Zinn said on Wednesday that he has been named the girls basketball coach at Cushing, leaving one of the top programs in Class 4A looking for its third coach since 2009.

“I’m kind of anxious,” Zinn said. “I’m ready to go in there and even though they had success last year, they lose all five starters off last year’s team.”

Cushing made the Class 4A semifinals last season before losing to eventual champion Fort Gibson.

Anadarko also made the semifinals one year after winning the state title, which was Zinn’s first season.

The success he had at Anadarko made the decision tough, he said, but it ultimately came down to what was best for his family.

“It’s very hard, not only the relationship with the kids, but also with the kids we have returning and the vast amount of potential with those kids that we have,” Zinn said. “But more than anything it’s not as much of a professional move as it is a family thing.”

Sanders, who spent the past season at Siloam Springs, Ark., said he signed the contract Friday afternoon to replace former coach Theresa Johnston, but has yet to meet with next season’s team at Newcastle.

A major factor in Sanders deciding to return to Oklahoma is that he felt homesick.

“I got a great team coming back,” Sanders said. “I’ve got all of my starters coming back here at Siloam, but it’s just a deal where I want to get back home. It just didn’t feel right being away from all of my family.

“I’ve always liked the town of Newcastle, the surroundings, where it’s located and I hope that I can stay there. It’s not a place where I want to go and move away. I’m coming hoping I can get a program going and establish something.”

Sanders, 53, last coached at Cache, where he guided the Bulldogs to an undefeated season and Class 4A championship in 2010 and a runner-up finish in 2011. Before that, he coached at Anadarko where he guided the Warriors to a Class 4A title in 2005.

Now, he’s hoping he can bring that success to Newcastle, which lost to Elgin in the Class 4A area tournament.

“I want to win wherever I go — not that I can — but I hope that I do,” Sanders said.

“I want to win this year. I haven’t seen them play or nothing. I hope we can get things going right away.”

Sanders retired when he left Cache following the 2011 season. His wife, Robbin, will also be an assistant principal and counselor at Newcastle.

Former Owasso standout Dylan Bundy is ranked No. 2 on MLB.com’s Top 100 Prospects. AP Photo

Former Owasso right-hander Dylan Bundy is entering just his second full season as a professional baseball player, but his status continued rising Tuesday when he was revealed as the No. 2 prospect on MLB.com’s Top 100 Prospects.

Former Broken Arrow standout Archie Bradley is No. 24 while former Putnam City and Oklahoma State left-hander Andrew Heaney is No. 81.

Bundy, 20, made his MLB debut last season for the Baltimore Orioles, appearing in two games out of the bullpen. In the minors he started 23 games, going 9-3 with a 2.08 ERA and 119 strikeouts across three levels.

“His Fastball is easily plus, thrown up to 98 mph, and he maintains velocity deep into his starts with a clean and easy delivery,” MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo wrote. “His curve should be at least above-average in the future, though he’s still learning to throw it consistently. He has good arm speed on his changeup, which should be another above-average or better pitch. He looks every bit the top of the rotation starter the Orioles hoped they were getting when they gave him a Major League contract.”

Bundy spoke via phone with MLB Network on Tuesday and was asked to grade his first professional season.

“I really wouldn’t give it just a grade,” he said. “I would just go on my feel and how I felt all year; I felt good throughout the whole year. I still had the zip on the fastball that I needed, I was still throwing strikes and competing out there.”

Bradley, a Broken Arrow standout who was going to play at Oklahoma before being drafted No. 7 overall in 2011 by Arizona, had a successful first season as a professional. He started 27 games in the Midwest League, going 12-6 with a 3.84 ERA and 152 strikeouts. Perhaps the most glaring statistic is his .181 batting average against.

“His fastball, which tops out at 95 mph, has some serious sink to generate groundball outs,” Mayo said. “His curve has sharp bite to it, though he doesn’t always command it well. He has a feel for a changeup with some fade to it, giving him the chance to have three average or better offerings at his disposal.”

The negative? Bradley also led the league in walks with 84.

Heaney was selected ninth overall in last year’s draft by the Marlins and was able to make six starts in the minors. His overall ERA was a bit high at 4.33, though.

“Heaney’s plus pitchability should let him move quickly, as he has a firm grasp of the strike zone and mixes his pitches well,” Mayo wrote.

Texas Rangers prospect Jurickson Profar is ranked No. 1.

“I thought it would be a game we’d have to play extremely well to win,” Roof said. “It was one of those nights when everything went our way. Washington is better than the score indicates.”

Roof was particularly happy with the defense against Washington’s option offense.

“Against the option, you’ve got to be disciplined and stay on your assignment,” he said. “I was really proud of the way they played — definitely much better than the last couple weeks. And we tackled better, too.”

Sophomore quarterback Kyle Duke rushed for 101 yards and completed seven of 11 passes for 150 yards. Junior running back Dorien Jackson stepped in after starter Tino Vann rolled his ankle early in the game.

“Dorien jumped right in there,” Roof said. “I was really proud of the way he stepped up.”

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

That’s the question everyone wants to know, right after they ask how Stillwater got so good. Let’s discuss.

Three Points

1. Keeping it up. Is Stillwater for real, or is this just a super-hot start before they come back to earth? Considering the expectations for the Pioneers before the season, their blowout win over McAlester and upset of Midwest City have been a couple of the season’s biggest shockers so far, especially considering the amount of firepower this team lost from last year’s squad. But Tucker Barnard has proven that he’s a good coach. Remember, Stillwater went 8-3 under Barnard last year with all the same kids who went 1-9 without him the year before. So it seems fair to assume Stillwater is better than most of us expected, but just how good are they? That’s still unanswered.

2. Deeeee-Fense. Stillwater’s playing pretty darn well on that side of the ball, holding McAlester and Midwest City to 18 points apiece. And Mustang is coming off a shutout of Putnam City North, so the Broncos ain’t too shabby over there either. But both teams have shown they’re capable of posting big offensive numbers, too. So it’s likely to come down to big defensive plays. Whoever makes the most should win.

3.  Weather or not. Trying to predict Friday night’s weather is like… well, it’s like trying to be a weatherman in Oklahoma any other day (except July, when you only have to guess how many degrees over 100 the temperature will be). Friday night should be cold, it might be wet, and there’ll probably be a little wind. Just how much of each of the three we get will impact the game, and take some of the finesse out of both offenses. Adjusting to the conditions will be an instant advantage.

The Pick

Stillwater 38, Mustang 35: Maybe I’m getting sucked into going with the trendy pick here, but I have a feeling Stillwater is for real. I’m not saying the Pioneers are ready to knock off Union and take the district title, but they could get the No. 2 spot in that district and host a playoff game. Mustang is a playoff team, too, but their district is a little deeper at the top.

More of a dual-threat QB than the Bronchos have had the last few years, Duke showed all of his skills to pile up 401 all-purpose yards in Friday’s 38-36 win over Pauls Valley.

He rushed 26 times for 167 yards and three touchdowns, while going 22-of-31 through the air for 234 yards and a touchdown. He added an interception and four tackles from his safety position on defense.

Bethany (1-1) goes on the road for the second straight week for Washington’s home opener on Friday. The Warriors (1-1) are coming off a 28-14 loss at Purcell.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

Linebacker Cory Irwins, No. 28 on The Oklahoman’s Super 30 recruit rankings, has yet to play this season after aggravating a previous shoulder injury in the preseason.

Irwins, 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, said he’s hopeful to be cleared by doctors to return to action Monday, and be in the lineup Friday. The Broncos (2-0) host a surprisingly unbeaten Stillwater team coming off a big win over McAlester and an upset of Midwest City in the first two weeks.

Stillwater moved into the top 10 at No. 9 in this week’s Class 6A rankings.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

“He’s one of the best players we’ve had come through here,” coach Reagan Roof said of Page. “He’s an enjoyable, great kid. We’re excited about what he’s gonna do this year. He’ll probably be our most valuable player on both sides of the ball.”

Page plays defensive back and receiver, and he also returns punts, where he routinely takes some big hits. But he always bounces back up.

“I started as a freshman and I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder since then,” he said. “If you want something bad enough, size doesn’t matter. Yeah, I’m small, but I make up for it with what’s inside.”

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

Deer Creek's Garrett Hermanski is among three new players selected for the All-State boys basketball game Thursday night at Oral Roberts.

Edmond Memorial’s James Woodard and Lawton Eisenhower’s D’Andre Wright are among a trio of players to withdraw from the All-State boys basketball game. The pair of incoming freshmen at Tulsa will be replaced by Deer Creek’s Garrett Hermanski and Ardmore’s Travis Galbreath on the Large West team.

On the Large East roster, Victory Christian’s L.J. Ross is being replaced by Kansas’ Corey Cowan.

The All-State boys basketball games begin with the small-school game at 7 p.m. Thursday at Oral Roberts University’s Mabee Center. The large-school game is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

Luetjen was medically retired from the Army because of a night vision issue after two years of school, and now, the former Hennessey football star has rejoined his younger brother, Derrick Luetjen, at Tulsa University.

“Matt took the summer to decide, and he talked with coach Bill Blankenship,” said his father Rick Luetjen, the new head coach at Hennessey. “He always wanted to play with Derrick again, so it will be a good deal. It’s a good fit for him.”

Derrick, a 6-foot-4, 290-pound redshirt freshman, is a second-string defensive lineman.

Matt will have three years to play his final two seasons of eligibility. The 6-foot, 205-pounder was listed as a fullback on the Army roster, but could play a variety of positions at Tulsa.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

Former Bridge Creek star Ryan Spangler, The Oklahoman's 2011 Super 5 Player of the Year, was granted his release from Gonzaga and plans to visit OU this weekend.

Former Bridge Creek star Ryan Spangler has been released from his scholarship at Gonzaga and will visit Oklahoma this weekend, he said.

The Spokane Spokesman-Review reported that Spangler had been granted his release on Wednesday with hopes of transferring closer to home. Spangler said he had informed a few schools of his release, including OU, Tulsa, Oral Roberts and Arkansas.

“I just feel like I needed to be closer to my family,” said Spangler, The Oklahoman’s Super 5 Player of the Year in 2011. “OU is my first stop. I’m going to fly in Friday to visit OU, then fly out Sunday. I’ve heard a lot of good things about coach (Lon) Kruger and his staff. They have two scholarships open, and they seem pretty excited to talk with me.”

Spangler, a 6-foot-8, 232-pound forward, appeared in 22 games as a true freshman last season, averaging 2.5 points and 2.4 rebounds in a reserve role.

He had one of his better games with four points and eight boards in the NCAA Tournament win over West Virginia. He would be required to sit out next season at a Division I program, and would have three years of eligibility remaining.

“I just look at that as a positive,” he said. “It’s just a year for me to get better and mature.

“I felt like I had a great freshman year, and I got way better. I wish I could have played more, but that’s just part of it when you’re a freshman.”

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

Bethany's Garrett McGrady (82) has accepted an offer to grayshirt at Arkansas State.

The recruiting process got a little hectic at the end, but Bethany tight end/defensive end Garrett McGrady ultimately landed a Division I opportunity.

McGrady accepted an offer to join the Arkansas State football program as a grayshirt, he told The Oklahoman on Friday night. That means he will enroll as a full-time student at the school in January 2013.

Sidelined much of the 2011 season because of injury, McGrady caught three touchdown passes and had three quarterback sacks, despite playing in only four games.

He visited the Arkansas State campus in late January, but didn’t receive an offer as the coaching staff waited to see what transpired with some of their prospects on signing day. The grayshirt offer came and McGrady committed on Thursday morning.

The 6-foot-7, 220-pound McGrady is a three-sport star at Bethany, also excelling in basketball and as a thrower on the track team.

He was recruited to Arkansas State by defensive coordinator Keith Patterson, and is being projected as a defensive end when he gets on campus next year. However, first-year coach Gus Malzahn has told him he could end up in a variety of spots, either on the defensive line, at tight end or offensive tackle.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

Bethany quarterback Ryley Claborn verbally committed to Southwestern Oklahoma State in Weatherford. Yukon quarterback Corben Jones will sign with Emporia (Kan.) State, and Yukon offensive lineman Tyler Bush has committed to Southeastern State in Durant.

Claborn quarterbacked the Bronchos to the state semifinals and quarterfinals in his final two seasons. As a senior, he threw for 1,883 yards with 22 touchdowns and six interceptions, completing 122 of 207 passes (58.9 percent).

As a three-year starter for the Millers, Jones guided the team to three consecutive playoff appearances, snapping a decade-long postseason drought. In his senior year, 1,999 yards with 20 touchdowns and eight picks with a completion percentage of 59.6 (140 of 235). He also rushed for 500 yards and nine touchdowns.

Bush anchored the line of an offense that has averaged 32.2 points per game the last two seasons.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

Player of the Year: Dawson Myers, Cushing
Offensive Player of the Year: Eddie Reynolds, Harrah
Defensive Player of the Year: Cayman Bundage, Douglass
Special Teams Player of the Year: Chris Compton, Douglass
Receiver of the Year: Abraham Luna, Santa Fe South; Eric Delay, Cleveland
Offensive Lineman of the Year: Diamonte McClellan, Douglass; Blaine Atchely, Tecumseh
Quarterback of the Year: Ivan Zavala, Santa Fe South
Offensive Back of the Year: Alton Adkins, Glenpool
Tight End of the Year: Richard Griffin, Harrah
Defensive End of the Year: Brock Hubble, Cushing; Travis Johnson, Harrah
Defensive Tackle of the Year: Josh Smith, Glenpool; Dustin Malloy, Cleveland
Inside Linebacker of the Year: Jas’Sen Stoner, Douglass; Brandon McDonald, Harrah
Outside Linebacker of the Year: Drake Stevens, Glenpool; Kyle Knight, Cushing
Safety of the Year: Phillip Spess, Cleveland; Tanner Shepard, Tecumseh
Cornerback of the Year: Jake Queen, Harrah
Kicker of the Year: Ben Henley, Cleveland
Special Recognition: Blake Murray, Cushing
Coaches of the Year: Barrett Shupe, Cushing; Jerry Braziel, Santa Fe South

All-District by team
Cleveland: Frankie Mackey, Kolton Hansen, Matt Gayle, Josh Casebott
Cushing: Marshal Dilley, Ben Loftis
Douglass: Andrew Bailey, O’Sha Clark, Deonte Childs, Camron Dizer
Glenpool: Zach Parnell, Tyler Harrison, Connor Ferrell, Austin Wills, Matt Lafitte, Matt Meeks, Trent Cleveland, Hunter Green, Tyler Dunn, Taylor Howell, Jordan Bullock, Matt Lena, Cody Marshall
Harrah: Tyler Humphrey, Corey Beder, Houston Ward
Sante Fe South: Daniel Gardado, Abel Hererra, Aaron Johnson
Tecumseh: Jacob Bender, Jackson Ryan

Here are some of the players who are expected to sign this week:
BASEBALL
Blake Estep, Jones (Penn St.)
Isaac Hellbusch, Deer Creek (Arkansas)
Taylor Hawkins, Carl Albert (OU)
Ty Hensley, Edmond Santa Fe (Ole Miss)
Chase Stephens, Deer Creek (UCO)
Jordan Watson, Edmond Santa Fe (OSU)

BOYS BASKETBALL
Aaron Anderson, Edmond Santa Fe (Fresno St.)
Blake Blanchard, Deer Creek (Southwestern)
Matt Christiansen, McGuinness (San Francisco)
Joe Edmonds, McGuinness (San Francisco)
James Woodard, Edmond Memorial (Tulsa)
D’Andre Wright, Lawton Eisenhower (Tulsa)

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Kelsey Barnwell, Kansas (Missouri-Kansas City)
Ashley Clark, Midwest City (Tulsa)
Courtney Cowan, Kansas (Northeastern St.)
Ali Decker, Edmond Memorial (Wichita St.)
Toni Smith, Del City (Fresno St.)
Courtney Walker, Edmond Santa Fe (Texas A&M)

GOLF
Taylor Moore, Edmond Memorial (Arkansas)
Abby Thompson, Deer Creek (OCU)

GYMNASTICS
Keara Glover, Putnam North (Auburn)

SOFTBALL
Liz Broyles, Blanchard (Missouri-Kansas City)
Braxton Coil, Edmond North (Missouri St.)
Shalee Cordell, Newcastle (OBU)
Kaylin Hinshaw, Putnam North (Mid-America)
Leslie Miller, Blanchard (OU)
Kady Self, Edmond North (OU)
Caitlin Sill, Tuttle (Tulsa)
Bryana Wade, St. Mary (North Texas)
Brooke Zukerman, Lawton MacArthur (UCO)

TENNIS
Sarah Bowen, Heritage Hall (Hofstra)

VOLLEYBALL
Emily Belz, OCS (Henderson St.)
Sydney Fioretti, Edmond Santa Fe (OBU)
Hannah Holkum, Edmond Santa Fe (North Carolina St.)
Barbara Jackson, Edmond Santa Fe (OCU)

WRESTLING
Matt Manley, Perry (Missouri)

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

The fundraiser for the Kyle Lewis Scholarship Fund brought out 46 four- or five-person teams for a golf scramble Saturday at the Shawnee Elks Country Club.

Kyle Lewis of Bethel died in July 2010 in a one-car accident while driving home from the All-State golf tournament in Tulsa.

The scholarship fund created by his parents, Marty and Kelly Lewis, is awarded each year to a high school golfer in Oklahoma. Ardmore’s Seth Morgan was awarded the scholarship in July.

Among those in attendance at Saturday’s tournament were members of the OU golf team, including coach Ryan Hybl. Lewis was set to attend OU as a member of the golf team just a few weeks after his death.

Oklahoma State golfer Ian Davis, a Deer Creek graduate who was close friends with Lewis, also attended the event.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

Led by twin brothers Jimmy and Jerry Gilbert in the backfield, and John Kendall at tackle — all selected to The Oklahoman’s Little All-City Team that year — the Bronchos went 7-3, including losses to Choctaw, which went on to play for the state title.

Former Oklahoman writer Lynn Garnand was also a senior on the team. He was later inducted into the Oklahoma Coaches Association and National High School Coaches Association Hall of Fames after a long career as a sportswriter.

The game is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Bethany/Southern Nazarene Stadium.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

After scrimmages against Kingfisher and Guthrie, then opening games against Deer Creek and Harrah, the Wildcats of first-year coach Craig Church needed a confidence boost.

It came with a 42-12 win over the Jets, behind 254 passing yards and five touchdowns from quarterback Collin Bricker. Running back Cassius Calhoun added 76 yards and a TD on the ground, as well as a receiving score.

“Those guys have been good for us, but we have different faces stepping up each week, and that’s what feels good,” Church said. “We feel like we’re gaining some confidence.”

Receiver Christian Foster and offensive lineman Jacob Harris are among the other players giving Piedmont a boost.

In a challenging District 4A-1, the Wildcats know the schedule will be tough, starting with Elgin this week.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

Bethany's Brett Gilstrap rushed for 99 yards and a touchdown in the Bronchos' 48-28 win over Washington in the Children's Center Bowl Friday night.

The week-long festivities of the Children’s Center Bowl came to a close with an impressive performance by the Bethany Bronchos in a 48-28 win over Washington Friday night in Bethany — here’s my game story.

And in case you missed it, here’s my story on the importance and impact of the Children’s Center Bowl for our Friday Night Lights series, along with a video and some amazing photos from John Clanton of the teams’ visit to the Children’s Center on Thursday.

The final tally from the fundraising efforts of the two schools was $11,476 for the Children’s Center in Bethany, quite a performance by everyone involved.

As for the game, Bethany has to be feeling confident with their 3-0 start based on the way they’ve played. The Bronchos were a well-oiled machine on Friday night when their starters were on the field. QB Ryley Claborn threw for five touchdonws and 239 yards on 11-of-15 passing. He only threw one pass — a six-yard completion — in the second half.

Defensively, the final statistics probably show a mediocre Bethany performance, but a lot of the Washington yards came after the Bronchos began to sub on defense. Washington barely had 100 yards in the first half as Bethany built a 34-7 lead. Washington’s only first-half points came off a muffed punt recovered inside the 10-yard line.

When you look at the Bethany offensive line, you don’t see how they could possibly be a top-five team in Class 3A, with a couple of guys who aren’t even sniffing 200 pounds. But they do their job. Claborn only got sacked once, and the run game was effective with a committee of running backs that offer a good combination of speed and power.

The passing game obviously relies a lot on Claborn running the show, but you don’t complete 80 percent of your passes with a bunch of stone-hands receivers, either. Gage Diffee had a big day Friday, but John Page, Blake Collins and others give Claborn plenty of passing options.

Washington has gone through a tough non-district schedule that will pay off down the line, even though it probably doesn’t feel that way now. The Warriors have some young players in key positions, so keep an eye on them as the season goes along. Against Class 2A competition, Brad Beller’s squad should be able to handle themselves well.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Bethany was awarded the Children's Center Bowl trophy after defeating Kingfisher in the game last year.

With the fun part of Children’s Center Bowl week still ahead, there’s definite anticipation as the Bethany and Washington football teams prepare to be a part of the unique event.

Throughout the week, the two schools are working together to raise money for the Children’s Center, a private, nonprofit pediatric hospital serving children with complex medical and physical disabilities in Bethany.

Each school is competing in Penny Wars to raise money, which will be given to the Children’s Center on Friday. In addition, the players and cheerleaders from both teams will meet Thursday evening to tour the hospital, meet patients and participate in the Goodwill Games, a friendly competition designed to teach the players about living with physical disabilities.

The football game is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Bethany/Southern Nazarene Stadium. Patients, families and staff from the Children’s Center will be on hand to take part in the pregame coin toss, and some will participate with the band at halftime.

“We’re really excited,” Washington coach Brad Beller said. “We visited the Children’s Center last summer. It’s an amazing place and it’s great what they do for children.

“Our whole school is really excited to e a part of it.”

I’ll have a lot more coverage of the Children’s Center Bowl throughout the week, including a feature story in Friday’s newspaper and game coverage in Saturday’s edition.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK

The Chargers will host the Bronchos Friday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. The game will be televised by ESPNU.

That will be the series’ second stop in Oklahoma. Tulsa Union hosts Louisiana’s Evangel Christian in the season opener on Sept. 2, which will also be broadcast on ESPNU.

Heritage Hall and Bethany met twice last year. In Week 9, Heritage Hall won at Bethany 14-7 in a game that sealed the district title for the Chargers. The two teams met again in the Class 3A semifinals, with the Chargers taking a 28-14 decision and going on to win the state championship over Kingfisher the next week.

The chance to play on ESPNU is an exciting one for the players.

“It’s gonna be incredible,” Bethany quarterback Ryley Claborn said. “It’s a great chance for the guys on the team that haven’t been looked at by colleges, especially. It’s a great way to get exposure for our players and our school. It’ll be fun to have that feeling, then go home and watch the game and know you’re on national television.”

