Edmond boys: Stars galore…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
I’m already excited for next season for the Edmond boys’ basketball teams. There are a lot of reasons to be pumped if you’re an Antler, Bulldog, Husky or Wolf fan. I mean a lot.
Santa Fe
The question will be leadership. You just don’t replace leadership like Mahlon Jones and Drew Hall and not miss a beat.
But the talent is most definitely going to be there. It’s going to start with Josh Richardson, who is currently a three-star recruit on rivals.com.
Richardson won’t be alone. We saw glimpses of what Michael Onuoha can do, and he’ll only grow to be bigger and better. Phoenix Bills is quite the shooter and Aaron Anderson is going to be the guy I think will step up more than others think.
Memorial
Oh look out for Shane Cowherd’s boys. Almost all key components of a fun bunch are back. Obi Emegano is going to dominate the headlines (rightfully so) but Jared Jobe and James Woodard are just as vital to this team. When Jobe gets hot from the outside, ooh, is it fun.
And if Kameron Doolittle elects to continue to play basketball after all the football hoopla, he’s not bad there, either. I would peg Memorial as the best Edmond team as of right now.
North
A lot of youth, so it will be interesting to see what happens. Mike Menzel and Daniel Emesiani meant so much to this team in every way possible.
Excited to see the development of Cameron Haley and Tyler Sanders. North was in so many tight ones this season that might be a case of next year’s team learning to win those games.
Deer Creek
Coach Matt Bailey has brought a fire to this team. It’s a real electric atmosphere at Antler games. Replacing Hayden Wagner is going to be tough, but there are some strong pieces back.
The key is going to be finding a balance with Garrett Hermanski, Jalen Burnett and Jurrell Callaway. Those are the three that need to get theirs but need to find a way for all of them to contribute. So many times if one was on, the other was silent.
Edmond girls: Best is yet to come…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
I wrote a note in Tuesday’s paper just saying how the talent for the 6A girls is incredible and that the bulk of those stars are going to be back.
And when I stop to think about that, it’s really incredible. Just among the Edmond schools that I cover intensely, here’s what’s left.
Santa Fe
No team has a brighter future than Paul Bass’ Wolves. The injury to Jimi Blagowsky threw freshman Cameerah Graves right into the fire. She went through some growing pains to close stuff out but just think of what she is going to be able to do now?
You put Graves, Daisha Gonzaque and Courtney Walker on the court, and you might have the best backcourt in the state. Walker makes everyone better and Gonzaque progressed immensely in the final month of the season.
Santa Fe wasn’t that far from a title anyway this season, and if Midwest City drops just a tad, the playing field is going to be level.
Memorial
There was a real special place in Shane Coffey’s heart for those seniors (Paige Locke, Katy Allen, Madison Johnson and Bridgette Young). Not just because they became the first Bulldog team to make state since 2004 but because they battled through so much.
It’s going to be tough to bounce back from all that experience that is being lost, so the Bulldogs might have the toughest chore in getting back.
One thing I will say is that Alie Decker learned how to carry herself in the big moments this year. She’s going to be looked upon to lead this team more, and I think the experience from this year shows its reward next year. Brooklyn Bell and Sidney Hill are going to get more chances, too.
North
It starts, of course, with Elizabeth Donohoe. She’s going to be in the running for the best player in the state honors next year, no doubt. But the whole frontcourt is back and that spells trouble for the rest of the state.
TaNita Dewberry is someone I became more and more impressed with each time I saw her while Anna Kimsey has the potential for big nights and should become more consistent as a senior. Emily Davis is also going to be back for Kevin Korstjens’ club.
Deer Creek
This is the team that had the best blend of youth and experience (A.J. Miller, Jasey Jackson and Courtney Weaver), so it will be interesting to see how the Antlers bounce back.
Kelsey Glover was a second coach on the court this year, but I think she might have to be asked to score more as a junior.
Look out for Ashley Gibson. She was phenomenal in the post as a freshman and has one of the more complete games I’ve seen from any girl this season. Gibson and Jalyn Jackson are going to make a scary one-two combo.
Edmond POW: Mahlon Jones, Santa Fe…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Sometimes you try to ’save’ certain stories for just the right time. That’s exactly what I was trying to do with Santa Fe senior Mahlon Jones.
He’s such a good kid – intelligent kid, that I was hoping to give him the spotlight at last weekend’s state tournament.
The Wolves, of course, were eliminated in overtime in the semifinals against eventual-champion Putnam City, but it wasn’t because of Jones.
Jones made a dramatic leap from his junior to senior year. And to go with Drew Hall, the two were the unquestioned leaders of the team.
Coach Shawn Schenk is absolutely baffled as to why more schools aren’t taking a look at Jones. What impresses me more than anything else for Jones is the tenacity he shows on defense. He shows up every night on that side of the ball.
