3A-4 All-District
Here’s the District 3A-4 All-District selections. Know of another district’s selections? E-mail them to raber@opubco.com.
Awards
Coach of the Year: Lloyd Wertman, Perkins
Co-Player of the Year: Lexus Jackson, Bethel
Co-Player of the Year: Shane Taff, Perkins
Offensive Player of the Year: Travis Battles, Perkins
Defensive Player of the Year: Kris Kelly, Prague
Co-Quarterback of the Year: Gage Auld, Prague
Co-Quarterback of the Year: Austin Hodge, Little Axe
Offensive Back of the Year: Justin Vermillion, Bethel
Co-Receiver of the Year: Sam Kinzie, Perkins
Co-Receiver of the Year: Charlie Lynn, Little Axe
Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year: Dale Burch, Star Spencer
Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year: Austin Maly, Prague
Co-Defensive Back of the Year: Justus Edwards, Perkins
Co-Defensive Back of the Year: Jay Woodberry, Bristow
Co-Inside Linebacker of the Year: Walter Lynn, Little Axe
Co-Inside Linebacker of the Year: James Russell, Prague
Co-Outside Linebacker of the Year: Bubba Grotheer, Perkins
Co-Outside Linebacker of the Year: Baruck Strickland, Prague
Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year: Cody Krug, Perkins
Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year: Gant Palmer, Prague
Co-Defensive End of the Year: Chance Bunch, Perkins
Co-Defensive End of the Year: George Chacon, Bristow
Specialty Player of the Year: Quincy Riedau, Star Spencer
All-City Athletic Conference postseaon honors
All-City Athletic Conference 2011 Football Team
Coach of the Year: Tony Henry, Millwood
Coach’s Special Recognition: Mark Ryan, Centennial
Player of the Year: Cayman Bundage, Douglass
Defensive Player of the Year: Jas’Sen Stoner, Douglass
Offensive Player of the Year: Dametric Sanders, Millwood
Co-Special Teams Players of the Year: Quincy Rideau, Star Spencer; Juan Campos, Northwest Classen
Defensive Lineman of the Year: Bobby Wilkes, Millwood
Co-Linebackers of the Year: Marc Robinson, Millwood; Gumaro Murphy, Southeast
Defensive Back of the Year: O’Sha Clark, Douglass
Co-Offensive Linemen of the Year: Devin Dobbins, Millwood; Dale Burch, Star Spencer
Offensive Back of the Year: Luis Leyva, Capitol Hill
Receiver of the Year: Kameron Bryant, John Marshall
First Team Defense
Defensive Line: Christian Nicholson, U.S. Grant; Kevin Williams, John Marshall; Codie Nolan, Northwest Classen; Genaro Monter, Southeast; Justin Woody, Northeast
Linebackers: Derrick Ward, Star Spencer; Andrew Bailey, Douglass; Malcolm Scales, Millwood; Francis Taylor, Capitol Hill
Defensive Backs: TyLiq Braziell, Southeast; Brandon Morse, Capitol Hill; Derrick Young, U.S. Grant; Chris Compton, Douglass
Punter: Carlos Morales, U.S. Grant
First Team Offense
Quarterback: Christian Gorham, Northwest Classen; Michael Thomas, Northeast
Running Backs: Cory Hooks, U.S. Grant
Receivers: Trevon Willis, Northeast; Marvin Kerbo, Northwest Classen; Deonte Childs, Douglass
Offensive Line: Diamonte McClellan, Douglass; Charles Hayes, Star Spencer; Jacob Tavarez, U.S. Grant; Harvey Hightower, Millwood; Michael Holder, Southeast; David Johnson, John Marshall
Place Kicker: Antonio Cueto, Southeast
Honorable Mention
Capitol Hill: Maleke Dixon, Jerrad Fomin
Douglass: Davon Barber
Millwood: Marquise Kemp
Northeast: Savon Peevy, Demarkus Long
Northwest Classen: Marcus Ervin
Southeast: Nolan Payne, Michael McAnelly, Dominique Schweitzer, Nicholas Chamberlain
Star Spencer: Quintrae Kendrick
U.S. Grant: Eric Benevue, Javier Tarrazas
All-City Preview basketball tournaments begin Tuesday
Douglass junior Stephen Clark and the two-time defending Class 4A state champion Trojans will be in action at the All-City Preview tournament, which begins on Tuesday night.