Fifteen of the 16 games for the ESPN series were announced Thursday and include 30 teams from 13 different states. Here’s the full schedule.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Calhoun’s appeal upheld

Piedmont running back Cassius Calhoun will be eligible for his senior season after all. The OSSAA had initially denied his application for a hardship waiver after he transferred from Casady.

But on Wednesday, the Board upheld his appeal of the ruling after the family provided greater detail surrounding the reasons for his transfer during executive session.

“I didn’t really think I had a chance,” Calhoun said. “It was a real emotional process, but my parents, my athletic director, my coaches, my teammates all supported me through all of it.

“I knew I was gonna make it through, whether they said yes or no, but I’m glad they approved it.”

Davis brothers’ appeal delayed

The hardship appeal case of Tulsa Union’s Kendal and Joshua Davis had to be tabled after the family presented a significant amount of new information to the board. It is possible that the OSSAA staff could make a determination on the new information prior to the September board meeting.

Kendal Davis will be a senior and Joshua will be a sophomore after transferring from Sapulpa. Kendal, a 6-foot-2, 170-pound receiver has gained recruiting interest from some Big 12 programs.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Hatcher had 76 catches for 1,075 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior. Collins had three interceptions and 21 tackles for the Class 5A champion Hornets. He also plays receiver and placed second at the state track meet in the long jump.

Read the rest of the story here.

Quarterback Camden Tharp, right, and Bishop McGuinness will open the 2011 season against Shawnee's JV team on Thursday, September 1. PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN

When Douglass broke its contract with Bishop McGuinness to play in the Kirk Herbstreit Kickoff Classic at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, it left the Irish in a bind.

McGuinness and Douglass were each other’s season openers, but the Trojans opted to play Sept. 5 against DeSoto (Texas) High School in a nationally-televised game.

First-year McGuinness coach Justin Jones tried desperately to fill the Week 1 void with teams from out of state, but had to settle for Shawnee’s junior varsity team. The Irish and the JV Wolves will play on Thursday night, September 1.

“I couldn’t find anyone to play,” Jones said. “We didn’t want to not have a Week 1 game.

“We just want to give our kids a chance to perform that first week. Shawnee is helping us out because we’re in a bind.”

Max McGreevy certainly helped the cause on Monday. He fired a two-round total of 136 at Broadmoore Golf Course in Moore to claim the Metro Conference individual title.

He was two strokes ahead of Edmond North freshmen Nick Heinen at 138 and Sam Humphreys at 139. Edmond North also held the next three spots, with Austen Fuller and Caleb Meyers tied for fourth at 140 and Alec Heinen — Nick’s older brother — in sixth at 142.

Obviously, Edmond North ran away with the team competition at 552, with Choctaw second at 596 and Santa Fe third at 599.

Edmond Memorial’s Taylor Moore won the Mid-State Conference Tournament, firing an 8-under-par 132 (69-63) for the title, just three strokes ahead of Norman North’s Jett Johnson at Belmar Country Club on Monday. Memorial’s team total of 547 was good for a four-shot win over Norman North as well.

It’ll be interesting to follow things in 6A boys golf the next couple of weeks with regionals and state coming up.

All the Edmond schools plus Norman North will go head-to-head in regionals at Oak Tree East, which should make for some thrilling competition. And state is at Cedar Ridge Country Club, which is the home course for a couple of Jenks players, and the Trojans are among a small group of teams that could end Edmond North’s state title run — Memorial and Norman North are probably the only other two who have a real shot.

From the individual perspective, Moore has been strong all year as he tries to repeat, but Colton Staggs at Jenks looks pretty impressive. Johnson, Fuller and Alec Heinen are right there, too, and who knows what some of the young guys like McGreevy, Jenks’ Brendon Jelley and the Edmond North freshmen could do on the big stage.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Player of the Year – Jordan Pound, Stillwater
Coach Of the Year – Michael Davis, Stillwater

All-Conference Team
Alex Budke, Stillwater
Austin Brinker, Stillwater
Zack Brown, Lawton Eisenhower
Dominique Perkins, Lawton Eisenhower
Mitchell Foote, Enid
Alex Patterson, Enid
Brent Wilson, Ponca City
Cole Hibler, Ponca City
Kendall Suttles, Lawton
Richard Sheperd, Lawton

Honorable Mention All–Conference
Josh Pierre, Stillwater
Connor Lamb, Stillwater
Delvonte Pierre, Lawton
Jalon Jackson, Enid
Brandon Wilcoxson, Ponca City
Sherief Stafford, Lawton Eisenhower

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Mason has spent the last five seasons working as Cobble’s defensive coordinator, including the run from 2007-09 when the Indians reached the Class 5A state semifinals each year.

Cobble resigned last month to become the head coach at Chickasha. Mason said five assistant coaches remained on staff at El Reno.

Before coming to El Reno, Mason worked in west Texas and spent one season as the head coach at Guymon.

“I’m gracious for the opportunity. I’ve been blessed,” Mason said. “I have to go to work now, and finish up what Tom started here. Working for Tom was definitely a good experience for me and we had some good years together.”

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

HALEY WEATHERS—LUTHER 

1^ST TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE

MORGYNE WEAVER—MOUNT ST. MARY
KELSEY DAWKINS—BRIDGE CREEK
CRISSY JOYNER—LEXINGTON
BAXLEE HORTON—JONES
AIMEE RISCHARD—MOUNT ST. MARY 

2^ND TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE
HANNAH HOLASEK—LEXINGTON
SHARON VOSS—LUTHER
NIKKI BRANDT—BRIDGE CREEK
SARAH TROSPER—CROOKED OAK
BRYANA WADE—MOUNT ST. MARY 

CENTRAL OKLAHOMA CONFERNCE
ALL-CONFERENCE
BOYS

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

RYAN SPANGLER—BRIDGE CREEK

 1^ST TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE
SHAWNEIL SKANES—CROOKED OAK
BLAKE GIFFORD—LEXINGTON
KYLE FOREHAND—LEXINGTON
RYAN GIBSON—LUTHER
JUSTIN WAGNER—MOUNT ST. MARY
TYLOR SEABOLT—JONES 

2^ND TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE
BRAD BEAHAN—MOUNT ST. MARY
JAKE PEACE—MOUNT ST. MARY
NATHAN COOPER—JONES
JEREMY WAGNER—MOUNT ST. MARY
JOSH PERSHICA—BRIDGE CREEK 

CENTRAL OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE
COACHES OF THE YEAR
AND
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS 

GIRLS CHAMPION

BRIDGE CREEK

GIRLS COACH OF THE YEAR

SKIP ASHWORTH, BRIDGE CREEK

BOYS CHAMPION

BRIDGE CREEK

BOYS COACH OF THE YEAR

JASON SANDERS, BRIDGE CREEK

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

Players from tournament finalists Yukon and Midwest City, as well as Stillwater, are part of the film that was made during the regional qualifier in Stillwater and the championship tournament at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

The screening will be at 6 p.m. Monday at the Warren Theater in Moore. Admission is free and limited to the first 200 guests.

The final two games of the night were decided by two points or less, one with a (controversial) game-winner going in with 1.8 seconds left, and another with the potential game-winner bouncing off the rim just before the buzzer.

Here’s a look at Friday’s scores and Saturday’s schedule:

Friday’s results
Putnam City North 85, John Marshall 53
Stillwater 61, Lawton Eisenhower 48
Putnam City 58, PC West 56
Midwest City 44, Tulsa Union 43

Saturday’s games
John Marshall vs. Lawton Eisenhower, noon (seventh place)
Putnam City North vs. Stillwater, 1:30 p.m. (fifth place)
Putnam City West vs. Tulsa Union, 4:30 p.m. (third place)
Putnam City vs. Midwest City, 6 p.m. (championship)

First, let’s discuss the end of the PC-PC West game. If you were there, I know you have an opinion about it, and feel free to share in the comments section. For those who weren’t, PC’s Dominique Raney drove toward the top of the key, there was contact between he and PC West defender Dominique Carrasco, and Raney pulled up for an open 18-foot jumper that won the game.

Did he push off to create some separation? Certainly possible. Raney didn’t deny it after the game. “It was what it was. I’ll just say that,” he told me.

For a better visual, think back to June 1998, Michael Jordan’s last game as a Chicago Bull. Did he push off on Utah’s Bryon Russell for the winning jumper in Game 6? If you think so, you probably think Raney pushed off, too.

There are really three ways to look at the play:

1) The PC West view — definitely a push-off.

2) The PC view — maybe a little nudge, but not enough for a foul call.

3) The Bad News Bears view (Let them play!) — you’re the person who wants to see a game decided by the players, not the refs, in the final seconds.

Groups 2 and 3 left the gym feeling good Friday night. For Group 1, all I can offer is this: the rest of us should stop being surprised when your Patriots are beating/playing close with really good teams. Three wins over top 10 teams and nearly a fourth? OK, time to accept that these Pats can play. And it’s not a one-man show.

Kyndall Dudley wasn’t scoring like he had been of late, but Kevin House, Dante Lewis and Tavionne Pennon added plenty on the offensive end to keep the Pats in the game.

As for the Pirates, Raney admits that sometimes — like in the second quarter when PC fell behind by 10 — he tries to do too much on his own. The team is much better when he’s getting everyone involved, like he did in the second half. The Pirates have other capable scorers, and getting Raney off the ball helps him get open more often as well.

The biggest thing that came out of Midwest City’s win was another knock against the value of size in 6A this season. Union is a lot bigger than the Bombers, but Midwest City — like several 6A teams around the metro — are quick and can score, even against height.

Putnam City isn’t huge, and their bigs are inexperienced, so Saturday’s title game should be a thriller. Last year’s state final was great, and I think the teams are pretty evenly matched once again.

The third- and fifth-place games won’t be too shabby, either, with a top-10 matchup in the fifth-place game between Stillwater and PC North, followed by Union vs. PC West. This tournament has clearly lived up to the hype.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Thursday’s Results
Girls
Ardmore 58, Lawton 45, seventh place
Northwest Classen 64, Putnam City West 50, girls fifth place
Mustang 68, Southeast 50, third place
Fort Smith-Northside 54, Yukon 32, championship

Boys
Guthrie 45, Southeast 40, seventh place
Midwest City 62, Ardmore 58, fifth place
PC West 82, Carl Albert 67, third place
Del City vs. Yukon, 7 p.m., championship

4:05 p.m.: The Mustang girls have a 22-point lead on Southeast in the girls third-place game with just under two minutes left to play. More exciting, however, we’re running pretty well on time after a dreadfully long day yesterday that ended around midnight.

5:07 p.m.: After holding a 10-point halftime lead, Putnam City West has started the second half fast and leads 54-35 on Carl Albert midway through the third quarter in the boys third place game.

5:15 p.m.: One thing we’ve learned this week: PC West is for real. They didn’t get lucking in a couple big wins. This is a good basketball team. Kyndall Dudley has hit six 3-pointers. He and Dante Lewis could each go for 20 in this game. The Pats are up 21 as we near the end of the third quarter.

5:40 p.m.: PC West takes third in the boys tournament with an 82-67 win over Carl Albert. Dante Lewis finished with 28 and Kyndall Dudley had 25 for the Pats. The girls title game is a few minutes away.

6:07 p.m.: Northside leads Yukon 8-4 at the end of the first quarter.

6:24 p.m.: Impressive run by the Millerettes gets them a brief lead late in a wildly exciting, fast-paced second quarter, but Northside finishes strong for a 21-17 advantage at the break.

6:50 p.m.: Big third quarter from Northside for a 39-22 advantage heading into the fourth.

7:14 p.m.: Northside takes the girls title, 54-32, over Yukon. The boys title game between Yukon and Del City will get going in about seven minutes.

Here is your girls All-Tournament team: Whitney Dunn, Mustang; Mackenzie York, Yukon; Jade Hardy, Yukon; Mannasha Bell, Northside; Taylor Green, Northside; MVP: Chauntel Terry, Northside.

7:40 p.m.: The first quarter goes to Yukon with a 15-10 advantage on Del City. Yukon’s D’Anthony Perkins has shown he is as athletic as just about any guard in the city area.

7:55 p.m.: A late rally for the Millers gives them a 25-21 edge at halftime. Del City led 21-18 with under two minutes to play in the half.

8:16 p.m.: Del City keeps scoring, and Yukon keeps answering, particularly with 3-pointers — one apiece from Shon Willilams, D’Anthony Perkins and Matt Burton, while Jordan Brown added a three-point play inside. Yukon leads 43-33 after three quarters.

8:32 p.m.: Yukon pulled out to a 49-38 lead, but seven straight points from the Eagles has it down to a four-point game with just over three minutes left to play.

8:47 p.m.: It came down to free throws, and the Millers held on for a 55-52 win.

Boys All-Tournament Team: Kyndall Dudley, PC West; Steffon Herd, Del City; Brett Cannon, Del City; Shon Williams, Yukon; Jacob Koontz, Yukon; MVP: D’Anthony Perkins.

For the Millers, this will be their first time playing for a tournament championship since the current seniors were freshmen.

“It’s gonna be good,” said senior guard Shon Williams, who led the Millers with 16 points Wednesday. “We’ve been working hard, working together for the last four years. We think we can win this, so we’re gonna go out and try our hardest to play well and se if we can win it.”

Added coach Ralph Nigro: “I think it means a lot (to play for a title). We have seven seniors and they’ve been through some bad times. Last year, we won, what, five games? The year before, we won six. So it means a lot to them. I’m happy for them. I’m happy to see them smiling and winning. It’ll be a tough game tomorrow, though.”

Mike Nicholson had 13 points for Yukon, while D’Anthony Perkins and Matt Burton added 10 apiece and Jacob Koontz had nine. Kyndall Dudley led the Patriots with 15 points and Dante Lewis added 14. Kevin House had 11, hitting three of the Pats’ eight 3-pointers.

Here’s the Ardmore Holiday Classic schedule and results, with more game-by-game updates below:

Wednesday’s results
Girls
Northwest Classen 41, Lawton 38
PC West 49, Ardmore 41
Yukon 47, Southeast 28
Fort Smith-Northside 58, Mustang 39

Boys
Midwest City 63, Guthrie 41
Ardmore vs. Southeast, 3 p.m.
Del City 52, Carl Albert 46
Yukon 58, Putnam City West 48

Thursday’s games
Girls
Ardmore vs. Lawton, 11:30 a.m., seventh place (at middle school gym)
Northwest Classen vs. Putnam City West, 11:30 a.m., fifth place
Southeast vs. Mustang, 2:30 p.m., third place
Yukon vs. Fort Smith-Northside, 5:30 p.m., championship

Boys
Guthrie vs. Southeast, 1 p.m., seventh place (at middle school gym)
Midwest City vs. Ardmore, 1 p.m., fifth place
Carl Albert vs. PC West, 4 p.m., third place
Del City vs. Yukon, 7 p.m., championship

Updates below…

4:55 p.m.: Today’s winners so far are the Northwest Classen and Putnam City West girls, who will meet in the fifth-place game Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Midwest City’s boys rolled past Guthrie and Ardmore is up on Southeast 33-26 midway thorugh the third quarter.

5 p.m.: Ardmore standout Nino Jackson is sitting out again today. When I spoke to coach Mark Wilson after the game Tuesday night, he expected Jackson to play today, so I’ll see what the situation is after this game concludes. Ardmore leads 42-32 at the end of the third quarter.

5:15 p.m.: Southeast coach Walt Brewer already had one guard out with a broken foot and he lost another in Tuesday night’s game, so he has had to turn to 6-foot-5 forward Trai Jordan as one of his primary ball-handlers — and he’s doing well. It’s a tough situation for a team with a lot of talented pieces to work with. They’ve got good outside shooters, led by William Brewer, and (when he’s in the paint, not at the point) a strong post presence with Jordan. A floor general with handles is all this team really needs to make a significant jump.

5:57 p.m.: Word out of the Ardmore locker room was that Nino Jackson’s absence today was related to an illness that had him feeling pretty bad at morning shoot-around. Ardmore won by 15. Yukon has an eight-point lead on Southeast in girls winner’s bracket action right now.

6:35 p.m.: Yukon holds a 37-21 advantage on Southeast in the girls semifinals entering the fourth quarter. More stout defense today from Kelly Clarke’s Millerettes.

7:37 p.m.: Mustang trailing Fort Smith-Northside 25-16 late in the first half. We’ll need a Bronco rally if we’re going to get Canadian County Bedlam in the Ardmore final. Of course, the two teams play in Yukon next Tuesday anyway.

8:27 p.m.: FS-Northside up 16 with under a minute left to play, so it’ll be Northside vs. Yukon in the girls final Thursday night at 5:30. We should be underway with the 7 p.m. boys game between Del City and Carl Albert in 15 minutes or so.

8:56 p.m.: Del City grabs the early 13-7 lead on Carl Albert at the end of the first quarter. Six points for Anthony Holland for the Eagles.

9:19 p.m.: Carl Albert pulled back in it to give us a tight one at the break. Del City is clinging to a 25-23 lead. Dondre Brookins has three 3-pointers for the Titans and Holland has nine points for the Eagles as well.

9:50 p.m.: Del City extends its lead to 39-30 at the end of the third. Del City freshman Brett Cannon had a pair of big buckets in the third and has 11 points for the game.

10:05 p.m.: CA and DC all tied up with two minutes to play.

10:15 p.m.: The Eagles take the Mid-Del battle, 52-46. Anthony Holland finishes with 14 points to lead the way. Yukon and PC West are about to get started in our final game of the night.

10:54 p.m.: Yukon takes a 28-18 lead on PC West to halftime. Del City is waiting for the winner in the finals, set for Thursday night at 7 p.m.

Tuesday’s games
Girls
Southeast 34, Lawton 28
Yukon 45, Northwest Classen 36
Fort Smith (Ark.) Northside 69, Putnam City West 30
Mustang 66, Ardmore 27

Boys
Putnam City West 70, Midwest City 62
Yukon 41, Guthrie 34
Carl Albert 66, Ardmore 59
Del City 54, Southeast 35

Wednesday’s games
Girls
Loser’s bracket
Lawton vs. Northwest Classen, 11 a.m.
PC West vs. Ardmore, 12:20 p.m.
Winner’s bracket
Southeast vs. Yukon, 4:20 p.m.
Fort Smith-Northside vs. Mustang, 5:40 p.m.
Boys
Loser’s bracket
Guthrie vs. Midwest City, 1:40 p.m.
Ardmore vs. Southeast, 3 p.m.
Winner’s bracket
Carl Albert vs. Del City, 7 p.m.
Putnam City West vs. Yukon, 8:20 p.m.

Updates below…

2:30 p.m.: Shola Adebayo scored 20 of Southeast’s 34 points on the way to a win over Lawton. The Yukon girls played some good defense down the stretch to hold off a NWC rally. Jade Hardy led Yukon with 17 points. Meshelle Parker had 11 for the Knights and Alysia Whitaker added 10. We’re nearing halftime in the first boys game, where PC West is hanging with Midwest City, trailing 24-23. Cortrael Colbert already has 13 for the Bombers.

2:40 p.m.: PC West closes the first half with a 15-4 run to take a 27-24 lead at the half on Midwest City. Kyndall Dudley leading the Patriots with 12 points.

3:35 p.m.: PC West pulls off the upset, 70-62. Kyndall Dudley hit a pair of huge 3s down the stretch and finished with 24 points. Tavionne Pennon added 16, spoiling Cortrez Colbert’s 27-point outing for the Bombers.

4:12 p.m.: Speedy first half from Yukon and Guthrie. The Bluejays lead 13-10 at the break.

4:53 p.m.: The Millers pull away in the fourth for a 41-34 win. It’ll be Yukon and PC West at 8:20 Wednesday night in the boys semifinals.

5:20 p.m.: Not pretty in the third girls game of the day. Fort Smith-Northside leads PC West 20-2 after one quarter.

6:13 p.m.: Northside takes it 69-30 over PC West. The final girls game of the night, Ardmore vs. Mustang, is just a couple minutes away.

7:10 p.m.: Mustang girls out to a 50-20 lead midway through the third quarter. A win would put Mustang against Fort Smith-Northside Wednesday. Yukon faces Southeast in the first semifinal at 4:20 p.m.

8:20 p.m.: Ardmore and Carl Albert tied at the half, 33 apiece. Nino Jackson has not seen the floor for Ardmore so far.

8:45 p.m.: Carl Albert takes a 45-44 lead to the fourth quarter on top-ranked Ardmore.

9:32 p.m.: Sorry for the delayed update, but Carl Albert pulled off the upset of No. 1 Ardmore, 66-59. Ardmore standout Nino Jackson was held out of action by coach’s decision. He is expected to play in Wednesday’s loser’s bracket game against the Del City-Southeast loser.

9:55 p.m.: Del City boys out to a 30-14 lead on Southeast in the final game of the night.

10:38 p.m.: Del City finishes off the night with a 54-35 win over Southeast. We’ll do it all again tomorrow.

2010 District 4A-2

Player of the Year
Marcus Caddell – Douglass

Offensive Player of the Year
Aliston Cobb – Douglass

Defensive Player of the Year
Nick Walters – Glenpool
DeVante McKinney – Douglass

Special Teams Player of the Year:
Lane Davenport – McLoud

Receiver of the Year
Travis Carroll – McLoud
Cy Stallard – Cleveland

Offensive Lineman of the Year
Caleb Craig – Harrah
Jason Rice – Glenpool

Quarterback of the Year
Jameson Ballinger – Santa Fe South
Kyle Fowler – Tecumseh

Offensive Back of the Year
Billy Danna – Harrah

Tight End of the Year
Jared Bass – Cushing

Defensive End of the Year
Ravi Riley – Douglass
Robert Lemoine – Glenpool

Defensive Tackle of the Year
Cole Craig – Harrah
Hunter Montgomery – Tecumseh

Inside Linebacker of the Year
Chance Tiffin -Tecumseh
Josh Covert – Santa Fe South

Outside Linebacker of the Year
Landon Ferguson – Cleveland
Layne Ferguson – Cleveland

Safety of the Year
Isaac Maselera – Glenpool
Chandler Martinez – Tecumseh

Cornerback of the Year
Riley Norton – Cleveland
Derek Baez – Harrah

Kicker of the Year
Nick Pugh – Harrah

Coach of The Year
Willis Alexander – Douglass
Greg Willis – Harrah

All District

Cleveland
Brandon Wrobbel – DE

Cushing
Michael Griffin – WR
Matt Cook – LB/FB
Kyle Johnson – FB
Regi Cook – DB

Douglass
Erik King – LB
Ian Robinson – LB
Donnell Ward – DB
Shon Bridges – QB

Glenpool
Victor Cervantes – LB
Cody Davis – DL
Brad Agee – DL
Ty Cleveland – OL
Julian Rose – OL
Cody McIntosh – TE

Harrah
Ryan Brashier – LB
Gary King – OL

McLoud
Tanner Johnson – OL
Robbie Gray – DB

Sante Fe South
David Olivas – DB
Sergio Cardiel – DB
Pedro Briones – OL

Tecumseh
Jordan Moery – OL
Francisco Hukill – WR
Josey Brown – WR

No. 1 Edmond Memorial rallies from 13 down in the fourth quarter to knock off No. 3 Midwest City on its home floor, hitting four of four free throws in the final 13 seconds to avenge the overtime loss to the Bombers in the first round of the state tournament (well, sort of, though let’s not equate December wins to March wins).