So while he didn’t get to be the ‘focus’ of a championship story and the Wolves didn’t win the title, he earns the Edmond Player of the Week.
Other team contenders
North girls basketball team: Just couldn’t overcome that blazing start by Norman in the semifinals, but the Huskies return a solid group, anchored by Elizabeth Donohoe and TaNita Dewberry. Out in the first round last year, semifinals this year. Old adage ‘learn to crawl before you can walk.’ Sometimes you have to learn how to lose to make you want to win that bad.
Memorial girls basketball team: Team wasn’t in the conversation at 9-9 but won seven straight games to reach the state tournament. Good battle with Norman before bowing out 40-34. Coach Shane Coffey does a great job of getting what he can out of his players, and with Alie Decker leading the charge, imagine we’ll be talking about these girls a lot next year.
Santa Fe girls basketball team: If ever a team was a year away, this is it. Daisha Gonzaque, Courtney Walker, Arielle Cooper – sophomores. Cameerah Graves – freshman. Jasmine Hinton is going to become something special, too. Sophia Mahmoodjanloo was huge in the post this year but Tori Lanier is no slouch, either. Don’t want to dwell too much on what this team could have done with Jimi Blagowsky, but….yeah, you know.
Deer Creek girls basketball team: Back-to-back appearances with Totsy Manning and an outstanding cast of characters coming back should have Antler fans excited. From Kelsey Glover to Ashley Gibson to Jalyn Gibson, strong in all facets of the game and should be battling it out for another appearance next year.
Memorial boys basketball team: Flew under the radar all season and had a great battle with Midwest City in the first round. It’s going to be a battle between Obi Emegano and Santa Fe’s Josh Richardson as to who will be the most sought after prospect in Edmond.
Now we turn the page to the spring season.
Day 2 at Mabee Center (night session)…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
MIDWEST CITY 45, EDMOND SANTA FE 37 – FINAL
10:18 – Norman’s Kamra King continued to light it up en route to a 69-50 win against Edmond North. Looks like we’re on our way to a fourth showdown between Norman and Midwest City as the Bombers’ size advantage is making Santa Fe look weak.
It is MWC 24-12 at halftime, but it doesn’t even feel that competitive.
Back to NHS-EN, great shootout with King and Donohoe. King scored a career-high 33 points while Donohoe did everything in her power, scoring 28 points.
King was simply sensational, no doubt about it. She said she wanted to make up for her lackluster outing Thursday against Edmond Memorial. Consider that done.
Fantastic outing by Norman.
8:38 – Norman 33, Edmond North 21 – Halftime. The Huskies actually end the half on a 9-0 run to kinda get back into the game.
Kamra King has been outstanding for Norman, scoring 17 points and just using her quickness to frustrate North so far.
After a shaky start, Elizabeth Donohoe has 10 points for the Huskies while Emily Davis has provided a spark with seven.
Norman shot the ball unbelievably well, hitting its first six shots. And right now anytime Edmond North thinks it’s making a run, King has shut it down.
Obviously, if North is going to make a run, it’s going to have to start on defense first.
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON 51, TULSA EAST CENTRAL 43 – FINAL
I have no idea how the Hornets came back. I was talking with photographer Nate Billings, a BTW alum, and all the sudden the score got closer and closer until BTW was in the lead.
I assume Tharone Chilton because I feel like I’ve watched him grow up. Booker T. vs. Tulsa Memorial for the gold ball Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Mabee Center.
6:46 – TULSA EAST CENTRAL 24, BOOKER T. WASHINGTON 19 – HALFTIME
Enjoying watching TEC’s Damion Hooks play. He’s got size, speed, not too shabby.
6:02 – In the first game of the night session, it was Tulsa Memorial 60, Claremore 51 in a 5A boys semifinal. Up next is the other semi with Booker T. against Tulsa East Central.
First time I’ve seen Memorial’s Cameron Downing…that was impressive. If BTW and TEC are as good as Memorial, should be a fun final. Very impressed by Booker T.
Also on tap are your 6A girls semis with Edmond North vs. Norman and Midwest City vs. Edmond Santa Fe.
Follow Ryan Aber @ryaber and myself @BPrzybylo on Twitter for all your Mabee Center updates.
Mabee Center: Day 2 (first session)…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
5A girls: Tulsa East Central 53, Tulsa Washington 38 – final. TEC vs. McAlester for the gold ball.
6A BOYS: MIDWEST CITY 50, PUTNAM WEST 47 – FINAL. Putnam City vs. Midwest City for the gold ball.
6A boys: Midwest City 48, Putnam West 45 – 17 secs #OKPreps
6A boys: Midwest City 46, Putnam West 43 – 1:08 4th #OKPreps. MWC ball after PCW turnover
MIDWEST CITY 44, PUTNAM WEST 42 – 2:16 LEFT.
