Got a question for Ed Sheakley? Ask it here
I’m going to visit with Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association executive director Ed Sheakley early this week. Do you have a question for him? Leave it as a comment here or e-mail me at raber@opubco.com. I’ll pick a few to ask him and we’ll have his answers this week in The Oklahoman.
Softball: State recap…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Or as I like to call it “how bad did I do?”
I don’t remember all of my calls, but I know I missed a bunch. I’m hoping I got two of the state softball champions right. In my defense, there were a few real unexpected winners this year.
Very interesting that not one No. 1 team won the title. Says a lot about the depth in each class and maybe some about the pressure of being No. 1 the whole season.
Teams like Mustang (6A), Catoosa (4A), Purcell (3A), Washington (2A), Fletcher (A) and Moss (B) had the targets on their back nearly the whole way.
6A: I said Yukon and after Yukon lit up Broken Arrow the first time, felt very confident about that. That inspiration of playing for Dani Fox was too good of a story to not happen. But B.A. has been there so many times before and never looked rattled. I’m not sure if Mustang was rattled in the championship, but it looked like it. That wasn’t the team that was scoring at least 7 runs in every postseason game. And Megan Sullivan of Broken Arrow is the best player I didn’t get a chance to see until this weekend. Actual winner: Broken Arrow.
5A: Well, I got the final right. Then again, anyone who knows anything about this class could have gotten the final of McAlester and Lawton MacArthur. The Highlanders just looked so smooth at there, and you know I love those black jerseys. I don’t know if that’s the most McAlester star pitcher Taylor Dewbery has been hit, but it’s gotta be up there. Impressive performance by Lawton Mac in the finals. Word on the street is Lawton Mac stud Amanda McClelland might be heading to West Point. Actual winner: Lawton Mac.
4A: Was bankin’ on a Tuttle three-peat here, no doubt about it. Jerry Bates’ teams always find a way to win the nail-biters. But defense betrayed the Tigers and Blanchard took advantage. Big kudos to the Lions, who will have a bevy of returning starters. Said coach Brent Mitchell: “We plan on being in this exact same spot next year.” Actual winner: Blanchard.
3A: This was the shoo-in…at least I thought. No way Purcell was going to lose. But give all the credit in the world to Caney Valley for continuing to fight. Kayla Wyatt was as dominant as one could be in the first five innings before CV got things going. Purcell only has one senior, so the Dragons will be back. And if they can keep it together mentally, that championship is bound to come. Actual winner: Caney Valley.
2A: Once Washington was out in the first game of the day, all bets were off in this class. Then Ringling was out. And it was just a free-for-all. Because of the schedule, I didn’t get to see Maci-Brooke Lambert’s 25-strikeout performance for Healdton in the championship against Drumright. You know I would have raved about that one. Actual winner: Healdton.
A: Oh my, I got one. One. Put my trust in Fort Cobb-Broxton senior Adalynn Klugh, and she delivered. After FCB won the slowpitch crown last year, you could sense this team no longer felt snake-bitten. Hey, and I even picked ‘em beating Fletcher. Actual winner: FCB.
B: Sasakwa is now 6-0 in the state tournament and is now back-to-back champions. I said if Red Oak could get by Sasakwa that it would win. Well, RO couldn’t get by the Vikings. I’m not saying it’s true, but here’s my thought on Sasakwa’s season: It’s like a defending NBA champion. That next season, they’re cruising along. Maybe losing games they shouldn’t. But when the playoffs (state tournament) starts, bam, they’re able to turn it up a notch. Actual winner: Sasakwa.
That will do it from softball. Got some tough choices to make for All-City teams, but that’s why I get paid the big bucks.
Rankings Sept. 19
Class 6A
1. Jenks (1)#3-0
2. Tulsa Union (2)#2-1
3. Broken Arrow (3)#2-1
4. Southmoore (4)#3-0
5. Del City (6)#3-0
6. Edmond North (7)#3-0
7. Mustang (8)#2-1
8. Norman North (9)#2-0
9. Midwest City (10)#1-2
10. Putnam North (NR)#3-0
Owasso drops from No. 4 to out. I try not to be reactionary so I was I bit slower to drop Owasso but the Rams HAVE to show some semblance of offense to prove they belong in the top 10. I know, a lot of that has to do with the loss of Joe Lindsay and Trent Spurgeon, but Owasso just doesn’t deserve it right now. That led to everyone else moving up a spot, including Midwest City, who lose to Southmoore in double overtime. The Bombers proved they belonged in the top 10 with that win, especially scoring 35 on Southmoore’s defense. Moving into the No. 10 spot is Putnam North. The Panthers have won three games big in non-district play. Lawton was the other contender for the spot but they struggled before finally putting away Altus.