The All-City Preview, the preseason basketball tournament featuring the Oklahoma City Public Schools and Millwood, begins Tuesday evening at Northwest Classen and Capitol Hill. The tournaments will be concluded on Thursday with championship and third-place games, as well as loser’s bracket competition.
Each site will host seven games on Tuesday, between both boys and girls teams. All 11 schools from the All-City Athletic Conference will participate, including a pair defending champions, the Douglass and Centennial boys teams.
Here is the schedule for Tuesday’s games:
Girls
At Capitol Hill
5 p.m.: Star Spencer vs. Centennial
6 p.m.: Classen SAS vs. Capitol Hill
7 p.m.: Northeast vs. Star/Centennial winner
8 p.m.: Douglass vs. Classen/Capitol Hill winner
At Northwest Classen
5:30 p.m.: US Grant vs. John Marshall
6:30 p.m.: Northwest Classen vs. Southeast
7:30 p.m.: Millwood vs. US Grant/John Marshall winner
Boys
At Northwest Classen
5 p.m.: Southeast vs. US Grant
6 p.m.: Millwood vs. John Marshall
7 p.m.: Northwest Classen vs. Southeast/US Grant winner
8 p.m.: Centennial vs. Millwood/John Marshall winner
At Capitol Hill
5:30 p.m.: Star Spencer vs. Classen SAS
6:30 p.m.: Capitol Hill vs. Northeast
7:30 p.m.: Douglass vs. Star/Classen winner
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK
Video: Douglass QB Chris Compton after All-City Preview
Douglass won the All-City Preview championship once again on Friday night, but just like last year, the discussion turned to a much more important trophy than the one the Trojans claimed Friday.
It’s all about another state title for this team, which starts its season Sept. 5 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, against DeSoto High School
It won’t be an easy game, and the Trojans know that. For the sake of comparison, DeSoto’s official enrollment is 2,750. Douglass’ is 495. If you moved DeSoto to Oklahoma, they’d be the fourth-largest school, right behind Jenks (2,843) and just ahead of Owasso (2,604).
I’ll get into the game a little more throughout the week, and I’ll be traveling down to Texas for the game as well.
Here are a few other thoughts from the semifinals and finals of the All-City Preview:
-Millwood still has a lot of talent, and even though they graduated so many Division I players from last year’s squad, I don’t expect to see a ton of drop-off. Dametric Sanders is a very athletic quarterback who is dangerous when he gets to the edge. Marc Robinson didn’t get to play in the scrimmage because of OSSAA rules as he completed his required one year of sitting out after transferring from Heritage Hall. He’ll be a big boost, especially on defense. He and Larry Lambeth will be one of the better linebacker pairs around.
-John Marshall is still young, even though some of those guys, like quarterback Devion Smith, got some good experience last year. Kameron Bryant is a tall, athletic receiver with good ball skills, and he could be in for a big breakout year. He’ll be a tough matchup for any cornerback in that district. Tyler Stamm provides a big, athletic tight end target as well, so look for the passing game to take a step forward this year. Defensively, the secondary is the strenght of the team, but the front seven seems to be coming together.
-Star Spencer coach James Harding always talks about making his players accountable, and he’s clearly going to be a man of his word. The Bobcats opened fall camp with 62 players but had fewer than 40 suited up Friday night. Players who missed practices or got in trouble at school were held out as Harding implements his value system in his new program. On the field, the Bobcats will rely on defense, especially with a couple of athletic, hard-hitting players in the front seven. Kenneth Davis and Derrick Ward are two good leaders and both — but Davis especially — can pop the pads.
Lastly, don’t forget that our state-wide, class-by-class season preview publication will be included in Sunday’s paper. Be sure to pick one up. We have everything from preseason rankings, all-state teams and feature stories on some of the best dynamic duos in the state. It’s a little different than in past years. Instead of having separate sections for OU, OSU and high schools, it’s all one big section together, so don’t miss it.
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK
Derrick Ward valuable to Star Spencer in multiple ways
I’ve spoken with new Star Spencer coach James Harding twice in the last three weeks and I’ve come away very impressed. He always finds a way to mix in the real-life aspects of what he wants to teach his players into his football talk, and I think the coaches who can balance those two things with genuine leadership often find their way to success.
And here’s the good news for Star Spencer: if Harding does turn out to be that kind of coach, he could get the Bobcats back to making deep playoff runs before long. Because you know that the player cycle will go back up for Star. They had a huge senior class when they won it all two years ago, and they didn’t have the depth or talent to replace all of those guys. They had a small senior class last year, and an even smaller one this year.