6A boys: Midwest City 40, Putnam West 37 – 4:46 left 4th #OKPreps
MIDWEST CITY 36, PUTNAM WEST 32 – END 3RD
Love watching Xavier McClish play.
1:23 – Patriots come out smokin’ and have taken a 32-30 lead on the Bombers midway through the third. Amric Fields is playing a heckuva game so far.
MIDWEST CITY 30, PUTNAM WEST 24 – HALFTIME
Right now, MWC looks like it’s just a smidge better than the Patriots at just about everything. I’m way behind on stats (because Scott Wright is covering it) so I have no idea who is doing what, sorry.
12:50 – The Bombers ‘bombing’ away with a 21-13 lead early in the second. Raining 3s right now for MWC, impressive display.
12:49 – OK, I can start paying attention now. Midwest City 16, PCWest 13 at the end of the 1st.
12:43 – Back here for another 6A boys game as Midwest City is up 11-8 here with 2:31 left in the first quarter against Putnam West. Be keepin’ ya posted here and on Twitter.
5A girls: McAlester 42, Tulsa Memorial 39 – Final.
PUTNAM CITY 48, EDMOND SANTA FE 42 – OT FINAL
6A Girls: Looking back and ahead…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Class 6A Girls semifinals
Friday
At Mabee Center
Norman vs. Edmond North, 7:30 p.m.
Midwest City vs. Edmond Santa Fe, 9 p.m.
For coverage of MWC’s 44-24 first-round win, go here.
For coverage of Norman’s 40-34 first-round win, go here.
For coverage of Edmond North’s 53-42 first-round win, go here.
For coverage of Edmond Santa Fe’s 58-54 first-round win, go here.
Boneman’s thoughts and observations
- The MWC defense is scary good. The Bombers never looked scared because even though their shots weren’t falling, when you have that type of defense, you’re set.
Nothing too special about it, just imposing size and freakish skill. If you’re going to have any chance against Art Bode’s girls, you’re going to need to be hot from the perimeter because you’re not working the ball down low.
First time I’ve seen Richa Jackson this year, and she lived up to the billing. But I must say that Kaylon Williams is quite the player as well.
- Memorial-Norman was my favorite game of the day. Two teams playing each other for the third time this season. Interesting to see the chess match going on between Matilda Mossman and Shane Coffey.
Bulldogs made a big run in the fourth quarter, but Olivia Meek came up huge. She was not who I was expecting to make the game-changing basket.
Both teams had to adjust to the officials as it was called very tight. I’m looking for Kamra King to come out and have a huge game Friday.
Coffey was generous in defeat and couldn’t say enough about how proud he was of his girls and the way they fought from being 9-9 to making state.
- The Huskies were the best team on this day. The ball movement was crisp, and Anna Kimsey and Elizabeth Donohoe had a field day.
TaNita Dewberry is a tough, tough player and does all the little things. Norman North is no slouch, but Edmond North made it appear that way tonight.
Sets up the rematch from last year with Norman where the Tigers handled them pretty easily.
- Couldn’t believe that run by PCNorth without Joh’Vonna Mitchell. Maybe it’s because I’ve seen Santa Fe so much, but I never thought the Wolves were going to lose but did it ever get interesting.
Coach Paul Bass said it, and I agree 100 percent that was the best game by Sophia Mahmoodjanloo. A senior with no nerves.
Wolves have wanted the big dogs (MWC) all season. Be careful what you wish for? I don’t know, but I’m expecting some late fireworks at the Mabee Center.
- Kamra King vs. Elizabeth Donohoe. Richa Jackson vs. Courtney Walker. Not too shabby.
Back all day Friday and follow me on Twitter @BPrzybylo for continuous updates.
Class 6A Girls: Day One (night session)…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
10:25 – Santa Fe holds on for a 58-54 win against Putnam North. The Wolves get their wish and a date with Midwest City. Courtney Walker had 18 points for ESF while Sophia Mahmoodjanloo had 16.
Joh’Vonna Mitchell had 18 before injuring her knee. Great run by PCNorth falls just short.
6A Girls: Day One (first session)…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
6:42 – For the full story on Norman’s win, go here. For the full story on Midwest City’s win, go here.
6:09 – Wrapped up session one with Norman winning 40-34 against Edmond Memorial. Absolute slugfest would be the best way to describe this one.
Olivia Meek came up huge for the Tigers, scoring 11 points. Alie Decker came alive in the fourth for Memorial, scoring nine of her 11 points in the quarter as Memorial rallied from an eight-point deficit.
But the Tigers never panicked, not once.
Edmond/Private schools: Thursday predictions…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
The Memorial girls were smiling after area. Will they still be after Thursday's showdown with Norman. Photo courtesy of Jana Hill.