Class 5A
1. Tulsa Washington (1)#2-1
2. Carl Albert (2)#2-1
3. El Reno (3)#3-0
4. Shawnee (4)#3-0
5. Tulsa East Central (5)#2-1
6. Lawton MacArthur (6)#2-1
7. Ada (8)#3-0
8. Bixby (9)#1-2
9. Tulsa Kelley (10)#3-0
10. McAlester (NR)#3-0
Tulsa Washington stays in the top spot despite the loss to Class 6A Broken Arrow, though there was no real consideration to dropping the Hornets. They beat No. 2 Carl Albert to start the season and No. 5 Tulsa East Central last week. Bixby finally gets in the win column and moves up a spot, thanks to Carl Albert’s 38-6 blowout of Duncan. Tulsa Kelley also moves up a spot, while McAlester makes its first appearance in the rankings this season after a 26-18 win over Ardmore improved the Buffs to 3-0.
Class 4A
1. Glenpool (1)#3-0
2. Sallisaw (2)#3-0
3. Weatherford (6)#3-0
4. McGuinness (7)#2-1
5. Douglass (3)#2-1
6. Wagoner (5)#2-1
7. Grove (8)#2-1
8. Poteau (10)#3-0
9. Broken Bow (4)#1-2
10. Muldrow (NR)#3-0
This was a tough one to rank this week with McGuinness’ win over Millwood weighing against Douglass’ last week and Broken Bow, Star Spencer and Wagoner all losing. In the end, Weatherford and McGuinness made big jumps. Both have signature wins and it was hard to have either behind Douglass after what the Irish did to Millwood tonight. Star Spencer drops out although I’d imagine the Bobcats will be back ranked shortly. Poteau moves up two spots to No. 8 and Muldrow is the newcomer at No. 10. Broken Bow hangs in the top 10 after a loss to 3A Metro Christian.
Class 3A
1. Cascia Hall (1)#2-0
2. Tuttle (2)#3-0
3. Sequoyah-Claremore (3)#3-0
4. Clinton (4)#2-1
5. Madill (6)#3-0
6. Checotah (7)#3-0
7. Bethany (8)#3-0
8. Metro Christian (9)#3-0
9. Blanchard (10)#3-0
10. Purcell (5)#2-1
The only change here is Purcell dropping from No. 5 to No. 10 after losing Lexington 20-0. I considered dropping Purcell out but a couple of the candidates to move into the rankings also lost so I kept Purcell in there.
Class 2A
1. Lincoln Christian (2)#2-1
2. Millwood (1)#2-1
3. Kingfisher (3)#2-1
4. Davis (4)#3-0
5. Sequoyah-Tahlequah (5)#3-0
6. Vian (6)#3-0
7. Lexington (8)#3-0
8. Heritage Hall (7)#0-3
9. Bridge Creek (10)#1-1
10. Sperry (NR)#2-1
Another flip-flop at the top with Millwood’s loss and Lincoln’s win. Some people wondered last week when I said Millwood and Lincoln were clearly the top two teams but Lincoln’s loss was to one of the top teams in Arkansas regardless of class. I was surprised by Millwood’s loss tonight but the Falcons have got to find a running game to be successful deep into the playoffs in 2A. Sperry slides in at No. 10 after Sulphur lost to Elgin.
Class A
1. Okeene (1)#3-0
2. Tonkawa (2)#3-0
3. Ringling (3)#2-0
4. Hennessey (4)#3-0
5. OCS (5)#3-0
6. Stroud (6)#3-0
7. Commerce (7)#3-0
8. Woodland (8)#1-2
9. Talihina (9)#3-0
10. Apache (10)#3-0
There’s no change here with all 10 teams winning in the third week. In fact, the only top 10 team with a loss is No. 8 Woodland but they lost to No. 1 Okeene and No. 2 Tonkawa so I’m pretty comfortable with then where they are. I did give some consideration to Pawnee and will keep and eye on the Black Bears, though.
