coaches sent in their forms. Now to officially turn the page to the winter sports season.

All-Private Schools

Offense
QB: Jack Warren, OCS (all-around leader, excited for senior season)
RB: Barry Sanders, Heritage Hall (media buzz will only grow for super soph)
RB: LaRone Richardson, Bishop McGuinness (even with the injuries, a fun player to watch)
RB: Parker Randell, OCA (routinely put up the big numbers for the Eagles)
WR: Jon Sikes, OCS (one of the key components on an explosive team)
WR: Aaron Smith, Mt. St. Mary’s (good leader, big-play capability for MSM)
OL: Jeff Levy, OCS (better served on defense, but a dang-good HS OL, too)
OL: Markus Wakefield, Heritage Hall (big improvement from freshman to sophomore year)
OL: Dakota Leftwich, Bishop McGuinness (prob belongs on defense, leader for Irish)
OL: Sam Hoffman, Casady (made smooth transition to O-Line for senior year)
OL: Tyler Holt, OCA (DL by trade and came up big for Eagles)
K: Ian Sanders, Christian Heritage (easily one of the best in the OKC area)
KR: Kyle Ahmad, Bishop McGuinness (explosive speed always made him fun to watch)

Defense
LB: Logan McGrath, Heritage Hall (stellar senior season capped great career)
DL: Ryan Shelley, Casady (Cyclone D was a beast early, Shelley was a big reason why)
DL: Jared Clark, Christian Heritage (coach John Merrell raved about his play all season)
LB: Jameel Whitney, Bishop McGuinness (after being ‘snubbed’ in the other ones, ha ha, gets his spot, you know I loved watching him)
LB: Marc Robinson, Heritage Hall (a great first two years, look for even more in the next two)
LB: Jay Lester, Bishop McGuinness (became more of a vocal leader this year)
DL: Graham Bennett, Casady (just wait until he grows into his body, already a beast)
DB: Sterling Shepard, Heritage Hall (plays with such intensity, hits like a LB and plays QB)
DB: Cale Shivers, Casady (heart and soul of Cyclones…end of story)
DB: Dalton Newsome, Mt. St. Mary’s (best athlete and most exciting player for MSM)
DB: Tyler Minx, OCA (Eagles have come a long way, Minx has been in the thick of things)
P: Austin Katigan, Casady (another solid all-around talent, could play just about anywhere)

Offensive Player of the Year: Sanders, Heritage Hall
Defensive Player of the Year: Whitney, Bishop McGuinness
Coach of the Year: Kenny Young, Bishop McGuinness
Honorable mentions: Bishop McGuinness: Sam Crabtree, DB; Camden Tharp, QB; Will Blaik, FB; Nick Callaway, DL. Casady: Bentley Williams, RB; Mac Katigan, DB; Garrison Lee; David Driskell. CHA: Josh Blair, LB; Heritage Hall: Cale Courtney, WR; Tanner France, WR; Travis Harrison, LB. OCS: Mac McDaniel, P; Skyler Sikes, WR; Jeff Smith, RB.

OPOY: Sanders. This was an easy one. Where to start? Hmm, how about 1,707 rushing yards, 21 receptions, 6 interceptions, 30 total touchdowns and a 35-yard average on punts? He learned a lot this year and is becoming much more than just an athletic freak. He’s learning to play within the system without taking anything away from his jaw-dropping ability.

DPOY: Whitney. Didn’t get to see the Irish too much or as much as I would have liked but knew where Whitney was on just about every play. He was sensational and played his best in the biggest games (which has to count for something). Whitney scored five touchdowns and had 127 tackles with two sacks and two interceptions. Had to be accounted for on every single snap, no doubt about it.

COY: Young. Boys basketball coach Tondrell Durham is in the same spot as Young as both are seeing what they can do now that the ‘cornerstones’ of the programs have moved on. Expected to be a down year for the Irish, McGuinness was in every game. Despite injuries to key components (Quinn Shanbour, Sam Crabtree and LaRone Richardson immediately come to mind), kept the team together. Team’s three losses came by a combined eight points (10-9 at Bishop Kelley), 21-20 at Weatherford and 20-14 at Sallisaw).

