Video: Tuttle’s Sterling Hawkins discusses the team’s third consecutive dual state title
Choctaw’s Caitlin Bond signs with UCO soccer team
Choctaw soccer player Caitlin Bond, seated center, signs her letter of intent with the University of Central Oklahoma with her mother, Cynthia White, and father, Ron White at her side. Standing on the back row from left are coach Donnie Hughes, Bond's competitive league coach, and Choctaw High School coach Chris Maggart.
Though she received recruiting attention from a wide range of programs all around the country, Choctaw soccer player Caitlin Bond found the best fit close to home, signing with Central Oklahoma.
Bond, who scored 15 goals for Choctaw as a junior last season, signed with the Bronchos as part of a class heavy on top talent from around the metro area, including Cierra Allen of McGuinness, Tyler Barajas of Mustang, Meghann Combs of Yukon and Ciara Mitchell of Carl Albert.
“Caitlin is very dynamic and exciting to watch and should be able to create in several positions for us right away,” UCO coach Mike Cook said.
“We’re really excited about this class of recruits. Their soccer knowledge is very high and it’s a very athletic group. We feel like we addressed some areas of need and definitely have added depth to a lot of positions. This recruiting class along with our returning group of players should make for an exciting 2012 season when we look forward to making an impact in the MIAA.”
The Bronchos went 15-4 last fall in making it to the national playoffs as an independent and will join the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association next year.
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK
Midwest City-Del City games moved to Saturday
T.J. Noel, left, and Midwest City will play rival Del City on Saturday afternoon. PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN
The top-10 boys and girls basketball games between Del City and Midwest City will be played Saturday afternoon instead of Tuesday, as they were originally scheduled.
The girls will play at 1 p.m., and the boys will follow at Del City High School.
The last time these schools met in mid-January, the games were also moved to Saturday afternoon.
Del City girls coach Karri Sears said the rescheduling was made by district administrators and that it is a “safety issue.”
The rescheduling will mean a quick turnaround for both schools, which each have games Friday night.
Del City’s boys and girls host Moore on Friday, and Midwest City travels to Westmoore.
Despite the inconvenience of playing back-to-back games, coaches agree that it is good preparation for the playoffs.
“It’s one of those things where Del City is in the same situation,” said Midwest City girls coach Art Bode.
“And when it comes to the state tournament, you need to be ready for a quick turnaround.”
Sears said: “It’s gonna be tough on our kids, but it’ll prepare us for the playoffs.”
Midwest City’s girls (21-0) are ranked No. 2 in Class 6A, and have beaten Del City (14-7), No. 6 in 5A, both times they’ve played this season.
On the boys’ side, Del City (16-5) is ranked No. 2 in Class 5A, and Midwest City (16-5) is No. 6 in 6A. The Bombers won the season’s first meeting at the Del City/Midwest City Holiday Invitational, and Del City won in the regular season at Midwest City.
When the Eagles won on Jan. 14, it was the first time they’d beaten Midwest City in more than a decade.
Justice Hansen wants to enjoy the ride of recruiting; Despite family history, Sooners aren’t favored
Edmond Santa Fe quarterback Justice Hansen is playing basketball after recovering from a groin injury. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN
Edmond Santa Fe quarterback Justice Hansen got his first college football scholarship offer from Missouri at the school’s Junior Day last weekend, but he isn’t planning on making any decisions anytime soon at all.
The Missouri offer is likely the first of dozens Hansen will receive.
As a sophomore and first-year starter in 2011, Hansen was a force through the air and on the ground as the Wolves went 10-2 and were district champions.
“I’ve got two years,” Hansen said. “I want to go through the ride and see what all happens.”
Hansen grew up an Oklahoma fan, and his dad Dusty was on the Sooners’ 1994 national championship baseball team. He said he dreamed of playing football at OU when he was younger, but now OU isn’t a team he is sitting around waiting for.
“OU isn’t really favored at all,” Hansen said. “I want to weigh all the options I get and go where I can excel the most.”