Class B
1. Garber (1)#3-0
2. Laverne (2)#3-0
3. Canton (3)#3-0
4. Porter (5)#3-0
5. Depew (6)#2-1
6. Fox (7)#3-0
7. Weleetka (4)#2-1
8. Alex (8)#2-1
9. Watts (9)#3-0
10. Ryan (NR)#3-0
Porter, Depew and Fox move up one spot each after Depew beats Weleetka. Copan’s loss to Oaks also opens the door for Ryan to move into the top 10 after a 42-14 win over Caddo.
Class C
1. Shattuck (1)#3-0
2. Timberlake (2)#3-0
3. Seiling (3)#3-0
4. Temple (4)#2-1
5. Thackerville (5)#2-1
6. Covington-Douglas (6)#1-2
7. Deer Creek-Lamont (7)#3-0
8. Corn Bible (8)#3-0
9. Waynoka (9)#3-0
10. Maud (NR)#3-0
The top nine stays the same as all of those teams pull off wins. But Forgan’s loss to Shattuck, couple with Maud’s win over Macomb boosts Maud into the top 10.
Another Henry to KU: Millwood’s Trayvon picks Jayhawks
Millwood's Trayvon Henry committed to Kansas on Tuesday
With Millwood linebacker Trayvon Henry picking Kansas on Tuesday, another state player has chosen to go to a Big 12 school other than OU or OSU.
There are now 12 in-state players committed to playing for Big 12 schools.
Kansas: Trayvon Henry, Millwood
Missouri: Xavier Smith, Edmond North
Oklahoma State: Calvin Barnett, Tulsa Washington; Johnny Deaton, Sand Springs; Chris Littlehead, Sequoyah-Tahlequah
OU: Aaron Colvin, Owasso; Bronson Irwin, Mustang; Jarrett Lake, Jenks; Julian Wilson, Southmoore
Texas Tech: Delans Griffin, Clinton; Tre Porter, Carl Albert; Denton Simek, Prague
With Henry’s commitment, that leaves just one top 10 player in the state (according to The Oklahoman Super 30) uncommitted. That is Tulsa Central’s Demarco Cobbs (No. 1). After that, though, there are far fewer committed players. The other uncommitted players on the 30 list include Tulsa Washington’s Eric Bennett, Fort Gibson’s Courtney Gaston, Midwest City’s Dominique Jones, Madill’s Darryl Fields, Midwest City’s Emmanuel Maxwell, Jenks’ Bob Graham, Lawton MacArthur’s Tuswani Copeland, Del City’s Chris McAlister, Southmoore’s Kyaunn Thompson, Muskogee’s Jeremy Burton, John Marshall’s Ken Berry, Star Spencer’s Darren Rideau and Glenpool’s Marco Nelson.
District previews: Classes 6A-C
If you missed your school’s district football preview, here’s all the links for every district.
District previews: Classes 6A-C
Class 6A
District 6A-1: Lawton’s Sunny Puletasi learns quickly
District 6A-2: D’Juan Brooks stepping up for Edmond Memorial
District 6A-3: Jenks still strong without Jarrett Lake
District 6A-4: Choctaw trying to build tradition
Class 5A
District 5A-1: Coach Tom Cobble says it’s a good time to be in El Reno
District 5A-2: Carl Albert QB J.T. Realmuto could see time on defense
District 5A-3: Tulsa Washington unanimous No. 1
District 5A-4: McAlester poised to rebound; East Central wants more
Class 4A
District 4A-1: McGuinness’ offensive line a concern
District 4A-2: Tecumseh is strong up front
District 4A-3: Home playoff game is Collinsville’s goal
District 4A-4: Broken Bow coach high on Eric Dockins
Class 3A
District 3A-1: Tuttle battling lack of experience
District 3A-2: Madill trio has coach Kerry Roberts looking for big things
District 3A-3: Jody Iams’ Eagles rely on Wing-T
District 3A-4: Metro Christian gains valuable asset in QB Beau Marsaln
Class 2A
District 2A-1: Marc Robinson still growing for Heritage Hall
District 2A-2: Little Axe ready for breakthrough?
