Large-school girls basketball power poll: Edmond Santa Fe, Shawnee top rankings
Courtney Walker, left, and Edmond Santa Fe are the best girls' basketball team in the state. PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN
Here is my first girls’ basketball power poll. This one just covers the large schools (6A and 5A). Tomorrow, I’ll have one for 2A-3A-4A.
Agree? Disagree? Leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail.
1. Edmond Santa Fe (6A, 21-0)
No brainer at No. 1. Texas A&M signee Courtney Walker and company are the clear favorites to win their second straight 6A title. The Wolves’ smallest margin of victory is 15. The biggest question mark surrounding this team is its strength of schedule. The Wolves haven’t really been tested this season.
Record vs. this poll: 2-0
2. Shawnee (5A, 21-0)
The Wolves lost Tulsa signee Caitlyn Ramirez to an ACL tear before the season, but it hasn’t seemed to affect them much at all. Move-ins Taylor and McKenzie Cooper obviously helped ease the blow, and guard Kelsee Grovey, another Tulsa signee, has shown herself to be one of the best players in the state.
Record vs. this poll: 3-0
3. Midwest City (6A, 21-0)
Two and three were tough to choose, because I think Midwest City has a terrific team and, I think, is the only team right now in 6A with a legitimate shot at beating Santa Fe. I watched the Bombers and Shawnee scrimmage in the preseason and it was a good matchup. After watching both teams play, I like the Wolves just a little better right now.
Record vs. this poll: 3-0
4. Tulsa East Central (5A, 21-3)
Shawnee’s chief competition in Class 5A. Two of the Cardinals’ losses were to out-of-state teams in a season-opening tourney in Tennessee, and the other came to Jenks on Jan. 20. But East Central has also beaten Jenks this season.
Record vs. this poll: 1-1
5. Edmond Memorial (6A, 16-5)
The Bulldogs five losses are: Twice to Santa Fe, twice to Midwest City and once to Shawnee. Memorial and Midwest City are lined up for a possible third game in areas.
Record vs. this poll: 1-5
6. Jenks (6A, 18-4)
Jessica Washington has returned from an injury but isn’t 100 percent. The Trojans lost in overtime to Muskogee on Tuesday.
Record vs. this poll: 2-3
7. Deer Creek (5A, 19-3)
Since a one-point loss to 4A Piedmont on Jan. 13, the Antlers have reeled off nine straight wins, including a big win at Carl Albert. Deer Creek is peaking at the right time and seems poised for a run at state.
Record vs. this poll: 2-1
8. Carl Albert (5A, 17-5)
The Titans go through rough shooting stretches, which cost them in recent home losses to Deer Creek and Shawnee. CA got a break in their playoff position and should be considered a lock for the state tournament.
Record vs. this poll: 0-2
9. Muskogee (6A, 16-6)
Since losing to Stillwater in the finals of the John Nobles Tournament in Moore on Jan. 21, the Rougers have reeled off seven straight wins, including Tuesday’s overtime upset of Jenks. Muskogee also has impressive wins over Tulsa Union and Bixby, and has beaten Sapulpa twice.
Record vs. this poll: 1-1
10. Bishop McGuinness (5A, 18-5)
Irish got off to a rocky start to the season after losing several starters, and adjusting to a new head coach, Shawn Clark. But the team has been on a roll, losing just twice since Dec. 17. Both of those losses — three points to Cascia Hall and in overtime to PC North — came with top scorer and rebounder Elyse Hight hurt.
Record vs. this poll: 0-2
Class 6A Top 10
BY RYAN ABER
raber@opubco.com
No rankings in the paper this week but I do a final ranking after the season ends. But I’ll update my top 10 in each class on the blog beginning with 6A:
Class 6A
1. Broken Arrow (2)#11-1
2. Tulsa Union (3)#11-1
3. Jenks (5)#10-2
4. Owasso (7)#9-3
5. Midwest City (1)#11-1
6. Edmond Santa Fe (4)#10-2
7. Lawton (6)#9-3
8. Edmond North (8)#9-3
9. Stillwater (9)#8-3
10. Westmoore (10)#7-4
Guthrie stays No. 1 in Class 5A
BY RYAN ABER
raber@opubco.com
In the six days now since the news broke that Guthrie would have to forfeit eight games, I’ve had discussions with plenty of people–coworkers, other high school writers, coaches–about how I would handle the Bluejays in the Class 5A rankings.
Before the ruling came down, Guthrie was No. 1. I left them No. 1 this week and imagine, barring something wild happening in the first round (assuming Guthrie isn’t reinstated), they’ll stay there next week. That will be my last rankings until after the playoffs are concluded.