Had to be the biggest drama of the night, right?

Wrong.

Three metro-area games go overtime, with Shawnee nipping Western Heights, Norman North taking down Southmoore and the big one — Putnam City West winning 55-51 at No. 4 Edmond Santa Fe.

That’s a huge win for the Patriots, simply to show themselves and the rest of Class 6A that just because Tyler Neal and Amric Fields are gone, the Pats aren’t going to be a doormat.

Guard Kyndall Dudley hit four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and overtime to spark the win and Dante Lewis had 10 boards and three blocked shots as the pair of seniors carried PC West to the victory.

“All our kids stepped up and made big plays,” first-year PC West coach Lenny Bert said. “They left their heart on the floor. After the game in the locker room, it wasn’t some big celebration. It was like we were supposed to win. It’s good to get that feeling early, because it showed us we can beat a legitimate team and gives us the belief that we can be good if we do what we’re supposed to do.”

Mustang didn’t need overtime to take down No. 2 Putnam City at PC. David Glidden scored only six points in a loss last week, so I wondered if maybe the ankle he injured in the final football game was still an issue. Then he busts out for 20 against the Pirates. Robert Shaw added 14 and Zac Grismer had 13 in the win.

Back to Memorial-MWC… these are two really good teams who will be hanging around in March. Memorial’s Obi Emegano is a horse, but we all knew that. The Bulldogs play some tough defense, too.

Sophomore Jordan Woodard is a budding star who will only get better. For such a young kid to step to the free throw line with 6.1 seconds left and a one-point lead and be able to hit two free throws — he was 2-of-4 at the line before that — was very impressive. He and his brother, James, are both very athletic and will make it tough for teams to figure out how to defend the Bulldogs this year, especially with Emegano.

“It’s hard to guard (Emegano) one-on-one,” Memorial coach Shane Cowherd said. “And if you foul him, he’ll make you pay at the line.”

He certainly did Tuesday, hitting 14 of 16, including two with 12.9 seconds left.

The Bombers look about the same as last year. Not huge inside but very tough on defense to create easy offense, and they can get going on some serious 3-pointer streaks. They might even have a little better depth than last year, too.

There was plenty more drama around the metro area last night, and a few big performances as well. Bridge Creek’s Ryan Spangler had 46 points, 26 rebounds, seven assists and six blocked shots in a rout of Crooked Oak. Armon Provo had his second straight 30-point game, scoring 34 against Choctaw, and his night ended when the Panthers held a 33-point lead after three quarters. And Deer Creek’s Garrett Hermanski scored 38 in a win over Chickasha.

We’re only two weeks into the season. How much better can this year get?

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Do-everything senior Josh Turner is questionable to play in the Class 2A state semifinal game against Hennessey at 1 p.m. Saturday at Yukon High School.

Turner is obviously important at cornerback, where he is regarded as the top recruit in the state. But his biggest impact is on offense, where he has been one of the team’s top rushers and receivers, depending on where he plays. He has 14 touchdowns on the year: eight rushing, five receiving and one interception return.

Most likely, he would be at running back Saturday, with Shevin Patton expected to miss a third straight game because of what the team has called “personal issues.”

But Turner suffered a sprained MCL last week that could keep him out Saturday. If he can’t go, the running back position becomes a committee of guys, with Allen Starks — who played really well in a reserve role last week — freshman Larry Lambeth and Michael Ervin handing the duties.

Ervin is an interesting story. He joined the team in mid-September to help with kicking. He started returning kicks and getting a few snaps at receiver. Now, he’s getting a look as a backup running back, and with his speed — he’s got a chance to break the state 100-meter record in track season next spring — it’ll obviously be intriguing to follow.

And Ervin has his eye on three state titles as a senior. He won two, basketball and track, last year. And the Falcons are favored to repeat both of those this year. Obviously, Ervin wouldn’t be the only one to pull the triple, but the most interesting one because of his football story.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

And when you look at the players of the year, you see just how impressive that group of teams was. So here they are, all the “… of the Year” honors for District 3A-3:

Coach of the Year: Andy Bogert, Heritage Hall

MVP: Derek Patterson, QB, Kingfisher

Offensive MVP: Blake Riojas, RB, Newcastle

Defensive MVP: Darren Daveport, DT, Bethany

Quarterback of the Year: Cooper Cloud, Heritage Hall

Running back of the Year: Devin Campbell, Bethany

Wide receiver of the Year: Tyrone Jones, Centennial

Offensive lineman of the Year: Gonzalo Delatorre, Kingfisher

Tight end of the Year: Spencer Davis, Centennial

Defensive lineman of the Year: Landon Chapple, Newcastle

Defensive end of the Year: Kody Stamm, John Marshall

Linebacker of the Year: Denzelle Johnson, John Marshall

Defensive back of the Year: Jeremy McDade, Newcastle

Returner of the Year: Jeremy Smith, Kingfisher

Punter of the Year: Kevin Shoebinger, Newcastle

Co-Kickers of the Year: Preston Waltman, Kingfisher, and Irving Roa, John Marshall

I think that will be the case for Bethany and Newcastle this week, with the winner getting a home playoff game next week — a reward that shouldn’t be undervalued.

It’s a tough call on this game, but I’m going with Bethany. For one, I think the Broncho defense has been overlooked a little this year. Bethany has developed a repuation as a powerful offensive team, but the defense has done some impressive things — four straight shutouts earlier this season, for starters.

The Bronchos allowed 14 points to Heritage Hall and 12 to Kingfisher, the other two playoff teams in the district.

Darren Davenport is a Division I prospect on the D-line and they’ve got speed everywhere, including linebacker, which will be a key position in their hopes to stop Newcastle running back Blake Riojas. He’s a game-changer, and has shown that he can put the Racers on his back and carry them to victory if needed.

Jimmy McDade and Colby Gibson lead a Newcastle defense which has been solid outside of allowing 98 total points in two straight games to Heritage Hall and Tulsa NOAH a few weeks ago.

Of course, the Bethany offense is still pretty good, too. RB Devin Campbell and QB Ryley Claborn present a run-pass threat to keep defenses off balance, and receivers Gage Diffee and Tanner Robinson have shown the ability to make big plays.

I don’t think last week’s loss to Heritage Hall will produce a letdown this Friday, but rather make the Bronchos hungrier.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Why the Millers could win: The offense has all the weapons. Run, pass, block. They do it all. RB Derek Deeds has been good filling in for Terry Jones while he’s hurt, and QB Corben Jones continues to be consistent and efficient in the passing game. And the defense has been solid outside of a couple hiccups.

Why the ‘Jackets could win: Suddenly, the playoffs aren’t so much of a long shot. Choctaw has the size and the toughness to match up with Yukon in the trenches, particularly with Tulsa commit Hunter Davis at D-end. And Tanner Hessman is an athletic QB who can make plays. He did nto play when Choctaw faced the Millers last season. 

Key matchup: Yukon run game vs. Choctaw defensive front. Whether Terry Jones is back from his ankle injury, or Derek Deeds filling in again, the Millers have been able to run the ball behind that strong offensive line. Their two-dimensional ability is what makes them so effective. If you’re going to beat them, you have to stop one, and the run game is Choctaw’s best chance.

The pick: Yukon 35, Choctaw 21. Yukon has scored 35 points in three of the last four games and four times this season. Seems like they have a knack for it.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Last week: Douglass powered past Cushing, 55-6. Despite its best offensive output of the season, McLoud lost to Cleveland, 54-34.

Why the Trojans could win: Reason No. 1, Aliston Cobb, who I wrote about earlier this week. He’s a powerful running back, and Diontay Washington is a dangerous backup. With its daunting run game and improving passing attack, the Trojans should be going strong when they meet up with currently unbeaten Harrah in Week 8.

Why the Redskins could win: It’s a tough task, but Eric Cardin’s kids are young. They’re growing up, and you never know when things might come together. Still, this team doesn’t appear ready to pull this kind of upset.

Key matchup: Douglass run game vs. McLoud defensive front. If the ‘Skins can’t stop Cobb and Washington, they can’t beat the Trojans.

The pick: Douglass 45, McLoud 14.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

The Cashion-Watonga game is the exception in what is otherwise a really bad scheduling hang-up. The seven-team districts that are now the norm in Class A-3A have created a scheduling mess for many coaches, and it has put non-district games each week of the season.

In most cases, teams are left to scramble for an opponent they wouldn’t otherwise play, forcing some odd — and in some cases very ugly — matchups. But this one is gold.

It’s regionally convenient, something of a rivalry, and pits two good teams against each other. Couldn’t be better, given the circumstances.

I’m picking Cashion, because I like what Jeremy Seaton does at QB, and he has some weapons around him. He was very impressive when I saw him over the summer in 7-on-7, reaching the small-school finals at hte Oklahoma Showdown.

Watonga is no slouch, so I expect this to be a good game — Cashion 34, Watonga 30.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Spangler, who averaged 26.4 points and 18.2 rebounds for the Bobcats last winter, has made official visits to Tulsa and Colorado the last two weekends, with trips scheduled for Gonzaga this weekend and TCU on Oct. 2. He currently expects to choose between those four schools.

“Colorado was a good trip. It’s really pretty up there. I’m looking forward to seeing Gonzaga, too,” Spangler said, adding that his basis for picking a school will remain simplified.

“I just want to see if I feel right with the team and if I like the coaches.”

While his offers range from the Washington-based Zags to Penn State and a variety in between, Spangler has not received offers from Oklahoma or Oklahoma State. But he says he isn’t bothered by that fact.

“It doesn’t matter to me,” he said. “Wherever I go, I’ll probably get a chance to play against them.”

Of course, this week Spangler is more concerned with the Bridge Creek football team’s game against nearby Tuttle, and his play at quarterback.

“We need to play better,” he said. “This will be a fun game, though.”

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

So please accept my apologies as I tell you I’m locking the Tuttle Tigers this week. Sorry.

After the Week 1 loss, I wondered whether the Tigers were going to need some time to fill the gaps from departed players like Ethan Biddy from last year’s team. Beating Elgin was an impressive victory.

And after briefly visiting with Bridge Creek QB Ryan Spangler earlier this week — primarily to talk basketball with the 6-foot-8 senior — I came away thinking Tuttle was going to be too much. Spangler just didn’t seem to be real confident in the way the Bobcat offense is playing right now. It’s not that he didn’t think Bridge Creek could or would win, but he knows Bridge Creek will have to play better than it has so far this season to win – which is why I’m picking their neighbors nine miles to the north in this one.

On that topic, it really surprises me that these two teams have never played each other before, being just right down the road from each other.

I think the Bridge Creek offense is getting things together again, but that Tuttle D will cause enough problems to put the Tiger offense in good situations and win the game.

Of course, I’m 1-2 for the season on my locks, riding the wave of a two-game losing streak. So take it for what it’s worth.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Choctaw breakdown: I don’t understand why this team isn’t better. They’ve got athletes, size, strength, offensive weapons. The defense obviously had a rough night on Thursday, especially in key situations.

PC scored twice on fourth-and-short plays from outside the 20-yard line. The Pirates were in second-and-22 and Caleb Lee looked like he was going to be sacked before breaking free for a 40-yard TD run. And there were other instances when Choctaw gave up a big play to let PC out of a jam. And it was second-and-15 when Casey Curtis broke free for a 64-yard TD run.

Big plays at the worst possible times for Choctaw. The offense got going in the second half, but it was too late by that point. Corey Bennett finished with 197 yards, including a 66-yard score. Tanner Hessman is an impressive athlete and a hard runner.

But something’s obviously missing for the ‘Jackets. It just eludes me what it is.

Putnam City breakdown: Casey Curtis and Desmond Tilly were fantastic, combining for 307 yards on 32 carries, and the offensive line was giving them huge holes to run through all night. They used a tight end at times to help out on Choctaw DE Hunter Davis, which was beneficial.

But the PC defense was the thing that was hidden by the strong offensvie performance. The 22 points and 333 yards were season highs, but that doesn’t tell the story. The Pirates allowed 129 yards and nine points in the first half. And the Pirates were up 35-9 before Choctaw put any more points on the board.

And that performance came with PC losing one of its top defensive linemen, Deondre Gray, to an ankle injury. That led to a few more players rotating in on the defensive line. You kept hearing the names of Cody Minor and Allen Zimmerman on the PC back seven, and the front got good pressure on Hessman when he dropped to throw.

The Pirates have to be viewed as a potential playoff team in a district that looks very uncertain right now. They’ll try to move to 4-0 with a Thursday visit from US Grant. After that comes a crucial stretch of the schedule where the Pirates will probably need to pull out at least one win in consecutive games against Del City, Edmond North and Mustang.

Up Next: Choctaw opens district play against Moore next Friday, while the Pirates host US Grant on Thursday.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Last week: Terry Jones and the offensive line carried the Millers to a 35-19 win at Edmond Santa Fe. Stillwater suffered a 38-15 setback to Edmond Memorial.

Why Yukon could win: The Millermen seem to be solid in all areas. No one has been able to exploit any part of what they do on either side of the ball. With an offense than can run or pass, and a hard-nosed defense, it’s hard to pick against them.

Why Stillwater could win: With the 0-2 start, this is a team looking for some momentum. The Pioneers have a dangerous passing game — one of the best in the state if QB Jerame Littell keeps it up. They’ll test the Miller secondary like it hasn’t been tested yet this season. Santa Fe didn’t throw a lot, and Mustang was a little unpolished in the opener, so this will be a different look for the talented Yukon secondary.

Key matchup: Stillwater defense vs. Yukon run game. Yukon’s ability to run the ball has been the biggest key this season. Against Mustang, provided just enough balance to let QB Corben Jones go to work and throw for 346 yards and four TDs. Against Santa Fe, it overpowered the Wolves and put the game away in the fourth quarter. If Stillwater can’t stop the run, it’ll be hard for them to win the game.

The pick: Yukon 35, Stillwater 20. The Pioneers will be able to get some yards and some points in the passing game, but I don’t think it will be enough to win. The only danger is if the Millers are looking ahead to next week’s top-10 showdown with Midwest City. But I don’t think Todd Wilson will let that happen.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Last week: Choctaw held an early lead before falling to Edmond North, 24-13. Putnam City rolled past rival Putnam City West 44-0.

Why Choctaw could win: Choctaw is a big, physical team, and that might give them a little bit of an advantage in the trenches against a PC team that doesn’t have a lot of size or depth up front. Tanner Hessman is a tough, dual-threat QB, and he has a strong RB combo back there with him in Corey Bennett and Aaron Fournier.

Why PC could win: The Pirates are riding high after back-to-back wins over their PC rivals, North and West, to open the season. The defense has been the biggest surprise, giving up just seven points so far, despite having very few returning starters. And the offense has shown the balance it wants, with the efficient pass game of Caleb Lee and the running back duo of Casey Curtis and Desmond Tilley.

Quote: “I like the offense this year. We run it more. Run it down their throat, throw a touchdown pass. (Tilley and I) like playing together. We’re a one-two punch.” – PC junior RB Casey Curtis

Key matchup: PC run game vs. Choctaw defensive front. This is where the size advantage could benefit Choctaw the most. The defensive line is led by end Hunter Davis, a Tulsa commit, who is strong and athletic in a 6-foot-4, 255-pound frame. He’s a linebacker in a D-end’s body, so he can run plays down and shut down one side of the field. So the Pirates will have to work to cover him and keep the running backs freed up.

The pick: Putnam City 24, Choctaw 21. PC won this game 30-27 last year, and it’s hard to go against the momentum they’ve built so far. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Choctaw overpower them and pull this one out, but the gut says Pirates.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

And I think it continues this week. Tuttle is a good team that staggered in Week 1 with the loss to Cache, before bouncing back last week to win a rivalry game against Newcastle.

But with Garrett Lorah running the show, the Elgin offense has been rolling. Lorah, a junior, has completed 68 percent of his passes so far, throwing for 484 yards and four TDs with one pick. They’re averaging 42 points a game and giving up just 6. Dakota Pearson has rushed for 307 yards and four scores, averaging 8.3 yards per carry.

For the Tuttle fans looking to discredit me, look no further than last week’s lock of Lawton Mac over Lawton, which Lawton won 41-9. So I’m 1-1 on the season, looking for a bounce-back game. It always feels better to go into district play with a winning record.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Oh, Lexington fans are hating/laughing at me. In each of the first two weeks, I have picked Sulphur and Little Axe to take out the Bulldogs.

And in each of the first two weeks, I have had egg on my face. Well, why stop now? Lexington welcomes Purcell in a bitter grudge match Friday night.

This game is more than a battle between the Dragons’ star Cole Swayze and Lexington’s Travelle Pelkey, but I am interested to see what these two are able to do.

I won’t be in attendance, but it’s definitely important enough that we’re sending our Norman writer James Corley to Lexington.

For those that don’t know, Lexington is a hop-and-skip away from Purcell. Seriously, look it up on MapQuest. It’s 1.45 miles away and a whole 3 minute-drive between the two towns.

Ultimately, I believe Swayze is going to be the difference. But the Dragons do have a lot of other weapons, namely Damian Shea.

Shea has rushed for more than 200 yards and three touchdowns in the first two games. Swayze has put up some gaudy numbers. He’s rushed for 267 yards and three touchdowns. His accuracy hasn’t been great in the passing game, but Swazyze is averaging more than 20 yards per completion with a couple of touchdowns.

This is also a game where some Win-Win week events will take place. If you haven’t been reading, this week is dedicated to cancer awareness, and we’ve been highlighting events through stories and photos.

Somebody’s ’0′ must go, and I say it’s Lexington’s. Coach Waymon Scott has made me look stupid with how this team has played. And they probably still will, but I’m hoping it won’t be this week.

Boneman’s pick: Purcell 31, Lexington 26
Overall: 2-0 (Heritage over Clinton, Guthrie over Duncan)

Cascia Hall earned the preseason vote, with Heritage Hall taking over last week. Now, it’s Oklahoma Bible Academy, which will put its No. 1 ranking on the line tonight at Bethany.

The Enid-based school is 15-3, coming off a strong run to win the Clinton Tournament in which OBA 8-0 against Oklahoma teams. The only loss was at the hands of Pampa (Texas) HS. And among their victims were 4A’s defending champ, Clinton, No. 4 Cache (twice), No. 8 Corn Bible (twice) and Bethany.

The Trojans also knocked off another top-10 team in Santa Fe South last Tuesday. I’ll be catching up with coach James Ward this week to get his thoughts on the season.

No other major excitement this week in the 4A poll, though Christian Heritage stepped up another spot to No. 4. Big Pasture is in the top 10 with its 13-0 start.

And the 5A and 6A polls stayed mostly the same as well. In 6A, Norman North (11-1) moved up another spot to No. 7.

Shawnee is enjoying the move back down to 5A, jumping up to No. 9. Last year, the Wolves probably would have been state tournament contenders before getting bumped up to 6A just before the season started.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

When you have a top recruit like Kentrell Brothers of Guthrie, the attention gravitates toward him. And when you score three touchdowns like he did, more attention is given.

But you don’t score three touchdowns without an accurate quarterback, and that’s why the Best of the Rest Player of the Week is Guthrie quarterback Bryan Dutton.

Dutton missed one pass. Check that, had one incompletion. It wasn’t an actual miss as he was throwing it out of bounds. He was 12-of-13 for 203 yards and had two of those scores to Brothers.

A lot of teams made statements in Week 1, but the 25-0 win against the Demons is arguably the biggest one made in the state.

Other contenders

Travelle Pelkey, Lexington: Bulldogs didn’t have much time with new coach Waymon Scott but made it count. He rushed for 233 yards and two touchdowns in a win against Sulphur.

John McCracken, Blanchard: McCracken had four touchdowns in a 32-29 win at Bethany. This was easily one of the best games of the opening week.

Why Hennessey could win: The Eagles will be missing last year’s quarterback, Matt Luetjen, but they still have a lot of talent, with guys like RB Ivan Moreno, who got plenty of action on last year’s Class A semifinalist. Linebacker Raul Orosco returns after leading the team in tackles last year. Even with the move up to 2A, Hennessey is a strong player in the postseason discussion.

Why Northeast could win: Last year’s 1-9 record might sound bad, but Northeast played eight teams ranked in the top 20 of their respective classes, including 5A Tulsa Central. The Vikings should turn things around with the move down to 2A, which lost some good teams who made the move up to 3A. The situation is ripe for coach Tim Thomas and the Vikings to build some momentum and put a few more marks in the win column this season.

Key matchup: The trench battle. Hennessey has good size and talent up front, so Northeast must find a way to contain the Eagle defensive line and not get overpowered by their blockers on offense.

The pick: Hennessey 28, Northeast 20. Ultimately, Hennessey’s size and depth advantages will be too much for the Vikes.

Why PC West could win: Expectations and attitudes are better at PC West than any of John Jensen’s three previous seasons. This senior class doesn’t want to go out winless, and coming off a preseason in which the Patriots had nearly double the participation they had two Augusts ago, the excitement is there. It’s all about putting it together on the field now. And from an offensive perspective, the Pats have the tools to put up some points.

Why Choctaw could win: While PC West’s biggest key is the intangible of motivation, Choctaw’s will be more concrete. The Yellowjackets will have a size and depth advantage in the trenches, led by Tulsa commit Hunter Davis at defensive end. He’ll cause problems for the PC West O-line both with his size and athleticism. He’s disruptive both in pass and run coverage.

Key matchup: Choctaw ground game vs. PC West defensive front. Choctaw runs a balanced offense, but the bread is buttered with the run. Aside from a couple good backs, QB Tanner Hessman is a talented athlete who isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder and get the tough yards. PC West is breaking in a new 4-3 defense with virtually all new linebackers and a few new linemen, so that unit will have to be on top of its game to keep the Choctaw rushers contained.

The pick:  Choctaw 30, PC West 27. I think PC West will break the losing streak this year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m proven wrong on this pick. But I also think Choctaw will be better than people expect. It might not show a lot in the win column, because they’re in 6A’s toughest district, but they’ll cause problems for teams down the road.  