The numbers seemed to impact Star’s boys sports across the board. The basketball team had a down year. Track didn’t have as many guys competing for state medals. But the current junior and sophomore classes have more depth — and talented depth — so the cycle looks like it will be turning back around.
As for this year, Harding only has three seniors, so he knows leadership will be vital for the younger players. And Harding quickly identified senior Derrick Ward as someone who would be valuable in that role.
“He’s been outstanding. He’s done everything we’ve asked and more,” Harding said. “He’s been the real leader on this squad. Good grades. Nobody has a bad thing to say about Derrick.”
Ward will play a variety of positions on both sides of the ball, including defensive end, linebacker, tight end and fullback.
“They’ve got me moving around a lot. I like it. Something new,” Ward said. “You’ve got to have leadership on every team, and I feel like it’s my job. So I’m just stepping up and trying to be a leader like I have my whole life.”
I think there’s an even more interesting story to be told about Ward, who runs his own mowing business, has a part-time job, attends Metro Tech and never misses a practice or workout. Hopefully I’ll be able to get into that side of his story at some point this season.
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Wes Welker Foundation awards grants
BY RYAN ABER
raber@opubco.com
The Wes Welker Foundation’s board of directors have approved $29,000 in grant money to four Oklahoma City-area schools, the organization announced Monday.
The grants were awarded to Star Spencer’s volleyball and athletic department, U.S. Grant’s football program, Putnam City West’s football and athletic department and Crooked Oak’s athletic department.
The foundation, founded by former Heritage Hall and current New England Patriots standout Wes Welker, was founded five years ago with the aim of helping underprivileged kids.
The foundation awards grants twice a year to schools and organizations in the Oklahoma City area. It also provides free sports camps for at-risk youth and a coach and leadership development program.
The foundation has given more than $192,000 in grant money in the past four years.
U.S. Grant is a two-time recipient.
Other organizations that have received the grants in the past have included Life Change Academy, Astec Charter School, Douglass High School, Memorial Park Boys and Girls Club and Western Village Academy.
Boys basketball All-City Athletic Conference awards
All-City Athletic Conference Selections
Co-Coaches of the Year: Terry Long(Douglass)and Scott Raper(Centennial)
Co-Players of the Year: Devonte Smith(Douglass) and Tyrone Jones(Centennial)
Newcomer of the Year: Caleb Cryton( Northeast)
First Team:
Dorrian Williams – Douglass, Stephen Clark- Douglass, Ramond Jenkins- Douglass, Romond Jenkins- Douglass, Tre Jordan- Southeast
Second Team:
Jamil Donovan- Northwest Classen, Marcus Johnson- Centennial, Marquis Buxton-Hill- Douglass, Nico Meadows- Capitol Hill, Dre’ Triplett- Millwood,
Third Team:
Korihon Jackson- Northeast, Dominique Manuel- Douglass, Craig Hackney- Centennial, DeSean Carolina- Centennial, DeMontrey Mitchell- John Marshall
Honorable Mention:
Capitol Hill- Josh Thompson, Aaron Brown, Darrin Tucker
Classen- Cameron McClure, Anthony Bolar
Douglass- Darris Mitchell, DeAngelo Clark
U.S. Grant- Anthony Hartfield, G’vonte Bonds
John Marshall- Talmadge Lawrence, Tyler Harrison
Centennial- Darius Lacey, Austin Garner
Northeast- Eric Peabody, Gabe Houston,
NW Classen- Paco Jones, Anthony Hardrick
Southeast- William Brewer, Travis Morris, Jay Gogue
Star Spencer- Gary Ford, Symon Smith
NewsOK.com Player of the Year: Sharane Campbell, Star Spencer
Star Spencer's Sharane Campbell is the NewsOK.com Girls Basketball Player of the Year.
Much like whenever Sharane Campbell was on the floor for Star Spencer, you could never count her out. Midwest City’s Ashley Clark got off to a big lead, then Courtney Walker asserted her dominance, but it was Campbell’s grittiness that carried the day.
Receiving just under 31 percent of the more than 1,900 votes, Campbell is the NewsOK.com Girls Basketball Player of the Year.
What can you say about Campbell? She’s the ultimate competitor. Was never afraid to inside and bang and was just as comfortable playing the role of point guard.
Campbell burst onto the scene in 2008, leading the Bobcats to the state championship. Everybody knew then she would be a name to watch for her final three years. And she was. The team was never as talented as that special 2008 group, but Campbell never quit on them.