(Boneman’s note: I’ve been switching Logan McGrath (HH) and Graham Bennett’s (Casady) positions all season for some unknown reason. The changes have been made.)

In a few short hours, I’ll be back home in Springboro, Ohio (between Dayton and Cincinnati), for a good 10 days for Christmas and my birthday (27th). Just want to wish all the readers in the Edmond and private school zones a safe and happy holidays.

I won’t be updating too much during my time off, but I do have a couple of gems for ya. To go with Little All-City (25th), Big All-City (26th) and All-State (27th), I’ve made a couple of other teams.

I spent a good chunk of last Tuesday creating my All-Edmond and All-OKC-area Private School team, so I’ll be releasing that this weekend as well.

Be back and ready to roll with basketball, swimming and wrestling. Have fun these two weeks.

Bishop McGuinness coach Tondrell Durham gave little indications before the season that he thought sophomore Joe Edmonds could develop into something special.

Well, we haven’t had to wait that long. No sir, not at all as Edmonds has been spectacular in the first eight games for the Irish.

Edmonds scored 31 points in two games in a pair of victories for McGuinness at the Deer Creek Festival, good enough to be named the Private Schools Player of the Week.

I don’t know if there is one thing that stands out about him, he’s just solid in just about every way possible. He’s got a nice little jump shot. He can move without the ball, but he’s not afraid to mix it up inside and get the big rebound.

Either way, the emergence of Edmonds and Matt Christiansen are two good reasons why Irish fans should be excited about what’s to come in 2010.

Other contenders

Cara Pugh, Irish, Basketball: With Caroline Cameron out for the season, Pugh is going to have to step up even more. She was good in her first test as the Irish won a pair of games at the Festival.

T.J. Holland, OCS, Basketball: Another kid with just all the tools to make something special happen. Holland and Jack Warren will have the Saints in position to make another run.

Jordan Gooch, OCS, Basketball: She was productive this weekend, but she’s on here more for her toughness and grit as it was a tough task for the OCS girls squad vs. the Irish and Deer Creek.

Irish girls swimming team: The defending 5A champions were able to beat Edmond Santa Fe in a meet last week and still look like the team to beat in 5A.

Ryan Shelley, Casady, Basketball: Another big-time outing by the senior, but the Cyclones haven’t been able to put together victories with ‘em. Shelley scored 28 in a loss to John Marshall.

Vincent Mason, Mt. St. Mary’s, Basketball: The Rockets outscored Christian Heritage 31-16 in the second half to cruise to a 21-point victory. Mason led the team with 14 points. MSM is now 5-0.

Any number of girls on the Bishop McGuinness basketball team deserve this honor. This is such a well-balanced and deep team that frankly I didn’t feel it was right to choose between them.

And since it’s my blog, I didn’t. Giving the Private Schools Player of the Week to the entire Irish girls basketball team for its big-time showing at the Edmond Open.

This team gets overshadowed by the boys team. And with the program Tondrell Durham has, you understand why. But each year Jennifer Frakes’ club has gotten a little bit better, faster, bigger. And this year, well, they’re putting it all together.

If I had to choose, I would say Cara Pugh was the best in the last week, but Alexa Lienhard and Caroline Cameron are so crucial to the team’s success, too. Cameron left with a knee injury Saturday but is said to be OK.

The Irish came up big with wins against Santa Fe and Memorial. And a loss to North is never anything to be ashamed about, especially with the way they fought the whole way. Frakes said this team is 12-deep, that’s crazy. It might not show up too much now, but that kind of depth is going to pay huge dividends in March.

Other contenders

Dalton Newsome, Mt. St. Mary’s: The Rockets are flyin’ high (get it?) and Newsome is the No. 1 reason why. Easily one of the hottest teams in the state.

Quintaz Struble, Heritage Hall: Tough week for the Chargers in losses to MSM and Weatherford, but Struble is playing well right now for Heritage.

Joe Edmonds and Jameel Whitney, Irish: After beating Bishop Kelley by one point Tuesday, Irish lost to Comets in finals of the Bishop Kelley Classic. However, Edmonds and Whitney and Matt Christiansen (for that matter) have made sure there is no dropoff for Irish.

