Putnam City volleyball coach Alica Sexton wasn’t sure how her team would respond after a tough weekend tournament featuring some of the top teams in the state.

The Pirates, went 0-6 in the Heather Harkness Tournament at Edmond Santa Fe, but eanred some payoff for the rough weekend Monday with a straight sets win over Midwest City, 25-24, 25-16, 25-19, in the team’s Win-Win Week fundraiser game.

“It didn’t show much as far as wins this weekend but what we got out of it was well worth it,” Putnam City coach Alica Sexton said.

The Pirates had lost to Midwest City in five sets early in the season.

Sexton was particularly pleased with the play of captains Casey Cox and Haley Cochran.

The Pirates wore pink jerseys and pink ribbons for the event and the money from the gate will be donated to the Win-Win Week fundraiser.

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)

Large East
Sadie Schaffner, Bartlesville
Inky Ajanaku, Tulsa Kelley
Cat Roth, Tulsa Kelley
Sydney Eggers, Bixby
Cailyn Burd, Owasso
Aubrey Marsellis, Owasso
Alexa Knox, Tulsa Union
Kylie Johnson, Tulsa Union

Large West
Maddie Reddick, McGuinness
Skylar Conner, Edmond Memorial
Kristen Nashert, Edmond North
Heather Watson, Edmond North
Hannah Holkum, Edmond Santa Fe
Barbara Jackson, Edmond Santa Fe
Lexie Matthews, Norman North
Tori Thomas, Norman North

Small East
Kara Gleason, Lincoln Christian
Evette Allen, Lincoln Christian
Sunny Smarty, Oklahoma Union
Hayley Bryan, Copan
Aryn Dixon, Cascia Hall
Allie Murphy, Cascia Hall
Carolina Arnould, Victory Christian
Mayci Sparkman, Shawnee
Hannah McKenzie, Tulsa Wahsington
Morgan Allison, Catoosa

Small West
Dawnshate Blakes, Chickasha
Taylor Crismas, Oklahoma Bible
Bree Fritschow, Duncan
Danielle McGill, Big Pasture
Sydney Miles, Heritage Hall
Jessica Penner, Corn Bible
Jenny Pratt, Christian Heritage
Lindsey Smith, Big Pasture
Talie Stanley, Cache
Madison Ward, Cache

Class 6A
Friday
At Catoosa
Tulsa Kelley vs. Norman North, noon
Tulsa Union vs. Edmond Memorial, 1:45 p.m.
Edmond Santa Fe vs. Bishop McGuinness, 3:30 p.m.
Owasso vs. Edmond North, 5:15 p.m.

Saturday
At Claremore
Semifinals
Tulsa Kelley/Norman North vs. Tulsa Union/Edmond Memorial, 1:30 p.m.
Edmond Santa Fe/McGuinness vs. Owasso/Edmond North, 3:15 p.m.
Championship match, 7:15 p.m.

Class 5A
At Claremore
Friday
Tulsa Washington vs. Cascia Hall, noon
Christian Heritage vs. Shawnee, 1:45 p.m.
Victory Christian vs. Oklahoma Bible, 3:30 p.m.
Heritage Hall vs. Catoosa, 5:15 p.m.

Saturday
Semifinals
Victory Christian/Oklahoma Bible vs. Heritage Hall/Catoosa, 10 a.m.
Christian Heritage/Shawnee vs. Tulsa Washington/Cascia Hall, 11:45 a.m.
Championship match, 5:15 p.m.

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

Friday
Quarterfinals
Game 1: Copan vs. Elgin, 11 a.m.
Game 2: Cache vs. Oklahoma Christian School, 12:30 p.m.
Game 3: Okay vs. Big Pasture, 2 p.m.
Game 4: Oklahoma Union vs. Lincoln Christian, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday
Semifinals
Game 5: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, noon
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 1:45 p.m.
Championship
Game 7: Semifinal winners, 3:45 p.m.

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

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.

Edmond Memorial's Micha Hancock is headed east to Penn State.

A little late on this so apologize about that. Anything that occurred smack dab in the middle of state basketball tournaments was incredibly tough to keep tabs on.

However, this is a biggie. After originally signing with Tulsa in November, Edmond Memorial star volleyball player Micha Hancock was granted a release from her letter of intent and has signed with Penn State.

On the surface, it looks like it’s just about winning but that’s not the case. Hancock really had her pick of any top school she wanted to attend because of her performance. Initially, she was staying close to home so she could play with her older sister, Kelsey.

It was when former Tulsa coach Ed Allen resigned in January to take the same spot at Alabama that things began to shake up.

Memorial coach Edgar Miraku said the compliance department of both Penn State and Tulsa worked together to make this come out as smooth as possible.

The Nittany Lions are on one of the more impressive runs in college athletics. Penn State has won four consecutive NCAA championships and also had 109-match winning streak snapped in September.

Hancock played for the US Youth Olympic team in Singapore last summer that won the silver medal. She is a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year for Oklahoma, two-time All-City Player of the Year and helped lead the Bulldogs to back-to-back championships.

***

Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com

If you’ve seen Edmond Memorial’s Micha Hancock play volleyball just once, then you know you have watched something special.

And even if you didn’t know who she was coming into the match, you would leave knowing full well who she is.

The honors keep coming for Hancock as she was named the Gatorade/ESPN RISE Volleyball Player of the Year for Oklahoma for the second straight year.

Hancock led the charge as the Bulldogs won their second consecutive state championship in October.

“I have been coaching in Oklahoma for 20 years and Micha Hancock is the best all-around player we have ever had in this area,” said Santa Fe coach Will Ethridge. “There is not a weakness in her game. She is a strong setter and hitter and she plays defense extremely well. She is truly an amazing player.”

How’s this for ya? Hancock recorded 326 assists, 275 kills, 171 digs, 151 service aces and 41 blocks this year.

Hancock was also a member of the Youth Olympic team that went to Singapore in the summer. She has signed to play at Tulsa.

We’re knee-deep in football playoffs, but here is your schedule for the All-City teams in volleyball, softball and cross country.

Wednesday - Volleyball
Thursday - Big and Little All-City Softball
Friday - Boys and Girls Cross Country

Look for stories, capsules and the complete roster for each sport in The Oklahoman and on NewsOK. UPDATE: This might change. Space is kinda tight for the next couple of days. Just know we’ll try to get these in and fast as we can.

Well, you knew with Heritage Hall running back Barry J. Sanders sitting out with an ankle injury that somebody was going to have to join Sterling Shepard and step up.

And as much as I rave (and I do) about the junior class, the senior leadership is also readily apparent with this Chargers club. Heritage needed someone to pick up the slack and senior quarterback Cooper Cloud was more than willing to be the guy in a 42-12 win against John Marshall.

Of course, it helps to have an elusive target like Shepard to throw it to, but Cloud ended the night with four touchdown passes. Three of them went to Shepard while the other went to Cale Courtney.

That may have answered some critics about the lack of balance in the Heritage offense. The offensive line is vastly improved this season, which is making this magical year happen so far.

Other contenders

LaRone Richardson, Bishop McGuinness, Football: It was a down week for the Irish in a loss at Elgin, but Richardson notched two more touchdowns.

Sterling Shepard, Heritage, Football: That’s nine touchdowns in two games. Also three INT returns for scores in the last two games. His stock continues to soar.

Irish volleyball: Gave it a great effort against a dominant Bishop Kelley team in the championship but ultimately lost in four games.

Dylan Murray, Mt. St. Mary’s, Football: Murray scored three touchdowns as the Rockets went down to Cordell.

Irish boys cross country: One of several state teams to make the trek to Arkansas. The Irish, led by Frank Frantz, placed 12th out of 54 teams in Fayetteville.

8:53 p.m.: The Comets back in charge, taking a 20-19 lead.

8:47 p.m.: McGuinness up 15-11 in the fourth. A thriller is brewing.

8:30 p.m.: The Irish are trying to make a show of it. They got an early lead in the third game and held on all the way, winning 25-20. They trail 2-1 but seem to have some momentum now.

8:25 p.m.: Kelley coach Jerri Berna has been sent to her seat for the rest of the match after she and her assistant coaches were arguing a call. The Comets have an impressive combination of size and athletic ability all over the court, but just when you think they’re going to put it away, McGuinness finds a way to hold them off. Trailing two games to none, McGuinness leads 20-14 in the third.

8:20 p.m.: McGuinness is making a run, taking a 17-11 lead on the Comets in the third game. The Irish are getting good net play, especially from Emily Oliphant, who has done well to counter Kelley’s size at the net with the Ajanaku sisters, Kitan and Inky.

8:10 p.m.: Kelley takes the second and is one game away from its third straight 5A state title and 10 of the last 13.

8 p.m.: Tulsa Kelley won the opener and leads 23-17 in the second game. McGuinness has fought hard and hung close, but the Comets just have too much firepower.

6:30 p.m.: Edmond Memorial is your 6A champ with a 25-16 win in the third game.

6:15 p.m.: Looking like the Bulldogs have it in hand, up 13-5 in the third.

6:04 p.m.: Hancock drops in the final point for a 25-23 win in the second game and a 2-0 lead for Edmond Memorial. Third game upcoming.

5:39 p.m.: The Bulldogs owned the first game, winning 25-13. It’s going to take something special from Santa Fe to win more than a game, and it will be pretty impressive if they can do that. The Bulldogs are just too sharp right now.

5:27 p.m.: The first game was tied at 3 when Memorial’s Micha Hancock began serving. It’s 9-3 now.

5:15 p.m.: They’re announcing the lineups of the 6A title game right now, and we should be under way shortly. One of the biggest oversights — and we won’t get into the others right now – in high school volleyball is that the state championship trophy is a plaque. This is one of the sports, like football and basketball, where a gold ball would be perfect.

4:24 p.m.: Sorry for the delay — power issues at press row and my battery died. Of course, there was no surprise in the Tulsa Kelley match. The Comets took it 3-0 and will face McGuinness at 7:15 p.m. So it’s Edlam in 6A, Battle of the Bishops in 5A. Should be fun.

2:50 p.m.: The Irish move into the finals with a 3-0 win over Catoosa. Tulsa Kelley and Tulsa Washington are getting ready to fire it up for the last semifinal of the day. Finals are set for 5:15 and 7:15 tonight.

2:27 p.m.: Blood delay. Catoosa’s Victoria Hines dove for a ball and hit her chin hard on the floor. It looked like her teeth might have poked through just below the bottom lip. After rinsing and spitting out some blood — which drew a big “EWWWW!” from the crowd behind the team bench — she put a bandage on it and returned to the game. McGuinness won the second game and leads 2-0.

2:08 p.m.: McGuinness out to the early lead, 1-0, with the second game getting under way now.

1:17 p.m.: Edlam finals in 6A volleyball. The top two teams in the class all year, Edmond Memorial and Edmond Santa Fe, will play for the title at 5:15 p.m. here at OBU. Bartlesville earned the academic state championship in 6A with a 3.792 team GPA. McGuinness-Catoosa in the 5A semifinal up next.

12:55 p.m.: The Bulldogs make it 2-0, controlling the second game with ease, 25-11.

