Fall signing day coming Wednesday
This might be the opening week of high school football playoffs, but it also includes signing day Wednesday for sports other than football. Know of an athlete signing? E-mail me at raber@opubco.com or leave it as a comment here. Please include as much information as possible.
Scott’s Weekend Rewind: Putnam City, Clinton show strength; Del City, Piedmont show promise
Putnam City's Casey Curtis has rushed for 1,016 yards and 21 touchdowns during the Pirates' 5-0 start this season.
I had the chance to cover a couple of interesting games over the weekend — one that felt like a blowout, but turned out to be a decent game, and one that looked like a blowout but felt much closer.
The Del City offense kept the Eagles in the game against Putnam City, which went on to win 56-34, while Piedmont’s defense kept the Wildcats close until Clinton got the snowball rolling in the fourth quarter and put the game away, 41-10.
What We Learned: Putnam City-Del City
Well, if you didn’t already know Casey Curtis was really good, you’re behind the game. How many high school running backs would like to have this stat line right now: 616 yards and 12 touchdowns. That’s Curtis’ total for TWO of his five games this year. In all, he has 1,016 yards and 21 scores on just 105 carries.
But like I said, you should’ve already known Curtis could play. So here’s what I learned watching the Pirates on Thursday.
The offensive line isn’t big, but they do their jobs well. Teams are going to be loading the box against them all year, and the opponents just keep getting tougher. But the goal for the blockers is to keep their guy occupied long enough for Curtis to find a gap, then go look for somebody else. They don’t have to be overpowering, just technically sound.
Quarterback Devin White isn’t being asked to throw for 300 yards a night, and he runs the team well. He can run the ball, and throw when he needs to, which is the big key for taking a little pressure off Curtis, especially with the tougher schedule ahead.
Del City is more talented than its 0-5 record suggests, but some inconsistencies on both sides of the ball seemed to hinder them. They’d stop Curtis on four or five straight runs, then he’d break free untouched for 79 yards. The passing game would get going for a while, then a few throws would fall incomplete and take the momentum away.
But that type of stuff is typical of a young team, which Del City is. As they develop past those issues, the Eagles could be pretty good.
Piedmont's Cassius Calhoun gives the Wildcat offense a big-play threat in the backfield.
What We Learned: Clinton-Piedmont
Clinton is a complete team. Good balance on offense, with a rushing and passing attack that can hit big plays. The run game has both quickness and power. The defense has talent at all levels, with some good size up front and speed in the back.
How good can they be? Hard to say right now. I think Ryan Aber’s ranking of No. 4 in Class 4A is just about right, though they aren’t far off from what Douglass and Wagoner have shown.
Piedmont is one of the best teams around with only two wins right now. Christian Foster might be one of the best receivers you haven’t heard of, and keep an eye on Darius Burris.
Foster is only a junior, and made several big catches on Friday, including the Wildcats’ only TD. Burris is just a sophomore, and he’s probably a little undersized as a defensive lineman, but the kid just makes plays. He was all over the place making tackles on Friday. Very impressive.
When you add that talent to a solid offensive line, good running back with Division I potential in Cassius Clay, and a great leader at QB in Collin Bricker, you’ve got the makings of a playoff team. The district is tough, but this is a team that could make some noise. They’ll only keep getting better in coach Craig Church’s new system.
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK
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.
Mid-State Conference awards for boys basketball
Mid-State Conference Boys Basketball Honors:
Player of the Year: Obi Emegano (Edmond Memorial)
Defensive Player of the Year: Trez Colbert (Midwest City)
Offensive Player of the Year: Tilford Thornton (Southmoore)
Newcomer of the Year: Jordan Woodard (Edmond Memorial)
Coach of the Year: Shane Cowherd (Edmond Memorial)
1st Team
Obi Emegano (Edmond Memorial)
Tilford Thornton (Southmoore)
Brandon Lucas (Southmoore)
Trez Colbert (Midwest City)
Trael Colbert (Midwest City)
Patrick Schaefer (Norman North)
2nd Team
James Woodard (Edmond Memorial)
Dorian Gigger (Moore)
A.J. Holland (Del City)
Jared Jobe (Edmond Memorial)
Jordan Woodard (Edmond Memorial)
3rd Team
Conner Madole (Norman)
Greg Austin (Midwest City)
Matt Southard (Norman North)
Blake Pullium (Westmoore)
Drew Smith (Del City)
Honorable Mention
Brandon Southern (Norman)
Jacques Murray (Norman)
Jordan Thomas (Edmond Memorial)
Gabe Bonzie (Norman North)
T.J. Noel (Midwest City)
Kody English (Moore)
Beau Palmer (Westmoore)
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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Edmond Memorial sweeps top-10 showdowns
With four top-10 teams in the house, a basketball fan has high expectations for a couple of close games.