Murphy Burns, Heritage Hall: Helped team to big win against MSM, but the Chargers were no match for Weatherford later in the week.

Ryan Shelley, Casady: He’s the dominant force for the Cyclones basketball team. Added another 20 points as Casady cruised on by Tishomingo 47-25 last week.

In football, Bishop Kelley edged out Bishop McGuinness 10-9 in the second week of the season. In basketball, the Irish returned the favor with a 40-39 victory at Kelley.

Sophomore Joe Edmonds led McGuinness with 12 points, and he’s someone coach Tondrell Durham is extremely high on. And you know if Durham likes ‘em, he’s got to have some talent.

Jameel Whitney added nine points for the Irish in what appeared to be a close battle all the way through.

The girls cruised to a victory, winning by 22 points.

Mt. St. Mary’s

There’s that man again: Dalton Newsome. With the Rockets and Heritage Hall tied after three quarter, MSM turned it up a notch to move to 4-0.

Newsome led all scorers with 22 points while Vincent Mason added 16.

Another tough break for the Chargers who have had a brutal schedule to start things out. Freshman Maurice Davenport led Heritage with 14 while Quintaz Struble pitched in with 12.

Heritage Hall

But on the girls side, it was a different story. Murphy Burns led a trio of Chargers in double figures as Heritage knocked off MSM 56-42.

Tied at halftime, Heritage really stepped it up in the second half to pull out the victory.

First full week of the basketball season, and a couple of the private school teams really went after it Saturday night in a matchup between Oklahoma Christian and Mt. St. Mary’s.

Paced by Dalton Newsome, the Rockets got the best of the Saints 53-45 on the road. MSM also went on the road Friday night at Lexington and picked up a 75-61 victory.

It took a second half comeback by the Rockets to get past OCS. The Saints held a four-point lead at halftime, but MSM outscored ‘em 33-21 in the second half.

Newsome scored 17 while Vincent Mason added 14 in the win. Mason was also the game’s high scorer Friday at Lexingoton. Newsome’s big showing is enough to win the Private Schools Player of the Week.

Tough to go on the road to start the season, but Lenny Hatchett’s team has done that right now. Couple of big victories in someone else’s gym. Possible they could get another as MSM is at Heritage Hall on Tuesday.

Other contenders

Cara Pugh and Caroline Cameron, Bishop McGuinness: Pugh came up huge in a blowout win against Ardmore on Friday while Cameron duplicated the effort in an easy win against Northwest Classen on Saturday.

T.J. Holland and Jack Warren, OCS: Maybe the Saints were a little emotionally drained. The day before the battle with MSM, OCS took out one of 4A’s top teams, John Marshall. Down one point entering the fourth, OCS got the job done.

Collin Groves, Heritage Hall: It’s going to take a while to get rollin’ for the Chargers, but Groves played huge in a loss to Northeast. Groves had a game-high 27 points.

Ryan Shelley, Casady: The Cyclones picked up a big win against Tulsa NOAH, thanks in large part to Shelley. The senior had 29 points in the 57-48 victory.

With so many more games, it’s possible I’ve left out a name or two. If you feel someone deserves the honor, drop me a line. Appreciate it.

Busy time trying to make sure pay enough attention to all the remaining football games while also turning the page to the winter sports season.

I’ll do my best to get all these previews up this week. Let’s go ahead and start with Mt. St. Mary’s, shall we?

Mt. St. Mary’s
Boys
Last year’s record: 24-4 (made state)
Outlook: Things look good for Lenny Hatchett’s bunch. Coming off a better-than-expected football season, there is a reason for confidence with the Rockets.

Familiar names like Aaron Smith (6-4) and Dalton Newsome (5-11) are expected to lead the way. MSM is returning four starters from last year’s club. Joining Smith in the frontcourt is senior Vincent Mason (6-4). The Rockets were undefeated in conference play last year.

Girls
Last year’s record: 10-13 (eliminated in regional play)
Outlook: If the young girls grow up, things can go very well. MSM is riding a wave after the team’s softball success. One of those leaders, sophomore Bryana Wade, will be expected to come up big this year.