12:35 p.m.: Memorial coasts to the opening-game win over Bartlesville, 25-17.

11:51 a.m.: A wild rally keeps Edmond Santa Fe alive. The Wolves trailed 10-6 in the fifth game, but scored seven straight points and finished it off 15-11. The Wolves advance to the finals, where they will face the Edmond Memorial-Bartlesville winner later today at 5:15 p.m. Memorial and Bartlesville are warming up right now.

11:35 a.m.: Heading to a fifth with Santa Fe and Jenks. Extremely competitive match. Santa Fe won the third game 26-24 and Jenks took the fourth 25-22.

10:40 a.m.: Jenks battles back to even it at a game apiece. Jenks senior Sara Pope is a scary-hard hitter. We’ll probably only see one player — Edmond Memorial’s Micha Hancock — here today who puts more power behind the ball.

10:18 a.m.: Santa Fe takes the opener 25-13.

10:10 a.m.: Going strong already at Oklahoma Baptist’s Noble Complex, with Edmond Santa Fe and Jenks on the floor in the first semifinal of the day. Lots of good volleyball on tap and I’ll be updating as often as possible. Santa Fe leads the first game 18-10 at the moment.

Here’s today’s schedule:

Class 6A
Match 5: Edmond Santa Fe def. Jenks 3-2 (25-13, 18-25, 26-24, 22-25, 15-11)
Match 6: Edmond Memorial def. Bartlesville 3-0 (25-17, 25-11, 25-15)
Championship match: Edmond Memorial def. Edmond Santa Fe 3-0 (25-13, 25-23, 25-16)

Class 5A
Match 5: McGuinness def. Catoosa 3-0 (25-11, 25-10, 25-10)
Match 6: Tulsa Washington 3-0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-18)
Championship match: Bishop McGuinness vs. Tulsa Kelley, 7:15 p.m.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

6:11 p.m.: Edmond Memorial takes a 2-0 lead on Bixby. Tulsa Kelley closed out Duncan in three games and will face Tulsa Washington at 3:15 p.m. Saturday at OBU.

5:04 p.m.: Bartlesville closes it out 15-10 in the fifth. The Bruins will face the Edmond Memorial-Bixby winner Saturday at 11:45 a.m. at OBU.

4:54 p.m.: We’re going to a fifth between Bartlesville and Edmond North.

4:50 p.m.: Tulsa Washington turns in the rally of the year to advance. Down 2-0 and two points away from elimination, the Hornets fought back for the 3-2 win, 20-25, 21-25, 26-24, 25-21, 15-11.

4:28 p.m.: Bartlesville takes a 2-1 lead on Edmond North. Tulsa Washington and Guymon going to the fifth game.

4 p.m.: Bartlesville evens it at a game apiece, winning 25-23.

3:37 p.m.: Edmond North takes the opener 25-17 for a 1-0 lead in the match.

3:15 p.m.: Jenks takes the final two games and the match to eliminate Tulsa Union in five. Edmond North and Bartlesville are just getting going. This is the one match today that I’ve really been looking forward to. North is a young, energetic team with loads of talent, and I’ve been hearing good things about Bartlesville since mid-August. Some coaches have told me they think the Bruins are the best east-side team.

2:28 p.m.: Catoosa eliminates Coweta in three games and will face McGuinness Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in the semis. Tulsa Union has a 2-1 lead on Jenks in the fourth game of a tight match. Jenks is holding a 23-19 lead in the fourth.

12:51 p.m.: At 6A, Edmond Santa Fe knocks out Norman North in three hard-fought games. The Wolves get the Jenks-Union winner in the match that is about to begin. Catoosa and Coweta are just getting going in 5A play.

On a sidenote, Shawnee High shot to the top of my “favorite high school gyms” list. Amazing place that mixes a college arena look with some throwback touches that give it an old-school gym feel, too. Looking forward to spending the second half of the day there to see the Edmond Memorial and Edmond North matches.

12:05 p.m.: McGuinness closes it out in three, winning the final game 25-15. The Irish will face the winner of the next match, Coweta vs. Catoosa, Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in the semifinals, back at OBU.

11:45 a.m.: With two locations going today, it’ll be hard for me to update everything, but I’ll get as much as I can.

Edmond Santa Fe and Norman North are under way at Shawnee High, but I’m at Oklahoma Baptist for the 5A opener between Bishop McGuinness and Skiatook. The Irish have dominated the first two games, 25-8 and 25-8, with the third about to start.

Here’s today’s schedule for both sites:

Class 5A at Oklahoma Baptist
11 a.m.: McGuinness def. Skiatook 3-0 (25-8, 25-8, 25-15)
12:45 p.m.: Catoosa def. Coweta 3-0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-22)
2:30 p.m.: Tulsa Washington def. Guymon 3-2 (20-25, 21-25, 26-24, 25-21, 15-11)
4:15 p.m.: Duncan vs. Tulsa Kelley

Class 6A at Shawnee HS
11 a.m.: Edmond Santa Fe def. Norman North 3-0 (26-24, 25-16, 25-23)
12:45 p.m.: Jenks def. Tulsa Union 3-2 (27-25, 19-25, 18-25, 25-20, 15-13)
2:30 p.m.: Bartlesville def. Edmond North 3-2 (17-25, 25-23, 25-19, 18-25, 15-10)
4:15 p.m.: Edmond Memorial vs. Bixby

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

There were a lot of heroes in the Mt. St. Mary’s softball team winning its first state softball championship. Morgan McCalmon was phenomenal in the circle. She gave up two runs in three games.

Freshman Sable Hankins came up huge in the championship with a couple of hits and RBIs to lead the Rockets past Washington.

But this team has an unquestioned leader. And the great news for MSM fans is that catcher Bryana Wade will be back for one more season.

Wade was incredible, hitting a home run in the semifinals and the championship. Definitely in the running for Little All-City Player of the Year (no, I haven’t decided that yet).

Other contenders

Sterling Shepard, Heritage Hall, Football: Had more than 330 total yards and scored five touchdowns in a dominating win against Newcastle.

Barry J. Sanders, Heritage Hall, Football: In limited time, rushed for 162 yards and two long touchdown carries in the first half.

Irish offensive line: A statement was made in a rout of Elk City. LaRone Richardson had another big game with the line leading the way to 364 rushing yards.

Mac Katigan, Casady, Football: In a rather surprising loss (to me, anyway), Katigan ran for a score and threw for another against Dallas St. Marks.

Skyler Sikes, OCS, Football: Still operating without Jack Warren, Sikes came up huge with three touchdowns in the win against Perry.

Jake Peace, MSM, Football: Did they break the scoreboard in Lindsay? In a 71-40 loss, Peace scored four touchdowns for the Rockets.

Heritage Hall and CHA volleyball: Both had tremendous seasons. Chargers were ousted in the quarterfinals while CHA was downed by Cache in the championship.

Irish volleyball: Girls are one of the favorites to walk out with the 5A championship this weekend in Shawnee.

Irish cross country: Strong showing by both boys and girls in Edmond. Girls, led by Mary Kate Roy, placed third. Boys, led by Brett Scott, earned the 5A championship.

Ooh this was a tough one. But in the end, his numbers were too good to be overlooked. So Deer Creek’s Alex Christensen gets the Edmond Player of the Week, just edging out the Memorial defense.

In talking with coach Grant Gower, he had no idea Christensen had THAT many carries. Christensen ended up with 38 carries for 246 yards and four touchdowns in a big road win against El Reno.

Gower said El Reno was unable to stop his big QB so he didn’t go away from it. I’ve compared Christensen as a beast before, and well, that might work for this week.

Good bounce back the last two weeks by the Antlers following the loss at Guthrie.

Other contenders

Memorial defense: Aw heck, the whole team in the second half. Playing inspired because of the loss of Cale Olbert, teams turned a 7-7 game at halftime time to a 47-7 win against Choctaw. Jeff Balkenbush and Ry Huff were part of the charge leading the way.

Jesse Mathews, North, Football: Once upon a time he was a contender for the QB job, but Mathews has made a nice transition and had a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Putnam City.

Jeremy Moore, Santa Fe, Football: Wolves dropped their sixth consecutive game, but Moore did pick off two passes in the loss to Mustang.

North softball: Here we go. This is what they’ve been waiting for. Rick Nordyke’s girls are ranked No. 1 heading into this week’s state tournament.

Memorial, North, Santa Fe volleyball: Gotta think the Bulldogs are heavy favorites, but Shawnee will be Edmond east this weekend for the 6A volleyball tournament with all three teams.

Alex Shook and Tara Lewis, Memorial, Cross Country: Lewis was second and Shook was fourth at the pre-state run at Mitch Park.

Arya Bahreini and Alex Skinner, Santa Fe, Cross Country: Bahreini was third and Skinner was fifth as Wolves placed fifth at the pre-state run.

5:36 p.m.: CHA putting a rally together. Down 20-16.

5:31 p.m.: Cache jumps to a 16-8 lead in the fourth… could they finish it early?

5:20 p.m.: Cache takes a 2-1 lead into the fourth game, earning a 25-18 win. The low-hanging scoreboard at center court hasn’t come into play as much as I thought it would — maybe five or six times that I’ve seen — but a couple of balls got close in the last game. You hope something like that doesn’t get in the way during a crucial point in such a big match.

5:15 p.m.: Another battle going down to the wire. Cache leading 20-17 in the third.

4:56 p.m.: The Crusaders even it up at a game apiece with a 25-17 win in the second. Looking like we’ll be going all five, a fight to the finish.

4:47 p.m.: Cache’s size has been an advantage, offensively and defensively, but CHA is a team full of fighters. They lead the second game 15-12.

4:34 p.m.: Cache finishes it off for the 1-0 win. That’s only the third game CHA has lost in the last 15 matches — 14 straight victories coming into the finals. Cache has a 13-match win streak of its own.

4:28 p.m.: Cache out to a 17-8 lead in the opener. Timeout CHA.

4:17 p.m.: Following pregame introductions, we’re now getting under way with the first game of the best-of-five Class 4A state final between Christian Heritage and Cache.

3:27 p.m.: Christian Heritage closes it out in three, 25-15. They’ll take on Cache in the finals, set to start at about 4:05 p.m.

3:07 p.m.: Strong rally from LC, but CHA pulls out game two, 25-18, for a 2-0 lead. Of course, LC was in this same position Friday against Heritage Hall — in fact, the Bulldogs had probably played worse in those two games than today — and came back to win. So this one isn’t over by a long shot.

2:58 p.m.: CHA took the first game (25-23) and holds a 19-9 lead over Lincoln Christian in the second.

1:52 p.m.: Cache junior Madison Ward is truly a difference-maker. She landed a kill just inside the back line for the win to put Bulldogs in this afternoon’s championship game. Prior to Clinton winning the 4A title last year, 10 straight went to private school teams. Looks like we’ll have another public-private showdown here today. Christian Heritage and Lincoln Christian are warming up for their match, which should start at about 2:15.

1:38 p.m.: Let’s play five. Cache takes the third game and OBA wins the fourth in a rout, 25-13. Fifth and final game starting now.