Though the final scores might not suggest it, I did get to see some good competition at Del City Monday night. The Edmond Memorial girls jumped to a 10-0 lead and stayed in control most of the night on the way to a 60-44 win, but the boys game was much more competitive than the 61-42 final in favor of the Bulldogs suggests.
Del City was within four points midway through the fourth quarter, but Memorial’s depth and aggressive offensive style turned out to be too much.
Let’s break down these two games, then jointly celebrate the end of regular-season basketball, shall we?
Girls
Like I said, Memorial jumped out to a 10-0 lead and never looked back. To Del City’s credit, it never cashed it in, and hung around throughout. But the Bulldogs had too many scoring options, with four girls going for double-figures, led by Alie Decker’s 15.
The biggest positive of the night was erasing the bad feelings of last week’s mediocre performance against Southmoore.
“Our game before this against Southmoore, we played very sloppy, just nonchalant in a lot of phases of the game,” Memorial coach Shane Coffey said. “I didn’t want to go into the playoffs with that taste in our mouths. We played team basketball, which I think is critical at this time of the year.
“Being able to get up on them early, it enabled us to gain some confidence playing on the road — this is a tough place to play — and be able to dictate how the game was going to be played. I think they had to do some things defensively that they wouldn’t normally do because we had a lead on them.”
Memorial hosts a regional, opening against Putnam City West, with Choctaw and Putnam City in the other half of the bracket. First-round games start Thursday night.
“It’s a brand new season,” Coffey said. “All three of those other teams have done some quality things over the course of the year. We’re just all eager to get this playoff run started. Hopefully we can put together our best basketball at the right time of the season.”
Boys
In the last three days, I’ve seen two games matching a pair of top-10 boys teams (Edmond Santa Fe-PC West on Saturday was the other one), each pitting a top-tier team against one of the teams that makes up the huge second tier. And all these two games did was prove what I and several coaches have been saying since December: there’s never been more parity in 6A boys basketball than there is this year.
Maybe that’s an outlandish statement, especially considering I can’t really speak to the parity that might have existed in 1964 or ’77 or ’83 or… whenever. But the point is, the equality of the 6A field is hard to comprehend.
Del City was down four in the fourth quarter Monday night. PC West led Edmond Santa Fe in the fourth on Saturday. The only thing separating the top four from the next 12 is a little bit of depth, maybe an extra playmaker here or there, some confidence/calmness in late-game situations, and in the case of Monday night’s game, free throws.
Del City was 3-of-9 at the line in the second half, while Memorial was 18-of-21. Yes, there’s a big difference in the number of times at the line, and yes, the officiating was spotty, but those numbers also are a result of Memorial’s fast, aggressive style of play.
After an ugly first half — the ‘Dogs were up 22-21 at the break — Memorial ran it more in the second half, and controlled the game better.
Jordan Thomas had a game-high 14, with James Woodard and Obi Emegano adding 13 apiece, and Jordan Woodard scored all nine of his points in the second half.
One of the toughest things about the last two weeks for Memorial has been keeping focus on the actual games, after they had already claimed the No. 1 seed in the west for the playoffs.
“The last couple weeks, it’s just been one game after another that didn’t necessarily mean a whole lot, except for pride,” coach Shane Cowherd said. “You want to play hard for your school and for your teammates. But you’re trying to keep your eye on the objective at hand, also knowing it’s just natural to start thinking ahead to the playoffs, and trying to get ready for that, physically and mentally.”