Rory Hamilton’s girls are only returning one starter, but maybe more important, are only returning two players who had significant playing time.

Each MSM squad was able to post a victory Tuesday over Crooked Oak. Both Rocket teams will play at Lexington on Friday.

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)

Mt. St. Mary’s was going to make sure somebody else beat ‘em besides sophomore running back Barry Sanders. MSM stacked the box and Sanders only had five carries, nursing a thigh bruise.

Luckily for Heritage Hall, somebody was up to the task. That somebody was senior Tanner France.

France scored a touchdown three different ways in leading the Chargers to a 37-19 victory and a District 2A-1 crown and has earned Private Schools Player of the Week.

He ran for one, caught another and intercepted one for a score. Guess you could say France is back to 100 percent.

France broke his thumb against Kingfisher and hasn’t been able to make as much impact as he would like.

But with quarterback Sterling Shepard hurt and the Rockets keying on Sanders, France stepped up in a big way.

If the Chargers are able to get more consistent outings from France, Heritage just became a major player in the 2A race once again.

Other contenders

The Whitney boys (Jameel and Jamal), Bishop McGuinness: Accounted for three touchdowns for the Irish in a 49-12 win against Elk City.

Mikey Mollman, MSM: It wasn’t the way the Rockets wanted to end things, but Mollman ran for all three touchdowns in the loss.

Parker Randell, Oklahoma Christian Academy: A fine ending to the year for the Eagles as Randell accounted for five scores (four rushing, one fumble return) in a 42-22 win against Bowlegs.

Jack Warren and Jeff Smith, Oklahoma Christian: Each played a role in the eight touchdowns the Saints scored. Warren threw five of them while Smith ran for the other three. Look out for OCS.

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.

Heritage (5-4, 5-1) vs. Mt. St. Mary’s (3-6, 2-4)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: MSM HS

Heritage (L, Casady; L, Weatherford; L, Davis; W, Alva; W, Kingfisher; W, Perry; W, Fairview; W, Newkirk; L, John Marshall)
Why the Chargers can win: This might be the night they simply out-talent someone. It’s going to be a real adjustment trying to play without Sterling Shepard. But if Cooper Cloud is up to the task, the Chargers should be fine because like I’ve said all season, we know the defense is dang good.

Quote:

We followed up our best game with one of our worst games last week. We weren’t ready. We’re young, but we’re nine games in. Last week was a reminder of what happens when you’re not focused 100 percent.” – coach Andy Bogert

MSM
Why the Rockets can win: Because the pieces have been coming together for this team down the stretch. They’re healthy, their chemistry can’t be questioned. They play for each other, and that can lead to some very surprising results.

Quote:

Those injuries early hurt. This is what we felt we could have been doing all season. It’s nice to be ending out things this way.” – senior Aaron Smith

Key matchup: Heritage running game vs. MSM defense. This is the week Tanner France and Barry Sanders need to will the team to victory. Get through this one and the offense can find its footing again in the playoffs.

The pick: Heritage 17, MSM 6. Don’t foresee a lot of scoring in this one, and I expect Dalton Newsome to give the Chargers fits before Heritage finds the answer defensively.

Not going to be able to make it out to Mt. St. Mary’s and Heritage Hall on Friday night? There is another way to keep in touch.

Fans can watch the game at www.msmrockets.com for a webcast that I’ve been told is in HD quality.

It’s an interesting game as the Chargers try to cope without Sterling Shepard and the Rockets look to end the season with a three-game winning streak.

It’s also a chance for some people to maybe see Heritage sophomore Barry Sanders and see how he responds as defenses will surely just stack the box like crazy and force Cooper Cloud to make a play.

But I also see as an opportunity to watch someone like MSM’s Dalton Newsome. You hear about a lot of the familiar names, but someone like Newsome should be on people’s radar.

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

There were any number of Chargers to pick from. Sophomore Brandon Moews had two interceptions and returned one for a touchdown. Sophomore Barry Sanders (remember, no Jr.) rushed for 171 yards and three touchdowns, caught another and had an interception.