12:52: The second game goes to OBA, 25-23. There’s only been one match in this tournament that didn’t go five games, and I don’t expect any different today.

12:45 p.m.: Off to an exciting start here at Chickasha. Cache took the opening game of the first semifinal match and the second is back-and-forth in their battle with Oklahoma Bible Academy (OBA up 23-22 right now).

Christian Heritage and Lincoln Christian are set to start the other semifinal at 1:45 p.m., and the finals at 3:45, but I’d expect it to be a little behind schedule. I’ll update as often as possible throughout the day.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

7:06: Boneman here. Arrived at Heritage Hall for football between Chargers and Newcastle to learn that the Heritage Hall volleyball team lost to Lincoln Christian in five games. Is it the start of a long night for Charger athletics?

5:51 p.m.: LC takes the third game to pull within 2-1. Fourth game coming up.

5:38 p.m.: Chargers up 2-0, but the third game is much tighter so far. HH leading 15-12.

5:15 p.m.: Heritage Hall is out to a commanding lead against Lincoln Christian. After winning the first game 25-12, the Chargers are on top 16-8 in the second.

4:16 p.m.: After falling behind 5-1 to start the fifth game, Cache rallies for the win. The Bulldogs will face OBA Saturday at noon in the semifinals… The Heritage Hall-Lincoln Christian match, originally scheduled for 3 p.m., will start at about 4:40 p.m.

4 p.m.: Another wild one as Victory Christian rallies to force a fifth game with Cache, which has led in all four games, including an eight-point lead in the second. The Bulldogs have had opportunities to close this one out, but Victory — winners of 27 straight matches coming in — won’t go away.

3 p.m.: Fun with numbers – During the between-games break I took a minute to do some math… Corn Bible Academy has an ADM of 58.0 in the 9th-12th grades, which means more than 25 percent of the high school’s enrollment is on the volleyball team (15 players). To have an equal ratio, Broken Arrow would need 1,192 players to come out for volleyball. That would require 2,384 knee pads.

2:44 p.m.: When I made the reference to Alyssa Wilson and Clinton from last season in my opening post, I did it without having seen Cache play. But the Bulldogs’ Madison Ward fits the mold. Big jumper, hard hitter, and she’s about 6-foot-2. Only a junior, but she’s getting recruited by several major programs around the country. Cache has a 1-0 lead on Victory Christian with the second game about to start.

1:59 p.m.: OBA pulls it out with a 15-7 win in the fifth game. Thriller all the way.

1:45 p.m.: We’re heading to a fifth game in our opening match between Corn Bible and Oklahoma Bible. It’s been tight all the way. The closest game was OBA’s 25-18 win in the second, after trailing 7-2 early.

Noon: We’re under way at the Class 4A state volleyball tournament, wtih Oklahoma Bible and Corn Bible on the court in the first game of the opening match at Chickasha High School.

This is my first visit to the Fightin’ Chicks’ gym since it was built, and it’s a great place for this event. Big enough to accomodate the crowd, but not too big that it feels empty. I’m betting Saturday’s semifinal and final matches will have this place shaking. It’s loud in here now and there isn’t the kind of crowd you’ll have on a Saturday.

And there’s no doubt this tournament is going to get rowdy. It’s an extremely balanced field, and I don’t know that there’s a team playing that would be a surprise if they’re holding the gold ball on Saturday evening.

Of the coaches I spoke with, Heritage Hall, OBA and Christian Heritage are battle-tested. Cascia Hall has been playing its best volleyball the last few weeks. Victory Christian has won 27 straight matches.

Cache and Lincoln Christian have some big hitters — and that plays a huge factor in this tournament… just ask Alyssa Wilson and Clinton last year. Corn Bible is the smallest volleyball-playing school in the state, but they can hang with anyone. And they’ve got a big crowd. For a school with an ADM of 58.00, half the high school must be in attendance here today.

I’ll update the happenings throughout the day. Here’s Friday’s first-round schedule

Game 1: Oklahoma Bible 3, Corn Bible 2 (22-25, 25-18, 21-25, 25-20, 15-7)

Game 2: Cache 3, Victory Christian 2 (25-19, 24-26, 25-20, 23-25, 15-9)

3 p.m.: Heritage Hall vs. Lincoln Christian

4:30 p.m.: Cascia Hall vs. Christian Heritage

Saturday’s schedule

Noon: Oklahoma Bible vs. Cache

1:45 p.m.: HH/LC winner vs. Cascia/Christian Heritage winner

3:45 p.m.: Semifinal winners

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

The best of the best in the state (and some out of state clubs) for cross country were in Stillwater this weekend for the OSU Cowboy Jamboree.

And while Bishop McGuinness earned the 4A-5A boys title, nobody could touch Deer Creek’s Taler Buck in the individual competition.

Buck won the event by a staggering 18 seconds. And his time would have been good enough to place him fourth in the 6A competition, giving him Edmond Player of the Week honors.

The Antlers have one of the deepest squads in 5A and placed second to the Irish. Blaine Powell was 11th and Kody Ewing took 16th.

Other contenders

Jarion Tudman, North, Football: Welcome to Oklahoma, Tudman. The transfer from Amarillo came alive for 212 yards and 3 TDs in a win against Del City.

Ry Huff, Memorial, Football: Might see even more time this week and showed glimpses of what he can do with a touchdown in a 17-7 loss.

Abby Taliaferro, North, Softball: Taliaferro has been one of the best hitters for Rick Nordyke’s club all season and has done it in the biggest games.

Alex Hodges, Santa Fe, Volleyball: If it wasn’t for Memorial, we’d be talking about Hodges and the Wolves who are ranked No. 2 in 6A.

Taylor Melchert, Deer Creek, Cross Country: The girls placed sixth at the Jamboree with Melchert leading the way earning 36th.

Arya Bahreini, Santa Fe, Cross Country: His stellar season continued in Stillwater, too, placing fourth as the Wolves earned 10th.

Alex Shook, Memorial, Cross Country: Six was the magic number as Shook earned it individually and the team did the same at the Jamboree.

This might be the first time a Player of the Week honor is going to someone who didn’t score a touchdown. Yes, it’s true that Edmond Memorial RB Cale Olbert did not punch it in Friday in the win against rival Edmond North.

But you know what? He did just about everything else. With Kameron Doolittle hobbled, Olbert was the workhorse time and time again and has earned the Edmond honor.

Olbert is going to have to play a big role if the Bulldogs are going to continue their hot start. He adds a perfect blend to the offensive game. And we know how good that defense is.

Other contenders

Grant Bohuslavicky, Memorial, Football: Scored a touchdown and made big catches all night in the win against North.

Travis Townsend, North, Football: For three quarters, deadly accurate. Made good decisions all night long against Memorial.

Ty Hensley, Santa Fe, Football: Hensley scored the Wolves’ touchdown in a 41-6 loss at Midwest City.

Michael Coleman, Deer Creek, Football: Defense caused seven turnovers against Tecumseh and Coleman had an INT return for a touchdown.

Maddie Martin, Santa Fe, Softball: Wolves don’t have the numbers they’ve had in the past, but Martin is proving to be a stellar player.

Mattie Burleson, Memorial, Volleyball: You tend to forget how great she is with Micha Hancock also on the team, but Burleson is incredible at the net.

Tara Lewis and Alex Shook, Memorial, Cross Country: Surprise, surprise. Shook was second and Lewis fifth at the Edmond Dog Pack event at Mitch Park.

Hannah Helker and Anna Kimsey, North, Cross Country: In a good battle, Helker and Kimsey helped Huskies to win against Westmoore and rest of field at Edmond Dog Pack run.

Taler Buck and Courtney Maichak, Deer Creek, Cross Country: Girls won the smaller school competition and Buck was fourth in boys event at Edmond Dog Pack run.

Arya Bahreini and Alex Skinner, Santa Fe, Cross Country: Bahreini was third and Skinner seventh at the Edmond Dog Pack run.

Like I said, a lot of fun watching the Edmond Triangular volleyball matches Tuesday at Santa Fe. After all the talking Scott Wright had done about Micha Hancock of Memorial, had to see if she was worth it.

She is…and then some. I don’t think you can say enough good things about her from the way she plays to the way she carries herself to her team-first attitude, tremendous competitor and person.

The second annual Heather Harkness Invitational Tournament is this weekend at Santa Fe and should be one of the best showcases of Oklahoma volleyball that you’ll see before the state tournament.

Anyway, as promised, here is a short video with Hancock following Tuesday night’s victories against Santa Fe and North.

Mark another one off the list. Now the only OSSAA-sanctioned sport I haven’t seen live is cross country. Never been at a CC meet.

Had never been to a HS volleyball event until Tuesday night. Loved it, knew I would. Pretty big fan of volleyball, just never get a chance to see it during the high school season.

It was the Edmond Triangular at Edmond Santa Fe, featuring No. 1 Memorial, No. 2 Santa Fe and No. 6 North. Really good stuff.

Memorial won in three games against Santa Fe and four against the Huskies to rule the city.

Memorial def. Santa Fe 25-7, 25-16 and 25-21.

Memorial def. North 25-18, 23-25, 25-10 and 25-20.

Had to start hitting the football phone call circuit so didn’t stay for Santa Fe and North, sorry. UPDATE: Santa Fe def. North in three games.

Thoughts and observations

- Let me come clean and say I don’t know all the ins and outs of the game. I can pay attention and not feel lost. I can appreciate the skill, but the intricacies are prob lost by me.

- With that said, Micha Hancock…wow. She was the biggest reason I wanted to watch the action Tuesday, and she certainly did not disappoint. In seven games, she wasn’t on the bench for one point. I don’t care who you are, gots to admire that.

- I’ve even written that she’s a lefty before, but it still threw me off to see her spike, serve left-handed. And man can she do both of those things. Her kills were things of beauty, but I actually was more impressed with her touch on her sets, routinely put her teammates in good position.

- And last Hancock point, watching her set up Mattie Burleson is fun to watch as long as you’re not the opponent. Might as well just mark the point down when those two hook up.

- Speaking of Burleson, she owns the net. She can block just about anything that comes her way. I personally like the AVP on NBC term of ‘roofed ‘em’ than block, but hey, whatever.

- Memorial is a well-oiled machine. Fun to watch a team play the game the way it’s supposed to be played. Amanda Ayers never saw a ball she didn’t think she could dive at (that’s how I play the game when I do play). And Skylar Conner and Caitlin Scott delivered some nasty blows, too.

- For Santa Fe, impressed with Alex Hodges for her all-around game. She is obviously one of the better players in the state, too. I also liked the spike-ability (that’s not a term, right?) of Barbara Jackson.

- For North, don’t know if there was one player. I can’t believe how young this team is. Players like Mallory Fox and Alissa Benson definitely had their moments, but this team will be fun to watch in the future.

- Look for a video with Hancock on NewsOK on Wednesday. I was just excited I got one of Hancock’s kills on video.

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

The group has only two returning starters, Travis Henning and Lantz Parks, with only one of them — Henning — being a senior. Other guys like Tyler Bush, Logan Schantz and Will Paddock have done well stepping into roles on the Yukon front.