After holding the No. 1 spot most of the season, you can tell that the Bulldogs are glad to have the regular season behind them so they can focus on the task they’ve been waiting for.
“We’re very excited to start a new season. The first season’s over with,” Emegano said. “We’re going into the playoffs ready to win it.”
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Frenzy Friday for 6A girls…err, weekend
I love alliteration, but I don’t know what to call Friday. And then Edmond Public Schools being closed killed the whole ‘Friday’ slogan. But we do have two days of some quality girls basketball games on tap.
In Class 6A, there are three games featuring top 10 teams against each other.
No. 5 Edmond North at No. 2 Edmond Santa Fe (Friday)
This has my name written all over it. I missed Round 1 because I was at the Hennessey and Davis Class 2A football championship game. The Wolves won in the finals of the Edmond Open.
I missed round two because I hit another rivalry, this time being Heritage Hall and Casady. Santa Fe once again came out on top against North.
Round 3? Yep, not missing this one. Edmond North has really gotten into a groove. Sure the Huskies have five losses but not one of them is a bad loss. Excited to see Oklahoma State signee Elizabeth Donohoe again and really pumped for the atmosphere at Santa Fe.
No. 4 Norman at No. 3 Edmond Memorial (Saturday)
I was at Norman for the very first game of the season between these teams all the way back in November. Figured the Tigers would win, but Memorial played well in a hostile environment to open the year.
Norman, led by guard Kamra King, has won 11 of 13 games. The only two losses are to top-ranked Midwest City. Memorial, meanwhile, is 12-4 and has bounced back after suffering consecutive losses to Edlam rivals North and Santa Fe. Really feel like Alie Decker is starting to come into her own as one of the best in the state.
No. 10 Norman North at No. 7 Del City (Friday)
Intriguing matchup here as well. The Timberwolves are led by Tulsa signee Mariah Turner. However, as I’ve said before, they’re still searching for that signature win. Beating the Eagles would be a good start.
Del City, on the other hand, is coming off a solid road win at Southmoore. This is a team that I feel should be able to make it to the state tournament, especially being sent out East. Del City dominated Norman North at North in November.
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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Top 7 girls postponed games
As Scott Wright and myself have said, it’s going to be a crazy time in basketball in the next couple of weeks. Athletic directors will be working feverishly to try to get everything in.
And yes, I hope they do. Here’s my top 7 girls games in the OKC area that need to be made up:
1. Midwest City at Edmond Memorial – Assume this is No. 1 for both the boys and girls. Bombers are still undefeated, while Memorial has shown the ability to play with the big dogs but not yet beat MWC or Edmond Santa Fe.
2. Del City at Norman – Tigers have been lurking. Some early season losses may have had people forgetting about them. Del City was one of those teams to get Matilda Mossman’s girls early. Big statement game for either team.
3. Choctaw at Putnam North – As I’ve written about a lot the last couple of weeks, the Yellowjackets are coming on strong. But so, too, are the Panthers. Both teams are playing their best ball. Hope that delay doesn’t hurt them.
4. Millwood at Star Spencer – One more go-around for the OKCPS rivals. Millwood looks like the early favorite in 2A for the crown, while Sharane Campbell you know wants to lead one last run for the Bobcats.
5. Bethel at Dale – Ye old stompin’ grounds. Back in Shawnee, this was one of the big ones. And you know what? In the state, it’s still one of the big ones. Wildcats have rightfully earned top spot in Class 3A.
6. Shawnee at Carl Albert – Gioya Carter vs. Kelsee Grovey would be a nice matchup/shootout. But really, Tim Price’s club needs this win after losing three of its last four games.
7. Western Heights at Piedmont - Oh, another big Suburban Conference showdown. Dilan Webster is extremely talented, but I think she’s too unselfish for the Jets. Kylie Boggess has been big for the Wildcats.
Will they all get made up? I don’t know. I hope so, but we’ll have to wait and see. If you know of any confirmed makeup dates, please send ‘em this way.