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

The Chargers defeated Cascia at the Broken Arrow Tournament, which was loaded with good competition from all classes.

In 6A, Edmond Memorial held onto the top spot and Jenks jumped from No. 4 to No. 2 after starting the season 9-0. The Trojans have lost two of their last three, including a loss Monday night to Edmond Santa Fe — the team they moved ahead of for the second spot.

The other team to beat Jenks was 5A’s No. 1, Tulsa Kelley, which is facing off with Edmond Memorial and Edmond Santa Fe tonight at Memorial. Should be a couple of thrillers.

Other items worth noting in Tuesday’s polls: Following its big win over Heritage Hall last week, Christian Heritage moved up one spot to fifth in 4A… Unbeaten Putnam City (9-0) moved up to No. 7 in 6A, Norman North (10-1) jumped to No. 8 and 8-3 Mustang slipped into the poll at No. 15… In 5A, unbeaten Coweta (9-0) moved into the top 5 at No. 5 and Southeast is No. 10.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

 As for the football, both teams looked better than I expected. I thought John Marshall would be in for some growing pains with 12 new starters in the lineup. Sure, they had their moments when they looked a little lost, and the coaches were working hard after every play teaching better technique, better positioning, better reading of the situations. But overall, the Bears were farther along than I thought they’d be.

And I thought Bridge Creek’s offensive timing would be a little off, because QB Ryan Spangler had so much going on in the summer between football and basketball camps, AAU tournaments and recruiting. But from the outsider view, he looked sharp. He was intercepted by Alandis Bell and Emmanuel Denson on two throws that were more bad decisions than bad execution.

But Spangler and WR Caden Locke kept hooking up all night, including the three big scoring plays. Spangler was also moving outside the pocket well. RB Blake Henderson is a hard runner who produced a few big gains, but overall, I think John Marshall should be pleased with its run containment.

Of course, that’s going to be the strength of the Bears defeense, with guys like Dejon Brison and Denzelle Johnson in the front seven. Johnson is a big, strong athlete who will help out the offense in some running and receiving situations as well.

Here’s the three-piece roundup from Friday’s paper: 

Big pass plays for Bears, Bobcats

All the four touchdowns scored by the first-team offenses in Thursday’s Bridge Creek-John Marshall scrimmage covered at least 30 yards, topped by a 65-yard hook-up between Bridge Creek quarterback Ryan Spangler and receiver Caden Locke.

Spangler and Locke connected for three TD passes for the Bobcats and John Marshall answered with one, but the Bears came away pleased with the performance in the first scrimmage of the season at Taft Stadium.

“I thought we competed well,” coach Bruce Troxell said.

A four-receiver spread offense like Bridge Creek runs requires some game-planning, but no one’s doing that right now.

“You can’t run your base defense against these guys,” Troxell said. “Once we saw what they were gonna do, I thought our defense picked it up and we were running to the ball well.”

For Bridge Creek coach Jerry Wallis, the early season mistakes stuck out more than the big pass plays by his veteran offense.

“I think we can play a lot better,” Wallis said. “We did a few good things, but we made some mistakes. With the seniors we have, we shouldn’t make those mistakes.

“I want to see some improvement in our offensive line play. We’ve got to run crisper routes and defensively, we had a few breakdowns. But we’ll get better.”

Blue Chip Report: Bridge Creek QB Ryan Spangler

The 6-foot-7 quarterback had a busy summer split between football and basketball, but he was in sync with his wideouts Thursday night.

He was intercepted twice, but connected with Caden Locke on a pair of 30-yard touchdowns, then when Locke got behind the defense, Spangler found him for a 65-yard score.

“(Spangler) is gonna throw for another 3,000 yards,” Troxell said. “If you give him time, he’ll find open receivers, and that’s what happened.”

Filling the Gaps

Having graduated a large senior class from last season’s 9-3 squad, John Marshall coaches are looking at a variety of holes to fill, whether it’s replacing linebacker Ken Berry, who had 172 tackles, or quarterback Brendon Jordan, who rushed and passed for 1,200 yards each.

The linebacker corps, led by senior Denzelle Johnson, was moving to the ball well most of the night.

At quarterback, junior Dion Vickers and freshman Davion Smith both had good and bad moments, highlighted by Smith’s well-placed 35-yard TD pass to Kody Shields.

Troxell was also pleased with the play of his two new starters at cornerback, one of whom is a freshman.

“At the spots where we had question marks on defense, I think the potential is there to really solidify the defense,” Troxell said.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Now, he’s finally back on the football field ready to help the Jets improve on last year’s 2-8 season.

“I’m real excited to be back,” Clark said. “I think if everything goes right, we can be 8-2 this year.”

Clark’s high expectations include a good season from Jets running back Darius Young, a 5-foot-7, 205-pound junior with a good combination of power and quickness.

“He can do it all,” Clark said. “He might be one of the best in the state.”

The Jets will also need good play and strong leadership from senior quarterback Kenneth Mayfield, a skinny 6-foot-2 signal-caller who gives the offense a solid run-pass threat.

“We’ve got to stay together as a family — play together, play hard,” Mayfield said. “I’ve got to take charge of this team and do what I can to help the team be successful in all parts of the game, on and off the field.

“We’re putting in some new plays to help us open up some things. It should be pretty good. Having a good running back like Darius really helps out a lot. He runs hard and opens up a lot of things passing the ball. And once he gets in the open field, he can do a lot.”

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

The 6-foot-3, 250-pound defensive end committed to Tulsa on Monday. He also had an offer from Kansas State and was receiving interest from several programs around the region.

Most had recruited him as a defensive end, but some liked him as a linebacker and others saw him as a tight end/H-back on the offensive side.

Davis had 73 tackles and five sacks as a linebacker last season, but has been practicing at defensive end since the spring.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Though it wasn’t the best of circumstances, Lexington athletic director Rick Thomas said he is very pleased with the hiring of Waymon Scott as the football coach.

The Bulldogs were forced to find a coach last month after former coach Brad Beller took the Washington job when former Warriors coach Dennis McCray stepped down.

“It (the process) was speedy, and we had a lot of applications,” Thomas said. “It went very smooth.”

Scott was an assistant at Lexington from 2003-2005 and was the head coach at Porum the last two seasons.

“He’s been here before and knew some of the athletes when they were younger,” Thomas said. “He knows the system and has relationships with the assistants.”

***

What a tough situation this was for all parties involved. Beller loved his time at Lexington, but it just happened that his ‘dream job’ opened up with him being a Washington alum.

So the Warriors were rightfully pumped as Beller has done a great job of making Lexington relevant again, but that put the Bulldogs in a tough spot.

I spoke to Thomas before I left for vacation and nothing had been decided at that point. They were already in the interviewing process, and it did go nice and quick.

Scott has done all the right things since taking over, but he’s in a tough spot. He was 3-17 at Porum, but there seems to be no doubt at all from the Lexington brass that they’ve made the right hire.

So that makes three things Sam Bradford has over me.

Bradford has been back in OKC this week for a variety of activities, one of which turned out to be playing a round of golf with his St. Louis Rams teammate Chris Chamberlain in the Bethany High School Celebrity Alumni Tournament Friday at Lake Hefner South.

Bradford knocked his tee shot inside of three feet on No. 17, which was good for the top prize, $100. He hasn’t signed a contract yet, so the hundred bucks could’ve come in handy but it was promptly donated back to the Bethany golf teams.

Obviously, Bradford graduated from PC North, so he isn’t a Bethany alum, but neither am I. My father, Keith, was a Broncho and we’ve been playing in the alumni tournament since the mid-1990s. In all those years, I’ve never seen a celebrity turnout like they had this year, with Bradford, Chamberlain and Grady Cross — the Cross of the Yukon-grown band Cross Canadian Ragweed.

Quite a day at the golf course. And to top it off, the tournament was won — rather easily and even more fittingly — by the family of the late John Griffis. Griffis was the Bethany golf coach who died last November after falling from his house while working on his roof. The team consisted of John’s two sons, Matthew and Isaac, his father, Jay, and his nephew, Jonathan Williams. Jay Griffis and Williams stepped in to take John’s position as Broncho golf coach last year.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Garrett Gladd of Sallisaw is no exception. He’s a humble, intelligent kid who works — as in, a real job — and still finds time to keep focused on his future, which has a wide array of possibilities.

He turned down offers from Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico to commit to Stanford in April. He’s an offensive lineman at the next level, but in Class 4A ball, he’ll have to be a two-way player.

“There’s no way we can’t play him on defense,” Sallisaw coach Craig Benson said. “But if he needs a break, he gets it on defense.”

After reaching the state semifinals last year, Gladd sees this year’s squad matching or surpassing that run, even with the loss of key players like quarterback Matt Oberste.

“We lost a lot of great seniors last year,” he said. “But we have a lot of great leaders back, guys who had to step up last year and play a big role. Defense could be our strength. We have a lot of depth.

“I’ll probably be a starter on the defensive line, but we’ve got some kids who can step in and be good. I really think we can get back to the semifinals or even go farther.”

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

The Mustang 7-on-7 is a very laid-back event, not real competitive. More like a practice than a game, nobody keeping score or wondering who won. Just a bunch of teams working on their fundamentals of pass offense and defense.

I came away from the event thinking I could put together a pretty good basketball team out there. You had some great big men, with Bridge Creek’s 6-foot-7 Ryan Spangler and Bethany’s Garrett McGrady, who must be close to 6-8. A speedy point guard in David Glidden of Mustang. I’m pretty sure I saw DeVante Moore of El Reno was out there, so he’d be a my starting two-guard. Just need another shooter/slasher on the wing and we’d be pretty solid.

Anyway, back to football… Here are a few bullet points that caught my eye during play:

- Glidden is back in action after a lingering shoulder injury kept him out of some team work in May and early June. He looked like his normal self and also said he took part in some team camp activities over the weekend which were more physically demanding than 7-on-7 and the shoulder held up fine.

- McGrady is a really good athlete at TE/DE for the Bronchos, and he just keeps growing. Probably close to four inches in the last year. He and Spangler were significantly taller than just about everyone else out there, and I think McGrady had the slight edge on the Bridge Creek QB. McGrady moves well and has decent hands. He’s likely to be a security blanket for new QB Ryan Claborn. The two are heading into their junior years and have been playing together for a few years now.

- El Reno must replace Jakeil Everheart at quarterback, and I didn’t get to discuss with coach Tom Cobble what direction they’ll go, but Ridge Gargasz, who played receiver last year, threw some nice passes.

- Santa Fe South WR Abraham Luna — and the SFS offense in general — showed the ability to be a serious deep threat. They went deep on a few different teams with good success, most often to Luna.

- Spangler is busy with both basketball — playing for Athletes First — and football, so he wasn’t as in sync as he’ll be in September, but he’s still got a strong arm and throws the ball well. He also has some talent to throw to at WR, led by Caden Locke, one of the top yardage producers in the state at receiver last year. Spangler said in the spring that basketball is his preference at the next level, and he has offers already from Oral Roberts, Wichita State, Lehigh and Liberty, with more sure to come. But he has shown some interest on the football side of things this summer.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Edmond Santa Fe's Josh Richardson

Edmond Santa Fe’s Josh Richardson is ranked No. 103 on the current Rivals 150 for the basketball recruiting class of 2011.

Richardson, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard who helped the Wolves to the Class 6A state semifinals last March, is the only Oklahoma player currently on the list. He also ranks as the No. 29 shooting guard in the country.

Playing for Athletes First, Richardson has drawn national attention this summer after a strong junior campaign that earned him a spot on The Oklahoman’s Super 5. Aside from several local and regional colleges that are keeping an eye on Richardson, he also has strong recruiting interest from the west, with programs like Arizona State and UCLA.

Based on a couple of reports from BruinBlitz.com, UCLA really likes Richardson, and vice versa, because of  both the athletics and academics. Richardson is a very intelligent student considering a medical career. And that’s not just talk. The kid already has a basketball scholarship offer from Harvard. Right now, his other offer is Arizona State, but there are more to come.

The Athletes First team will not be able to participate in the Dallas Showtime Tournament this weekend, but on July 12-15, they’re scheduled to be in Augusta, Ga., for the infamous Peach Jam, an invitation-only Nike tournament.

The team includes a lot of talented players, like Richardson, Obi Emegano of Edmond Memorial, Ryan Spangler of Bridge Creek, Nino Jackson of Ardmore, Stephen Clark of Douglass, Matt Christiansen and Joe Edmonds of Bishop McGuinness, and several others.

I have a great appreciation for honesty in athletes. Not just the kind of honesty that is the opposite of lying, but honesty to themselves — people who are true to their feelings when they speak to the media.

When a guy says “I’m just happy to help the team,” he’s telling the truth, but it’s generally not the true feeling he has inside. He’s really just channeling Nuke LaLoosh and Crash Davis. When a kid opens up and tells you how he genuinely feels, especially when it’s something not everyone would admit, it’s refreshing.

I’ve found a lot of honesty in the kids of the Super 30, but none yet more open than Choctaw’s Hunter Davis. As you’ll see in my story in Wednesday’s paper, he admits that he hasn’t always played his hardest on every play, and now he’s paying the consequences in recruiting.

He has a long list of big-time colleges recruiting him for a variety of positions, from defensive end to linebacker to a tight end/fullback hybrid. But only two of them — Tulsa and Kansas State — have offered scholarships so far. He knows if his game film showed the athlete that he could be instead of the one who would take a play off from time to time, he’d have a lot more options right now.

And because he was so honest in talking about the past shortcomings, it makes it that much easier to believe him when he says how much harder he’s going to work to disprove any thoughts about him being lazy.

Davis comes in at No. 16 on our Super 30, but probably has top 10 or even top 5 talent after talking to people about him, and I think that will show from him this fall. His coach has already seen it. 

“He can take control of one side of the ball, just take that side of the field away,” coach Bill Bays said. “He can be as good as he wants to be. He can do things other guys only dream of doing.”

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Love is a small kid (for a Big 12 linebacker anyway) from a small school. Can he make the transition to big-time college football?

The answer, for many reasons, seems to be ‘yes.’

Passion, hunger, drive, humility, talent. Love seems to have all of them. I saw him play once last year, that in the Class A semifinals against Hennessey. The Eagles’ defense had been allowing around 60 rushing yards per game, and Love broke free for 187 and two touchdowns in the 24-22 win.

The kid instantly stands out as a star on the football field. But what about his weight?

Let’s not forget to factor this in: Love is a wrestler, too. By keeping his football weight at 195, he doesn’t have to put his body through a brutal transition in December to get down to his wrestling weight of 189. The next weight class up is 215.

And let’s not forget, this is a 17-year-old kid we’re talking about. He has some natural physical development left ahead of him. Besides, at 195, he still plays like he’s 230. Imagine what he’ll play like when he weighs 215.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

It won't be easy to replace Mike Cartmill, a great leader at Santa Fe South. Cartmill died in April at the age of 56.

It was shocking to hear about the death of former Santa Fe South football and baseball coach Mike Cartmill in April…shocking.

We run a special media day for every sports season, and Cartmill always made sure to bring his boys and could talk our ears off.

Cartmill died April 25 at the age of 56.

Athletic director Mike Graham said the days leading up to the funeral were some of the toughest he’s gone through at the school. But the funeral helped things.

“The funeral was a good thing closure. The football team went as a group. Some of them spoke. They recalled some funny things Mike said. It definitely helped.” – Graham

It’s going to be weird to not have Cartmill on the sidelines, but we look forward to getting to know new coach Jerry Braziel better.

Braziel was already the boys track coach and has been with the program for a few years, serving as the offensive coordinator.

Graham said there was no doubt about choosing Braziel. “Jerry has a good history here, and Mike always thought really high of him.”

The Saints have one of the better receivers in Abraham Luna, who is definitely someone who has gone under the radar, including by the likes of myself.

Millwood offensive coordinator Kevin Cox gets a little emotional thinking about the fact that Emilio Gatewood won’t be playing for the Falcons this fall after his family moved to Norman North.

And it’s not just that Cox will miss Gatewood’s 8.3 yards per carry.

“I’ll be real honest with you — I love the kid,” Cox said. “I don’t want to say he’s like a son, because I’m not old enough to have any sons his age, but he’s one of those kids I’d do anything for.”

Of course, Gatewood’s value to the Falcons as a running back was pretty strong, too.

“It’s gonna hurt us not having him,” Cox said. “When things got down and we needed a big play or a hard, tough-nosed one-yard run, he wanted the ball. He did everything. We’ve got to find somebody who can do that. The kid’s great.”

Gatewood knows he won’t be the featured back at Norman North, with other upperclassmen entrenched in the offense, starting with senior Raymond Demby. Gatewood has played safety in 7-on-7 with the T-Wolves earlier this month, and a couple of colleges have talked about him being a cornerback at the next level.

With offers from Tulsa and Louisiana Tech already on the table, Gatewood just wants to get on the field and continue to show that he has Division I talent. He’ll get the chance against some stout competition, with Midwest City, Edmond Memorial, Putnam City North and Yukon — all of which went to the playoffs last fall — in the new District 6A-1 with the Timberwolves. 

As for Millwood, Shevin Patton will likely take over as the featured back, with guys like Michael Cole and Josh Turner getting a chance at some carries in addition to their other duties.

“We’re hoping all three of those guys can be what Emilio was by himself,” Cox said.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

You expect a lot of movin’ and-a shakin’ in football jobs from January until April. Everybody is looking to finalize things before spring ball.

But what about the middle of June?

That’s exactly what has happened at Washington as former Lexington coach Brad Beller has taken the Warriors job earlier this week.

Oddly enough, Beller was at our offices a few weeks ago with his Lexington boys. This came out of nowhere for everybody involved.

Beller, a graduate of Washington, said this was the only spot he would have left Lexington for under these circumstances.

Former Washington coach Dennis McCray resigned last week and Beller came in for the interview, and it was finalized pretty shortly after that.

This has been crazy (trying to catch up). I’ve been getting up at 6 a.m. and working until midnight. I’m very excited about everything.” – Beller

Beller had really established himself at Lexington the last few years. I remember doing a story on Beller back in 2007 (within the first couple months of being here) about how young he is. And it remains true. He graduated from Washington in 2001, I graduated from high school in Ohio in 2002.

Beller said despite being a Washington boy, the big thing was his family. He has a couple of kids now and most of his family is in the Washington area.

McCray said the passion just wasn’t there anymore. It started in spring practice, and he wanted to make sure he wasn’t making a knee-jerk reaction to everything. He’s excited the direction the program is going in and is pumped to watch his son play for Beller.

What is this, coaches day on the blog? Scott had the update on PC West basketball. There’s more to come as I’ll be back with some info on what is happening at Santa Fe South.

A lot of people probably remember Brayle Brown’s older brother, Tucker, from his playoff suspension and subsequent legal battle with the OSSAA a few years back.

Brayle was in seventh grade at the time, so I wondered if it was a difficult situation for a little brother to go through, watching big bro get some negative attention — at times on a national level. But Brayle says he was able to remain disconnected from it.

“I wasn’t really paying attention to it,” Brayle said. “I just did my own thing. It wasn’t really a big deal to me.”

But all of that is behind the family now. Tucker is playing baseball at Central Oklahoma and Brayle is on the verge of a major-college opportunity as a quarterback.

He’ll be in Las Vegas on June 19 for the Elite 11 regional camp in addition to other trips to colleges like Kansas State throughout the summer. He has already been to TCU and North Texas, and he’s receiving recruiting interest from Oklahoma, Tulsa, Kansas, Missouri and others, along with his first offer from Louisiana-Monroe.

The one-day camps are interesting, because it’s a short opportunity to show your talent.

“We run 40s, we do a shuttle run, and we throw and throw and throw and throw,” Brown said. “Sometimes you do a 7-on-7 kind of deal, but it’s only half the field, so it’s more like 4-on-4. It’s neat.”

Billy Brown, his father and head coach, hopes Brayle’s competitiveness shows through to college programs looking for a quarterback.

“He’s a competitor,” Billy said. “He hates to lose more than he likes to win. He’ll compete at anything, and I think you can tell that in the way he goes about playing the game.

“His feet are real good. His arm strength needs to get better and he works on that every day. His mental approach to the game — every practice you’re in and every game you play, you’re gonna get better and better.”

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Team Oklahoma at the Great Southwest Track & Field Classic

First off, thanks to Airick Johnson of Del City for sharing some photos of the Oklahoma team that competed in the Great Southwest Track & Field Classic a week ago at the University of New Mexico.

The Okies came through with some strong performances, including gold medals for a couple of Ardmore kids.

Ryan Minkley won the shot put with a throw of 59-10 1/2 and JyWayne Allen won the 400 meters in a time of 47.86 seconds.

Claremore’s Dwayne Golbeck was second in the high jump at 7-0.  Tuttle’s Aspen Marical was third in the 300 hurdles at 44.37.

The podium of the 110-meter hurdles at the Great Southwest, with Del City's Airick Johnson in second place and Guthrie's Emmanuel Robinson in fourth.

Edmond Santa Fe’s Walter Henderson was second in the Elite 200 meters at 21.50 and sixth in the Elite 100 at 10.81. Johnson was second in the 110 hurdles at 14.14 and Guthrie’s Emmanuel Robinson was fourth in the same event at 14.30. Robinson also took sixth in the regular 100.

That barely touches on all the podium finishes and other standout performances by Oklahomans last week. Here are the full results from this year’s Great Southwest Track & Field Classic.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Star Spencer product and Oklahoma Christian signee Kendre' Talley in the Faith 7 dunk contest.

The Faith 7 game has always been one of my favorite all-star type events, going all the way back to my days working in Shawnee, so getting the chance to go cover it again was a lot of fun, even though most of the fun for Oklahoma ended shortly after the dunk contest.

So let’s start there… Kendre’ Talley was as much fun to watch as any player I saw this year because of all the things he can do, and his performance in the pregame dunk contest showed it.

The Star Spencer product who has signed with Oklahoma Christian is only 5-foot-9, and he even looks shorter than that now that he lost the flat-top haircut. He used his creativity and his leaping ability to earn a second-place finish behind Texas’ Trevor Fuller. After Talley jumped over a kid with his final dunk, Fuller won it by jumping over a taller kid.

I wish that either Xavier McClish or Amric Fields would have joined the dunk contest, because both of them put on a good show at the Big All-City game.

Aside from that, it was fun watching Fields and PC West teammate Tyler Neal play together again.

One of the most impressive high school basketball duos to come through in recent years, Fields and Neal are enjoying their last few opportunities to play on the same team before Fields heads off to TCU and Neal to Oklahoma.

While Neal’s future teammate — fellow Oklahoma signee T.J. Taylor — was on the other side of the Faith 7 Basketball Bowl in Shawnee Saturday night, Neal relished the opportunity to team with Fields again.