Behind them on Friday, the Millers got 120 rushing yards from Terry Jones and 72 more from quarterback Corben Jones, who had good protection all night in the passing game as well.

Other contenders

David Glidden and Jacob Strassle, Mustang football: Other than Glidden’s more than 200 return yards, including a 95-yard TD, Strassle was one of the only other players to make a significant impact Friday night for the Broncos. He joined the team to be a kicker, and he made all four of his extra-point tries, while putting a couple of kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks. And he caught two passes for 41 yards on the Broncos’ only significant offensive touchdown drive.

Carson Lynn, Putnam City football: Last year’s version of Strassle, Lynn joined the football team to help the kicking game, but soon became a receiving option as well. This year, with a full offseason under his belt, he will be one of the team’s top WRs. He scored a TD and kicked a late field goal in the 16-7 win over Putnam City North.

Scott Massey, Yukon cross country: Massey won the Shawnee Canadian River Run on Thursday, 19 seconds ahead of his closest competitor. Teammate Tyler Baxter was fourth.

Emily Helms and Andy Carroll, Mustang cross country: Carroll finished third to lead Mustang in the boys competition at Edmond Santa Fe, and Helms, a sophomore, won the girls competition.

Madi Ellis, Yukon softball: Ellis had a two-run double to help third-ranked Yukon edge Edmond Santa Fe 5-4 last week.

Shaundra Hicks, Putnam City volleyball: Hicks is a reliable player who holds the Pirates together. She and hitter Tori Cox have led PC to the No. 7 spot in the rankings after a hot start.

Jordan Cox, Mustang volleyball: The Broncos have made a move to get into the top 15 early in the season, including winning their own tournament. Despite a pair of losses in the last week to top teams PC and Edmond Santa Fe, Mustang is making some noise, and Cox’s hitting ability is a big reason why.

– If you’d like to nominate a West Metro player of the week, e-mail information to Scott Wright at swright@opubco.com.

Going to keep this one kinda short because you can read much more on Colten Sander in Tuesday’s paper. However, Sander deserves special mention for being the Edmond Player of the Week.

Sander was sensational in a win against Piedmont, rushing for 231 yards and three scores. Wildcats hung in there early, but Sander and the rest of the team carried the day in the second half.

Sander was banged up all last season with a concussion and foot injuries but appears to be back on the right track now.

Other contenders

Kameron Doolittle, Memorial, Football: There wasn’t much scoring in a 14-0 win against Santa Fe, but Doolittle provided a big spark with a 65-yard TD run.

Troy Davis, North, Football: Showed great versatility catching and running the ball and scored a touchdown in a 40-19 loss to Southmoore.

Ty Hensley, Santa Fe, Football: Hensley is the future for the Wolves, which should be incredibly bright. However, Week 1 was not kind to ESF.

Alex Christensen, Deer Creek, Football: Caught a couple of passes from Joel Blumenthal and also rushed for two touchdowns.

Madison Nordyke, North, Softball: The Huskies are on a roll right now, and Nordyke is a big reason why. She pitched beautifully in an Edlam win against Memorial.

Micha Hancock, Memorial, Volleyball: Back after claiming silver at the Youth Olympics, Hancock and the rest of the girls pulled out a fun five-game battle with Bishop Kelley.

Alex Shook and Tara Lewis, Memorial, Cross Country: Shook won the 5K run at Santa Fe and helped lead the Bulldogs to a team title. Lewis placed third.

Arya Bahreini, Santa Fe, Cross Country: Bahreini placed second as the Wolves finished fourth.

Hannah Helker, North, Cross Country: Helker led the Huskies’ charge with a fourth-place finish. The team placed second.

Have any more? Send ‘em this way.

The US Youth Olympic girls volleyball team needed to go the distance to beat Belgium the first time the two squads got together.

Unfortunately that wasn’t the case this time around. After the US won the opening game, Belgium rallied off three consecutive games and the Youth Olympic gold medal late Wednesday/early Thursday in Singapore.

Edmond Memorial’s Micha Hancock started at setter once again and contributed nine points with four aces, three blocks and two kills.

The Americans were dominant in the first game, taking it 25-17. But Belgium quickly bounced back with a 25-20 win in game 2 and were in complete control with 25-18 and 25-12 victories to claim the gold.

The US suffered a huge blow before the match when one of its stars, Liz McMahon of Ohio, broke her arm tripping over a chain walking in the Village. The 6-foot-6 outside hitter had a team-best 13 points in the first matchup against Belgium and was leading the US with 3.45 points per set.

The closing ceremonies for the first Youth Olympic Games are tonight.

The US Youth Olympic girls volleyball team overcame a late deficit in the first game to sweep Japan in three games in the semifinals Tuesday morning.

The Americans trailed 19-17 in the first game but rallied to notch eight of the next nine points for a 25-20 win. The scores were 25-23 and 25-23 in the other two games.

Edmond Memorial’s Micha Hancock once again started the game at setter.

The US (3-0) plays Belgium in the finals Thursday. The Americans defeated Belgium in a tough five-game match on Sunday.

The US Youth Olympic girls volleyball team withstood a late charge from Egypt to sweep its match Monday.

The Americans won 25-18, 25-19 and 25-23 to advance to Tuesday’s semifinal matchup against Japan. The US is the top team from pool B while Japan finished second in pool A.

Edmond Memorial star Micha Hancock started at setter for the match and finished with seven points. The US had a 33-21 advantage in kills.

Peru faces Belgium in the other semifinal. The US (2-0) defeated Belgium in five tough games, pulling out a 15-11 victory in the deciding game Sunday.

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

In the past, the All-City teams have run all in a week in late December. Decided to change it up a bit this year. Starting Wednesday, your All-City teams for softball, volleyball and cross country will be running.

It’s been a busy time for us whether it’s been football playoff stuff or getting ready for the winter sports season or honoring our fall heroes.

Here is the schedule:

Wednesday: Big and Little All-City Softball. My BAC Player of the Year was a slam dunk, but the LAC, boy, that was a tough one. I stand by my pick, but it was close with two extremely talented candidates. Much more in a blog Wednesday.
Thursday: All-City Volleyball by Scott Wright.
Friday: All-City Cross Country by Justin Harper.

So while you’re enjoying your turkey and recuperating Friday from all the food, dig in to your All-City teams all this week.

I’m a softie at heart, so signing day is one of my favorite days of the sports year. It’s right up there with All-City and All-State days where the kids are allowed to relax and have fun.

I totally forgot about Signing Day until Sunday. With all the football playoff stuff, just plum forgot. But I definitely made the rounds today.

Started off the day at Heritage Hall at just past 10 a.m. and the signing of Julie Labarthe to Quinnipiac for tennis. As a HUGE tennis fan, I wasn’t going to miss this. Nice crowd, love to see the support of the students for some of the ‘minor’ sports. You can’t call tennis minor to me, but I understand not everyone’s cup of tea is a five-set, four-hour epic.

Went into the office and put that video in and blogged about it. Then it was off to Deer Creek for a trio of signings with Corbin Campbell (OBU, soccer), Ian Davis (OSU, golf) and Cale Coshow (OU, baseball). It was scheduled for 1:30.

Who made those posters of the kids? Those were beyond cool. Again, I have no artistic ability at all, so I marvel at stuff like that.

Each gave a brief speech before making it official. While there, Van Shea Iven joined the party and told me about the Edmond Santa Fe signing ceremony at 2:30. Hmm, why not?

We weren’t sure we were going to make it. The Antlers ceremony was nice and had a chance to talk with both Davis and Coshow.

Funny how each had OU and OSU in their final choices. Davis chose the Cowboys while Coshow will be a Sooner.

Also weird that each will have a roommate from a local high school. Davis will be with Carl Albert’s Talor Gooch while Coshow’s roommate will be Casey Coyle of Putnam North.

So after more video at Deer Creek, it was off to Santa Fe where the Wolves were honoring six kids.

Two stood out to me just because I’ve talked with them before and covered them with Sierra Bronkey (Arkansas, softball) and Jordan Lopez (Texas Tech, baseball).

Also honored were golfers Matt Helms (Wichita State) and Cody Reed (Northeastern State), volleyballer Tate Hardaker (UCO) and basketball player Jimi Blagowsky (Air Force).

This was probably the coolest environment of the three as the girls basketball players were going nuts for Jimi.

Shot short videos with Bronkey and Lopez, so those should be up on NewsOK later this week.

I’ve never shot more video in one day. Not all of it was good (some audio issues), but I’m interested to see how it all turned out.

Like Ryan posted, if you know of any other signings that we don’t have, send ‘em our way. Thanks a bunch.

Here are the ones I have so far:
BASEBALL
Cale Coshow, Deer Creek (OU)
Casey Coyle, Putnam North (OU)
Cale Elam, Oktaha (Wichita State)
Brad Fisher, Jenks (Oral Roberts)
Josh Halbert, Choctaw (Wichita State)
Mason Justice, Holland Hall (Kansas State)
Jordan Lopez, Edmond Santa Fe (Texas Tech)
J.T. Realmuto, Carl Albert (OSU)
Jacob Rice, Tulsa Union (Arkansas)

BOYS BASKETBALL
Cameron Downing, Tulsa Memorial (Buffalo)
Amric Fields, Putnam West (TCU)

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Jimi Blagowsky, Edmond Santa Fe (Air Force)
Brenna Burnett, Dale (Palm Beach Atlantic)
Meagan Henson, CHA (TCU)
Kalie Lucas, Harrah (Missouri Southern)
Ashlee Pitts, Tulsa East Central (SW Baptist)
Cara Pugh, McGuinness (OCU)

GOLF
Tressa Brumley, Chouteau (UCO)
Ian Davis, Deer Creek (OSU)
Talor Gooch, Carl Albert (OSU)
Matt Helms, Edmond Santa Fe (Wichita State)
Lauren Michael, Jenks (Drury)
Cody Reed, Edmond Santa Fe (NSU)

SOCCER
Corbin Campbell, Deer Creek (OBU)

SOFTBALL
Shelby Blanton, Newcastle (Tulsa)
Sierra Bronkey, Edmond Santa Fe (Arkansas)
Tiffany Brown, Catoosa (Pittsburg State)
Bailee Cartwright, Moss (Northwestern State, La.)
Dani Fox, Yukon (Washburn)
Shaylee Griffin, McAlester (OCU)
Haley Henshaw, Catoosa (Tulsa)
Javen Henson, Red Oak (OU)
Hannah Justice, Catoosa (UCO)
Beth Manship, Harrah (Southeastern)
Mary Kate McKay, Madill (Angelo State)
Lauren Poole, Putnam North (Seminole State)
Natalie Powers, Holland Hall (Tenn.-Chatt.)
Shelbi Redfearn, Stillwater (Baylor)
Kylee Rounsaville, Mustang (OCU)
Kenna Self, Madill (OBU)
Lauren Tyndall, Edmond Memorial (Northwestern, Ill.)
Hillary Weatherford, Carl Albert (Washburn)
Briana Williams, Midwest City (OCU)

TENNIS
Logon Collins, Tulsa Union (Marquette)

VOLLEYBALL
Ashley Acklin, Carl Albert (Radford)
Tate Hardaker, Edmond Santa Fe (UCO)
Julie Labarthe, Heritage Hall (Quinnipiac)
Sallie McLaurin, Carl Albert (OU)
Alyssa Wilson, Clinton (Northern Colorado)

WRESTLING
Ronnie Balfour, Tulsa Union (OU)
Justin DeAngelis, Jenks (OU)
Greg Delk, Skiatook (OCU)
Quincy Mondaine, Muskogee (OU)
Jared Porter, Carl Albert (Central Michigan)
Dustin Reed, Choctaw (OU)

Here is some info on a great cause as the second annual Heather Harkness Memorial Volleyball Tournament will take place at Santa Fe on Saturday.

