Del City’s Toni Smith commits to Fresno State
BY RYAN ABER
raber@opubco.com
Del City’s 6-foot Toni Smith committed to Fresno State recently after taking an official visit to the school.
“She had a tremendous summer,” Del City coach Karri Sears said. “She played a lot more 3-4 and handled the ball a little bit more. She’s excited about her commitment. It’s a great thing for her and a great thing for Del City.”
Smith, who averaged 11 points and nearly nine rebounds per game last year, is expected to sign in November.
The Eagles drop to 5A this year after making the 6A state tournament a year ago. Smith, who will be a senior, was part of Del City’s state title team as a freshman.
“She wants to bookend her career with titles,” Sears said.
Smith had been drawing interest from Arkansas-Little Rock, Henderson State and Texas A&M-Commerce before her breakout summer.
She’d also talked to Wichita State. Her brother, former Southeast standout Ben Smith, plays for the Shockers.
Dynamic duo debate: Why Sterling Shepard is better
Heritage Hall's Sterling Shepard has committed to OU.
BY RYAN ABER
raber@opubco.com
Barry Sanders or Sterling Shepard?
The answer is easy, yet difficult.
Choose one and either way you get a fantastic player. But the choice is agonizing.
Both are terrific players with terrific bloodlines.
But sometimes tough decisions have to be made.
So I’m going with Sterling Shepard. Sanders might wind up being the better college player (and possibly beyond) of the two. But if I’m starting a high school team and I have the No. 1 pick, I’m going with Shepard.
Coming to the answer was not easy. The reason Shepard wins out in the end, though, is. Versatility.
Need a big-time, game-breaking run? Shepard can deliver. Need a dazzling catch to win a game? He can do that too. Need an arm to throw that pass? Shepard’s got that covered. Need a playmaker to go up and keep the other team’s top receiver from pulling down that pass? By now you’ve figured it out. Shepard can just about do it all.
Just take a look at his stats from last year, when he stayed healthy after suffering through concussion issues as a sophomore. He ran for 575 yards and 10 touchdowns, had 1,015 yards receiving and 18 scores, he threw for three touchdowns and racked up 103 tackles and eight interceptions on the defensive side.
You can’t go wrong with making Sanders the choice. Some get Barry Sanders burnout because we’ve heard about him for so long but go watch him play and you know he’s legit. If he had any other last name, he might not be quite as highly publicized but he’d be every bit as deserving.
But in the high school game, where creativity and versatility can get you a long way, I’ll take Sterling Shepard.
Edmond Santa Fe’s Ty Hensley commits to Ole Miss after All-America Game
BY RYAN ABER
raber@opubco.com
Edmond Santa Fe right-hander Ty Hensley walked to the mound at Wrigley Field on Saturday, starting for the American team in the Under Armour All-America Baseball Game.
He got the first batter he faced to ground out, then worked out of a two-on, one-out situation with a double play to cap a scoreless inning.
“It was a blast,” Hensley said. “It was so much fun to be able to do that.”
Hensley hit 94 on the radar run during his performance.
After getting back from Chicago, Hensley made his college choice official when he committed to Ole Miss.
He chose the Rebels over Arizona State and Texas.
He said he had known he wanted to commit to Ole Miss for awhile but wanted to wait to make it official.
“I just wanted to make sure that it was for sure where I wanted to go,” he said. “I felt like it was a place where I could develop as both a pitcher and a hitter better than anyplace else.”
Super 30: No better leader than Conner Sherwood
Even as a freshman, Cascia Hall's Conner Sherwood was already a beast.
Is Conner Sherwood among the nicest hard hitters out there? The Cascia Hall stud almost seems like he is too good to be true.
I’m beginning to think he’s just ‘too good.’ Sherwood will be entering his fourth year as a starter in the fall and comes in at No. 18 on the Super 30.
Take another look at the photo to the right. That’s Sherwood…as a freshman…in the semifinals. Needless to say Sherwood is not afraid of the big stage.
I’ve seen Sherwood play several times and what stands out to me is his leadership ability. He commands respect from his teammates and gets it by leading by example. I remember him dominating against Berryhill in the 3A state championship game in 2009. I also remember thinking how in the world is he only going to be a junior?
Fast forward to now, and he’s still the same player and entering his senior year. He has an offer from Tulsa, and I think he should get a couple of more. Not really sure what other teams are waiting for. Good size, great speed, tremendous attitude/character, has proved he can produce in big moments.
Regardless the focus right now for Sherwood and the Commandos is on getting ‘their’ championship back. Losing to Bethany in the quarterfinals was the first time Sherwood wasn’t taking pictures with a gold ball at the end of the year.
And coach Joe Medina, well, he’s not beating around the bush. Medina said he believes this could be his best team ever. Think about that for a second. Should be very interesting when you throw in Heritage Hall, Metro Christian, Anadarko, Tuttle, Kingfisher. Ooh, gotta love 3A.
For my story on Sherwood, go here.