Fields played well around the basket on both ends and scored 24 to earn team MVP honors. Neal had 13 with the pair combining for 19 rebounds, though it wasn’t enough for Oklahoma in the 130-88 loss. The PC West duo will be back together for the All-State game in late July.

“Anytime you get to play with somebody like that is fun,” Neal said of Fields. “We play together so well after playing so long together. I’m excited for him. I think he’s gonna do well at TCU.”

Overall, the Oklahoma team wasn’t as bad as the score might sound. It’s just that the Texas squad had more talent, and a lot more guys heading off to D-I programs.

But the Okies had some strong efforts. Muskogee’s Oren Faulk played well, finishing with 10 points and four rebounds. Talley and Garber’s Bryce Lamer combined for 13 points and five assists, and neither missed a field goal try. Oklahoma couldn’t buy a 3-pointer, going 2-of-22 while Texas was 8-of-29.

And Texas hit more than 50 percent of their total field goals. They got to the line more, they didn’t turn the ball over as much… all the things you would expect in such a lopsided game. It was the biggest margin of victory in the game’s 45-year history, which previously belonged to Oklahoma in a 35-point victory in 2007.

In that game, the Okies had future Sooner Cade Davis, future Cowboy Nick Sidorakis, as well as Midwest City star Xavier Alexander who went on to George Washington and is now at Southern Nazarene. Oh, and some kid named Blake Griffin.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

For local college fans, there are four players in the game who have signed with the three of the state’s Division I programs. That includes Putnam City West product Tyler Neal, and 6-foot-4 T.J. Taylor of Denison, Texas, who will be opponents next week and teammates the next four years at Oklahoma.

Also playing for Team Texas will be Oklahoma State signee Michael Jamal Cobbins out of Palo Duro High School in Amarillo. A skinny 6-foot-10, Cobbins can step outside and shoot a little, too. And Jordan Clarkson, a Tulsa-bound Texan from San Antonio, is a 6-foot-4 scoring machine. He is the all-time leading scorer at Wagner High School.

Overall, both rosters sound pretty impressive — and big. Texas has five guys 6-foot-8 or taller, and the Okies have five who are 6-foot-6 and up. As for the Oklahoma squad, it seems like a pretty complete team. If y ou were trying to put the best team together — not just the five best players, but fill each position to fit a team’s needs — this would be pretty close to what you’d come up with out of Oklahoma’s class of 2010.

You’ve got a couple of point guards in Star Spencer’s Kendre’ Talley and Enid’s Chris Fitzpatrick who can run an offense and score on their own, as well as a third point guard in Garber’s Bryce Lamer who is a glue guy and will do a lot of different little things to help a team. Xavier McClish is a pure shooter/scorer with good size at the 2-guard, and Tulsa Washington’s Tharone Chilton is a solid combo guard.

Inside, you’ve got two strong big men in Tulsa Memorial’s Cameron Downing and Muskogee’s Oren Faulk who are solid on the block at either end of the floor. Either one of them is a double-double waiting to happen.

The other three forwards — the PC West duo of Neal and Amric Fields with Roff’s Dylan Lemley — give you a set of bigs with some inside-outside game, whether it be shooting the 3 or driving to the bucket from the perimeter.

Obviously, I haven’t seen the Texas kids, but I would expect a fun game. Below are the player capsules for the game, as provided by the Faith 7 folks:

Oklahoma Players

Tharone Chilton, Tulsa Booker T. Washington High School, 6-2, 160 pounds

An All-State and All-District player for 2010 state champion Hornets, Chilton averaged 15.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and had 68 assists. He shot 43 percent from the field and 77 percent from the line. Under coach Shea Seals, Chilton has never failed to reach the State Semifinals in the last three years and has twice played in the state championship game. The Hornets were 20-9 this season. He is undecided on his college choice.

Cameron Downing, Tulsa Memorial High School, 6-9, 245 pounds

Downing earned Conference and Region Player of the Year honors and was Tulsa World Player of the year and Oklahoman All-State. He led coach Eric Savage’s Chargers to the state finals in 2010 after helping the team to a 6A State Championship in 2008 and three Green Country Conference championships. He averaged 17.8 points and 7.6 rebounds and collected the school record with 896 career rebounds. Downing shot 72 percent from the field. His next action will be at the University of Buffalo.

Oren Faulk, Muskogee High School, 6-7, 225 pounds

Bound for Hartford University, Faulk led Class 6A in rebounds with 9.6 per game and was in the top five in blocked shots with 2.5 per game. He averaged 12.1 points and shot 58 percent from the field on his way to All-State and All-District honors under coach Terry Scott. Faulk led the Roughers to back-to-back State Tournament appearances with a two-year record of 39-14. He is a two-time first-team All-Conference selection.

Amric Fields, Putnam City West High School, 6-9, 215 pounds

Fields led Putnam City West to the Class 6A semifinals and the Patriots’ second state tournament appearance in 33 years. He averaged 19.3 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game on his way to All-State and All-District Honors. He shot 62 percent from two-point range, 34 percent from the arch and 75 percent from the free throw line. Bound for Texas Christian University, Fields was coached in high school by Tim Stogsdill.

Chris Fitzpatrick, Enid High School, 6-1, 180 pounds

Fitzpatrick led the Plainsmen to a 17-10 record under coach T.J Scholz, averaging 24 points, seven rebounds and three assists on the season. He shot 43 percent from the field and 81 percent from the line on his way to OCH, Tulsa World and Daily Oklahoma All-State honors, including an Oklahoman Super 5 award. An All-Region pick, Fitzpatrick is headed to Kilgore Junior College.

Bryce Lamer, Garber High School, 5-10, 145 pounds

Lamer was All-State and All-District while leading Garber to a State Championship in 2010. Coached by Dusty Torrey, Lamer has played in three state semifinals and two championship games for the Wolverines. He averaged 11.6 points, three rebounds and had 120 assists while shooting 75.8 percent from the line and 48.7 percent from the field. He was Northwest Oklahoma Player of the Year, MVP of the Skeltur Conference and was Class A All-State Tournament, Daily Oklahoman All-State, OBCA All-District, OCA All-Region OCA Small West and OBCA Second Team Academic All-State.

Dylan Lemley, Roff High School, 6-6, 195 pounds.

Lemley helped coach Kale Simon’s Tigers win the 2010 Class B State Championship with a 27-4 record, capturing conference regular season and tournament titles along the way. An All-State and All-District honoree, Lemley averaged 15.8percent from the field. Lemley is headed to St. Gregory’s University.

Xavier McClish, Midwest City High School, 6-3, 165 pounds

Bound for Northern Oklahoma College in Enid, McClish averaged 16 points, 4.8 rebounds and had 70 assists for the Bombers under coach Dewayne Bradley. McClish shot 51 percent from the field on his way to All-State and All-District honors and leading his team to the state finals with a 23-6 record.

Tyler Neal, Putnam City West High School, 6-7, 220 pounds

The 2010 Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year, Neal has signed with the University of Oklahoma. He is the Oklahoma Basketball Coaches Association Player of the Year and Metro Conference Player of the Year. He averaged 19 points, nine rebounds, 2.2 assists and shot 64 percent from two-point range, 42 percent from three-point land and 80 percent from the free throw line. The All-State and All-District selection led coach Tim Stogsdill’s Patriots to a 22-7 record and the state semifinals. It was the second appearance at the state tournament in 33 years for PC West.

Kendre’ Talley, Star Spencer High School, 5-9, 150 pounds

Talley was OCA All-State and an All-Region 8 honoree after leading coach Patrick Cudjoe’s Bobcats to the 2009 state championship and a 2010 state semifinal appearance. He average 17.2 points, four rebounds and seven assists. His next stop is Oklahoma Christian University.

Texas Players

Stephen Baird, Home School, 6-8, 200 pounds

Baird was home schooled in San Antonio after his sophomore and junior seasons at Madison High School. He led Coach John Valenzuela’s team to the State Final Four. He will play college basketball at Liberty University.

Jordan Clarkson, Karen Wagner High School, 6-4, 188 pounds

Clarkson led San Antonio’s Wagner High School to a 107-14 record in his three seasons and is the school’s all-time leading scorer. He averaged 22 points, six rebounds and 2.1 assists last season while shooting 58 percent from the field and 79 percent from the free throw line. A two-time All-State and All-District, Clarkson led coach Clifton Ellis’ Thunderbirds to two state tournament appearances, two district championships and two regional titles. He is headed for Tulsa.

Michael Jamal Cobbins, Palo Duro High School, 6-10, 205 pounds

Cobbins led Palo Duro (Amarillo) to the regional finals under Coach Jeff Evans with a 17.2 scoring and 11.1 rebounding average. A two-time All-State and All-District pick, Cobbins shot 64 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range. The Dons were 21-7 this season. Cobbins will continue his basketball career at Oklahoma State.

Trevor Fuller, Episcopal School of Dallas, 6-8, 215 pounds

Fuller, a resident of Carrollton, Texas, led Coach Corey Henderson’s Eagles to back-to-back State Championship with a 20-7 record in 2010. Fuller was named TABC All-State, All-SPC All-State, SPC All-Region and ESPN Rise Fourth-Team All-Area after averaging 16.1 points and 10.1 rebounds per game He shot 63 percent from the field and was captain and Co-MVP of his team. A McDonald’s All-America nomine and TABC Player of the Year nominee, Fuller is headed to the University of San Diego.

Nick Hinton, Frisco Wakeland High School, 6-8, 220 pounds

Hinton was a four-time First-Team All-District selection at Wakeland under coach Brent Benningfield. He set the school record for blocked shots and rebounds. He averaged 17 points, nine rebounds and three assists for the season and shot 83 percent from the free throw line for the Wolverines. He is headed to Texas State University.

Tanner Milson, Cedar Hill High School, 6-2, 175 pounds

The District Offensive Player in the Year and First-Team All-Region selection, Milson averaged 15 points, three rebounds and three assists while leading Coach David Milson’s Longhorns to the 2009 State Finals and 2010 District title. Cedar Hill was 28-5 his senior season and 35-4 in 2009. He scored 214 three-pointers in the last two seasons and is a 48-percent shooter from the field and an 88-percent free throw marksman. He will play college basketball at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington.

Andre Roberson, Karen Wagner High School, 6-8, 195 pounds

The all-time leading rebounder at San Antonio-Wagner with 748 boards, Roberson was the district MVP and a first-team All-State selection. He led Coach Cliff Ellis’ Thunderbirds to a 38-2 record this season and a pair of State Semifinal appearances and was named Super Team Newcomer of the Year in 2009 and a Super Team selection in 2010. He averaged 16 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists while shooting 65 percent from the field and 70 percent from the free throw line. He has signed with the University of Colorado.

K.C. Ross Miller, God’s Academy, 6-1, 185 pounds

Ross Miller was NCSAA All-America, NPA All-Tournament MVP and he finished with more than 2900 points and 1200 assists. An All-State player, he led Coach Tim Miller’s Ambassadors to the NPA and TPA Championships and a No. 1 national ranking among small private schools. He averaged 27 points, 12 assists and four rebounds, while shooting 56 percent from the field and 88 percent from the free throw line. Miller’s next stop is Louisiana State University.

Rickey Scott, Irving-MacArthur High School, 6-3, 195 pounds

A First-Team All-State and All-Region, Scott was District MVP with a 22.7 scoring average to go along with his 6per game. He shot 45 percent from the field and 70 percent from the line and led Coach Stephen Hamrick’s Cardinals to a 21-11 record. His next stop is the University of Arkansas.

T.J. Taylor, Denison High School, 6-4, 215 pounds

Bound for the University of Oklahoma, Taylor is a three-time All-State and four-time All-District selection for Coach Jody Bass’ Yellow Jackets. He averaged 20.4 points, seven rebounds and five assists while shooting 50 percent from the field and 75 percent from the free throw line. He is the all-time leading scorer at Denison High, leading the team to four Bi-District titles.

Fort Gibson's Jamie Orr makes it official. Photo provided

Once you hit spring, it’s always that time of year for signings, and we’ve been flooded with them. If you know of any, don’t hesitate to ship them along to any of us. And if you have a photo from the ceremony, go ahead and send it.

Here’s one from Fort Gibson as soccer standout Jamie Orr will play for Oklahoma Baptist in Shawnee.

Orr, a defender, was All-State honorable mention and All-District while leading Fort Gibson, under coach Gabe Ellis, to the state quarterfinals and a 13-2 overall record.

Orr plans to major in missions and journalism at OBU.

Orr said she chose OBU because, “Everyone has close relationships with each other and with God, which will help me in my own walk of faith.”

I had read about the reports about what had happened to the Little Axe community. I had seen the pictures. But once I was out there myself Thursday morning – that’s  when it hit me.

I kept thinking ‘well, that looks like a football field, but it doesn’t have a scoreboard, bleachers or lights.’ Well, yea, that’s just some of the damage the May 10 tornado did to the school.

For me, the most gripping part was seeing that single beam still standing where the home bleachers used to be. Everything else is gone, but that one beam remains.

The field house is a mess, the coaches’ office is really bad, too. Head coach Jason Wheeler said it best: “It used to be beautiful back here. We have a long way to go.”

The kids, to their credit, are trying to return to normal. That is, of course, easier said than done. What I saw Thursday was solid intensity, though, from those kids.

The Indians have come a long way in football and have earned the respect of teams across the state. This is just another challenge.

I’ve had some people wondering how they can help, you can contact Little Axe athletic director Paul Elkouri, and he can direct you where to go. Paul’s e-mail address is: pelkouri@littleaxe.k12.ok.us.

Here’s a part of the video with senior-to-be leader Robby Dryden. Some of the audio was too windy to be salvaged where he was talking about May 10 in particular.

And if you didn’t read it, here is my piece in Sunday’s paper.

When the Piedmont girls won the 2009 state track title, it was only the second state championship in school history, and the first since the girls basketball team won it all in 1967. Now they’ve got three.

“Winning the first one was special,” Piedmont coach Trinity Johnson said. “This year, with several returning girls from the 2009 team, we had a bull’s-eye on our back. It was very rewarding to see our girls withstand that amount of pressure and rise to the occasion with everything on the line.”

The Wildcats got contributions from the entire team. They scored points in 10 events, with Jori Davis, Sarah Peoples, Madison Berryman, Delarice Staley, Amanda Estes and Raven McDaniel earning gold medals either individually or on relay teams.

Even a slightly tired, confused writer realizes when a great talent is being seen. I still don’t understand all the intricacies of soccer, but I know that Verdigris junior Emily Hahn has to be among the best players in 4A, if not the state.

She dominated against a very stout Heritage Hall defense en route to a 4-0 win for the Cardinals at Heritage Hall on Tuesday night in the semifinals.

Hahn had a great chance in the first half but couldn’t come through. However, within the first two minutes of the second half, she had an open net and rifled it in. The Cardinals scored three goals in less than 13 minutes to ice the match.

It was a big win for Verdigris (obviously), ranked No. 1 in the state. Verdigris plays sixth-ranked Sequoyah-Claremore in the championship Saturday at 5 p.m. at the University of Tulsa.

Following the win, caught up with Hahn.

Well, 2A boys golf in Hinton ended a lot earlier than I thought (dominated by OCS in every way possible) so I figured why not give this whole soccer thing another attempt with Heritage Hall and Verdigris in a Class 4A girls semifinal?

Chargers had the momentum as the boys won the 3A golf championship but once the game started, Verdigris showed why it is ranked No. 1 in the class.

The Cardinals dominated the second half, scoring four goals en route to a 4-0 victory at Heritage Hall to advance to Saturday’s championship.

Heritage had one real good scoring opportunity as Alex Hickey rifled a shot that bounced up on GK Abby Hahn, hit the post and trickled harmlessly out of play with 28 minutes left in the first half.

From that point on, it was all Cardinals, and more specifically, junior Emily Hahn. She controlled the game throughout and gave her team a number of great chances though Verdigris couldn’t capitalize.

One of those was a great stop by Heritage’s Meridith Harris to bail out GK Vandrea Davis with nine minutes left in the first half.

We were scoreless through the first, but it would take Hahn less than two minutes to find the net in the second half.

I had a lot of time and a wide open net. I wanted to make sure I just got it in because I had a chance in the first half, and I didn’t make it.” – Hahn

The Cardinals would score three goals in 13 minutes as Mallary Schaub also put one in.

Heritage attempted to mount a comeback, but GK Abby Hahn was up to the challenge and stopped Alex Hickey’s penalty kick attempt.

Brooke Bogert had a header that was denied by a Verdigris defender and that pretty much deflated the Chargers from that point on.

The Chargers end the year at 12-3, and I was impressed with a couple of girls. Hickey was outstanding while Katie Portman has a motor that just doesn’t stop.

Taylor McNeil was injured and tried gamely to come back in the second half for Heritage, but it just wasn’t her or her team’s night.

Look for a video with Emily Hahn on NewsOK on Wednesday.

Verdigris 4, Heritage Hall 0
Verdigris – 0-4-4
Heritage – 0-0-0
Emily Hahn, Mallary Schaub, Own Goal, Lexie LaValley.

Individuals and teams have begun to tee off, though they’re going off No. 10 this morning, rather than No. 1. That decision was made to allow a little extra time for the grounds crew to get holes 5-8 cleared off after some trees were uprooted by the tornado on Monday. 

Again, the team race is led by Edmond North, with Edmond Santa Fe four back and Norman North six back. Edmond Memorial’s Taylor Moore leads the individual competition after shooting a 2-under 70. Edmond North’s Austen Fuller is a stroke back, and there’s a group of eight guys within five shots.

Most of the leaders have yet to hit the course today, other than individuals Dillion Mooreland of Shawnee, who shot 74 on Monday, as well as Jack Fiscus of Bixby and Kyle Raberding of Norman, both of whom shot 75.

The decision to wipe out between eight and 17 holes played by the entire field on Monday is a little confusing, but that was the decision made.

From a drama perspective, the unfortunate part about Tuesday’s alterations is the move to tee off on No. 10 instead of No. 1. Unlike the choice to erase the second round, this decision couldn’t be avoided without further delaying the tournament, but the 18th would have been a fun finishing hole. No. 18 is a par 5 with sand traps impacting the tee shot. Accuracy is necessary on the second shot to set up a clear look at the green, which lies over a creek to the left of the fairway.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Edmond North is off to a good start in its Class 6A state golf championship defense on Monday at the Jimmie Austin OU Golf Course. The five-time defending champs shot a first-round 301 for a four-stroke lead over Edmond Santa Fe. Host Norman North is six back.

Edmond Memorial’s Taylor Moore finished his first round with a 2-under-par 70, one of two golfers under par in the opening round. The other was Edmond North’s Austen Fuller at 71.

Santa Fe’s Cody Reed and Norman North’s Bryce Barnard came in at 73; Tate Williamson, the No. 5 man from Broken Arrow, shot 74, along with Norman North’s Jett Johnson and Shawnee’s Dillion Mooreland, who is playing as an individual. At 75 were Broken Arrow’s Brent Williamson, Edmond North’s Alec Heinen 75, Bixby’s Jack Fiscus and Norman’s Kyle Raberding 75.

Everyone will play between 19 and 28 holes on Tuesday, with the first groups reaching No. 18 in the second round before play was halted. The last group was on the No. 9 tee.

The damage to holes 5-8 could impact play. About one-fourth of the groups still have all or some of those holes to play, because they started their rounds on No. 10.

There was a large tree uprooted on No. 7, which could change the thought process of how a player attacks the hole. Talking to some of the players, the tree prevents many players from hitting driver off the tee, because you need an accurate tee shot to have an open look at the green. Anything on the left side of the fairway was trouble. But without that tree, the hole becomes easier… basically a fairly open, straight par 4, and one of the shorter ones on the course.

But whether or not the Jimmie Austin folks can get the tree removed from the course in time for Tuesday’s action is questionable. That’s not an easy chore, so we’ll have to see what it looks like when everyone returns to the course on Tuesday morning.

Here are the team scores through the first round:

1. Edmond North 301
2. Edmond Santa Fe 305
3. Norman North 307
4. Edmond Memorial 310
5. Tulsa Union 312
6. Broken Arrow 313
7. Bartlesville 315
8. Jenks 318
T9. Putnam City North 321
T9. Stillwater 321
11. Owasso 325
12. Choctaw 326

And here’s the updated first-round individual scoring:

Top Individuals
70 — Taylor Moore, Edmond Memorial
71 — Austen Fuller, Edmond North
73 — Cody Reed, Edmond Santa Fe; Bryce Barnard, Norman North
74 — Dillion Mooreland, Shawnee; Tate Williamson, Broken Arrow; Jett Johnson, Norman North
75 — Brent Williamson, Broken Arrow; Alec Heinen, Edmond North; Jack Fiscus, Bixby; Kyle Raberding, Norman

Others
Edmond North: Eli Armstrong 77, Chase Griggs 78, Caleb Meyers 79
Edmond Santa Fe: Matt Helms 77, Landon Morgan 77, Max McGreevy 78, Brandon Stewart 78
Norman North: Drew Wright 80, Alex Newell 80, Matt Krutz 80
Edmond Memorial: Rex Greene 78, Mason Wright 81, Connor Kurtz 81. Bobby Todd 85
Tulsa Union: Bobby Goben 76, Garrett Hagood 77, Brodie Hinkle 78, Ryan Allen 81, Brady Richardson 89
Broken Arrow: Julian Rom 80, Sam Greenleaf 84, Nathan Swisher 88
Bartlesville: Brad Hager 78, Brandon Wong 78, Braxton Clopp 79, Josh Strimple 80, Clint Jones 81
Jenks: Colton Staggs 77, Brandon Jelley 79, Aaron Davis 81, Will McDonald 81, Hunter Miller 82
Putnam City North: Zach Tucker 76, Tripp Walcher 76, Sawyer McKaughan 84, Conrad Walcher 85, Terry Wiles 89
Stillwater: Tyler Grantham 76, Taylor Onley 76, Parker Dolezal 80, Skyler Patton 89, Brice Clark 91
Owasso: Zach Enzbrenner 79, Austin Clark 80, Ryan Hunninghake 81, Brad Kershaw 85, Cole Morgan 86
Choctaw: Drew Posada 77, Luke Fesner 80, Hunter Eisenhour 83, Heath Vessels 86, Taylor Gossett 93
Lawton: Russell Cozad 79
Lawton Eisenhower: Cullen Stahl 83, Tyler Jimenez 88
Moore: Ryan Harris 84
Muskogee: Stephen Allen 81
Sand Springs: Cole Stephenson 90
Sapulpa: Brody Moses 79
Southmoore: Iain Tesney 86
Westmoore: Garrett Cooley 83, Cory Montgomery 85
Yukon: Adam Cooper 79

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

I’m a fish out of water out on the golf course, but you can’t say the same for Chouteau-Mazie’s Tressa Brumley. She entered the final round with a one shot lead but was dynamite in the final round.