Harkness, a student and volleyball player for the Wolves, died last year.

The Edmond Santa Fe High School DECA Chapter, in partnership with the Edmond Santa Fe girls volleyball team, are proud to present the 2nd Annual Heather Harkness Memorial Volleyball Tournament.

The tournament is Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m. in the Santa Fe High School Gymnasiums. We have created this event as a means to celebrate and honor Heather’s life.

Heather served as Santa Fe DECA Historian as well as starting varsity volleyball player.

The Heather Harkness Memorial Volleyball Tournament proceeds will be used to create a permanent school memorial, establish a perpetual Memorial Volleyball Tournament in Heather’s name and assist in defraying costs associated with events in honor of Heather.

Last year more than 700 people were in attendance and this year promises to be an even bigger event. More info can be found on the Heather Harkness Memorial Volleyball Tournament fan page, by emailing forheather12@yahoo.com, or by following @HHvolleyball on Twitter.

***

I won’t be able to make it out there in person, but if anyone wants to send me some photos from the event, don’t hesitate.

Here’s a few I’ve come up with. Let me know, either through a comment here or an e-mail (raber@opubco.com), if you have any others.

I’m sure there are plenty more I’ve missed but here are a few:

- Morrison and Shattuck’s 90-game winning streaks in football
- Tulsa Union’s and Jenks’ stranglehold on the 6A football title
-Asher and Owasso baseball dominance
-McGuinness girls cross country
-Bethel girls basketball state tournament streak
-Bartlesville boys swimming
-El Reno wrestling
-McGuinness girls tennis
-Cascia Hall boys tennis

We weren’t able to run any photos last week when Edmond Memorial won the Class 6A state volleyball championship. But thanks to Memorial fans, my inbox has been littered with photos. So here ya go with a gallery of shots from last week’s championship.

Going into the Bishop McGuinness and Douglass game, it wasn’t going to be that hard to figure out who was going to win. If the Irish stopped the Trojans running game, it was going to be a W for Kenny Young’s club.

And there’s no doubt Douglass put up some yards, but for the most part, McGuinness held it in check in a 14-7 win.

Biggest reason? Senior linebacker Jameel Whitney. Whitney has been a stud all season but never more than Friday night. He had 21 tackles, yep, 21 in an outstanding performance in a game the Irish needed for any hopes of another district crown. His rushing touchdown also proved to be the game-winner.

Think the biggest misconception for McGuinness is that it is not a tough, physical team. While the Irish can finesse you, make no mistake that there is some hitting going on with this club.

A huge win after a couple of tough, one-point losses earlier in the season.

Other contenders

- Barry Sanders Jr., RB, Heritage Hall: Sanders had another four-touchdown performance in a 41-0 win at Fairview. He also had two scores called back because of penalties.

- Camden Tharp, QB, McGuinness: Numbers don’t stand out, but a huge win for the sophomore in such a pivotal district encounter.

- Jack Warren, QB, OCS: The Saints are on a collision course with Cashion this week and are 6-1 after Warren threw for three touchdowns in a 37-8 win vs. Minco.

- Austin Katigan, WR, Casady: Caught the Cyclones only touchdown of the game in a 28-7 loss at Houston St. Johns.

- Ian Sanders, K, CHA: Would love to see this kid kick once. Made a couple of field goals in a 22-15 victory against Crescent.

Other winners

- Bryana Wade, Mt. St. Mary’s, Softball: Wade had an RBI double in the Rockets’ 2-1 loss to Purcell at the state tournament.

- Cassie Iser, McGuinness, Volleyball: Was named to the All-Tournament team and helped lead Irish to 5A state finals but lost to the incredible Bishop Kelley team.

- Frank Frantz, McGuinness, Cross Country: In the loaded field at the Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival in Fayetteville, Ark., Frantz placed 30th and was fourth among Oklahoma runners.

Saturday night in Sapulpa seems like it was one special scene for the Edmond Memorial volleyball squad.

After the huge disappointment from last year, the Bulldogs club was squarely focused on this year.

And led by arguably the best player in the state, junior Micha Hancock, Memorial was able to outlast Tulsa Union in a five-game slugfest to take back the Class 6A championship.

Hancock is one of the hardest hitters and saved her best stuff for when it mattered most.

Though Hancock is getting the Edmond Player of the Week, all of Edgar Miraku’s girls deserve the recognition.

Memorial and Union both went through the quarterfinals and semifinals without losing a game.

But the final was a classic back-and-forth affair with Memorial coming out on top 25-12, 18-25, 19-25, 25-20 and 18-16. Junior Caitlin Scott landed the winning kill.

It is Memorial’s third championship in five years.

For more, fellow chum Scott Wright had this to say in Sunday’s paper.

Other contenders

- Kameron Doolittle, RB, Memorial: There’s that man again. Doolittle rushed for 109 yards and threw two touchdowns in a 26-3 win against Westmoore.

- Brian Mills, RB, Santa Fe: And there’s that man again. Mills has been phenomenal in every way possible despite a 1-6 record. He rushed for 127 yards and a score in a 17-14 loss to Putnam North.

- Tyler Price, RB, Deer Creek: Six turnovers killed Grant Gower’s club, but Price was able to score the lone touchdown on a direct snap in a 30-7 loss to El Reno.

- Joe Aska Jr., RB, North: Aska was bottled up most of the night but scored two times in a 42-13 loss at Midwest City.

Other winners

- Sierra Bronkey, Santa Fe, Softball: Guts to the nth degree for the senior, who laid everything on the line to try to put the Wolves in the hunt for a title.

- Abby Taliaferro, North, Softball: Hit a two-run home run vs. Santa Fe but wasn’t enough for the young Huskies at the state tournament.

-  Taler Buck, Deer Creek, Cross Country: Was the top Oklahoma finisher at the Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival in Fayetteville, Ark.

- Tara Lewis, Memorial, Cross Country: Second-highest Oklahoma finisher at the Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival in Fayetteville, Ark.

Quite a day at Sapulpa’s Chieftain Center. Your 5A champion is Tulsa Kelley and Edmond Memorial takes home the 6A crown.

9:05 p.m.: Memorial trailed early in the fourth game, taking its first lead at 16-15, but ran away with it in the end. The 25-20 win forced a fifth set for the first time in either of the 5A or 6A state tournaments this weekend. Talk about saving the best for last.

8:40 p.m.: Memorial fought back to within 22-18, but Union escaped with the win in game three, taking a 2-1 advantage.

8:19 p.m.: Union out to a 10-0 lead in the third game, sucking all the momentum to their side of the net.

8:12 p.m.: Memorial tried to put together a late rally, but Union was able to close it out and even the match at a game apiece. No match all weekend in either class has made it to a fifth game. Maybe this is the one.

7:47 p.m.: Micha Hancock landed a few big kills and the Memorial Bulldogs jumped out to take the first game of the 6A state match, 25-12, over Tulsa Union.

7:27 p.m.: I see some navy blue and green amid the Memorial fans. Looks like some North and Santa Fe folks hung around to support their neighbors in the title match, which is about to begin.

6:33 p.m.: Chalk up a three-peat for Tulsa Kelley. With a 25-14 win in the third game, Kelley swept the final match over McGuinness to win the school’s ninth volleyball title in the last 12 years.

We’ll get going with Memorial-Union for the 6A title at 7:15 p.m.

6:12 p.m.: Kelley scored the final three points for a thrilling 28-26 win in the second game and a 2-0 lead in the match. Easily the best game of the entire state tournament in either class so far.

5:58 p.m.: The second game is looking like it’ll be a showdown to the final point as McGuinness found the answer it needed to get back in this match. We’re tied at 14 with both sides scoring big points.

5:41 p.m.: Tulsa Kelley scored the first eight points of the game and got itself out to a quick 1-0 lead wiht a 25-10 win to start the 5A title match. McGuinness will be looking to bounce back quickly, but they’ve got to do something to discard the frustration that swallowed them up early in the first game.

4:38 p.m.: Memorial coasted through the third game to take the match, advancing to the state final in 6A. They’ll face Union at 7:15 p.m.

An interesting move by Edmond North coach Tanna Smith midway through the final game. The first-year coach called a timeout with her team trailing 16-6. She immediately took her team down a hallway in the corner of the gym, out of the sight of fans, for the duration of the 60-second timeout, presumably to light a fire in her players. It worked somewhat. The Lady Huskies matched Memorial point-for-point the rest of the match, but that obviously wasn’t enough.

As for the next match, Bishop McGuinness lost in its only match against Tulsa Kelley during the season. The Irish did take a game, which is more than most Oklahoma teams can say. The Comets are 29-0 this season against in-state competition.

4:13 p.m.: Memorial had to play from behind in the second game, but still managed a narrow win and a 2-0 lead in this 6A semifinal match. The Lady Bulldogs look like a team on a mission.

3:45 p.m.: Edmond Memorial’s height and power at the net was too much for North in the first game, a 25-17 Memorial victory. We’ll see if North can find a way to combat that heading into the second game.

2:58 p.m.: A bit of a shocker, not that Union won, but that it only took three games. They finished off Edmond Santa Fe with a 25-17 third-game decision. The Lady ‘Skins jumped to a big lead in the third game and put away the Lady Wolves. It evened the season series between the two schools at 2-2, but Union got the big one.

Edmond Memorial and Edmond North will get going at about 3:15 p.m. to see who will take on Union tonight for the title. The 6A final is scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m. Memorial and Union split four matches during the season and Union was 3-0 against Edmond North.

As for this match, Memorial won all three regular-season meetings against North, but the Lady Huskies are playing at the top of their game right now.

2:32 p.m.: Union pulls away late to take the second game and a 2-0 lead. The Lady Redskins haven’t been able to gain any significant momentum, but they’re getting crucial points when they need them. They can earn their spot in the 6A final with a win in the third game, which is about to begin.

2 p.m.: If the first game is any sign, the Union-Santa Fe match will go the distance. Union took the first game 25-21. Santa Fe was left scrambling on some points, but made a lot of plays to stay in it.

1:10 p.m.: The third game goes to Kelley, so it’s the Comets vs. McGuinness at 5:15 p.m. Edmond Santa Fe and Tulsa Union to begin at 1:30 p.m. We’re officially back on schedule, but I’d anticipate some four- and five-game matches in these two 6A semifinals.