But in the end, I think the play of Sterling Shepard was the thing that got Heritage rolling in a 49-7 victory against Newkirk to earn him the Private Schools Player of the Week.

Shepard’s stats weren’t outstanding (one passing TD, two rushing scores), but he set the tone early. He is making better decisions with each game and threw some of his best balls this year. The Chargers are starting to find some balance to go with the running game.

Newkirk wanted to stack the box, but once Shepard found Cale Courtney a couple of times for big gains, Tigers were left in a bind. And Shepard becomes another running back when he decides to just take off and run.

That’s back-to-back solid passing games from Shepard, which is a great sign if you’re a Chargers fan.

Other contenders

Bishop McGuinness defense: There will be a story on Jay Lester and Jameel Whitney in Tuesday’s paper and a litany of Irish players could be deserving, so I’m just giving it to the D in a 34-0 win at Guymon.

Cale Shivers, QB, Casady: Cyclones played their heart out against a great Houston Episcopal team. Shivers threw for two touchdowns in a 24-15 loss.

Dalton Newsome and Aaron Smith, Mt. St. Mary’s: The duo was electric as MSM scored a season-high 35 points in a 35-21 win against Fairview.

Other winners (cross country)

Mary Kate Roy, McGuinness: The Irish were dominant at the 5A regional with Roy leading the way. Team placed first and three of the top six finishers (Mary Beth Canfield and Erin Gaffney).

Frank Frantz, McGuinness: Boys weren’t too bad, either. Frantz placed fourth overall and Irish placed second overall.

Virginia Ratliff, Heritage: Will lead team into state this weekend and was also named Homecoming Queen last week at the football game.

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.

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.

The way Casady has played this year it’s tough to remember that more than a month ago, we were all shocked at how well they were doing.

Now it’s seemingly par for the course. Great defense, great running game, add another win for the Cyclones.

Like I’ve said before, that’s a pretty good recipe right now. And never was the running game more effective than in Friday’s 56-21 at Dallas Greenhill where Casady rushed for 513 yards.

Leading the charge is senior Bentley Williams. After a quiet start, Williams has come alive in the last couple of weeks, piling up the yards and the touchdowns. He added another two scores in earning the Private schools Player of the Week.

I said Williams would be the difference in this team being very good to great. Cale Shivers need help with the running game, and Williams has done so. The Cyclones are one of the more complete teams in the state right now.

Other contenders

Barry Sanders Jr., RB/CB, Heritage Hall: He scored twice in a 17-0 victory at Kingfisher. But really, all 11 guys on defense deserve this honor, too, with back-to-back shutouts after an 0-3 start.

Camden Tharp, QB, Bishop McGuinness: Played fantastic after the rough start. Showed some real signs of maturity and scored a touchdown in the tough 21-20 loss at Weatherford.

Jameel Whitney, LB, McGuinness: Whitney and Weatherford’s Kale Sawatzky had many encounters with each other. Whitney looked like he had been through a war Friday. Sawatzky did, too.

Other winners

Katie Clark, Mt. St. Mary’s, Softball: She is 14-for-17 with 18 RBIs and three home runs in district and regional play. MSM has made state for the first time since 1993.

Lizzy Whitbeck, McGuinness, Cross Country: More than just one of the best swimmers in the state, Whitbeck placed 12th at the OSU Cowboy Jamoboree. Add that and Mary Kate Roy’s 10th-place finish, and the Irish were third as a team.

There were no nominations for volleyball. If you’d like to make one, let me know.

Heritage Hall product Wes Welker was back in action for the New England Patriots after missing the last two games. He had six catches for 48 yards in a big 27-21 victory against Baltimore.

As for the rest of the private school products, here’s how they did Saturday.

Jimmy Stevens, K, Oklahoma (Heritage): Stevens was on his game in OU’s 21-20 loss to Miami. He made both his PATs and made two field goals (21 and 39).

Tucker Cason, LB, Central Oklahoma (Heritage): Huge game for Cason. He had 14 tackles (9 solo) and 1.5 tackles for loss in a tough 31-23 loss to Southwest Baptist.