He said he’s received letters from several schools, but hasn’t had more contact than that with any program except Missouri.
MORE ON THE OFFER
Hansen wasn’t expecting anything more than a campus tour when he accepted an invitation to Missouri’s Junior Day.
But Pinkel made Missouri the first school to offer a scholarship to Hansen, who
“It was pretty crazy,” Hansen said. “I just figured I’d go up there and look around; I didn’t expect anything like that.”
Hansen said Pinkel had seen film of some of the Wolves’ games from last season. The sophomore quarterback added that he thinks the Tigers’ recruitment of defensive end Michael Onuoha, who signed with OU, helped him get noticed.
“I think because they had been breaking down film of Mike, they got interested,” he said.
After Pinkel made the offer, he took in the Tigers’ mens’ basketball game win over Baylor and met with current Missouri quarterback James Franklin.
“I talked to him for a while,” Hansen said. “He was a great guy.”
PLAYING THROUGH PAIN
Hansen admitted that he finished last season with a groin injury, and played through it “the last few weeks of the season.”
Weeks would start out painful on Mondays, and the groin would gradually get worked out throughout the week as he practiced.
Then, the process would start over.
“At first, they were thinking it was a hernia,” he said. “It was probably a pretty bad pull or a slight tear.”
Hansen missed the first part of basketball season because of the injury, but is now back at full strength.
“It’s another game you have to compete for,” Hansen said of playing hoops, adding that the constant running in basketball is helping him stay in shape.
He is pretty fired up, though, to return to the gridiron. The Wolves were 1-9 in 2010, but made a drastic turnaround in Hansen’s first year under center.
“That was the funnest football season I’ve ever played in,” he said. “I can’t wait to get back in there, build on that and see what we can do this next year.”
Jason Kerseyjkersey@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @jasonkersey
Friend me on Facebook
Edmond Santa Fe’s Justice Hansen picks up first offer
Edmond Santa Fe quarterback Justice Hansen picked up a Missouri offer on Saturday. PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN
Edmond Santa Fe quarterback Justice Hansen picked up his first college football scholarship offer from Missouri during a visit there Saturday, he said in a text message to The Oklahoman.
Hansen was one of the state’s top sophomores in 2011 and was a key part of Edmond Santa Fe’s turnaround from 1-9 in 2010 to 10-2 this season.
As a sophomore and first-year starter, Hansen threw for 2,558 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also rushed for 529 yards and eight scores.
Hansen’s offer came during Missouri’s Junior Day, which he was invited to even though he is a sophomore.
Hansen is widely considered one of the state’s top prospects for the class of 2014.
Video: Vinita’s full-court alley-oop at the buzzer
Back in December here on the blog, we held a contest for the best play of the football season. Well, we have an early favorite for basketball season already.
If you haven’t seen the video of Vinita’s full-court alley-0op off a made free throw with one second left, it’s definitely worth it to click below and check it out. Garret Maxey throws the inbounds pass, which bounces once, into perfect position to hit Jake Bullard in stride for the slam.
Now, when I initially heard the story, I was told it was also a game-winning dunk, which would have made it the play of the decade. But Vinita actually won the game 54-40. Still, a phenomenal play. And Class 4A folks around the OKC metro area will want to keep an eye on Vinita anyway. After reaching the state semis last year, they returned virtually everyone and will be one of the top contenders to end Douglass’ run of two straight titles.
Douglass point guard Stephen Clark offered scholarship by Oklahoma
Douglass point guard Stephen Clark received a scholarship offer from Oklahoma coach Lon Kruger on Monday.
Add Oklahoma to the list of college basketball programs seeking the services of Douglass point guard Stephen Clark.
Clark was invited to the Sooners’ game against Missouri on Monday night, and head coach Lon Kruger offered the 5-foot-10 junior a scholarship, as first reported by ESPN.