1 p.m.: Carl Albert is coming through with some big points, but can’t stay on top of Tulsa Kelley. The Comets are up 2-0 and hold a 12-10 lead in the third game.

11:50 a.m.: McGuinness advances with the 3-1 win over Tulsa Washington, setting up a possible Catholic showdown if favorite Tulsa Kelley advances in the next game, which will be underway in about 15 minutes. The 5A title game is scheduled to begin at 5:15 p.m.

11:30 a.m.: After seeing what the Boneman has been through with softball, I’m not about to complain about a long day, but we’re well underway here at Sapulpa’s Chieftain Center, and we’ll be here well into the night. The final match is scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m. and the first match of the day already has us behind schedule. But the excitement these games create makes it worth it.

Friday’s first-round games, except for the Edmond North-Jenks duel, was a fairly boring day, with seven of eight matches going 3-0. I don’t anticipate many of those today.

Bishop McGuinness is up two games to one and the fourth game is a tight one in today’s first 5A semifinal with Tulsa Kelley and Carl Albert on deck. Updates as warranted, though I can’t give you any information on Sam Bradford’s shoulder. Sorry.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Class 5A (Friday at Tulsa Rogers, Saturday at Sapulpa)

McAlester vs. Carl Albert, noon

McAlester (13-19): Don’t let the record fool you, the Lady Buffs can play. And they’ve played some of the toughest competition around this season. Last year’s 5A runner-up will rely on its heavy hitters, particularly juniors Kati Wills and Lauryn Kirkhart. Setter Jinny Judge was all-tournament at state last year, too.

Carl Albert (23-8): The Lady Titans’ Sallie McLaurin might be the best individual in the 5A field. The 6-foot-2 hitter can crush it, and along with fellow senior Ashley Acklin, CA has a strong pair of hitters to go around Toni Cheadle in the middle. Cheadle is a sophomore playing her first year of volleyball, but she’s learning quickly. CA beat McAlester twice during the regular season, but the Lady Buffs took a game in each match.

Tulsa Washington vs. Tahlequah, 1:45 p.m.

Tulsa Washington (26-5): Ask any opposing coach about Booker T., and you’ll hear the name Tyler Cockrell. The athletic outside hitter is part of a group of seniors that make the Lady Hornets go, but she’s the star. She’ll get a test in the first round, though, against Tahlequah, which has a couple of strong blockers.

Tahlequah (35-5): The team that won more games — and played more games — than any team in the state hopes for just three more. And it’s hard to say Tahlequah won’t be in line for a rebuilding year after this weekend. Their roster includes 10 players, nine of which are seniors. Middles Sarah Nelson and Natalie Nowlin are the blockers mentioned above. The battle between them and Cockrell should be a good show.

Skiatook vs. Bishop McGuinness, 3:30 p.m.

Skiatook (22-12): Making its first state tournament appearance in 15 years, Skiatook is motivated to make some noise, but the first-round draw of McGuinness makes for a tough opener. Leslie Allred is a key component, both as a passer and hitter. Courtney Shoemake adds to the team’s defensive presence in the middle, and setter Arinee’ Thompson has more than 500 assists in her sophomore year.

McGuinness (20-6): If anyone has a shot at knocking off Tulsa Kelley, the Irish are atop the list. With Katie Harris at setter — “She can take a bad ball and make it good,” coach Kristy Ellis said — and junior Maddie Coffey at outside hitter, McGuinness can create offense. Coffey has a quick swing and is hard to block. The Irish defense is solid as well, all over the floor, which gives them a chance in any match.

Tulsa Kelley vs. Southeast, 5:15 p.m.

Tulsa Kelley (29-3): Unbeaten against in-state competition this year, it’s hard to envision anyone beating the Comets this week. But upsets can happen. The Comets are well-coached and have talent all over the place, particularly in the middle with sisters Kitan and Inky Ajanaku.

Southeast (24-7): The first OKCPS representative at the state tournament since 1995, Southeast has a tall task opening against Kelley. But this is a team that isn’t afraid of anything. They had to go up against two higher ranked teams to win their regional, and they’ve got plenty of talent to pull off the shocker. Victoria Kappel and Shola Adebayo are the main players to keep an eye on.

Class 6A at Sapulpa

Tulsa Union vs. Bartlesville, noon

Union (27-5): The Lady Redskins don’t really have a star, but they’ve got loads of talent. Ironically, they’ve beaten every team in the 6A field this year, except for Bartlesville, because the two teams didn’t play. In 6A competition, only Edmond Santa Fe and Edmond Memorial have beaten Union this year. The Lady ‘Skins rely a lot on their setter, Laura Taylor, and libero, Jessica Powers.

Bartlesville (28-8): The only non-host team to advance from regionals, Bartlesville had to beat the defending 6A champs on their home court to get here. After knocking off Owasso, Bartlesville might be facing the top team in the class, so the leadership of Paige Smith and Kendra Schmidtlein will be crucial.

Edmond Memorial vs. Broken Arrow, 1:45 p.m.

Memorial (27-5): The strength of Edgar Miraku’s squad has been defense all year, and they’ve gotten a big boost from some younger players, especially in the sophomore class. Still, it’s the older players who lead the way. Micha Hancock can do a little bit of everything, and at 6-foot-3, Mattie Burleson has shown great leaping ability. Jaira Wilsey provides the senior leadership from her outside hitter spot.

Broken Arrow (11-21): Like McAlester in 5A, don’t be fooled by the win-loss record. Yes, BA only won nine matches. But not many teams played the level of competition they did. All 21 losses came to teams who reached the state tournament in their class. And it was BA that upset Edmond Memorial in the first round of last year’s tournament.

Stillwater vs. Edmond Santa Fe, 3:30 p.m.

Stillwater (18-14): A lot of teams get to state by being balanced, and Stillwater is no exception. They play defense on the back row as well as anyone, but they can be dangerous at the net, too. Outside hitter Anna Gentry can play all over the floor. Middle blocker Devin Kerns is a go-to girl on offense and Mary O’Neill covers the court the way a libero is supposed to do.

Edmond Santa Fe (28-4): Will Ethridge’s squad has been on the verge of really good things all year, and they’ve got to be considered one of the favorites this weekend. Tate Hardaker is an all-around player and good hitter from the outside spot. And if you’re looking for defense, Mindy Gowen is among the best in the state.

Edmond North vs. Jenks, 5:15 p.m.

Edmond North (18-14): Tanna Smith’s first year as the team’s head coach has been a work in progress, but North is peaking at the right time. Their bench goes as deep as any in the tournament, but their senior class is the team’s foundation. Kayley Earnst at libero sets up the offense, which is anchored by outside hitters Alli Hammer — the best name in volleyball, particularly for a hitter — and Torrie Flynn.

Jenks (26-6): There could be some revenge on the minds of the Jenks players, led by junior outside hitter Carissa Ophus. Edmond North went to five games with Jenks at the Stillwater Tournament in late September, with the Lady Trojans eventually losing the fifth game 17-15. So look for some fireworks in this first-round match.

Football

Andrew Long, Southmoore
The sophomore running back ran for 174 yards and two touchdowns, leading the SaberCats to a 28-12 victory over Edmond Santa Fe. Long’s performance was particularly vital to the team’s success beause Southmoore only passed for 16 yards in a downpour.

Cody Feuerborn, Westmoore
The running back piled up 166 yards and two touchdowns on just eight carries in the Jags’ victory over Putnam City West.

Jonathan Rhodes, Westmoore
Splitting carries with Feuerborn, Rhodes ran for 151 yards on 18 totes.

Brian Self, Westmoore
The senior noseguard and fullback averaged 10 yards a carry and scored Westmoore’s first three touchdowns against PC West.

Zach VanDyke, Westmoore
Recorded an interception that led to a touchdown against the Patriots.

Nyko Symonds, Southmoore
Recovered a teammates’ fumble to maintain possession on a key drive and had an interception on defense.

Austin Haywood, Southmoore
Returned a fumble 74 yards for a touchdown and scored a 16-yard touchdown on Southmoore’s only completed pass of the game.

Vova Razryvin, Moore
Quarterback scored the Lions’ only touchdown in a loss to Putnam City North.

Softball

Brianna Nunley, Moore
Was strong in the circle as Moore walloped Lawton Ike and Edmond Memorial twice by a combined score of 30-0 to win the regional crown and advance to state. Nunley has an ERA of 0.76 in 24 starts for the season.

Others:

Michelle Keppel, Westmoore
Pitched the Jaguars to a 3-1 victory over Norman North in a Class 6A regional tournament game. Then came back to beat the T-Wolves again 2-1, allowing just three hits.

Kendra Pierce, Westmoore
Had a double in the Jags’ regional win over North.

Shelby Wheeler, Westmoore
Had a double in the Jags’ regional win over North.

Volleyball

Madison Dobbs, Westmoore
Dobbs recorded a match-high 17 kills and also had 18 digs in the Jaguars’ loss to Lawton in the Class 6A regional tournament.

Rebecca Wood, Moore
Moore had a team-high three assists and 10 attack attempts in the Lions’ loss to Owasso.

Football

Jon Johnson, Norman North
Aside from being in on numerous tackles, the linebacker intercepted a pass and returned it to the 3-yard line in the T-Wolves’ loss to Mustang. The interception return led to a touchdown on the next play. Late in the game, Johnson got in some time with the offense and caught a 21-yard touchdown pass.

Others:

Scott Whitaker, Norman North
The receiver caught a 59-yard touchdown pass in his return to the field after missing a game because he dislocated his kneecap.

Chad Anderson, Norman
The senior quarterback connected on 9 of 14 passes in the Tigers’ loss to Edmond Memorial.

Cross country

Danielle Riley, Norman North
The junior placed first in the Southwestern Christian University Invitational. Her winning time in the 3,200 meter run was 13:26.

Others:

Dustin Barrier, Norman North
Barrier placed third at the Southwest Christian meet, running the 5K course in 17:32.

Kyle Wardwell, Norman North
Wardwell placed fourth in the Southwest Christian meet, running the 5K course in 17:35.

Note: Norman High did not compete in a cross country meet last week as the Edmond Pre-State meet was canceled.

Volleyball
Lexie Matthews, Norman North
Matthews led Norman North to a victory over Norman in the regular-season finale. The sophomore recorded 14 kills and four blocks.

Others:

Grace Valliere, Norman
Had a match-best eight blocks against Norman North.

Tori Thomas, Norman North
Had 12 digs for the T-Wolves against Norman.

Softball

Kayla Putnam, Norman North
Putnam pitched the T-Wolves to an 11-0 victory over US Grant at the Class 6A regional tournament.

Football

Daniel Farrow, RB/LB, Mustang: Farrow burned most of his energy before the opening kickoff in his Bronco debut Oct. 3 because he was so jacked up to get on the field for a real game, but he had plenty in the tank Friday night. The 6-foot, 190-pound senior went for five touchdowns and 152 yards — nearly double what the Norman North defense had been allowing per game.

Farrow adds a different dimension to a Mustang offense that already has shown it can move the ball through the air, and has plenty of weapons in that realm, with guys like David Glidden and Braden Wiseley. Farrow hits the hole hard and drags tacklers with him when he runs.