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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Super 30 review: Nos. 21-19
Doesn't that picture tell you all you need to know about Zac Veatch?
Back again for another installment of looking back at our latest Super 30 members. So let’s not waste any time, shall we?
21. Kason Key, QB, Owasso
The Rams were the ‘little team that could’ last year. Seriously expected not one thing from Bill Patterson’s group last year. So it was a huge shock to me to see Owasso in the state semifinals but maybe not to the team itself. One big reason for last year’s surge and this year’s expectations is obviously Key. He’s got great size and a great No. 1 target in Keon Hatcher.
For Anthony Slater’s story on Key, go here.
20. Ronnie Davis, CB, Midwest City
He’s going to be recruited as a cornerback, but I’m starting to be more and more impressed with his ability to throw the football. Got to watch him (and seven other teams) at Edmond Santa Fe on Tuesday, and it sure feels like Davis could be returning to his quarterback roots. Either way, I stand by my story that Davis is going to blow up this year, no matter where he plays.
For my story on Davis, go here.
19. Zac Veatch, TE, Broken Arrow
BA coaches got on me good in February when I didn’t have Veatch on the February list. Consider that corrected and consider that an error on my part in the first place. Veatch is a big boy, no doubt. Easily one of the best tight ends in the state. When I was talking to Norman’s George Kittle about Veatch, yep, that confirmed it. “Oh, he is tough to bring down.” Good enough for me.
For Tariq Lee’s story on Veatch, go here.
Now in the teens of the Super 30. Up next is one of the best linebackers not only of this year but of the last couple of years. Been a name to watch for a while now. Stay with us every day as we unveil the Super 30 for 2012, culminating with No. 1 on July 24.
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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Super 30: Midwest City’s Ronnie Davis’ time is now
Midwest City's Ronnie Davis has waited patiently to make his impact.
A good coach will get in your ear early about some of his top kids. Well, it’s tough to top the efforts of Midwest City assistant coach Jason Sexton.
He’ll take every opportunity he can to just let you know how things are going. But nine times out of 10, Sexton has been 100 percent. So with that type of track record, you start to not brush him off and start to really pay attention when he says something.
That means we’re blaming Sexton if Ronnie Davis doesn’t pan out. I kid (100 percent), but Davis could be one of the more scrutinized choices of the Super 30 at No. 20.
His numbers don’t place him anywhere near the list. But as I’ve stated and will continue to state to email complaints, this isn’t about who the best high school player is. This list is about how the kids are being perceived on the recruiting trail.
And right now, yea, Davis’ stock is rising. He’s got great size as a defensive back, but things might get more interesting if coach Steve Huff believes Davis would best represent the team at quarterback.
No matter where he’s at, Davis is simply grateful to finally getting that chance. And if he does play in the secondary with Ricky Reeves, all I’m going to say is look out. That might be the best corner duo in the state right there.
Davis was a QB his entire life until learning the CB spot last year. The recruiting floodgates opened at corner so definitely going to be keeping tabs on how things progress for Davis.
He has natural instincts, and he’s good at baiting opposing quarterbacks. But in 6A, you don’t play both ways at CB/QB. After waiting, though, one way or another, Davis’ time is now.
For my story on Davis, here ya go.
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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Super 30 review: Nos. 25-22
A healthy Cole Swayze is a dangerous Cole Swayze for Purcell.
Well, if you love quarterbacks, assume you have enjoyed the last few days of The Oklahoman’s Super 30 for the class of 2012.
And we’re not done yet for a mini-spoiler alert. But first, a look back at Nos. 25-22.
25. Markus Wakefield, DL, Heritage Hall
I don’t have much to add on Wakefield than what I’ve already said. He’s such a smart player who understands the game so well. His quick feet will also make him a name to watch in the future. You know how much he’s valued by how nice Barry J. Sanders and Sterling Shepard treat him. Always treat the big boys well who are leading the way for ya.
For my story on Wakefield, go here.
24. Corben Jones, QB, Yukon
Among the incoming seniors I’ve seen in person, Jones is the best pure quarterback I’ve seen. The qualifier to that, of course, is we don’t get to see a lot of Tulsa area kids as much as we used to, but Jones is about as good quality as they come. With a new stadium and a bevy of weapons to choose from, this year should just build on a solid 2010 season.
For Scott Wright’s story on Jones, go here.
23. Cole Swayze, QB/ATH, Purcell
Tempted to remove the ‘QB’ tag from Swayze. Pure coincidence that Swayze wears No. 23 in football and basketball, and he’s No. 23 on the countdown. Scott Wright raved about his time with Swayze, said he was one of the best kids he’s talked to. The elephant in the room is his health. Coming off yet another major injury, Swayze has to show he can do it for a full season. Still holds an offer from Oklahoma State and appears ready to put past injuries behind him and come up big in the fall.
For Scott Wright’s story on Swayze, go here.