“Coach Kruger told us he wanted Stephen as a Sooner,” said Dorshell Clark, Stephen’s mother. “So maybe we can begin building a relationship with him and the other coaches.”
Oklahoma joins more than a dozen other programs pursuing Clark, along with the likes of Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Connecticut, Missouri, Memphis and Marquette.
Clark is the third in-state player the Sooners have offered a scholarship, along with Edmond Memorial point guard Jordan Woodard and Tulsa Washington shooting guard Juwan Parker.
If you’re looking for some extra reading on Clark, here’s a quick look at his 65-point game in January.
Here’s a story from December about Clark’s transition to point guard.
And here’s Monday’s piece on Clark and the rest of the state’s star-studded 2013 recruiting class.
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK
Bishop McGuinness’ Elyse Hight has big game in return from injury
McGuinness' Elyse Hight returned from a hip injury and scored 23 points Saturday. PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN
Bishop McGuinness senior Elyse Hight, who tore muscles in her hip in practice on Jan. 9, returned to action Saturday in the Irish’s 51-45 win over Tulsa Bishop Kelley and led all scorers with 23 points.
Hight, who missed 10 games with the injury, helped lead the Irish to the Class 5A championship last season as a junior.
This season, she was averaging over 20 points a game before the injury.
She was on crutches for about a week after injuring her hip, and then began an intense rehabilitation regimen.
The McGuinness girls, who are 16-5 and ranked No. 6 in 5A, went 8-2 in Hight’s absense and said they dedicated their performance to her.
“That pushed me to work so much harder to get back into it,” Hight said. “To hear them say they played for me when I was having a hard time was really uplifting.”
Kooper Ruminer is the Super Bowl picks winner
Deer Creek's Kooper Ruminer correctly picked the final score of Super Bowl XLVI. PHOTO PROVIDED
Out of 28 high school football players who participated in my Super Bowl XLVI picks challenge, Deer Creek linebacker Kooper Ruminer is the only one who correctly picked the New York Giants’ winning score of 21-17.
The Giants were the underdog in these picks; 16 of the 28 guys who participated picked the New England Patriots to win. Besides Ruminer, those who picked the Giants to win were:
Joel Blumenthal (Deer Creek); Landry Chappell (Guthrie); Casey Curtis (Putnam City); James Flanders (Midwest City); Justice Hansen (Edmond Santa Fe); Ry Huff (Edmond Memorial); Blake Jarwin (Tuttle); Jared McElhany (Blanchard); Tyler Melton (Anadarko); Jesse Vester (Stillwater); Josh Way (Wayne).
A big thanks to everyone who participated. That was fun, and I plan to do it again next year. Although next year, I won’t wait until the night before to contact players! Hopefully in the future we have a lot more pickers.
Ruminer was No. 19 on The Oklahoman‘s first Super 30 for the Class of 2013, which ranks the top 30 college football prospects in the state. He led Deer Creek with 125 tackles and 10 sacks as a junior.
High school football players pick Super Bowl XLVI
Tom Brady, right, and Eli Manning will face off in the Super Bowl on Sunday night. AP PHOTO
It’s Super Bowl Sunday which, in my opinion, is the greatest day of the year.
Since I’ve got Super Bowl Fever, I decided to contact some Oklahoma high school football players and get their predictions for the big game.
I got several responses, so I’ll add new responses to this post as I get them up until gametime. Some gave reasons for their picks and others just gave scores.
As it stands, the Patriots lead the picks 16-12 among the high school players.
And for the record, I’m taking the Giants 27-17.
Blake Belcher, Guthrie: Patriots 34-31
Graham Bennett, Casady: Patriots 24-17
“I love the Giants … but once (Tom) Brady gets going there’s nothing you can do.”
Jared Benway, Edmond North: Patriots 28-21
“Tom Brady is too good.”
Joel Blumenthal, Deer Creek: Giants 28-17
“(The Giants) have a better D and I don’t really like Tom Brady too much.”