Brandon Noohi, QB, UCO (Mt. St. Mary’s): A solid outing from Noohi. He ran for 48 yards and a touchdown and threw for 296 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

Tucker Holland, WR, UCO (OCS): Holland had five catches for 27 yards. The five grabs was the second-most for the Bronchos.

Quinton Prince, NG, UCO (Heritage): Prince had four tackles for UCO in the homecoming loss.

Joey Fallon, UCO (OCS): It was Fallon’s best game of the season with eight tackles and a sack.

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.

Kinda an obvious one, no? Though Camden Tharp played great for Bishop McGuinness in his first start at quarterback, there is no doubt that junior RB LaRone Richardson deserves this honor.

He scored six touchdowns in leading the Irish to a surprising 48-26 victory against Millwood on Friday.

And for a team that had a combined 21 points in two games, nobody saw this 48-point outburst coming.

Tharp was poised, taking over for Quinn Shanbour. Richardson made it easy for a QB in his first start. He finally got some touches in this game and made them all count in the upset victory.

There’s no doubt Millwood’s Trayvon Henry not playing had a role in the game, but the Irish were determined from the very beginning. This offense was looking for a breakout game, and it happened.

That’s the kind of momentum you want heading into district play with Piedmont on Friday.

Other nominees

- Barry Sanders Jr., Heritage Hall: He scored both of the Chargers’ touchdowns in an 18-12 loss to Davis. Heritage tops the list of teams that are thrilled district play is starting.

- Cale Shivers, Casady: The quintisential leader for the Cyclones. Just as dangerous with his legs as his arm, Casady is 4-0.

- Aaron Smith, Mt. St. Mary’s: No Boneman curse this time as Smith had two touchdowns in helping the Rockets to their first win of the season

- Parker Randell, OCA: Scored the game-winner in overtime for Eagles and is putting up gaudy numbers at running back this season.

Other winners

Brooke Bogert, Heritage, Volleyball: The Chargers were dominant in not dropping a game in the Norman North Tournament, beating No. 2 Cache in the process. HUGE battle at Edmond Santa Fe on Tuesday.

Jack Bickford, Casady, Cross Country: Sparked by Bickford’s third-place finish, Casady won the 2A-4A event at the Edmond Dog Pack Meet. The girls placed fourth, paced by a ninth-place effort by Emily Orthwein.

There were no nominations for softball this week. If you’d like to make one, just e-mail me.

Heritage Hall product Wes Welker was inactive today for the New England Patriots against the New York Jets. So that hurt the alumni report and my fantasy team as I didn’t know until too late. Oh well.

Here’s a look at how some of the other private school products fared.

Jimmy Stevens, K, Oklahoma (Heritage): Stevens made 1-of-2 field goal attempts and was 6-for-6 on his extra points in OU’s 45-0 romp against Tulsa.

Brandon Noohi, QB, Central Oklahoma (Mt. St. Mary’s): Noohi was 25-of-40 for 200 yards with a touchdown and an interception in UCO’s 35-17 loss to Tarleton State.

Tucker Cason, LB, UCO (Heritage): Cason was the third-leading tackler with eight stops (5 solo) for the Bronchos.

Quinton Prince, DT, UCO (Heritage): Prince was able to get two tackles Saturday for UCO.

Joey Fallon, UCO (OCS): Able to find some time on the field again and had a tackle for the Bronchos. Fellow OCS product Tucker Holland also saw some playing time.

Rob Mitchelson, RB, Dartmouth (Heritage): Mitchelson played but did not record any stats in the Big Green’s loss.

Kinda short this week. Some of the usual faces didn’t see playing time. If I missed someone, let me know.

St. Mary senior Aaron Smith is quite the little artist as well as a WR.

I tend to gravitate toward people that have some kind of artistic ability. Mainly because I don’t have any. Never have, never will.

Now Mt. St. Mary’s senior wide receiver Aaron Smith was extremely humble about his artistic abilities, but I’ll pump ‘em up a little bit.

Today’s story on Smith was on a black and white page, so I don’t think you truly get just how good these drawings are.

He told me if anybody was willing to buy his art, he’d sell it, but that he doesn’t plan on making it his living. That’s too bad.