A front nine of 34 put her in position to win the title for the second year in a row, which she did by six strokes at Sugar Creek Canyon.

For more on Brumley, here ya go.

Following the win, I caught up with the Central Oklahoma signee to talk about her championship and her future plans.

I’ve been the softball guru here the last three years and Dewar is a team that is always on that bracket. Always expected to play well, but then they would falter.

So this year, seeing Dewar once again, didn’t give the Dragons much of a shot. Especially considering they were playing top-ranked Fletcher in the first round.

Ha, shows what I know. Dewar was impressive in its first two wins and showed good heart and poise in beating Barnsdall 8-5 to win its first state championship.

For more on Dewar’s state championship, go here.

Caught up with Whitney Jefferson for a short video following the momentous victory.

Former Guthrie star Donte’ Foster has decided to make a switch again.

About 10 months after deciding to forego walking on to Oklahoma State’s football team in favor of playing basketball at Seminole State, Foster is heading back to football.

Foster signed earlier this week with Ohio, where he’ll have four years of eligibility with Frank Solich’s team.

“On the field, Donte’ will be a big addition to our wide receiver corps and he’s also proven to be an exemplary individual off the field as well,” Solich said. “We’re very excited to have Donte’ in Athens and we think he has a tremendous future here.”

Foster was all-state in both football and basketball at Guthrie, racking up 80 catches for 1,408 yards and 25 touchdowns during his last two seasons with the Bluejays.

He gained national recognition after hitting a shot in the Carl Albert tournament as a senior that made its way to ESPN.

At Seminole, Foster averaged 12.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.8 assists, helping the Trojans to the Region II finals.

Donte’ Foster’s buzzer-beating shot

Donte’ Foster’s one-handed catch vs. McGuinness

The girls team finished a 39-7 season with a third-place finish. Gillian Foster and Elisabeth Daniels each garnered All-American honors.

The boys team, which finished at 28-18, had Jed Graham and Andrew Bollinger named All-American.

One notable effect from the change to Saturday rather than Friday for the meet was a drop in fan attendance and athlete participation. In talking to some athletes and coaches, there were a lot of kids gone taking the ACT, and several schools held their prom on Saturday, so some kids chose that over track. I have absolutely no basis for this, only a gut feeling, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it go back to Friday next spring.

Anyway, on to the performances. Some of the following has appeared in the newspaper, some if it hasn’t, but all of it was entertaining:

Southmoore blazes to relay, wins team title 

From a coach’s perspective, Southmoore’s boys 400-meter relay run was slowed by a bad start and two poor baton handoffs. On the clock, it was almost a state record.

The team of Julian Wilson, D’Vante Henry, Ethan Baker and Derek Serowski logged a time of 41.10 to win the event, only a fraction off the state record time of 40.96, which is held by Lawton MacArthur’s 1983 state championship relay team.

The SaberCats only earned gold in two other events — taking the top two spots in the 100-meter and 200-meter runs — but that was good enough for 76 team points and a one-point win over Edmond Memorial in the Division 1 boys competition at the John Jacobs High School Track Invitational Saturday at the University of Oklahoma.

John Marshall won less dramatically in Division 2 boys with 138 points, 63 points better than second-place Ada.

The Bears won gold in the 800 and 1,600 relays. Emmanuel Denson won the 300 hurdles and the Bears swept the top three spots in the 400, led by Elijah Gill’s winning time of 50.86.

Piedmont girls seeking repeat

With only seven girls who qualified for the Class 4A state meet last year, Piedmont still found a way to win. Five of those athletes are back this season, and Trinity Johnson’s team is looking for another title.

The 4A girls field is deep, with teams like Douglass, Seminole and last year’s runner-up, Madill. But the Lady Wildcats are off to a good start, winning Division 2 Saturday by 40 points, despite it being just their third meet of the year.

“A lot of things have to happen to win state, but with the girls we have, we should be in the hunt,” Johnson said. “We’ve got a good mixture of sprint and distance runners.”

And they got a boost from Madison Berryman, who won the Division 2 long jump Saturday at 17-0 ¾ in her first meet of the year. She missed the first two while participating with the tennis team. Sarah Peoples (200 meters), Megan Fuller (300 hurdles) and Jori Davis (1,600) all won events and Piedmont took gold in the 800 relay.

Tulsa Union dominated girls’ Division 1 with a 70-point victory, winning in five individual runs and three relays.

‘Eventful day’ for Guthrie’s Robinson

At a typical meet, Emmanuel Robinson would run a leg of the 400-meter relay, but none of the other three sprinters attended Saturday’s event. They were back in Guthrie preparing for prom Saturday night.

“I figured I’d come here, get a few races in, then go to prom,” Robinson said. “This is one of the meets where you see where everybody is, so I wanted to see where I stood.

“It’s an eventful day.”

And a successful one, too. Robinson clocked the best time of any runner in the 110-meter hurdles at 14.46 seconds and won the 100 in Division 2 (Class 5A and below) at 10.97. He didn’t run the 300 hurdles — usually his third individual race — but finished second in the 200, an event he generally doesn’t compete in.

“The 200 is really more like a good workout,” he said. “It helps me in the 100.” 

Battle developing in boys’ 400 meters

Just a sophomore, Edmond Memorial’s Isaiah Duke has won the 400 meters at national junior track meets, but he’s got a battle on his hands if he’s going to win it at state this year.

On Saturday, Duke ran a personal best time of 47.73 seconds, diving over the line just ahead of Southmoore’s Ethan Baker at 47.75.

Both times were better than anything that’s been recorded at a Class 6A meet this season.

“That was a great race,” Memorial coach Chris Lowrey said. “Those two guys will see each other a couple more times, at conference and probably at state.”

Depth carries John Marshall boys

John Marshall’s biggest advantage in Class 4A boys track isn’t just its talent, but the wealth of talent, particularly in the sprints.

Competing in Division 2 (Class 5A and below), the Bears won two of the three relays at the John Jacobs Invitational Saturday, which will be a key in their pursuit of a state title.

The Bears are led by Emmanuel Denson, Miles Jackson and Elijah Gill, all of whom contribute in sprints and relays.

“If you get the big points in the relays, that sets you up,” coach Marvin Dantzler said. “We’ve got some depth. We’re strong in the shot put, the hurdles and the relays. We feel pretty confident with our depth. Our concern right now is staying healthy.”

Helker wins again

Edmond North’s Hannah Helker continues to dominate the 800, winning it again to break up the gold-medal run of Tulsa Union, which won every open run except the 800 and all but one relay.

Del City’s Johnson sweeps hurdles

He only gets to spend about two hours a week practicing on a track while Del City lays a new track surface, but Airick Johnson still found a way to succeed Saturday, winning both the 110 and 300 hurdles in the 6A division.

Because of his limited practice time, Johnson says he uses meets for extra practice to work on his technique, which is vitally important in the hurdles.

Yukon makes most of trip

Coming off two straight team victories at Putnam City and its own meet in Yukon, the Millers didn’t send a full squad to the John Jacobs, but they made their performances count.

Yukon’s Tanner Ramsey (14 feet) and Ethan Coughlan (13-6) took the top two spots in the pole vault. And junior Kollin Retter competed in the 110 and 300 hurdles, scoring points with a fifth-place finish in the 300.

Memorial’s Sammons comes through with big throws

The fact that Edmond Memorial’s Chase Sammons finished second in the discus was pretty shocking, considering his throw of 174 feet, 10 inches was 12 feet farther than any 6A boy had thrown all season. Devin Randall of Bartlesville edged him by 1 foot, 8 inches to win gold, but Sammons turned in a strong all-around performance, also finishing third in the shot put.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

All three Edmond teams were there, along with teams from Carl Albert, Oklahoma Christian and a few other top programs.

I mentioned in Monday’s paper that Norman North would get another shot at Edmond North, as both are among the state’s top teams, but I found out shortly after arriving at the course Tuesday morning that the Timberwolves only took their junior varsity. So their next shot at the Huskies will be next Monday at a 36-hole event in Enid.

Carl Albert’s Talor Gooch shot a 1-over-par 71 Tuesday to win by a stroke over Edmond Memorial’s Taylor Moore and Casady’s John Ratliff. Gooch has played two tournaments this spring and the Oklahoma State signee has won them both.

Five other golfers had 75 or better on Tuesday, which was pretty impressive with the crazy wind blowing across the course, as well as the slick greens.

Edmond North edged Memorial by three shots for the team title, followed by Edmond Santa Fe.

Putnam City North and Yukon each had strong team outings, finishing at 315 and 316 respectively. Yukon won its first tournament of the year before spring break, and PC North had a little bit slower start, but both look to have some solid golfers.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Most Valuable Player: Elizabeth Donohoe, Edmond North
Offensive Player of the Year: Courtney Walker, Edmond Santa Fe
Defensive Player of the Year: LaShawn Jones, Putnam City
Newcomer of the Year: Sydney Wyatt, Choctaw
Coach of the Year: Paul Bass, Edmond Santa Fe

First Team
Elizabeth Donohoe, Edmond North
Courtney Walker, Edmond Santa Fe
Michelle Fisher, Mustang
Jimi Blagowsky, Edmond Santa Fe
LaShawn Jones, Putnam City

Second Team
Layton Hurley, Choctaw
Porsche Young, Putnam City
TaNita Dewberry, Edmond North
Laila Sulieman, Yukon
Danielle Bounds, Putnam City West

Third Team
Kendrea Harbert, Putnam City North
Anna Kimsey, Edmond North
Nikki Woodard, Mustang
Arielle Cooper, Edmond Santa Fe
Arianne Hunter, Putnam City North

Toss in Putnam City North and Mustang, two of the hotter teams toward the end of the year, as well as Choctaw, which hovered around the top 15 much of the year, and the conference was pretty stacked. Yukon and Edmond North weren’t exactly slouches, either, but their records reflected the difficulty of playing in the MAC.

Anyway, on to the honors, led by Tyler Neal of Putnam City West as MVP. Here’s the full list:

Metro Athletic Conference Postseason Awards

Most Valuable Player: Tyler Neal, Putnam City West
Offensive Player of the Year: Amric Fields, Putnam City West
Co-Defensive Players of the Year: Tre Payne, Putnam City, and Mahlon Jones, Edmond Santa Fe
Newcomer of the Year: Daniel Emesiani, Edmond North
Coach of the Year: Shawn Schenk, Edmond Santa Fe

First Team
Amric Fields, PC West
Josh Richardson, Edmond Sant Fe
Dominique Raney, PC
Kyle Morton, Choctaw
Brian Brown, PC
Daniel Emesiani, Edmond North

Second Team
Armon Provo, PC North
Devin Harris, PC North
Tre Payne, PC
David Glidden, Mustang
Mark Florie, Choctaw

Third Team
Mike Menzel, Edmond North
Mahlon Jones, Edmond Santa Fe
Kyndall Dudley, PC West
Joe Summers, PC North
Drew Hall, Edmond Santa Fe

Honorable Mention
Josiah Campbell, PC West
Matt Burton, Yukon
Jacinto Biorato, Mustang
Jacob Strassle, Mustang
Deonte Samilton, Choctaw
Hunter Gibson, PC

During the season, the Power Poll was about ranking the best teams, not about predicting the state champions. This poll is about ranking the best teams, not rewarding the state champions. They got a gold ball and they get to spend the next 12 months being called state champs. If that’s not reward enough, I’m afraid can’t help you here.

Let’s get to it:

1. Douglass, 4A: The Trojans are 30-0 and might be on their way to 60-0. They might not have gone undefeated against a schedule like Putnam City or Edmond Memorial played, but they’re good. Really good. And they’ll only get better. With all the tools they have, there’s no ceiling for this team next year.

2. Putnam City, 6A: In mid-February, the Pirates finally found themselves and started playing together, which made all the difference. They won their last 10 games, defeating the two teams that accounted for all four of their losses.

3. Midwest City, 6A: Nobody was playing better than the Bombers during the playoffs, but shots didn’t fall in the title game. The defense they play is as tough as anyone, and they have a good group of returning players for next season, including the Colbert twins.

4. Putnam City West, 6A: Over the course of a full season, I think PC West is a better team than Midwest City, because Tyler Neal and Amric Fields are good enough to have an off night and still beat most teams. That said, the Pats weren’t the same team after Neal’s second ankle injury. His outside shot never returned to form and things seemed out of sync for the whole team. And a head-to-head matchup with MWC is a disaster, because it the Bombers are too strong and athletic at guard, particularly with their trapping and defensive pressure.

5. Edmond Santa Fe, 6A: The Wolves might have peaked too early, or maybe they were a victim of their schedule, playing all their tough opponents at home first, then going on the road for those games late in the season. Their guard play was solid and they were good enough inside to mask the fact that they didn’t have a lot of size.

6. Tulsa Memorial, 5A: Like I said, all games created equal. The Chargers, with their athletic guards and 6-foot-9 Cameron Downing in the middle, were the best team in 5A, despite the finals loss to Tulsa Washington. They beat the Hornets three times before that, and beating someone four times in a season is darn tough, a fact PC West will agree with.

7. Edmond Memorial, 6A: This team lingered in the back half of the top 10 most of the season after a strong start, and they got the job done on the east side, reaching the state tournament, nearly knocking off the eventual runner-up, Midwest City, in the first round. The Bulldogs never really had those eye-catching wins, but they didn’t draw attention with bad losses either. They were just solid all year, and they only started one senior, so they’ll be back next year.

8. Tulsa East Central, 5A: What, another team that lost to Tulsa Washington ranked ahead of the Hornets? Yes, Washington had four losses in the final month of the season. Sure, they avenged two of those in the semifinals and finals, but over the course of the season, East Central was a better team. Damion Hooks was very impressive at state, despite the Cards losing in the semifinals.

Rounding out the top 15: Tusla Washington (5A), McGuinness (4A), Woodward (4A), Muskogee (6A), Norman North (6A), Star Spencer (4A), Western Heights (5A).

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Everybody goes to the state tournament believing they can win the championship. But even Piedmont’s Brantley Pyle had to be pretty shocked with his victory.

The Wildcat senior had never qualified for state before and somehow found a way as a senior. Pyle was one of four Piedmont wrestlers to qualify for state.

He quietly goes unnoticed and makes the championship at 135 pounds against Tuttle’s Dallas Gracey. From the get go, Pyle was extremely aggressive.

Pyle took the early and lead and then scored an escape to make it 5-4 early in the third. He could hardly contain his excitement, but he held on to become only the second champ ever from Piedmont, joining 2000 heavyweight Dustin Gilles.

Here is a short video of his win (minus audio because I’m an idiot).

On Friday night, he wasn’t watching MTV. He was watching basketball. And so was MTV.

Capel and an MTV camera crew — not together — were at the Putnam City West gym. Capel was there watching PC West’s Tyler Neal, the yet uncommitted 6-foot-6 swingman, who scored 22 points despite some rust on his usually smooth jumper after missing the last three games with an ankle injury.

The 6-foot-9 Amric Fields flashed some of the astounding athleticism that earned him a scholarship to TCU, where he signed before the season. He had 22 points as well, including a few high-flying, two-handed slams and a couple 3-pointers. PC West rolled into the second round of the playoffs with an  82-56 win over Moore.

More on Neal in a moment, but Capel missed the more entertaining game of the night, Mustang’s 49-43 win over Choctaw. Of course, there wasn’t much reason for him to be there, unless he’s helping Bob Stoops wtih his scouting of recent OSU football commit David Glidden of Mustang.

MTV was on hand for the Broncos and Yellowjackets, though they weren’t shooting much game action. Their crew has been at PC West much of the week for a show detailing the lives of high school students at several locations across the country. The network had to get special permission from the OSSAA shoot during the game, it had to have all the players sign waivers, and it put up a big sign outside the entrance to the gym warning fans that they could end up on camera.

The game itself was a wild one, featuring two of the more athletic point guards around, Glidden and Choctaw’s Mark Florie. It was a fun battle to watch all night.

Mustang seemed to be ready to dominate the game, but saw a 12-point, third-quarter lead slip away as Choctaw went up by five with about three minutes left.

But Jacinto Biorato hit a clutch 3-pointer from the corner, Jacob Strassle and Glidden converted some key free throws and Ben Berry came through with a couple big baskets as Mustang closed the game on a 12-1 run.

Now Mustang will try to pull off the same upset from two weeks ago against PC West. Mustang knows what it needs to do, but the Patriots are extremely motivated because of the 91-88 double-OT loss to the Broncos on Feb. 12.

Back to Neal, he held off from committing or signing anywhere in November for this very reason — to try to improve his stock and land an offer from a big program. There’s no offer yet from OU, but there’s interest.

Before the season, Neal was being recruited by programs like Oral Roberts and TCU. Since then, he says he’s picked up a couple more offers, but declined to name the schools. He told me in November that he wanted to wait until the season ended to really get deep into his recruitment, and that’s why he didn’t want to discuss his offers publicly — it’s the playoffs and he wants to win a state title. He wants to keep the focus on his team and its goals.

Qualities like that would make him a good fit at OU — his team-first attitude, his work ethic and his good behavior. He’s the kind of kid that pulls a team together rather than driving it apart. Besides that, he’s got decent size, he rebounds well and his shooting range is limitless.

At 6-foot-6, Neal might not be the ideal size to play the four in the Big 12, but Capel has made it work with guys like Nate Carter and Taylor Griffin. And Neal has a better outside shot than either of them did, which is a weapon Capel really likes to have in a big guy to stretch defenses.

There’s no doubt Neal has plenty to offer, but wherever he goes, he hopes he’s taking a state championship ring with him. And that’s his only focus right now.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