He also has an interesting story, which I’ll be telling you about in the next couple weeks.

Softball

Julie Brunk, Mustang: Brunk did a little of everything for the Lady Broncos in their regional, tossing four innings of one-hit ball with 11 strikeouts in one of the three victories and did some work at the plate as well, including a two-run triple, in the other games. Mustang had a pair of run-rule victories and a 9-2 win over Westmoore in the regional final.

Volleyball

Tori Cox, Putnam City: One of the top middle players in the state, Cox and PC fell to Stillwater in a hard-fought battle at Stillwater in the regional final.

Cross Country

Steven Cradduck, PC West: The senior clocked in at 19:50 at the Southwestern Christian University Invitational last week, guiding the Patriots to a sixth-place team finish.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

No rainouts.

While everyone else is scrambling to find alternate fields and dry places to play their state and regional tournament games this week, volleyball moves ahead on schedule. Even though I had to put arm floaties on my chihuahua just to send him out into my backyard, 4A volleyball’s state tournament will go off without a hitch Friday at noon inside the dry climate of the Edmond Santa Fe High School gym.

Now, here’s a look at the teams that made it to the 4A state tournament

Match 1: Christian Heritage vs. Oklahoma Bible, noon

CHA (25-9): Like several teams in this tournament, CHA has a lot of seniors, most of whom play key roles at vital positions, like Abbey McNeill at libero. Coach Heath Kufahl will put her talents up against any libero in the state. Lindsey LittleJim is a big play — or a big block — waiting to happen in the middle. Skye Coffman is a strong outside hitter as well, and CHA has come closer to beating Heritage Hall than any other 4A team this season. They’ve won 15 straight.

OBA (27-11): Without a lot of 4A schools in the immediate area, OBA ends up playing a pretty tough schedule, and coach James Ward hopes that pays dividends this week. A team without an offensive superstar lives on its defense, which will be among the best in the field this weekend. Libero Rachael Walker anchors that defense and junior setter Whitney Maple has been starting since her freshman year. Remember that 15-game winning streak for CHA? Their last loss came to OBA on Sept. 15. So there should be a rivalry aspect to this game.

Match 2: Heritage Hall vs. Lincoln Christian, 1:30 p.m.

Heritage Hall (24-6): They’ve won four straight titles, and though they lost a lot of key players and their head coach, first-year coach Greg Dewey has the Lady Chargers right back where they’ve been as the 4A favorite. Brooke Bogert and Haydn Beatty are the big-play girls, but others like Coralee Toal are just as important to their success. Dewey has said all season that he feels the 4A field is evenly matched, so we’ll see if it plays out.

Lincoln Christian (22-9): These girls are in their first state tournament with three sophomores starting and they’re opening against the four-time defending state champs. But coach Whitney Warren doesn’t sound timid about the matchup, and it didn’t come across as false bravado. Her team has good size, led by Haley Byrd. Chelsie Holt in the middle and Maddie Starr at outside hitter will make some plays, too. They have good leadership on the court and play as a team.

Match 3: Victory Christian vs. Clinton, 3 p.m.

Victory Christian (28-6): Strong hitters who played a strong schedule. Could be a dangerous combination. VC has a strong pair of middles in Caroline Arnould and Stephani Feeley, a great blocking tandem. Setter Natalie Donohue makes the offense go with her unmatched passing skills. Six players on the team have played in the state tournament before.

Clinton (24-9): Like Victory Christian, Clinton has several players with state tournament experience. Alyssa Wilson, a senior outside hitter, is the total package. At 6-foot-1 with good leaping ability, she’s built for the sport, and she hits it as hard as anyone you’ll see at the tournament the next two days. But victories will come via team chemistry, which has been a key to success all year, says coach Jackie Sternberger.

Match 4: Cascia Hall vs. Cache, 4:30 p.m.

Cascia Hall (15-16): Solid all the way around, but especially in the middle with senior Kate Brandon and sophomore Aryn Dixon, both of whom started on last year’s runner-up squad. Aside from their physical talent, they’re on-court leaders as well. And Nikkie Price, another senior, runs the show at setter for a group that relies heavily on team unity. Cascia is another team that has played a tough schedule, which is evident in the overall record, and will be ready for whatever the state tournament has to offer.

Cache (28-3): This is a team with a lot of athletic ability, and good hitters at nearly every position. Coach Stephanie Dilks says a different player is stepping up to lead the team in kills each game. Senior outside hitter Lauren Winham is a leader on the floor who makes the plays when her team needs her. And though Cache relies a lot on its six seniors, a pair of sophomores play crucial roles in setter Madison Ward  and middle hitter Talia Stanley. Ward is a glue girl, doing whatever is needed to hold the team together, and Stanley is the team’s big hitter who works hard at the net on defense.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

All Edmond teams are serious contenders for the 6A state volleyball championship.

Thought Santa Fe was the favorite, but the way Memorial has played, it’s a lot closer than I thought.

Here is a short Q&A with Memorial junior Mattie Burleson.

What was your “welcome to Varsity” sports moment?

Burleson: The schedule is completely different. You have to juggle school work, work and late practices. It’s not easy.

What is your hidden talent?

Burleson: I remember everything. No joke. Anything that has happened to me since I was 6, I remember. (Boneman’s note: I got a pretty good memory, too. It’s weird for me, sometimes, to deal with people that don’t.)

What are the five favorite things in your life right now?

Burleson: The Harry Potter books, the perfect sweatshirt (Boneman’s note: I like that. Feeling comfortable goes a long way), iPod, chocolate and my car.

Who is one person you would want to trade places with and why?

Burleson: Angelina Jolie, so I could be married to Brad Pitt

THURSDAY
Softball: Class 6A Regional tournament at Mustang
Volleyball: at Class 6A Regional tournament at Owasso

FRIDAY
Football: at Mustang, 7:30 p.m.
Cross Country: at Pre-State Meet at Mitch Park in Edmond, 3 p.m.
Volleyball: (TBD) at Class 6A Regional tournament at Owasso

TUESDAY
Cross Country: at Mid-State Conference meet at Irving Middle School, 4 p.m.

THURSDAY
Softball: (TBD) Class 6A State Tournament at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium
Football: Del City at Norman North, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY
Softball: Class 6A Regional tournament at Yukon
Volleyball: at Class 6A Regional tournament at Edmond Memorial

FRIDAY
Football: Edmond Memorial at Norman, 7:30 p.m.
Cross Country: at Pre-State Meet at Mitch Park in Edmond, 3 p.m.
Volleyball: (TBD) at Class 6A Regional tournament at Edmond Memorial

TUESDAY
Cross Country: at Mid-State Conference meet  at Irving Middle School, 4 p.m.

THURSDAY
Softball: (TBD) Class 6A State Tournament at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium
Football: at Putnam City, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY
Football: Edmond Santa Fe at Southmoore, 7:30 p.m.
Softball: Class 6A Regional tournament at Edmond Santa Fe
Volleyball: at Class 6A Regional tournament at Stillwater

FRIDAY
Cross Country: at Pre-State Meet at Mitch Park in Edmond, 3 p.m.
Volleyball: (TBD) at Class 6A Regional tournament at Stillwater

TUESDAY
Cross Country: at conference meet in Norman (Irving Middle School), 4 p.m.

THURSDAY
Football: at Lawton, 7:30 p.m.
Softball: (TBD) Class 6A State Tournament at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium

THURSDAY
Softball: Class 6A Regional tournament at Mustang
Volleyball: at Class 6A Regional tournament at Edmond Santa Fe

FRIDAY
Football: Putnam City West at Westmoore, 7:30 p.m.
Cross Country: at Pre-State Meet at Mitch Park in Edmond, 3 p.m.
Volleyball: (TBD) at Class 6A Regional tournament at Edmond Santa Fe

TUESDAY
Cross Country: at Mid-State Conference meet in Norman (Irving Middle School), 4 p.m.

THURSDAY
Softball: (TBD) Class 6A State Tournament at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium

THURSDAY
Softball: Class 6A Regional tournament at Moore
Cross Country: at Oklahoma Baptist, 4 p.m.
Volleyball: at Class 6A Regional tournament in Owasso

FRIDAY
Football: at Putnam City North, 7:30 p.m.
Volleyball: (TBD) at Class 6A Regional tournament in Owasso

TUESDAY
Cross Country: at Mid-State Conference meet in Norman (Irving Middle School), 4 p.m.

THURSDAY
Football: Mustang at Moore, 7:30 p.m.
Softball: Class 6A State Tournament at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium

Football

Nyko Symonds, WR, Southmoore

Senior wideout had a huge game against Putnam City North, grabbing six passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns. Symonds’ TD receptions were all big gains, covering 84, 62 and 44 yards.

Others:

Airies Browning, WR, Moore

Caught five passes for 27 yards in loss to Norman North.

Brandon Eddins, RB, Moore

Didn’t get many carries, but averaged almost 10 yards per rush for Lions against the T-Wolves.

Kendal Thompson, QB, Southmoore

Completed 22 of 29 passes for 377 yards and three touchdowns in loss to PC North.

Kevin Rodriguez, DL, Westmoore

Recorded 14 tackles in loss to Midwest City.

Josh Morgan, DB, Westmoore

Had 13 stops in shutout loss to the Bombers.

Cross country

Toby Bothwell, Westmoore

Was the top placer among Oklahoma runners at the Cowboy Jamboree in Stillwater. Ran the 5K course in 16:02 to place third overall.

Others:

Taylor Painter, Westmoore

Placed 11^th overall at the Cowboy Jamboree and was fifth among in-state runners. Ran the two-mile course in 11:47, her top time of the season.

Softball

Arica Reeves, C, Westmoore

Accounted for both of the Jaguars’ runs in a 3-2 loss to Norman North.

Volleyball

Lacie Hansen, Westmoore

Jaguars’ setter guided Westmoore to perhaps its best outing of the season in a victory over Southmoore.

Others:

Jordan Cook, Southmoore

Senior led SaberCats to wins over Chickasha and Choctaw with dominating net play.

Have a suggestion for a player of the week? E-mail me at jharper@opubco.com

Football

Richard Peoples, RB, Norman North

Peoples ran for 169 yards on 22 carries ion the Timberwolves’ 33-0 win over Moore.

Others:

Brad Valentino, QB, Norman North

Passed for 244 yards and two touchdowns, including an 80-yard strike to Daniel Davis.

Jaime Myers, WR/DB, Norman

Had a 27-yard touchdown run and a 34-yard touchdown reception in the Tigers’ loss to Edmond North.

Chad Anderson, QB, Norman

Threw three touchdown passes against Edmond North, giving the senior five in the last two games.

Jamar Harrison, KR, Norman North

Returned the opening kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown against Moore, marking the second time he has started a game with a return for a TD this season.

Chris Riley, DB, Norman North

Returned an interception 36 yards for a touchdown against Moore.

Cross country

Megan Johnson, Norman

Ran a season-best two-mile time of 11:33 at the Cowboy Jamboree in Stillwater. Johnson placed fifth overall and was second among Oklahoma competitors.