It’s not a protest vote. Far from it. I considered what I’d seen from Guthrie this year and even with the exclusion of the player ruled ineligible, the Bluejays would not only be undefeated but would still be my pick to win 5A. Their defense is outstanding, especially in the front seven. Their offense is balanced and they get excellent play from the quarterback spot.
Not everyone agreed with that stance, though many did. In The Associated Press poll of writers and broadcasters, just two of eight voters left Guthrie off their ballots. The other six voted the Bluejays No. 1. Barry Lewis from the Tulsa World also left Guthrie atop Class 5A.
Here’s the complete top 10 in 5A:
1. Guthrie (1)#2-8*
2. Lawton MacArthur (2)#10-0
3. McAlester (3)#10-0
4. Carl Albert (4)#10-0*
5. Tulsa Kelley (5)#7-2
6. Tulsa East Central (7)#9-1
7. Pryor (6)#8-2
8. Coweta (9)#6-4
9. Duncan (NR)#7-3
10. Tulsa Central (NR)#8-2
*Guthrie forfeited eight games, including win over Carl Albert, pending Wednesday appeal.
Had I dropped Guthrie out and needed another team to fill my top 10, I would’ve gone with Ardmore (6-4) over Ada (7-3). That decision would’ve been easy. Not only did Ardmore beat Ada head to head, 28-0, on the road to start the season but they played Carl Albert and McAlester much closer than Ada did.
Rankings breakdown: Class 6A
BY RYAN ABER
raber@opubco.com
Going to do it a little different this week, breaking out at least Class 6A into a separate blog. Tell me why I’m right. Tell me why I’m wrong.
1. Midwest City (3)#8-0
If you don’t look at my rankings every week, this might be a little surprising. But it’s consistent with what I’ve done all along: re-evaluating things each week and not be afraid of looking back at the totality of the season with what we know now. I’ll explain Broken Arrow (and Jenks’) fall shortly but it’s as much about what Midwest City has done as about what those teams haven’t. The Bombers have absolutely put it to teams recently. Their “slip” game was a 26-point win against Moore. Their 21-point win over Edmond Santa Fe looks more impressive each week. Thy’ve held seven opponents to seven or fewer points. James Flanders continues to perform in their running game. They make plays on special teams. I’m not saying I’m picking them to win a state championship yet–I’ve made my feelings about that know with respect to Jenks and Union–but right now, they’re the top team.
2. Broken Arrow (1)#7-1
When I saw Broken Arrow put it to Southmoore two weeks ago, I felt pretty comfortable with the Tigers as my top team. But Broken Arrow struggled on the road against a Norman team that Southmoore throttled, needing a late field-goal block to come away with the win. I still really like Broken Arrow, and am leaning toward picking them against Jenks this week, but that’s the second game they’ve barely pulled out against an opponent they should’ve beaten soundly.
3. Jenks (2)#7-1
The Trojans haven’t been pushed much other than their 41-19 loss to Tulsa Union, but their main test is this week when they play at Broken Arrow. Losing Alex Ross really hurts Jenks. Although they’ve put up big offensive numbers in recent weeks, they haven’t played a defense that’s very good since that Union game in Week 2.
4. Edmond Santa Fe (4)#7-1
The Wolves might not be the top team in the state but they might be playing better than anyone right now. Lance Manning has turned around Santa Fe in a hurry. A win this week over Edmond North and Santa Fe goes from 1-9 to district champs in one year.
5. Tulsa Union (6)#7-1
Ask me to pick the state champion right now and I probably go with Union. I still have them here because they do have to prove that their offense has rebounded form the injuries that resulted in Owasso’s comeback. The Redskins probably jump back up steadily the next few weeks but right now, they’re No. 5.
6. Lawton (7)#6-2
Losing Ivan Thomas is a near-backbreaker for them but the Wolverines didn’t seem to hurt without him against a previously unbeaten Edmond North team.
7. Edmond North (4)#7-1
The Huskies have the size up front to compete with anyone. But speed on the edges on either side is going to be a thorn in North’s side. The problem: Santa Fe is another speedy team and could give North problems this week in a game that will go a long way toward deciding who wins that district.
8. Stillwater (8)#7-1
Their offense deserves to be higher than No. 8. The defense, though, probably wouldn’t be in the top 10. The Pioneers have given up 27 or more points five times already and they still have Union on the schedule in a game that will, one way or another, determine the district champion.
9. Owasso (9)#5-3
The Rams have the signature win in 6A this season, beating Union. But they followed that with a home loss to Stillwater. Like the Pioneers, offense isn’t a question. But the Rams have to be able to slow good teams down to make a run and they haven’t been able to do that much.