FOOTBALL
Henry Alexander, Ardmore (SEOSU)
Jake Alexander, Jenks (Tulsa)
Jamaal Allen, Lawton (SNU)
Joe Alston, Berryhill (NSU)
Daryn Alves, Durant (NSU)
Gerard Anderson, Tulsa Central (NEO)
Matthew Anderson, Sand Springs (Pittsburg State)
Joe Aska, Edmond North (Garden City)
Brad Avery, Madill (SWOSU)
David Balenseifen, Mustang/NEO (SNU)
Tyler Barnes, Enid (SNU)
Calvin Barnett, Tulsa Washington (Arkansas)
Josh Barrett, Wayne (SNU)
Skylar Bartlett, Ringling (SNU)
Jason Bear, Stillwater (SNU)
Eric Bennett, Tulsa Washington (Arkansas)
Que’Shaun Bennett, Enid (NWOSU)
Matt Berrey, Purcell/NEO (ECU)
Ken Berry, John Marshall (ECU)
Ethan Biddy, Tuttle (Air Force)
Michael Billingsley, Southeast/NEO (Nichols State)
Qumain Black, Ada (NEO)
Kenyad Blair, Northeast/NEO (Nichols State)
Kenneth Blake, Davis (ECU)
Mason Blake, Lindsay (NWOSU)
Rhett Blundell, Kingfisher (NWOSU)
Brenton Bogar, Muskogee (Tulsa/NEO)
Hunter Bohannan, Yukon (Southwestern, Kan.)
Zach Boren, Southmoore (NEO)
Austin Brasher, Edmond North (BYU)*
Julian Brockington, Del City (NEO)
D’Juan Brooks, Edmond Memorial (NEO)
Brenden Brown, Norman North (ECU)
LaBron Brown, Southmoore (NEO)
Jon Bullock, Broken Arrow (UCO)
Jeremy Burton, Muskogee (La.-Monroe)
Justin Butterfield, Bartlesville (NSU)
Troy Buffington, Southmoore (SNU)
Tate Byers, Tulsa Kelley (Washington, St. Louis)
Colton Byford, Edmond North (UCO)
Irvin Caldwell, Star Spencer (NEO)
Chris Campbell, Enid (NWOSU)
Nick Canavan, Norman North (Missouri State)
Michael Cane, Okmulgee (ECU)
Chance Carey, McAlester (ECU)
Londre Carson, Muskogee (NEO)
Luke Chalfant, Hinton (SWOSU)
Mark Chestnut, Miami/NEO/OSU (Pittsburg State)
Keldin Choate, Shawnee (ECU)
Chris Clark, Moore (NWOSU)
Arthola Clarke, John Marshall (NWOSU)
Colton Cline, Norman North (Sam Houston State)
Alex Cochran, Broken Arrow (SWOSU)
Demarco Cobbs, Tulsa Central (Texas)
Aaron Colvin, Owasso (OU)
Tuswani Copeland, Lawton MacArthur (Baylor)
Jacoby Crowley, Lawton Eisenhower (SEOSU)
Nathan Crownover, Del City/NEO (SNU)
Dakota Crumbie, Tulsa Washington (ECU)
Clayton Cunningham, Ringwood (NWOSU)
Roper Cunningham, Waynoka (NWOSU)
Steven Daniels, Tulsa East Central (UCO)
Robert Dansby, Tulsa Memorial (McPherson)
Nolan Davenport, Seminole (Southwestern, Kan.)
Dakota Davis, Broken Arrow (SWOSU)
Dalton Davis, Tulsa Union (SNU)
Niko Davis, Millwood (NEO)
Ryan Day, Tulsa Union (SNU)
Johnny Deaton, Sand Springs (OSU)
Gregory DeLozier, Seq. Claremore (Pittsburg State)
Terrance Dixon, Sand Springs (NSU)
Colton Dost, Tulsa Union (Western Kentucky)
Joe Dowdell, Tulsa Kelley (Dartmouth)
Brandon Downing, Edmond North (Washburn)
Alex Dowty, Mustang (Washburn)
Dalton Duckett, Tulsa Union (NSU)
Stephen Eastham, Dewey (NEO)
Bryce Ebbs, Vinita (NEO)
Cole Eddy, Midwest City (UCO)
Jordan Edwards, Washington (NEO)
Brandon Elmore, Blanchard/Coffeyville (SWOSU)
Josh Engert, Nowata (NEO)
B.J. Evans, Tulsa Union (Garden City)
Ryan Feller, Altus (SWOSU)
Darryl Fields, Madill (SMU)
Aaron Fisher, Tulsa Central (Ga. Southern)
Drew Fischer, Timberlake (NWOSU)
Blake Fogle, Caney Valley (NWOSU)
Kevin Forbes, Douglass (Langston)
Adam Ford, Broken Arrow (NEO)
Teontez Fortune, Douglass (Langston)
Donnie Fuston, Enid (NEO)
Ruben Gaines, Muskogee (UCO)
Eric Gardner, Lone Grove (ECU)
Jake Garrett, Tuttle (SNU)
Courtney Gaston, Fort Gibson (Arkansas)
Blake Gatewood, Edmond North (UCO)
Kimes Gilbert, Southmoore (SWOSU)
Jaimon Gilstrap, Tulsa East Central (NSU)
Zakk Gipson, Pryor (NWOSU)
Cord Gothard, Velma-Alma (SWOSU)
Gimo Grace, Tulsa East Central (Emporia State)
Bob Graham, Jenks (Iowa State)
Cale Grauer, Lincoln Christian (Mo. Western)
Delans Griffin, Clinton (Texas Tech)
Logan Grinstead, Sulphur (UCO)
Colby Hager, Sayre (NWOSU)
Justin Harmon-Brewer, Edmond Santa Fe (SNU)
Rowdy Harper, Broken Arrow (Houston)
Demantre Harris, Del City (Garden City)
Devante Harris, Duncan (SEOSU)
Halston Harris, Marlow (SEOSU)
Michael Harris, Edmond Santa Fe (Washburn)
Austin Haywood, Southmoore (OU)
Haden Hedges, Pioneer (SNU)
Alec Henry, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Trayvon Henry, Millwood (Butler County)
Aries Herrion, Tulsa Washington (Pittsburg State)
Rylan Hess, Metro Christian (Colo. School of Mines)
Steven Hopper, Broken Arrow (Vian)
Brett Horn, Waynoka (NWOSU)
J.J. Hugine, Del City (New Mexico)
Caleb Hulva, Enid (SNU)
Chris Hummingbird, Seq. Tahlequah (NEO)
Dalton Hunter, Maysville (ECU)
Derrick Hurst, Millwood (NWOSU)
Taylor Inman, Seq. Claremore (SWOSU)
Bronson Irwin, Mustang (OU)
Royal Isokariari, Tulsa Memorial (McPherson)
Rico Ivy, Douglass (Langston)
Miles Jackson, John Marshall (ECU)
Aaron James, Douglass (UCO)
Ethan James, Gore (NSU)
Franky Jamison, Star Spencer (NEO)
Antonio Jenkins, Putnam North (NEO)
Dewitt Jennings, Bixby (Tulsa)
Kenny Johnson, Weatherford (SWOSU)
Jace Johnson, Bethel/ECU (SWOSU)
Tyler Johnson, Berryhill (NEO)
Willie Johnson, Tulsa Memorial (NEO)
Dominque Jones, Midwest City (Baylor)
Emmitt Jones, Star Spencer (NEO)
Gus Jones, Wagoner/OU (NSU)
Brendon Jordan, John Marshall (NEO)
Jordan Karriman, Grove/NEO (La.-Monroe)
Jacob Keller, Tulsa Union (La.-Monroe)
Jake Kelley, Beggs (Peru State)
Brandon Keplinger, Watonga (NWOSU)
Kyle Keplinger, Watonga (NWOSU)
Johnny Ketterman, Timberlake (NEO)
Drake Keys, Skiatook (SWOSU)
Chris King, Jenks (UCO)
Cecil Kirkendoll, Clinton (SWOSU)
Jarrett Lake, Jenks (Arkansas)
Alex Land, Edmond Santa Fe (Weber State)
Ricky Lawyer, Edmond North (NEO)
Justin Lepley, Seq. Tahlequah (NEO)
Chris Littlehead, Seq. Tahlequah (OSU)
David Lore, Jenks (Air Force)
Matt Luetjen, Hennessey (Army)
Randy Mack, Edmond Santa Fe (Washburn)
Tyler Mackey, Afton (NEO)
Dalton Mahoney, Alva (NWOSU)
Mike Major, Tulsa Kelley (Princeton)
George Mallett, Southmoore (SNU)
Beau Marsaln, Metro Christian (NEO)
Dominique Massengil, Lawton (ECU)
Mason Mathews, Yukon (Mid-America Nazarene)
Ty Matthews, Choctaw (SNU)
Chris McAlister, Del City (Central Arkansas)
Ryan McCaul, Moore/NEO (La.-Monroe)
Shawn McIntosh, Lawton MacArthur (SNU)
Nelson Medeiros, Edmond Memorial (Fort Hays State)
Ryan Merrill, Cordell (NWOSU)
Clifton Miller, Atoka (SEOSU)
Lucas Miller, Capitol Hill (NEO)
Brian Mills, Edmond Santa Fe (Princeton)
Corey Mitchell, Douglass (Weber State)
Deonte Morris, Tulsa Union (Tulsa/NEO)
Cory Mosely, Midwest City (Hutchinson)
Cole Mount, Deer Creek (Washburn)
Mason Myers, Southmoore (Colorado State)
Cody Nall, Ardmore (ECU)
Josh Napper, Lawton Eisenhower (SEOSU)
Carlos Nazario, Lawton (ECU)
Nic Nealy, Douglass (Grambling State)
Marco Nelson, Glenpool (Tulsa)
Chase Neuman, Dewey (SWOSU)
Jordan Newby, Southmoore (SNU)
Tanner Newby, Enid (NEO)
Justin Nole, Washington (SNU)
Alex Oden, Victory Christian (NEO)
Terence Olds, Star Spencer (NEO)
Cade Oller, Billings (NWOSU)
Tyler Ott, Jenks (Harvard)
Johnny Pack, Seminole (Southwestern, Kan.)
Dustin Parks, Waukomis (NWOSU)
Chris Patterson, McAlester (NEO)
Chris Peoples, Vian (SEOSU)
Richard Peoples, Norman North (ECU)
Gordon Perry, Weatherford (SWOSU)
Brandon Piercy, Muskogee (NEO)
Tre Porter, Carl Albert (Texas Tech)
Zac Powell, Garber (NWOSU)
Scott Powers, Sperry/NEO (Emporia State)
Ronnie Price, Broken Arrow (NEO)
Cody Pritchard, Stroud (NWOSU)
Sonny Puletasi, Lawton (Wyoming)
Chris Ramey, Wagoner (Arkansas Tech)
Sean Reed, Shawnee (ECU)
James Renfrow, Broken Arrow (NSU)
Joel Reser, Del City (NEO)
Sean Rigney, Shawnee (ECU)
James Roberson, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Thomas Roberson, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Kevin Roberts, Madill (SWOSU)
Brady Robinson, Broken Arrow (NEO)
Howard Roebuck, Tulsa Washington (Prairie View A&M)
Carl Salazar, Broken Arrow (Air Force)
Ian Sanders, CHA (SNU)
Kale Sawatzky, Weatherford (OU)*
Austin Schultz, Chisholm (SNU)
Taylor Schuyler, Bixby (Central Arkansas)
Tye Scott, Salina (NEO)
Derek Serowski, Southmoore (UCO)
Burgess Shaw, Sand Springs (ECU)
Tyler Shaw, Edmond Santa Fe (ECU)
Lamares Shields, Del City (ECU)
Denton Simek, Prague (Arkansas)
Ethan Simpson, Claremore (Pittsburg State)
D.J. Sims, Edmond Santa Fe (ECU)
Richard Sims, Edmond North (Dordt)
Kyler Skinner, Weatherford (SWOSU)
Ryan Smith, Muskogee (NEO)
Travis Smith, Durant (NEO)
Tyler Smith, Sand Springs (Pittsburg State)
Xavier Smith, Edmond North (Missouri)
Luke Snider, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Anthony Sparks, Stillwater (NEO)
Trent Spurgeon, Owasso (Arizona)
James Stephens, Broken Arrow (UCO)
Matt Stevenson, Edmond Memorial (Baker)
P.J. Stimson, Pryor (NWOSU)
Tyler Stitt, Mustang (NWOSU)
Ray Stovall, Tulsa Washington (La.-Monroe)
Jake Streck, Kremlin-Hillsdale (NWOSU)
Ricky Streck, Kremlin-Hillsdale (NWOSU)
Casey Strate, Dewey (NEO)
Clint Strate, Dewey (NEO)
Ryan Stringer, Clinton (SWOSU)
Caleb Sullivan, Seminole (Deer Creek)
Garrett Sullivan, Deer Creek (UCO)
Jon Swanfeld, Tulsa Union (SNU)
Nyko Symonds, Southmoore (OU)*
Kwame Tate, Elgin (UCO)
Dylan Taylor, Vian (NSU)
Matthew Tingle, Putnam North (NEO)
Robert Thomas, Sulphur/Cowley County (ECU)
Andre Thompson, Douglass (Langston)
Mike Thompson, Bartlesville (Pittsburg State)
Taylor Thurman, Seq. Claremore (Haskell)
Reuben Tiller, Ardmore (ECU)
Corey Todd, Hilldale (NWOSU)
Kobey Trower, Hominy (NEO)
Zach Trujillo, Deer Creek (Kansas State)**
Hayden Vencl, Garber (NWOSU)
Eddie Venters, Muskogee (NEO)
Markell Walker, Carl Albert (ECU)
Dillion Wallace, Tulsa East Central (NEO)
Patrick Wallace, Tulsa Central (NEO)
Nick Walters, Edmond Memorial/NEO (Arkansas)*
Davis Walton, Tulsa Kelley (NEO)
Raphael Watts, Capitol Hill (NEO)
Cole Way, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Clifford Weatherford, Muskogee (NEO)
Dane Weippert, Guymon (Panhandle State)
Stanley West, Westmoore (SNU)
Scott Whitaker, Norman North (Drake)
Norris White, Douglass (Weber State)
Jameel Whitney, McGuinness (ECU)
Ryland Widener, Southmoore (Northern Colorado)
Blair Williams, Beggs (NEO)
Kyle Williams, Broken Bow (SEOSU)
James Williams, John Marshall (NEO)
Terry Williamson, Broken Arrow (UCO)
Julian Wilson, Southmoore (OU)
Roman Wilson, Lincoln Christian (Princeton)
Ray Wolber, Tulsa Kelley (Drake)
Josiah Woodard, Stillwater (SEOSU)
Jordan Woods, Kingfisher (NWOSU)
Jeff Wright, Star Spencer (Langston)
Clayton Yancy, Seminole (Southwestern, Kan.)
Collin Yeary, Norman North (NEO)

BASEBALL
Wade Ambrose, Tulsa Union (Northeast Texas CC)
Tyler Carter, Ada (NOC-Enid)
Caden Cleveland, Christian Heritage (Morehead State)
Braden Cook, Chickasha (Connors State)
Cale Coshow, Deer Creek (OU)
Casey Coyle, Putnam North (OU)
John Davenport, Jay (NOC)
Luis DeJesus, Collinsville (EOSC)
Cale Elam, Oktaha (Wichita State)
Brad Fisher, Jenks (ORU)
Jonathan Furlong, Bixby (Neosho)
Nick Goza, Collinsville (EOSC)
Jonathan Gray, Chandler (OU)
Josh Halbert, Choctaw (Wichita State)
Landon Hallam, Edmond Memorial (Seminole)
J.R. Head, Midwest City (NOC-Enid)
Mason Justice, Holland Hall (Kansas State)
Shane Kinnear, Tulsa Union (Harding)
Jordan Lopez, Edmond Santa Fe (Texas Tech)
Joe McGee, Tulsa Washington (Connors State)
Jose Olizagosti, Collinsville (Seminole)
Mitch Osburn, Broken Arrow (Seminole)
Dillon Overton, Weatherford (OU)
J.T. Realmuto, Carl Albert (OSU)
Jacob Rice, Tulsa Union (Arkansas)
Dillon Robinson, Broken Arrow (Fort Scott)
Brandon Ruiz, Yukon (NOC)
Garrett Schaede, Owasso (Neosho)
Taylor Schneeberger, Broken Arrow (Connors State)
Cayle Shambaugh, Jay (OU)
Andrew Smith, Tulsa NOAH (Coffeyville)
Tyler Smith, Kelleyville (NOC)
Logan Taylor, Jenks (Texas Tech)
Billy Waltrip, Fort Gibson (New Mexico State)
Ryan Wilson, Owasso (Seminole)
Kyle Wood, Owasso (Fort Scott)

BOYS BASKETBALL
Will Baysinger, Owasso (MIT)
Cameron Downing, Tulsa Memorial (Buffalo)
Amric Fields, Putnam West (TCU)

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Ashlie Baker, Tulsa East Central (Fort Scott)
Jimi Blagowsky, Edmond Santa Fe (Air Force)
Desiree Bradley, Carl Albert (USC)
Brenna Burnett, Dale (Palm Beach Atlantic)
Y’Cedria Devers, Bixby (Pittsburg State)
Lindsey Hammer, Seq. Tahlequah (Mercer)
Meagan Henson, CHA (TCU)
Whitney Hocutt, Claremore (NOC)
Aianne Hunter, Putnam North (Dartmouth)
Ebonie Jackson, Tulsa East Central (Friends)
Richa Jackson, Midwest City (Duke)
Kortni Kendrick, Kansas (John Brown)
Christian Key, Victory Christian (ORU)
Kalie Lucas, Harrah (Missouri Southern)
Sophia Mahmoodjanloo, Edmond Santa Fe (State Fair College)
Mylie Mayes, Carl Albert (UCO)
Jessica McCarville, Sulphur (Southwestern, Kan.)
Ashlee Pitts, Tulsa East Central (SW Baptist)
Cara Pugh, McGuinness (OCU)
Lacy Reinke, Lawton (Cameron)
Hannah Ritter, Jay (Fort Hays State)
Kendra Suttles, Lawton (OSU)
Morgan Toben, Owasso (New Mexico)
Talor Ward, Beggs (Okla. Christian)
Kala White, Claremore (Labette)

EQUESTRIAN
Kelly Bovaird, Tulsa Kelley (Kansas State)

FIELD HOCKEY
Amanda Adwon, Holland Hall (Michigan)
Maggie Brady, Holland Hall (Brown)
Lauren Hauge, Holland Hall (Michigan)
Natalie Hood, Holland Hall (St. Louis)

GOLF
Lindsey Bensch, Broken Arrow home school (UCO)
Tressa Brumley, Chouteau (UCO)
Ian Davis, Deer Creek (OSU)
Macy Douglas, Broken Arrow (SNU)
Talor Gooch, Carl Albert (OSU)
Brad Hager, Bartlesville (NSU)
Matt Helms, Edmond Santa Fe (Wichita State)
Lauren Michael, Jenks (Drury)
Taylor Neidy, Clinton (UCO)
Cody Reed, Edmond Santa Fe (NSU)
Jade Staggs, Westmoore (OSU)
Shelby Stavely, Sallisaw/Harding (NSU)
Zach Tucker, Putnam North (NSU)

GYMNASTICS
Brittany Harris, Tulsa Union (Oregon State)

ROWING
Courtaney Miller, Jenks (SMU)

SOCCER
Jennifer Abernathy, Tulsa Union (ORU)
Ashley Bechtold, Putnam North (Missouri Southern)
Bobby Behrens, Sand Springs (John Brown)
Ashlynn Betts, Jenks (William Penn)
Leah Bickers, Victory Christian (ORU)
Rochelle Bohuslavicky, Edmond Memorial (Troy)
Bailey Boulware, Mustang (OU)
Whitney Brannon, Victory Christian (ORU)
Matt Bray, Putnam North (Missouri State)
Devon Bullard, Sand Springs (Rogers State)
Corbin Campbell, Deer Creek (OBU)
Sara Chalmers, Tulsa Kelley (Abilene Christian)
Sherri Collins, Edmond North (UCO)
Madison Cook, Tulsa Union (SWOSU)
Kyle Craft, Tulsa Kelley (Notre Dame)
Natalie Crosslin, Bixby (SWOSU)
Jessica Dale, Wagoner (Neosho)
Sam Diacon, Tulsa Washington (Missouri S&T)
Sam Duininck, Summit Chr. (Liberty)
Krista Dyess, Broken Arrow (NSU)
Kelsey Godfrey, Tulsa Union (SNU)
Tyler Groh, Putnam North (Missouri State)
Austin Gross, Jenks (Memphis)
Ashley Haines, Jenks (NSU)
Drew Hall, Edmond Santa Fe (OCU)
Mary Kate Halsmer, Jenks (ORU)
Jordan Harris, Claremore (UMKC)
Hayley Harryman, Edmond North (OSU)
Garron Hayes, Tulsa Union (Rogers State)
Hailey Haynes, Seq. Claremore (Central Arkansas)
Madi Hillis, Edmond Memorial (Kansas)
Bradi Hinch, Jenks (Tulsa)
Tyrell Jackson, Tulsa Union (Rogers State)
Morgan Jones, Jenks (Mid. Tenn. St.)
Kristen Kelley, Tulsa Kelley (OSU)
Kelsey Killion, Broken Arrow (Tulsa)
Preston Langholz, Tulsa Washington (Stanford)
Logan Lax, Putnam North (OBU)
Loren LeForce, Coweta (Rogers State)
Lindsey Lofton, Skiatook (NSU)
Omar Mata, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Sally Matthews, Owasso (NSU)
Shelby Martin, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Meghan McMahon, Putnam North (OCU)
Tori Peters, Tulsa Union (Tulsa)
Amy Petrikin, Tulsa Kelley (OU)
Caitlin Phillips, Claremore (UCO)
Jessy Phillips, Bartlesville (NSU)
Kristin Pollard, Broken Arrow (Central Arkansas)
Brandon Reed, Owasso (Drury)
Stephanie Romera, Tulsa Kelley (Lipscomb)
Aubrey Roth, Tulsa Union (SWOSU)
Camille Sanders, Edmond North (OU)
Ryan Sanders, Broken Arrow (OCU)
Brianna Shamblin, Miami (Rogers State)
Jessica Sisney, Broken Arrow (Rogers State)
Dillon Stallings, Putnam North (OBU)
Alex Starrett, Tulsa Kelley (Arkansas)
Andrew Stone, Cascia Hall (St. Edward’s)
Jeremy Swift, Bixby (Rogers State)
Jenna Taylor, Bartlesville (Harding)
Alex Tiem, Broken Arrow (Rogers State)
Addie Tipton, Metro Christian (USAO)
Claire Walker, Tulsa Washington (Penn)
Carley Yates, Edmond North (OU)
Miranda Zoller, Jenks (Tulsa)

SOFTBALL
Kacey Acker, Guthrie (SNU)
Jessica Barnes, Pawhuska (Pittsburg State)
Shelby Blanton, Newcastle (Tulsa)
Kristin Blasingame, Carl Albert (Rogers State)
Page Boling, Hilldale (Connors State)
Sierra Bronkey, Edmond Santa Fe (Arkansas)
LaDarra Brown, Muskogee (Carl Albert)
Tiffany Brown, Catoosa (Pittsburg State)
Julie Brunk, Mustang (SNU)
Bailee Cartwright, Moss (Northwestern St., La.)
Tara Chatkehoodle, Tulsa Rogers (Haskell)
Jordan Clark, Muskogee (Carl Albert)
Kylee Cole, Collinsville (NEO)
Lacie Cook, Collinsville (Labette)
Aimee Creger, Mustang (Tulsa)
Morgan Deerinwater, Savanna (Carl Albert)
Kaiti Dutton, Tulsa Union (Tennessee-Chattanooga)
Hannah Edmiston, Coweta (Independence)
Allison Edwards, Duncan (Oklahoma Wesleyan)
Katie Ellington, Tulsa Kelley (NOC)
Lindy Fluman, Cleveland (NEO)
Shelby Foreman, S. Coffeyville (Coffeyville)
Dani Fox, Yukon (Washburn)
Devon Frazier, Little Axe (St. Gregory’s)
Sydney Garcia, Moore (OCU)
Shaylee Griffin, McAlester (OCU)
Sutton Halferty, Harrah (St. Gregory’s)
Meagan Hardy Fry, Checotah (Haskell)
Ashley Harper, Drumright (Carl Albert)
Haley Henshaw, Catoosa (Tulsa)
Javen Henson, Red Oak (OU)
Paige Hightower, Chickasha (Washburn)
Whitney Hocutt, Claremore (NOC)
Jordan Jones, Skiatook (Connors State)
Hannah Justus, Catoosa (UCO)
Candace Kellar, Coweta (Rogers State)
Jamie King, Tulsa Union (NEO)
Miranda Kiser, Tulsa Union (NEO)
Kayce Long, Moss (Carl Albert)
Beth Manship, Harrah (Southeastern)
Mya Mahsetky, Little Axe (NOC)
Mary Kate McKay, Madill (Angelo State)
Alex Milligan, Moore (Cameron)
Taylor Mills, Fort Gibson (Austin Peay State)
Holly Mock, Drumright (Carl Albert)
Candace Monigold, Broken Arrow (NEO)
Shelby Morose, Seq. Claremore (Concordia)
Ashlee Nation, Tulsa Union (William Jewell)
Jeneva Nelson, Frontier (Lipscomb)
Shylar Nichols, Carl Albert (USAO)
Caitlin O’Hagan, Midwest City (St. Gregory’s)
Sam Oxford, Adair (Fort Scott)
Katie Parsons, Pryor (NWOSU)
Ashley Paxton, Mustang (Okla. Christian)
Sarah Peoples, Piedmont (Okla. Christian)
Allyson Pogue, Claremoer (NEO)
Lauren Poole, Putnam North (Seminole State)
Natalie Powers, Holland Hall (Tennessee-Chattanooga)
Hillary Price, Moss (Carl Albert)
Sarah Raunikar, Coweta/Connors State (Central Baptist)
Shelbi Redfearn, Stillwater (Baylor)
Madison Reed, Muskogee (Missouri Southern)
Megan Robison, Catoosa (NEO)
Morgan Rockwell, Coweta (Rogers State)
Kylee Rounsaville, Mustang (OCU)
Meghan Russell, Bristow (Farleigh Dickinson)
Kenna Self, Madill (OBU)
Carly Skinner, Verden (UCO)
Megan Sullivan, Broken Arrow (NEO)
Cheyenne Thomas, Coweta (Labette)
Jessica Turner, Broken Arrow (Santa Clara)
Lauren Tyndall, Edmond Memorial (Northwestern, Ill.)
Tara Underhill, Henryetta (Central Arkansas)
Shelbie Wagnon, Beggs (NEO)
Brianna Walker, Rogers (Haskell)
Emily Wares, Morris (Connors State)
Hillary Weatherford, Carl Albert (Washburn)
Shelby Wheeler, Westmoore (St. Gregory’s)
Kala White, Claremore (Labette)
Hannah Wilkinson, Coweta (Rogers State)
Briana Williams, Midwest City (Western Illinois)

SWIMMING
Dakota Wheeler, Westmoore (South Dakota)

TENNIS
Brandon Champagne, Jenks (OSU)
Logon Collins, Tulsa Union (Marquette)
Ashley Coleman, Owasso (Seminole State)
Emily Conrad, McGuinness (Abilene Christian)
Casey Distaso, Edmond North (Georgetown)
Cale Hammond, Tulsa Kelley (Duke)
Mia Lancaster, McGuinness (OU)
Evan McElwain, Tulsa Washington (Cornell)
Whitney Ritchie, McGuinness (OU)
John Harry Warden, Tulsa Union (OU)
Danielle Whitehorn, Tahlequah (OU)

TRACK AND FIELD/CROSS COUNTRY
Beau Brown, Edmond Santa Fe (Bethany)
Dewayne Golbek, Claremore (Arkansas)
Jenna Griffin, Pawhuska (Southwestern, Kan.)
Rozlyn Hamilton, Idabel (Okla. Christian)
Brock Hime, Woodland (Cowley County)
Hillarie Kessler, Deer Creek (WOSC)
Michelle Marcha, Altus (Okla. Christian)
Ryan Minkley, Ardmore (Tulsa)
Erin Patterson, Tulsa Union (ORU)
Rachel Roberts, Guthrie (Harding)
Darren Ross, Edmond Memorial (Okla. Christian)
Michael Spencer, Edmond Memorial (Okla. Christian)
Emma Steele, Holland Hall (Dartmouth)
Antonio Taylor, Northwest (Okla. Christian)
James Turner, Plainview (Okla. Christian)

VOLLEYBALL
Ashley Acklin, Carl Albert (Radford)
Tyler Cockrell, Tulsa Washington (Gardner-Webb)
Jordan Cook, Broken Arrow (NOC)
Sarah Groesbeck, Jenks (SNU)
Tate Hardaker, Edmond Santa Fe (UCO)
Julie Labarthe, Heritage Hall (Quinnipiac)
Sallie McLaurin, Carl Albert (OU)
Laura Taylor, Tulsa Union (ORU)
Alyssa Wilson, Clinton (Northern Colorado)

WRESTLING
Christian Bailey, Davis (OCU)
Ronnie Balfour, Tulsa Union (OU)
Justin DeAngelis, Jenks (OU)
Greg Delk, Skiatook (OCU)
Quincy Mondaine, Muskogee (OU)
Dax Perrier, Pawhuska (OU)
Jared Porter, Carl Albert (Central Michigan)
Dustin Reed, Choctaw (OU)
*Will walk on
**Graduated last year, currently enrolled at Kansas State

Note: Districts 3, 4, 7 and 8 play Friday, Feb. 19. Districts 1, 2, 5 and 6 play Saturday, Feb. 20. Girls play at 6:30 p.m., boys play at 8 p.m.