District 2A-3: Washington’s Chance Pistole moving to fullback; Bridge Creek rebuilding its line
District 2A-4: Atoka QB commands attention
District 2A-5: Chandler counting on Brandon Cummings
District 2A-6: Toughness key for Valliant
District 2A-7: Verdigris has 15 experienced seniors
District 2A-8: Colcord hoping to build on strong finish
Class A
District A-1: Hennessey avoids logjam at quarterback
District A-2: OCS’ Jack Warren hasn’t forgotten loss
District A-2 notes: Trio vying for QB job at CHA
District A-3: District loaded with talented teams
District A-4: Bray-Doyle deals with adversity
District A-5: Tough three weeks for Stroud
District A-6: Talihina a cut above the rest
District A-7: Morrison ready to reload
District A-7 notes: Barnsdall seniors looking for wins
District A-8: Commerce looks to preserve streak
Class B
District B-1: Could district dominance repeat?
District B-2: Paoli defense is a strength
District B-3: Weightlifting competition inspires OCA
District B-4: Copan’s secret is out
Class C
Shattuck closing in on record win streak
District C-1: Finding running back key for Forgan
District C-2: Aaron Vondrak to lead Thackerville
District C-3: Seiling to turn QB Zach McDonald loose
District C-4: Maud’s Jarrid Resler works way back
Manship a cut above the rest…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Another Saturday, another trio of all-state softball games. This time it was the slowpitch variety at the OU softball complex.
And once again, it was the Small East winning, followed by the Middle West and Large West coming out on top. Pretty conclusive where the power of the respective sides were at this season.
My No. 1 thought after watching all six games: Southeastern got the steal of the state in getting Ali Manship of Harrah.
She is ridiculously good. She showed it last Saturday with her pitching, hitting and base running.
Then two days ago, it was her fielding. She threw out two runners from her knees at shortstop, showing tremendous arm strength.
Her bat was as strong as ever, knocking in four runs on a two-run single and a pair of RBI singles in a 20-3 whipping of the Large East.
I talked to Harrah coach David Shannon around the time of All-City selections, and I’ll never forget what he said about her: “she’d cut your throat if it meant a win.”
Good stuff. The Manship family is not gone from Harrah as Ali’s younger sister, Beth, will be a senior next season. Shannon said Beth’s swing is more natural than Ali. That’s a scary thought.
I focused on Southmoore’s Brittany James because two things: 1. Thought it was interesting for her to leave Moore to go to the first-year school. 2. Wondered what her thoughts were about playing with those Moore and Westmoore girls again.
The MVP was probably Kayla McKinley of Westmoore. She drove in four runs but oddly enough, it was her pitching that raised my eyebrows.
She pitched six of the nine innings and only gave up one run. More importantly (well, to me), she threw so many strikes that the game flew right on by.
It was a Moore (and Westmoore) thing. Leslie Martini of Moore missed a HR by inches and had to settle for a two-run 3B. WM’s Taylir Ross had a two-run double.
Jay’s Samantha Robertson had the biggest blast of the game, a solo home run that was gone as soon as it hit the bat. It didn’t clear the bleachers, but it was pretty high up there.
In the middle contest, it was a Morrison thing as Adrian Henington, Meagan Wright and Megan Snowden drove in five of the 13 runs in a 13-9 win.
Henington had the big blast. Other than that, it was simply playing station to station as Washington’s Taylor Hancock and Caitlyn Marcum, Fletcher’s Lauren Whitefeather, Hobart’s Jamie Bingham, Wayne’s Amara Martin and Healdton’s Andrea Pemberton all had RBI singles.
Rachelle Reeve knocked one out of the park for the East.
The small version was just the opposite as the East put it on the West good, 14-7.
Cameron’s Kenetta Vickery had a home run while Red Oak’s Sarah Mauzey and Cayce Coleman each brought home a couple of runs. Tupelo’s Josie Soukup had two hits, including a triple.
Bethel athletic director and longtime softball coach Tommy Block was one of two coaches to be inducted into the Oklahoma Slowpitch Softball Coaches Association Hall of Fame as well.
Prague’s David Smith was also honored. He led Prague to a state championship in 1994 and was inducted into the hall of fame for fastpitch in 2002.
The OSSCA also named its coaches of the year. Moore’s Robert Wakefield received the large schools honor. He led Moore to the semifinals.
Paul Watts of Rattan earned the middle schools award while Bobby Sifers of Moss was named for the small schools.