10. Westmoore (NR)#6-2
The Jaguars pushed Edmond North in Week 7 before the Huskies pulled away in the second half, then beat a one-loss Putnam City team this week to take the Pirates’ spot in the rankings. Their defense has been solid all year and their offense, especially the passing component, continues to come along, lifting Westmoore into the top 10.
Just outside: Norman (6-2)
Rankings preview: Oct. 1
Class 6A
1. Tulsa Union (1)#5-0
2. Jenks (2)#4-1
3. Midwest City (3)#5-0
4. Broken Arrow (4)#4-1
5. Norman (5)#5-0
6. Edmond North (7)#5-0
7. Putnam City (9)#5-0
8. Edmond Santa Fe (NR)#4-1
9. Owasso (8)#3-2
10. Lawton (6)#3-2
A couple of times a year I throw out my rankings and start fresh, take an overall look at the season and don’t constrain myself with past rankings. This is one of those weeks and while their figures to be other classes that are more drastically affected, there is a bit of that here. The biggest questions in my mind were where to place Edmond Santa Fe (and Lawton) and what to do with Putnam City. I considered dropping Broken Arrow a spot but the Tigers still stand as the only team to really challenge Union this season and I’ll give them their small bump Friday. Edmond Santa Fe goes from just outside to No. 8 after their win at Lawton. The Wolverines drop to No. 10. Owasso stays in at No. 9 but has a tough test this week against Union.
Rankings preview: Sept. 24
Class 6A
1. Tulsa Union (1)#4-0
2. Jenks (2)#3-1
3. Midwest City (3)#4-0
4. Broken Arrow (4)#3-1
5. Norman (5)#4-0
6. Lawton (6)#3-1
7. Edmond North (7)#4-0
8. Owasso (9)#2-2
9. Putnam City (10)#4-0
10. Stillwater (NR)#3-1
With Westmoore falling out from No. 8 after its loss to Edmond Santa Fe, there were two logical candidates to take the spot: Edmond Santa Fe, who was ranked before its loss to Midwest City the week before, and Stillwater. I chose the Pioneers based on their recent performances but just barely. Santa Fe gets a tough test next week at Lawton. A good performance there, win or lose, gives the Wolves a chance to move back in.
Scott’s Power Poll: Large-school boys
Time for the return of the boys basketball Power Poll, but first, a little about the decision-making process. This poll is based on a lot of factors… past performance, recent success, big victories/bad losses, and on some level, future potential. Records are included only as a courtesy. Records mean very little in the Power Poll. Who you beat and who beat you mean far more. And in the end, this is all based on opinion, so there’s no need to get mad, but feel free to share your opinions in the comment section.
Large Schools (4A-6A)
1. Douglass, 4A (7-3): To answer your questions before you ask them, yes, they’ve lost three times, and yes, they’re still the best team in the state. The next two teams on the list are close, but neither has the full house of weapons the Trojans have. All three losses are to out-of-state teams in big-time national tournaments, including a team ranked No. 3 in the country by USA Today.
2. Edmond Memorial, 6A (11-0): Here’s the team with the best shot at taking the top spot away from Douglass. The Bulldogs don’t have a true big man — their post player, Obi Emegano, has signed with W. Illinois as a two-guard — but they’re dangerous at all five spots and very versatile.
3. Tulsa Washington, 5A (8-0): Super-athletic with a lot of weapons, and it’s going to be fun watching sophomore Juwan Parker grow up the next couple years. Clear favorite in 5A after winning it all last year and losing only one starter.
4. Midwest City, 6A (8-2): Here’s where the Power Poll starts to get murky. Based on winning the PCI — which had six legitimate 6A state tournament contenders in the field — the Bombers are in this spot, but there’s not a ton of separation between them and the 10th spot. MWC might also have the most untapped potential because of their youth.
5. Edmond Santa Fe, 6A (6-2): The performance might not justify being this high on the list, but the return of Michael Onuoha gave them a huge boost, and also gives them something not many other 6A teams have — a strong, athletic 6-foot-7 forward who can score.
6. Muskogee, 6A (9-2): The Broken Arrow loss in their hometown tournament was a surprise, but otherwise, the Roughers have been good. They don’t the space-eater inside that they had with Oren Faulk last year, but they’ve still got good strength and scoring potential.
7. Ardmore, 5A (8-2): Nino Jackson and Trey Cohee are one of the state’s most dangerous combos. One loss came without Jackson and the other was a four-point defeat to Midwest City. They’ve got to be one of the most intriguing teams in the poll.