Anyway, just wanted to let people truly see Smith’s art. St. Mary plays Bethel on Friday night as both teams are searching for their first win.

Jack Warren has OCS off to a red-hot start.

You know, this could have gone to any number of Saints after their win against Thomas.

Jeff Smith ran for three touchdowns, Jon Sikes had a big game receiving and Jeff Levy forced two fumbles and had 10 tackles.

But giving it to QB Jack Warren. He’s the one that is making the OCS offense clicking so well, and he’s not buckling under the pressure.

He threw for 230 yards and ran for a touchdown and threw for another. OCS has to be considered one of the favorites in Class A. You follow a statement-making win against Sulphur with another impressive outing, that says something.

I love watching the type of game OCS plays. The Saints are definitely balanced, but their passing game is far advanced from most high school teams that it makes it a real joy to watch.

The Saints have a big one this week vs. Christian Heritage. CHA has struggled these first two weeks. Nothing like beating OCS to help right the ship, no?

Casady QB Cale Shivers was also in contention. He threw two touchdowns and ran for two more in a 35-0 victory against Crooked Oak. The Cyclones are now 3-0.

Other winners:

Rondaci Oliver, Mt. St. Mary’s, Softball: Head coach Daryl Reynolds raves about his slugger. She hit. 762 with eight runs and six RBIs during a recent seven-game stretch against quality opponents.

Virginia Ratliff, Heritage Hall, Cross Country: It wasn’t a great tournament overall for the Heritage girls at the Deer Creek Invitational, but it was a solid outing from Ratliff. She placed third.

I didn’t receive a Volleyball nomination this week. If you would like to send one, go ahead and shoot it this way.

Here’s what some of the private schools alumni did during Week 2. See someone I missed? Let me know at BPrzybylo@opubco.com.

Jimmy Stevens, K, Oklahoma (Heritage Hall): Not nearly as much drama in this week’s 64-0 win for OU over Idaho State. Stevens was 8-of-9 on extra points in the rout.

Rob Mitchelson, RB, Dartmouth (Heritage): The Big Green didn’t play, but Mitchelson has earned the starting RB spot for Dartmouth.

Brandon Noohi, QB, Central Oklahoma (Mt. St. Mary’s): Scored both of the touchdowns for the Bronchos in an otherwise forgettable 46-17 loss. He was 16-of-29 for 122 yards with a TD and an INT. He also rushed for 49 yards and a score.

Tucker Cason, LB, UCO (Heritage): Cason had four tackles and also returned a kickoff eight yards in the loss.

Quinton Prince, DE, UCO (Heritage): The starting DE had four tackles for the Bronchos.

Joey Fallon, UCO (OCS): Able to get some time in the blowout loss and had two tackles. OCS product Tucker Holland was also able to see some playing time.

Jake Sinkula, DE, Southwestern (Bishop McGuinness): He started the game but didn’t have any stats in SWOSU’s loss.

Chris Poston, S, Emporia State (McGuinness): Couldn’t get another interception but did have two tackles in a tough 24-21 loss against Central Missouri.

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.

Not everything clicks in a coach’s first season at a new school. That certainly was the case for Dal Nichols and Mt. St. Mary.

But there are reasons to be excited for Rockets fans heading into the football season that begins next week.

Of course, if you read the magazines, there isn’t much hope. Both the CoachesAid and Vype previews have MSM located in the cellar of District 2A-1.

Based off last season, that’s understandable. However, anytime you have 17 starters coming back, you have to think improvement is on the way.

Nichols thinks the team will surprise some people. He’s not the only one in that camp. That seems to be the mantra for WR Aaron Smith.

Said Smith:

We’re going to sneak up on people. We’re not as bad as people think we are.

Nichols is high on Smith because of his quickness and size. And you add that with Dalton Newsome (who is already a proven commodity), you start to see why there is hope for the Rockets.

The key will be who is going to be able to get the ball to Smith and Newsome. Nichols is confident in the line and the team only lost six seniors (and some of them didn’t play that much).

Should be a season of improvement. How much, who can say? The pieces are there, though.

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.