Coach Janith Johnson was always quick to say how Campbell tried to be like a big sister to the younger girls and helped them develop.
It was all worth it this year when a team that I didn’t think was going to sniff a state tournament berth upset Harrah to advance to the 4A dance. Star lost to Cache in the quarterfinals, but for an unranked team to make that run was more than enough. And it was a great way for Campbell to close out her career.
Campbell averaged 19 points and 9 rebounds for her career despite EVERYBODY knowing she was the No. 1 option for the Bobcats.
No idea what kind of impact Campbell is going to make at Oklahoma, but you know there won’t be anybody who is going to work harder than her.
NewsOK.com poll results:
Sharane Campbell, Star Spencer – 31 percent (594 votes)
Courtney Walker, Edmond Santa Fe – 28 percent (544 votes)
Ashley Clark, Midwest City – 24 percent (460 votes)
Elizabeth Donohoe, Edmond North – 14 percent (267 votes)
Marisha Wallace, Midwest City – 3 percent (54 votes)
Thanks for all those that participated and congrats to all five finalists for amazing seasons.
***
Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
NewsOK.com Players of the Year update
Will Josh Richardson overtake Ryan Spangler for NewsOK.com Boys Player of the Year?
Voting ends Friday at 11:59 p.m. for the NewsOK.com Boys and Girls Basketball Player of the Year. So if you haven’t voted for your candidate enough, well, you got four more days to get to it.
As of 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, here are the numbers:
Girls
Sharane Campbell, Star Spencer – 583 votes, 30.9 percent
Ashley Clark, Midwest City – 458 votes, 24.3 percent
Elizabeth Donohoe, Edmond North – 260 votes, 13.8 percent
Courtney Walker, Edmond Santa Fe – 532 votes, 28.3 percent
Marisha Wallace, Midwest City – 49 votes, 2.6 percent
Boys
Stephen Clark, Douglass – 452 votes, 9.9 percent
Obi Emegano, Edmond Memorial – 117 votes, 2.5 percent
Dominique Raney, Putnam City – 716 votes, 15.6 percent
Josh Richardson, Edmond Santa Fe – 1,596 votes, 34.8 percent
Ryan Spangler, Bridge Creek – 1,708 votes, 37.2 percent
Thanks for the more than 6,000 combined votes in the boys and girls polls. Once again, the voting closes Friday so you still have a chance.
***
Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
NewsOK.com Girls Basketball Player of the Year candidates
Star Spencer's Sharane Campbell is one of the five finalists for the NewsOK.com Girls Player of the Year.
The response for the NewsOK.com Football Player of the Year was tremendous so we’re going to try it again. Like before, please try to keep it civil as there is a way to cheer for your nominee without bashing the others.
Here are the five nominees for the five best girls basketball players in the Oklahoma City area. Scott Wright is going to unveil his five boys choices Friday.
NewsOK.com Girls Basketball Player of the Year Candidates:
Sharane Campbell, Star Spencer: Put the team on her back and carried them to state. A marvelous career with the Bobcats and leaving in style with coach Janith Johnson. You can’t question Campbell’s toughness and want to and Star’s star (get it?) is headed to Oklahoma.
Ashley Clark, Midwest City: Wow, where did she come from? Clark is the unquestioned breakout star of the season, IMO. She won the Gatorade award as the state’s best player last week and added balance to the Bombers’ size in the post. A natural scorer who also has an all-around game.
Hard to argue with Edmond North's Elizabeth Donohoe as Player of the Year. She's one of the five finalists.
Elizabeth Donohoe, Edmond North: If there’s something to be said about consistency, then the award goes to Donohoe. What more can you say about the Huskies’ star? Averaged more than 20 points and 10 rebounds, unquestioned team leader, one of the toughest covers in the sport. Headed to Oklahoma State and established a winning tradition at North.
Courtney Walker, Edmond Santa Fe: Lightning in a bottle. Can impact the game in so many different ways. Improved her outside shot this season to make her even more versatile. Some of the best ball-handling skills I’ve seen from a high school player. Tremendous scorer and a beast on defense in terms of getting steals. Committed to Texas A&M. Helped Wolves to first championship.
Marisha Wallace, Midwest City: With all the talk about Kaylon Williams (OU signee), it was Wallace who became the unstoppable force in the post for the Bombers. Unfortunately missed the last two games with a knee injury and didn’t get a chance to try to lead MWC to another state championship.
Polls are open. And like I said, Scott will be back Friday for the boys.
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Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