AREA I
Dist. 1: Kingfisher at Alva
Dist. 2: Jones at St. Mary
Dist. 3: Meeker at Prague
Dist. 4: ASTEC Charter at Northeast
Dist. 5: Purcell at Riverside
Dist. 6: Lindsay at Millwood
Dist. 7: Comanche at Marlow
Dist. 8: Bridge Creek at Sulphur

AREA II
Dist. 1: Chandler at Perry
Dist. 2: SeeWorth Aca. at Bethel
Dist. 3: Centennial at Lexington
Dist. 4: Oklahoma Christian at Stroud
Dist. 5: Henryetta at Okemah
Dist. 6: Plainview at Marietta
Dist. 7: Kingston at Tishomingo
Dist. 8: Holdenville at Coalgate

AREA III
Dist. 1: Caney Valley at Pawhuska
Dist. 2: Nowata at Verdigris
Dist. 3: Victory Christian at Salina
Dist. 4: Chelsea at Adair
Dist. 5: Sperry at Cascia Hall
Dist. 6: Haskell at Beggs
Dist. 7: Kellyville at Chouteau
Dist. 8: Morris at Hartshorne

AREA IV
Dist. 1: Vian at Kansas
Dist. 2: Wilburton at Valliant
Dist. 3: Antlers at Hugo
Dist. 4: Stigler at Eufaula
Dist. 5: Colcord at Seq. Tahlequah
Dist. 6: Pocola at Panama
Dist. 7: Spiro at Heavener
Dist. 8: Westville at Keys (Park Hill)

Tuttle coach Phil Koons knows a lot about Air Force. His son Sterling is a cadet there, so he knows what Biddy is in for though he takes pride in preparing him for what lies ahead.

“It’s hard not to get choked up when you see these guys,” Koons said. “You get to know them in grade school and you watch them grow into young men. You like to think you had a part of them getting there by being so demanding. As far as the time and physical constraints we put on them it prepares them for what they’re going to experience.”

As for Biddy, he’s excited about the opportunity to play college football on the Division I level. Air Force got interested in him as a junior. He also drew interest from Southwestern, UCO and several more Division II schools. He leaves behind a strong legacy as one of the school’s best players.

“I hope I left a legacy of hard work and living by the examples God sets,” Biddy said. “I hope the guys coming up behind me can follow it.”

Special thanks to boys ‘expert’ writer Scott Wright for passing this one along.

Teams, no refs for Choctaw-Santa Fe

As Choctaw tried to build on momentum from a four-game winning streak that included winning the East Central Classic in Ada last weekend, the Yellowjackets were looking forward to Tuesday night’s home boys basketball game with new No. 1 Edmond Santa Fe.

But a scheduling mix-up led to the postponement of both the boys and girls games when no officials arrived to call the game. Junior-varsity games were played, but when teams took the court for the girls game, Choctaw administrators realized there were no referees.

Choctaw coach Doug Armstrong said the source of the oversight was unknown.

The teams hope to reschedule on a Saturday later in the season, though no date has been selected.

***

This doesn’t really hurt the Santa Fe girls, who are coming off winning the Skiatook Invitational on Monday. Santa Fe has the mega-showdown with Edmond North at home on Friday and isn’t too far off its normal schedule.

But the boys? This hurts a little. Santa Fe hasn’t played since the dramatic win against Putnam West last week. Don’t need that kind of layoff this late into the year.

The Wolves, of course, are the new No. 1 on OKRankings as well. So their first game at the top of the ladder will be against rival North. The Huskies have dropped three in a row since the big win vs. Norman North. A theme throughout this season right now for Jeff Tompkins’ club, North was in the game in the fourth quarter for all three defeats.

Guthrie may have gone through some early season struggles, but I think the Bluejays are going to be just fine here in the second half of the season.

As long as those young guards keep developing. you’ve got two legit options in Kentrell Brothers and B.J. McDonald.

And from watching McDonald, this is his team. He’s like a second coach out there. Here is a brief video with McDonald after the McGuinness Classic.

Big shot after big shot in the championship, but the defense of a familiar name paves way to victory at the McGuinness Classic.

First, the scores.

Saturday
Seventh place: NW Classen 60, Norman 57
Consolation championship: Guthrie 46, Norman North 43
Third place: Deer Creek 61, Edmond North 54
Championship: McGuinness 66, Carl Albert 58 – OT

Friday
Norman North 42, Norman 39
Guthrie 63, NW Classen 56
Carl Albert 67, Edmond North 61
McGuinness 69, Deer Creek 46

Thursday
Edmond North 63, Norman North 52
Carl Albert 64, Norman 32
McGuinness 65, Guthrie 51
Deer Creek 70, NW Classen 69 – OT

McGuinness 66, Carl Albert 58 – OT

If you saw Carl Albert’s Caleb Price’s 3 from the middle of nowhere to force overtime (at least 25 feet away), you won’t forget it anytime soon.

In.Cred.I.Ble.

But the Irish were able to gather themselves and make their free throws down the stretch in overtime for their fifth Classic title.

This game turned on one play in overtime when McGuinness senior Jameel Whitney made a thunderous block that led to a bucket and a foul for Patrick Daneshmand. The Irish got four points on the trip as CA coach Jay Price was given a technical foul.

I guess the T was the right call. I didn’t like it, but Price was pretty far on the court. It rubbed me the wrong way, though.

Offensively, it was Kevin Caruthers’ night for the Irish. He had 18 points and made four 3s, none bigger than the one that made it 52-49 before Price’s miracle bomb.

Not a lot of attention gets paid to him in the midst of all that talent, but coach Tondrell Durham knows Caruthers will have to play a big role for the team to be successful.

Fun game and the atmosphere picked up there down the stretch.

Can’t begin to explain the difference in Whitney’s game now compared to last month at the Deer Creek Festival. He looks like a basketball player again instead of a football player just trying to play.

Sophomore Joe Edmonds of McGuinness and Larry Cunningham of Carl Albert had the quietest good games you’ll see. Edmonds had 18 points and Cunningham had 16. Price had 10 points despite being blanketed almost all night.

I wrote a story about how Whitney’s block ignited the team, so look for that Sunday.

Boneman’s (and coaches) all-tournament selections: Kevin Caruthers and Joe Edmonds of McGuinness and Markell Walker and J.T. Realmuto of Carl Albert. Tournament MVP: Jameel Whitney of the Irish.

That wraps it up from Irish country. Big thanks to the McGuinness family for their great hospitality as well running an excellent tournament. Next stop: Putnam City vs. Putnam West in the PC Invitational final Monday.

Deer Creek 61, Edmond North 54

I don’t get it. I don’t get how the Huskies struggle. I think the overall MVP of the Classic was Daniel Emesiani.

Don’t know if it’s lapses in concentration or what, but North can’t seem to put it all together yet.

But give credit to the Antlers for coming back in the second half. DCreek was flat in the first half but outscored EN 41-30 in the second half.

Two reasons: Jurrell Calloway scored all 10 of his points after halftime and Garrett Hermanski stopped settling for 3s and forced the action and made his free throws.

The Antlers went on a 12-0 run spanning the 3^rd and 4^th quarters, highlighted by a 3 at the buzzer by Jalen Burnett (which I got decent video of).

The margin got as big as nine points in the fourth and the Antlers were never in any real serious danger.

Hermanski had 15 points and Burnett had 11 while Emesiani had 20 points and Mike Menzal had 15.

Boneman’s (and the coaches) all-tournament selections: Garrett Hermanski of Deer Creek and Daniel Emesiani of Edmond North.

Guthrie 46, Norman North 43

Early on thought the Bluejays were going to run away with this one. The defensive intensity was there, but NNorth fought back.

While Gary King was dominant the first two games, this game belonged to Patrick Schaefer as he led the way with 17 points.

For Guthrie, it was a balanced effort as B.J. McDonald led the way with 12 points but Devon Hall had 11 and Codee Gross had 9.

This says a lot about the talent/potential of Guthrie to do this without Kentrell Brothers. He is going to be a key cog for this team and to go 2-1 vs. this field is saying something.

The guards are maturing while you can easily see that this is McDonald’s club. He commands respect out there.

Schaefer had a chance to send the game into OT but missed a 3 at the buzzer.

Boneman’s (and coaches) all-tournament selections: Gary King of Norman North and B.J. McDonald of Guthrie.

NW Classen 60, Norman 57

In talking with NW coach Leroy Combs, he admitted it was tough for the kids to bounce back after the OT loss to Deer Creek.

But he said it was even tougher today because all you’re really playing for is pride at this juncture.

They did, though. Jamil Donovan looked like he had his legs again and T’aries Taylor showed me something in this one. Both had 17 points.

Jarrod Boersma had a big game for Norman with 23 points while Colton Coale had 16. Norman fought back and had a chance to send the game into OT but failed to get the shot off in time.

Boneman’s (and coaches) all-tournament selections: Jamil Donovan of NW Classen and Colton Coale of Norman. After watching all 12 games, I was in agreement with all the all-tournament picks.

One big performance by a role player highlights another eventful day at the 50th annual McGuinness Classic.

First, the scores.

Friday
Norman North 42, Norman 39
Guthrie 63, NW Classen 56
Carl Albert 67, Edmond North 61
McGuinness 69, Deer Creek 46

Saturday
Seventh place: Norman vs. NW Classen, 1:30 p.m.
Consolation championship: Norman North vs. Guthrie, 3 p.m.
Third place: Edmond North vs. Deer Creek, 6 p.m.
Championship: Carl Albert vs. McGuinness, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday
Edmond North 63, Norman North 52
Carl Albert 64, Norman 32
McGuinness 65, Guthrie 51
Deer Creek 70, NW Classen 69 – OT

Carl Albert 67, Edmond North 61

You know, you go into a game expecting certain names to pop up. When you’re thinking about Carl Albert, you’re not thinking about Markell Walker.

But this was his night in every way possible. He was so aggressive that it led to him having a career-high 20 points to put the Titans in the final. He was quick to loose balls, strong in driving it to the cup, outstanding effort.

Head coach Jay Price was quick to point out Walker was the difference in the game, no doubt about it.

Walker is there to provide energy. But the team was just a little flat until the fourth quarter when Walker came alive.

In fact, the energy of the entire team was crazy in the fourth quarter. The Huskies were shooting the lights out, making nine 3s in the first three quarters. In the fourth? Zero.

I think they just got tired. We started to play better defense and cut off their passing angles. It’s tough to keep up shooting that good.” – Walker

The loss spoiled another big outing by Daniel Emesiani. CA’s J.T. Realmuto and Emesiani were going at it all night. It was fun.

Emesiani had a game-high 23 points while Realmuto had 18 points.

The Huskies were in a tough spot because they were out of timeouts 2:20 left and nursing a 59-58 lead but couldn’t stop CA’s momentum.

Mike Menzal and Tyler Sanders each had 11 for the Huskies while Caleb Price had 13 and Larry Cunningham had 12 for CA.

McGuinness 69, Deer Creek 46

The Irish found a way to win when their best scorers were plagued by foul trouble, and Deer Creek just couldn’t hit anything in this one. Though it wasn’t the best game, it easily had the best atmosphere with a standing room only crowd.

McGuinness stars Jameel Whitney and Joe Edmonds each had four fouls with under five minutes left in the third quarter, but the Antlers never seized the momentum.

Zach Murphy came up big for McGuinness with 17 points, but I thought Kevin Caruthers (13) and Patrick Daneshmand (7) were just as big in turning the tide.

McGuinness coach Tondrell Durham was happy with the way his team fought when it put itself in a tough position with all the fouls. They stayed with it and didn’t panic.

Deer Creek’s Jurrell Calloway was impressive again with 16 points, but it was not a good shooting night for the Antlers.

It wasn’t Garrett Hermanski’s night. He finished with 10 points but was only 4-for-12 from the free throw line. He’ll have better nights, for sure.

Guthrie 63, NW Classen 56

Two things: Guthrie’s guard play was phenomenal in the second half, and the Knights didn’t have the legs after that tough loss to Deer Creek.

But really the story was the Bluejay guards. Sophomore Codee Gross and junior Caleb Murillo both had big games and looked more in control, more confident than what they did 24 hours earlier vs. the Irish.

Murillo led all scorers with 15 points while Gross had 14 points. The balance was there for the Bluejays as B.J. McDonald and Devon Hall also had solid games.

Coach Pete Papahronis was pleased with the bounce-back ability of the team in this one. Playing without Kentrell Brothers in this type of tournament is extremely tough, but they did it in this one.

Guthrie trailed at half but never felt the ‘Jays weren’t in control. A strong start to the half, and Guthrie never trailed in the second 16 minutes.

NW Classen was just a step slower. Jamil Donovan is as quick as they come but even he didn’t quite have the jets. Paco Jones made some late 3s to finish with 14 points.

Norman North 42, Norman 39

To be honest, I think both teams had trouble adjusting to such a huge game without a big crowd. This is THE rivalry in Norman, and the atmosphere just wasn’t there.

I still love watching NN’s Gary King play. Actually think he could take over a lot more than what he does. He once again led the team with 12 points.

Norman is, hmm, pesky might be the best word for it. Matt Cruz and Colton Coale really get after it and Coale can shoot. He finished with 16 points.

Norman made a spirited run after trailing 38-27 but ran out of time.

Back Saturday night. And for those that don’t know, I’ve been posting halftime and final scores all day on Twitter as well.

Well, that was another disappointing BCS title game. Not so much that Alabama won but that we didn’t get to see the real Texas team. Anyway, the night was a letdown, but the day was great at the 50th McGuinness Classic.

First, scores.

Thursday
Edmond North 63, Norman North 52
Carl Albert 64, Norman 32
McGuinness 65, Guthrie 51
Deer Creek 70, NW Classen 69 – OT

Friday
Norman North vs. Norman – 1:30
Guthrie vs. NW Classen – 3 p.m.
Semifinals: Edmond North vs. Carl Albert, 6 p.m.
Semifinals: McGuinness vs. Deer Creek, 7:30

Deer Creek 70, NW Classen 69 – OT

So how does a team get whipped by Piedmont and come back and beat the Knights less than 48 hours later? Deer Creek showed what it is made out of with this game.

What a fun, fun game that was back and forth all throughout the fourth quarter and overtime. Good stuff all around from both sides.

I’ve seen the Antlers three times now and have been impressed all three times. This night belonged to Jurrell Calloway. He has loads of potential and put it together in this one.

Calloway led DC with 18 points but his determination started to wear down NW Classen in the fourth quarter and overtime.

And it wouldn’t be a Deer Creek game without a mention of Garrett Hermanski. He tied the game with 18 seconds left in regulation at 61 and hit the game winner in OT with 4.8 seconds left.

Hermanski told me after the game he had no idea that was for the win. He just saw an open lane and took it.

It was a crazy environment, so big ups to the respective fan bases. For NW, it was the Jamil Donovan (24 pts) show. But after draining his free throws all game, he got tired and missed crucial ones in OT.

Deer Creek coach Matt Bailey said he had to get tough on his team, and then the team had to respond. It was 26-12 at one point in the second quarter. Message sent and received.

Edmond North 63, Norman North 52

I get why the Huskies were one of the best two-win teams in the state. EN is loaded with talent, but it’s tough for them to overcome the size of most 6A teams.

This game was all about NN’s Gary King in the first half and EN’s Daniel Emesiani in the second half. That’s the first time I’ve seen Emesiani…dang good.

He executed perfectly in the second half. Not only scoring but finding open teammates as EN went on an 18-2 run in the second half to turn things around.

And senior guard Mike Menzal is in firm control of the team. He did a great job of running the show all game.

I don’t want to say NN didn’t care, but it looked a little flat in this one. King had 13 points in the first half but only ended up with 15.

The Huskies had four players in double figures as Emesiani had 21, Menzal (14), Cameron Haley (12) and Tyler Sanders (11). Coach Jeff Tompkins has been searching for third and fourth options and he got it on this day to give Norman North its first loss of the year.

McGuinness 65, Guthrie 51

Felt cheated in this one. Guthrie was without Kentrell Brothers who is in San Antonio for a football combine. The Irish were without Matt Christiansen, who has a shoulder injury (day-to-day).

As is, this was the best I’ve seen from Jameel Whitney. Coach Tondrell Durham was quick to point out that Whitney has his ‘gym legs’ right now. You can see that as everything looked crisp again.

He led the way with 22 points but right behind him was Joe Edmonds with 20 points. It was a potent one-two punch that Guthrie really had no answer for on this day.

The Irish took control in the second quarter and this was another team that had great ball movement throughout the game.

B.J. McDonald led Guthrie with 13 points.

Carl Albert 64, Norman 32

Titans took control early and didn’t let up. Never gave Norman a chance of thinking an upset was on the horizon, which is what you’re supposed to do.

CA senior Caleb Price came in and provided a big spark off the bench with 16 points. J.T. Realmuto and Larry Cunningham each had 10.

I remember Cunningham as an unsure of himself sophomore, so it’s cool to see how much he has developed in the last two years.

Colton Coale had 11 for Norman.

Back late Friday night with more thoughts.

The 50th annual McGuinness Classic is still going on as scheduled. Despite most of the area schools being closed Thursday, tournament organizers confirmed the games will still be played.

Once again, here’s the schedule:

1:30: Norman North vs. Edmond North
3 p.m.: Carl Albert vs. Norman
4:30: McGuinness vs. Guthrie
6 p.m.: Northwest Classen vs. Deer Creek

And the unofficial schedule should most definitely include the BCS championship between Alabama and Texas. For the record (not that anyone cares), Boneman is going with the Longhorns in this one.

A third-place game steals the show while the championship teams show exactly why they won the crown at the Chesapeake Energy Challenge at Heritage Hall.

First, the scores.

Boys
Holland Hall 52, Weatherford 35 (championship)
Kingfisher 51, OKC Storm 50, OT (third place)
Heritage Hall 39, Perkins-Tryon 32 (consolation championship)
Putnam North JV 62, Porum 47 (seventh place)

Girls
Weatherford 61, Heritage Hall 28 (championship)
Perkins-Tryon 46, Kingfisher 37 (third place)
Edmond Santa Fe JV 56, OKC Storm 41 (consolation championship)
Porum 39, Colbert 33 (seventh place)

Holland Hall 52, Weatherford 35 (Boys)

The Dutchmen are impressive, I tells ya. They’re now 8-1 with their only loss being at Cascia Hall, the defending state champions.

In the semis, I thought this team was too much of a two-man club in William Tisdale and Kwame Sexton. Holland is much more than that as it showed in the second half of this one.

Don’t get it wrong as Tisdale led the way with 16 points and Sexton had 10, but there were key contributors down the stretch to make sure Weatherford didn’t break off a run.

Ethan Elbert scored all eight of his points in the second half while Zach Rogers had six big points in the paint as Holland frustrated the Eagles all game.

Elbert’s three to start the third quarter made it 37-25 and Weatherford never got closer than 10 the rest of the way as the Dutchmen played with a comfort margin throughout.

Enjoyed watching this team the last two days and how well they execute.

As for Weatherford, missed some easy ones early that really got ‘em off on the wrong foot. Jake Barrios is still a heckuva athlete and can create when you think nothing is there. Just wasn’t their night Saturday.

Weatherford 61, Heritage Hall 28 (Girls)

The drama of this game went away early when found out Heritage guard D Brown wasn’t going to play. She took a lot of hard falls Friday, and it caught up to her.

The Eagles jumped out early exactly like they should have against a team that was searching for answers without Brown on the floor.

Tremendous balance for this Weatherford team as coach Rick Wilson isn’t afraid to go 10-deep. And his quick subs really keep all the girls fresh.

Kimmi Sawatzky and Bailey Bell stood out to me in the two times I saw them.

After being shocked early, Heritage competed well in the final three quarters. When Murphy Burns got injured in the third quarter, the writing was on the wall, however.

Kingfisher 51, OKC Storm 50 – OT (Boys)

Did not see this coming, especially when the Storm had a 37-26 lead in the fourth quarter. A couple of big missed free throws and a couple of huge shots by the ‘Jackets, and that’s what you get.

I’ve heard about Rex Farmer of the Storm, but this was the first time I got to see him. He’s the real deal, and Kingfisher coach Craig Patterson admitted the team had no answer in how to guard him.

Kingfisher freshman Grant Newton hit a three-pointer with 20 seconds left in regulation, and then Derek Patterson notched the game-winner on a drive with 19 seconds left in overtime.

Coach Patterson was extremely pleased with the effort and fight the team showed. Remember these were the first three games of their season this weekend.

Boneman’s Tournament MVPs: Girls – Kimmi Sawatzky and Bailey Bell, Weatherford. Boys – Kwame Sexton and William Tisdale, Holland Hall. The good teams have several options, and these teams definitely have that going for them.