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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
The Oklahoman’s Super 30 revisited, Pt. III
Back in August, we unveiled the Super 30 for the Class of 2011. Here’s where they’re all going as we are at Signing Day:
1. Josh Turner, Millwood (Texas) — A great fit. One of the most selfless, unassuming top prospects I’ve ever met. Ready to make a name for himself.
2. Kendal Thompson, Southmoore (Oklahoma) — Already got a leg up and has enrolled with the Sooners. He’ll play somewhere at OU, unsure if it will be QB.
3. Dylan Dismuke, Duncan (Oklahoma) — Great senior season to send him off to Norman. Lifelong dream come true for the big man.
4. Kentrell Brothers, Guthrie (Missouri) — Took his time and made the right call for himself. Felt he was the best player in the state this year.
5. Tyrequek Zimmerman, Lawton (Oregon State) — Zimmerman and Jabral Johnson are headed to Corvallis and should make a big impact for the Beavers.
6. Domonique Petties, Duncan (Arizona) — Petties was extremely busy making the rounds. He is double-signing with Arizona and NEO. Freakish talent, for sure.
7. Garrett Gladd, Sallisaw (Tulsa) — Switched from Stanford to Tulsa and seems really pleased with his decision. Would have been a force anywhere.
8. Kevonte Richardson, Millwood (Hutchinson, Kan.) — An all-around talent for the Falcons. Can do a little bit of everything on the field on both sides of the ball. Could be QB or could be DB, good at both.
9. Jamelle Naff, Del City (TCU) — Naff will join teammate Chazten Gonzales with the Horned Frogs as team makes leap to Big East. Both are pumped about it.
10. Austin Beck, Nowata (Arkansas) — Tried to early enroll with Razorbacks but was denied. Shouldn’t adversely affect him at all.
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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
The Oklahoman’s Super 30 revisited, Pt. I
Back in August, we unveiled the Super 30 for the Class of 2011. Here’s where they’re all going as we get closer to Signing Day:
21. Connor Myers, Edmond Memorial (Weber State) — Hit the visit circuit hard this month before deciding on Weber State. A lot of Edmond products are there.
22. Trent Martin, Jenks (Tulsa) — Martin has also put on his recruiting hat in trying to lure some other Tulsa area products to the Golden Hurricane.
23. Emilio Gatewood, Norman North (Undecided) — Senior season didn’t go the way Timberwolves were hoping, but still a great talent.
24. Brayle Brown, Shawnee (Louisiana-Monroe) — What a story. Spends most of the year at WR because of labrum injury and will still play QB. Great heart.
25. Isaac Maselera, Glenpool (Oklahoma State) — Flirted with changing his commitment to Tulsa before deciding to stay with the Cowboys.
26. Derrick Alexander, Tulsa Washington (Tulsa) — A late change from Louisiana-Monroe to Tulsa, but a change you could see coming. On the field, there were few equals to Alexander this season.
27. John-Phillip Hughes, Tulsa Edison (Oklahoma) — A great senior year was taken away from him by injury but still a find at tight end. Said he plans to walk-on for the Sooners.
28. Jabral Johnson, Lawton (Oregon State) — Went from Arizona to Oregon State. Close friends with Zimmerman and two have found a home.
29. Brandon Swindall, Millwood (Undecided) — Nothing more Swindall could have done on a field to show he deserves a shot. Some school is receiving an incredible ‘get.’ Does have an offer from New Mexico, though.
30. Chazten Gonzales, Del City (TCU) — One of the best dual-threat QBs around, he’s been solid with TCU all year and having Naff join him is great for both and TCU.
Tuesday: Nos. 20-11.
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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Titan Classic schedule…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Titan Classic
At Carl Albert
Thursday
Boys
Lawton MacArthur vs. Guthrie, 11:30 a.m.
Millwood vs. Wichita North, 2:30
Carl Albert vs. Harvest Life, 5:30
Del City vs. HCYA – Houston, 8:30
Girls
Del City vs. Mustang, 10 a.m.
Carl Albert vs. Putnam City, 1 p.m.
Millwood vs. Stillwater, 4 p.m.
Midwest City vs. Douglass, 7 p.m.