8. Bixby, 6A (6-3): Not a lot of people are talking about these guys, and the loss to Owasso last week is puzzling, but they look like a team that can continue to make some noise.
9. Mustang, 6A (8-2): The biggest thing this team is missing is a really good shooter to keep defenses honest at the perimeter. But otherwise, the Broncos are really good, and we should’ve seen this coming. They started last season 2-7, then got within a game of the state tournament.
10. Bishop McGuinness, 5A (8-4): Joe Edmonds’ return is huge going forward (see what the Boneman had to say on the topic). They’ve got inside game, outside game, and they’re playing with confidence. Right now, I see four teams who are legitimate 5A title contenders and they’re one of them.
Just missed the cut
A half-dozen 6A teams: Seriously, the parity in 6A right now is unbelievable. I could make a case for any of the three Putnam City schools, Del City, Bartlesville, Tulsa Union, Claremore… probably a few more. I can’t imagine how entertaining the rest of the season is going to be.
Northwest Classen, 5A (8-2): Took a hit with 16-point loss to McGuinness, but still a strong team.
Bridge Creek/Vinita, 4A (9-0): Both are dominating everyone they play, but no wins that really stand out — yet.
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Norman Player of the Week
Norman Player of the Week: Hayley Scott, Norman North
Norman North girls basketball player Hayley Scott set the tournament single-game scoring record at the Altus Lady Bulldog Classic. The senior scored 35 points in Thursday’s first-round win over Childress (Texas). She scored 12 points in a win over Wichita Falls (Texas) and added 11 in the championship game against Western Heights. Norman North won the tournament title.
Little All-City basketball game rosters set
Rosters for the Little All-City boys and girls basketball games have been finalized. The games will be played Monday at Oklahoma Christian. The girls game is slated for a 6:30 p.m. start and the boys game will follow.
Girls
West: Lauren Crenshaw, Newcastle; Alicia Crigler, Millwood; Kelsey Grellner, Okarche; Cami Loveless, Bridge Creek; Kristin Milster, Washington; Brittany Pfaff, Okarche; Lauren Pittman, Washington; Cara Pugh, McGuinness; Paige Pulliam, Newcastle; Bailey Wilkerson, Cashion.
Coaches: Rocky Clarke, Washington; Arnelia Spears, Millwood
East: Christa Beasler, Wellston; Brenna Burnett, Dale; Kaetlyn Carver, Chandler; Gillian Foster, OKC Knights; Kalie Lucas, Harrah; Heather Mullendore, Bethel; Taylor Posey, Wayne; Annie Taylor, Lexington; Kayla Thomas, Harrah; Brittany Watson, Bethel.
Coaches: Benny Burnett, Dale; Curt Knox, Harrah
Boys
West: Blaine Brooks, Blanchard; Kevin Caruthers, McGuinness; Kyle Crossley, Newcastle; Silas Day, Bethany; Tavion Fleeks, John Marshall; Denzel Goudeau, Harding Prep; Jabe Karr, Okarche; Dalton Newsome, Mt. Saint Mary; Han Thun, Oklahoma Christian Academy; Jordan Woods, Kingfisher.
Coaches: Ray West, Okarche; Lenny Hatchett, Mt. Saint Mary.
East: John Cooksey, Star Spencer; Jimmy Doolin, Dale; Cale Jackson, Bethel; Jordan Leggins, Northeast; Kyle Lewis, Bethel; Ryan Shelley, Casady; Adonis Sumlin, Coyle; Kendre Talley, Star Spencer; Detrek Wallace, Wellston; Henry Weaver, Tecumseh.
Coaches: Terry Long, Douglass; Jeff Edmondson, Dale.
Youngsters atop scoring leaders in girls soccer
Given the youthful talent Chickasha’s girls soccer team has at its disposal, the future is definitely bright. However, the team appears to be too impatient to wait.
With two freshman and a sophomore among the leaders in goals and assists in Class 5A and with a record of 8-2, Chickasha is making waves in the present. Hannah Elrod, just a ninth-grader, leads the team with 14 goals and has added five assists. Sophomore Kylie Williams has eight goals and five helpers, while another freshman, Kelsey Taylor, leads the team in assists with 7 and has five goals.
That trio has accounted for all but four of Chickasha’s goals and all but four of the team’s assists. The threesome accounted for all the team’s goals in a 7-1 win over Altus Friday, including a hat trick by Taylor.
Coach Steve Scott’s club faces its biggest challenge of the season Tuesday, visiting Class 5A No. 5 Carl Albert at 5:30 p.m.