22. Adrian McDonald, QB/ATH, Lawton Eisenhower
OK, the ‘QB’ label should be taken away from McDonald. You watch him in the open field, yea, that’s not a quarterback, my friends. McDonald forced us to take notice of him with how well he played last season in leading Eisenhower to a quality season. Sometimes that ‘tweener’ label of being good at so many spots can hurt a kid so we’ll just have to see how it all plays out.
For Tariq Lee’s story on McDonald, go here.
Who is No. 21? It’s another quarterback is all I’m going to say. Find out in Monday’s Oklahoman. And if you’ve missed out on any of the previous installments, the Super 30 page is here.
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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Super 30: Markus Wakefield’s IQ is his biggest asset
Heritage Hall's Markus Wakefield is ready to become one of the team leaders for the Chargers.
He’s certainly not the fastest Heritage Hall player. He’s not the biggest. But if you ask me, there isn’t a smarter Charger than lineman Markus Wakefield. His dedication to film and to scouting reports really started to show up during this past season.
Will intelligence be the thing that grabs colleges’ eyes? Not sure, but if someone takes a chance on Wakefield, they’re not taking a risk in the character department.
Wakefield first stood out to me before his sophomore season. Unfortunately for Wakefield, his story is all too familiar. He was a big boy going into his sophomore year. Now going into his senior? Well, he’s pretty much that same big boy.
Put Wakefield in that same spot as Guthrie’s Landry Chappell, Midwest City’s Zeke Lewis, Millwood’s Marc Robinson and Connor Myers of Edmond Memorial from last year. ‘Two inches taller’ and they’d be breaking down his door.
Wakefield does have an offer from Colorado State, and he should pick up at least a couple of more. When talking about Wakefield, also have to mention his quick feet. He has tremendous footwork for a big man.
He’s the first Heritage Hall player to make the Super 30. Obviously he won’t be the last. And if you love quarterbacks, well, you’re going to enjoy the next couple of days of the Super 30.
And for my story on Wakefield, go here.
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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Super 30 review: Nos. 28-26
Mustang's Brandon Taylor comes in at No. 28 on the Super 30.
Gonna split up the reviews of the Super 30 kids into two posts per week instead of one. In this trio, we begin to see how deep the quarterback spot is in the state. Spoiler alert: you’re going to see even more quarterbacks in the very near future.
However, here’s a recap of Nos. 28-26:
28. Brandon Taylor, QB, Mustang
It irked quite a few Varsity followers that Taylor wasn’t on the original list in February. Taylor worked his way onto the list. Taylor obviously received a lot of looks because of stud WR David Glidden last season, but he’s proving he’s more than capable and deserving of his own attention. And seriously, any excuse to show this photo shot by Chris Landsberger is good enough for me.
For Scott Wright’s story on Taylor, go here.
27. Keon Hatcher, WR, Owasso
Starting to separate himself from the field just a bit. There was a logjam in my eyes at wide receiver a couple of months ago, but Hatcher is pulling away down the stretch. Great camp performances combined with getting an offer from Arkansas has me believing No. 27 might end up being too low when we get right down to it.
For Anthony Slater’s story on Hatcher, go here.
26. Darrack Harger, QB, Sand Springs
Been a name on the radar for a while. I say that because I remember the lack of panic for the Sandites when Johnny Deaton got injured a couple of years ago. Here you have an Oklahoma State commit (at the time) going down, and Sand Springs was still feeling good about things. That said to me all I needed to know about the future of Harger, who was just a sophomore at the time.
For Tariq Lee’s story on Harger, go here.
Who is No. 25? Find out Thursday in The Oklahoman and NewsOK.com/Varsity. And catch up on all your Super 30 goodies as our daily countdown continues until we reach No. 1 on July 24.
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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Super 30: Week 1 review
Norman's George Kittle has gone from unknown to sought after commodity.
Saturday began our second annual summer series on the Super 30, a countdown of the top 30 football recruits for the class of 2012.
Last year we announced who they were before the series, not this year. If you wanna know who they are, keep yourself locked in at NewsOK.com/Varsity.
This is going to be a daily countdown until we reach No. 1 on July 24.
30. George Kittle, WR, Norman
Most sons of college coaches get some extra looks as a courtesy. And then when you see Kittle play, you realize it’s not a courtesy thing at all. He is Bruce Kittle’s son, but he’s a lot more than that. Kittle is the real deal on either side of the ball. At 6-4, he could be a wide receiver. He also has the intelligence to lead the defensive backfield. He was 6-0 after his sophomore season and is now 6-4 and close to 200 pounds.
For my story on Kittle, go here.
29. Marc Robinson, LB, Millwood
Just like a couple of guys last year, if Robinson was a couple of inches taller, he’d be in the top 10. No doubt in my mind about that. Nobody is going to play with a bigger chip on his shoulder than Robinson, who is getting back on the field after missing last season. A transfer from Heritage Hall, Robinson is ready to show everybody he still belongs among the elite.
For Scott Wright’s story on Robinson, go here.
And for No. 28, check out Monday’s Oklahoman.
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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