Austin Brooks, Oklahoma Christian School: Patriots 21-17
“Tom Brady will have a big game and the defense will step up. Also, being a Cowboys fan, I just can’t stand to see the Giants win.”
Kai Callins, Guthrie: Patriots 35-24
“Tom Brady has too many options.”
Landry Chappell, Guthrie: Giants 28-24
Casey Curtis, Putnam City: Giants 31-27
Joel Davis, Midwest City: Patriots 35-24
“The Giants haven’t really seen a big powered offense with tons of formations. That’ll keep them off balance. The only way the Giants will have a shot is if their front four can get consistent pressure to keep Brady moving.”
Luke Davis, Guthrie: Patriots 27-21
“Brady is too wise for the Giants D.”
Hunter Dinkines, Deer Creek: Patriots 38-27
“I think it’s gonna be a good game for New England. The game is in the hands of the Giants D line. But I think Victor Cruz and Welker/Gronkowski should be fun to watch.”
James Flanders, Midwest City: Giants 31-24
“(The Giants) have a great quarterback and a wonderful defense.”
Justice Hansen, Edmond Santa Fe: Giants 27-20
“If Hernandez and the Gronk are going out for passes, I think Justin Tuck and the boys up front will cause problems. And if they stay in, that will kill the Patriots’ offense. Hakeem Nicks and Ahmad Bradshaw will have a big game!”
Ry Huff, Edmond Memorial: Giants 27-24
Blake Jarwin, Tuttle: Giants 34-27
“I don’t think the Patriots O Line can handle the Giants for four quarters. And I think that Eli Manning plays just as well in this game as he does in any other game and will lead them to their second Super Bowl win against the Patriots!”
Jared McElhany, Blanchard: Giants 23-20
“It will be an exciting and close game. I just wanna see Eli (Manning) pass his brother with Super Bowl rings! I’m a Steelers fan.”
Tyler Melton, Anadarko: Giants 31-27
“The Giants got hot at the right time and are rolling. I think a big key will be that D line of theirs disrupting New England’s offense. … Also, my dad and their D-line coach, Robert Nunn, are good friends.”
Brandon Nguyen, Bishop McGuinness: Patriots 28-17
“Defense wins championships and New York just doesn’t have it.”
Marc Robinson, Millwood: Patriots 24-21
“Tom Brady is raw and unstoppable in the air.”
Kooper Ruminer, Deer Creek: Giants 21-17
“(The Giants’) D is getting better every game and I think it’s a little to much for Tom Brady to handle.”
Magnus Scott, Coyle: Patriots 27-24
“Sounds crazy, but I would like to see (Chad) Ocho Cinco get a ring even though he’s been quiet this year. … I feel the Giants have been on lucky status so far. (New England) took my Ravens so they better come with it.”
Tylor Seabolt, Jones: Patriots 31-17
“(The Patriots’) passing attack is nearly unstoppable with Gronkowski and (Wes) Welker. They also have a very underrated defense that always seems to come through for them in key situations.”
Quinn Shanbour, Heritage Hall: Patriots 30-17
“I’ve studied a lot of film over the last two years, and Tom Brady is bar none the best quarterback in the league. I figure New York will try to run it with (Ahmad) Bradshaw and (Brandon) Jacobs, but a good lead for New England will spoil that plan and make Eli (Manning) win it himself. I don’t think that’ll happen.”
Quintaz Struble, Heritage Hall: Patriots 35-28
“That boy Brady is a beast.”
Camden Tharp, Bishop McGuinness: Patriots 27-24
“The Giants have a great defense, but the NFL is a quarterbacks’ league and I take Brady any day of the week. Plus, he has redemption on his mind. Patriots all the way.”
Zac Veatch, Broken Arrow: Patriots 24-20
“The reason can be summed up in three words: Gronkowski and Hernandez!”
(It should be noted that Veatch plays tight end).
Jesse Vester, Stillwater: Giants 38-35
“New York’s defense will come through and force a turnover late to seal the victory.”
Josh Way, Wayne: Giants 24-20