Class 6A Boys
Edmond Memorial vs. Midwest City
Prediction: MWC. The Bombers are the scariest team playing right now. Tough draw to get MWC in the quarterfinals. One thing working in Memorial’s favor is having played the Bombers twice already. Always tough to beat a team three times in one season.
Edmond Santa Fe vs. Norman North
Prediction: Santa Fe. It’s a great story what the Timberwolves have done, but this is the year for Santa Fe if ever there has been a year. Too much toughness and a game-changer like Josh Richardson keeps the Wolves bid for a title alive.
Class 6A Girls
Edmond North vs. Norman North
Prediction: Edmond North. The Huskies remember all too well what happened last year against Norman. This team is mentally tougher than most give ‘em credit for, and they’ll show it with a victory here.
Edmond Memorial vs. Norman
Prediction: Memorial. I might have blinders on for this one, but I’ve seen how far the Bulldogs have progressed in the last month. You can wipe out Memorial’s win vs. Norman because it was early in the season and Norman’s win because it was during a brutal stretch. This should be the best first-round game of the tournament.
Edmond Santa Fe vs. Putnam City North
Prediction: Santa Fe. Bankin’ on Courtney Walker to put this team on her shoulders and carry them as far as she can. Getting this first one will be huge. PCN is an extremely dangerous squad right now and again, beating a team three times in one season is not an easy thing to do.
Class 5A Girls
Deer Creek vs. Booker T.
Prediction: BTW. You can’t game plan for championship experience and the two-time defending champions certainly have that on their side. The XFactor if Deer Creek is going to win this game: sophomore Jalyn Jackson, she’ll have to be a force in the post.
Class 4A Boys
Bishop McGuinness vs. Cache
Prediction: Irish. Cache is a great story for reaching this point, but coach Tondrell Durham has been here too many times to be spooked by the moment. Can’t reiterate it enough, but the balance of Kevin Caruthers, Jameel Whitney, Joe Edmonds and Matt Christiansen is going to be tough to take out.
Class 3A Boys
Mt. St. Mary’s vs. Hugo
Prediction: Rockets. Any doubts I had about Lenny Hatchett’s club went right out the window with that statement-making win against Bridge Creek. Vincent Mason and Dalton Newsome can carry this team a long way, and they’re battle-tested.
Class 2A Girls
Christian Heritage vs. Washington
Prediction: Washington. Any other team (just about), and I would pick CHA to earn its first win. But with the tournament experience that Washington has, it is such a tough chore to come out with the victory. Think it helps that it’s the 2 p.m. game, though. No time to think and get nervous.
I’ll be at 6A girls Thursday, and you can follow me on Twitter @BPrzybylo. If I’m wrong on the picks, you know I’ll be the first person to make fun of myself for it.
Edmond POW: Elizabeth Donohoe, North…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Third time was the charm. Wow, that has got to be one of the oldest cliches in the book. However, that doesn’t take away from the fact it was the charm for the Edmond North girls team.
After being out-muscled, out-worked by Edmond Santa Fe in two prior meetings, it was the Huskies flexing their muscle Thursday.
Leading that charge was junior Elizabeth Donohoe. In a classic shootout against Santa Fe’s Courtney Walker, Donohoe scored 32 points in the win.
North has been labeled ‘mentally weak’ at times the last couple of year, and that’s why I think this win was so huge for the team. This team can’t be in a better mental state of mind than it is right now.
Team has the tools to make a run and last year’s disappointment against Norman is all the motivation the team needs.
North begins play in the state tournament Thursday against Norman North at 7 p.m. at Catoosa HS (I’ll be there for all 6A girls games).
Other contenders
Courtney Walker, Santa Fe, Basketball: Pushed to the brink by Yukon but Wolves survived. Might be the most dynamic player in the state. Santa Fe/Putnam North at 8:30.
Maddie Johnson, Memorial, Basketball: She’s the XFactor for the ‘Dogs. When she is on her game, Memorial is easily one of the best teams in the state. Memorial vs. Norman for the third time at 3:30.
A.J. Miller, Deer Creek, Basketball: Totsy Manning’s girls are headed back to state and if you forced me to pick a go-to girl, it’s Miller. Antlers vs. two-time champs, Booker T., at 8:30 at Sapulpa.
Drew Hall, Santa Fe, Basketball: Not known for his scoring, he came up huge against Mustang and his leadership was vital, coach Shawn Schenk said. Santa Fe vs. Norman North at 2 p.m. at Skiatook.
Jordan Thomas, Memorial, Basketball: Facing an incredible scorer in Enid’s Chris Fitzpatrick, Thomas shut him down as Bulldogs advanced to state. Memorial vs. Midwest City at 8:30 at Skiatook.
Boneman’s note: Because of all the basketball coverage (B-6A), I admit to not having much knowledge at all at how the first week of spring sports went. If you have someone you would like to nominate for a POW from the spring sports, send it along. Appreciate the assistance.