Others:

Tanner Satterthwaite, Norman

Posted the best 5K time of his career with a 16:39 at the Cowboy Jamboree, placing 13^th overall.

Softball

Morgan Wardlow, P, Norman North

Wardlow got the win in the circle in two big games last week, leading the T-Wolves past rival Norman 5-2 and annual power Westmoore 3-2.

Others:

Tera Travis, C, Norman North

Had a two-run home run in victory over Norman.

Ally Richardson, Norman North

Hit a home run in T-Wolves’ 5-2 Crosstown Clash win.

Jacy Glover, Norman North

Had North’s only extra-base hit, a double, in win over Westmoore.

Heather Huey, Norman

Third baseman was Tigers’ top defensive player in loss to Norman North.

Volleyball

Brittyn Howard, Norman North

In a win over Midwest City and a loss to McGuinness, Howard combined for 58 assists, 30 digs and four aces.

Others:

Lydia Rice, Norman North

Had a combined 16 kills against MWC and McGuinness.

Lexie Matthews, Norman North

Led North with seven kills and nine blocks against McGuinness.

Carmen King, Norman North

Had 11 digs and 10 kills in victory over Midwest City.

Have a suggestion for a Player of the Week? E-mail me at jharper@opubco.com

Trying to keep an even keel through any season can be tough. But it can especially tough when it’s just back and forth all season.

That’s been the story for the Deer Creek volleyball team that is currently 15-13 and isn’t ranked by the coaches.

There has been a lot of peaks and valleys, but senior Samantha Stroder has been able to stay composed through it all.

What is your hidden talent (not including sports)?

Stroder: Organizing. I don’t know if that is a talent, but I love to organize. (Boneman’s note: I do, too. Believe me, it’s a talent)

What was your ‘welcome to Varsity’ sports moment?

Stroder: I truly felt like I had moved on to the next level for the first time when one of the hitters actually smashed the ball. It felt good to set a strong hitter.

What has been your most life-changing event in your life so far?

Stroder: Going on a mission trip to Tokyo, Japan. God really ave me a servant’s heart and taught me to abide in Him. I now live with a missions’ outlook and for a purpose that is bigger than myself.

List the five things you can’t live without:

Stroder: Bible, phone, iPod, bed (Boneman’s note: hadn’t heard that one too much, good point, though) and computer

Casady is in a weird spot. Not just because it’s not in the OSSAA, but also because it’s one of the only schools that has field hockey and a boys volleyball team.

Because of that, sometimes those sports get lost in the shuffle. Here is a Q&A with senior volleyball player John Ratliff.

What was your “Welcome to Varsity sports” moment?

Ratliff: My freshman year I played football, and on my first play, an offensive lineman grabbed me by the neck. I knew it was real then.

What has been the most life-changing event in your life so far?

Ratliff: In terms of sports, my life-changing event was switching from a popular sport like football to volleyball.

What are five things on your “Bucket List” as of now?

Ratliff: Go to Mardi Gras, go to China, surf, live on a golf course and own a ridiculously fast sports car.

Who is one person you would like to trade places with for a day?

Ratliff: God, so I could know everything for a day…ever seen the movie Bruce Almighty?

Two weeks ago, Tulsa Union had defeated Edmond Santa Fe, but remained behind them in the rankings. Then last week, when both teams went unbeaten, Union jumped ahead. This week, Santa Fe beat Union, but lost to Edmond Memorial — which also beat Union — and Santa Fe jumped to No. 1, Memorial to No. 2 and Union fell to No. 3.

Shawnee made its debut in the 6A rankings. Had they remained in 5A, I think they’d be a top contender for a spot in the state tournament, but in 6A that’ll be tough. They’re a talented team, though.

In 5A, not much has changed, with Tulsa Kelley, McGuinness and Carl Albert holding the top three spots. Tulsa Washington has faded, sliding from No. 2 to No. 5 over the last few weeks. But Tuesday night’s win over McGuinness was a good statement win for a team that people were unsure about.

In 4A, Oklahoma Bible Academy and Christian Heritage both made a move to No. 3 and 6, respectively. Christian Heritage is an interesting team, which I will be writing about in Thursday’s Oklahoman. It’s still hard to tell if anyone out there will be able to challenge Heritage Hall for the crown. Head-to-head, Heritage has beaten just about every one of the top 4A teams during the season.

The 4A regionals begin Thursday and will be completed by Saturday, so we’ll know the state tournament field this weekend.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

Football

Zac McKay, LB, Mustang: Maybe the Broncos would have gone on to win anyway had Edmond Santa Fe forced a second overtime. But maybe not. Or maybe Mustang would have only won by three, or by just a point, in a second overtime. In District 6A-1, every win is extremely valuable, and district points will be crucial, too. So it’s almost guaranteed that the game-ending tackle McKay made on Santa Fe’s Brian Mills will have a major impact six weeks from now. Had the play come in Week 9 with playoff spots hanging in the balance, we’d be talking about it as possibly one of the most impactful plays of the year.

Softball

Amanda Madden, P, Yukon: In her first week as the No. 1 starter following the season-ending injury to Dani Fox, Madden announced her presence with authority. Madden tossed a no-hitter in a 5-0 win over Edmond Memorial, striking out 12 along the way.

Volleyball

Kayla Swan, Putnam City: Swan has anchored the Lady Pirates through a rough stretch in the schedule that had them facing several of the state’s top teams. Now they’re back on the winning track, with seven straight wins to close the regular season. PC will learn its regional tournament future on Thursday afternoon.

Cross Country

Emily Helms, Mustang: Only a freshman, Helms finished second at an event hosted by Mustang at Wild Horse Park last week. Her time of 11:59 was just four seconds off the pace set by Norman’s Megan Johnson. As a team, the Mustang girls finished second behind Edmond North.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

THURSDAY
Softball: Westmoore at Norman North,, 6 p.m.

Volleyball: McGuinness at Norman North, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY
Football: at Moore, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY

Volleyball: at Edmond Memorial, 10:30 a.m.

Cross country: at Marlow, 9 a.m.

MONDAY
Softball: at Southmoore, 5:30 p.m.

Volleyball: Putnam City North at Norman North, 6 p.m.

TUESDAY
Volleyball: Norman at Norman North, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY
Softball: Edmond Memorial at Norman, 6:30 p.m.
Volleyball: Shawnee at Norman, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY
Football: at Edmond North, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY
Cross country: at Cowboy Jamboree in Stillwater, 9 a.m.

TUESDAY
Volleyball: Norman at Norman North, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY
Softball: Del City at Southmoore, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY
Football: Putnam City North at Southmoore, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY
Cross country: at Cowboy Jamboree in Stillwater, 9 a.m.

MONDAY
Volleyball: Choctaw at Southmoore, 6 p.m.
TUESDAY
Volleyball: at Edmond Memorial, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

Softball: at Midwest City, 4 p.m.

THURSDAY

Softball: at Norman North, 6 p.m
Volleyball: Noble at Westmoore, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY

Football: at Midwest City, 7:30 p.m.

Softball: Edmond Memorial at Westmoore, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY

Cross country: at Cowboy Jamboree in Stillwater, 9 a.m.

MONDAY

Volleyball: at Shawnee, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY

Volleyball: at Putnam City North, 6 p.m.

Softball: Midwest City at Moore, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY

Football: Norman North at Moore, 7:30 p.m.

Softball: at Del City, 5:45 p.m.

SATURDAY

Cross country: at Marlow, 9 a.m.

MONDAY

Softball: at Norman, 5 p.m.

THURSDAY
Softball: at Moore, 6:30 p.m.
Cross Country: at Mustang Harrier Invitational, 3:15 p.m.

FRIDAY
Softball: vs. Stillwater at Yukon Tournament, 4:45 p.m.
Volleyball: at Stillwater Tournament, 9 a.m.

SATURDAY
Softball: vs. Lawton MacArthur at Yukon Tournament, 9 a.m.

TUESDAY
Volleyball: Midwest City at Norman North, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY
Softball: Midwest City at Norman, 6:30 p.m.
Cross Country: at Mustang Harrier Invitational, 4 p.m.

FRIDAY
Football: Putnam City West at Norman, 7:30 p.m.
Volleyball: Norman Tournament, all day

SATURDAY
Volleyball: Norman Tournament

MONDAY
Softball: Southmoore at Norman, 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY
Volleyball: at Heritage Hall, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY
Football: at Del City, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY
Cross country: at Oklahoma Baptist meet, 9 a.m.

MONDAY
Volleyball: at Chickasha, 5:30 p.m.
Softball: at Norman, 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY
Volleyball: at Choctaw, 6 p.m.
Softball: at Moore, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY
Softball: Lawton Eisenhower at Westmoore, 6 p.m.
Volleyball: at McGuinness, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY
Football: Putnam City at Westmoore, 7:30 p.m.
Volleyball: at Norman Tournament

SATURDAY
Volleyball: at Norman Tournament
Cross country: at Oklahoma Baptist meet, 9 a.m.

MONDAY
Volleyball: at Moore, 6 p.m.

TUESDAY
Volleyball: Putnam City at Westmoore, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY
Football: Lawton at Moore, 7:30 p.m.
Volleyball: Mustang at Moore, 6 p.m.
Softball: Norman North at Moore, 6:30 p.m.
Cross Country: at Oklahoma Christian Invitational, 3 p.m.

FRIDAY
Volleyball: at Norman Tournament

SATURDAY
Volleyball Volleyball: at Norman Tournament

MONDAY
Football: Lawton at Moore, 7:30 p.m.
Volleyball: Westmoore at Moore, 6 p.m.
Softball: Edmond Memorial at Moore (double header), 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY
Football: Lawton at Moore, 7:30 p.m.
Volleyball: Muskogee at Moore, 6 p.m.
Softball: at Southmoore, 6:30 p.m.

Since last week’s rankings came out on Sept. 15, Santa Fe was 1-0 with a three-game win over Stillwater. Tulsa Union, the new No. 1, was 2-0 with wins over Sapulpa.

If Union wasn’t going to jump over Santa Fe last week, following two wins over Edmond Memorial, including one in the finals of the Harkness Invitational — Memorial beat Santa Fe in the semis — nothing should have changed this week. Maybe some coaches were a week behind in looking at the scores.

Other than that, no major changes in the OKRankings.com volleyball coaches’ polls, with Santa Fe, Memorial and Jenks rounding out the top four. Bartlesville moved ahead of Edmond North for the fifth spot and Putnam City moved up one spot to No. 9 after defeating North.

In 5A, Tulsa Kelley suffered its first three matches of the year, but all came against out-of-state competition at a tournament in St. Louis. The Comets still held No. 1 ahead of McGuinness, Carl Albert and Tulsa Washington.

If you’re looking for a team making a move in Class 4A, Bethany is up to No. 6 at 18-2. The Lady Bronchos haven’t played an extremely tough schedule, but they’ve got wins over ranked teams Southeast and Santa Fe South.

Football

Daniel Davis, DE, Norman North

Davis led the Timberwolves to a 42-0 win over Westmoore with four sacks, 11 tackles and two passes broken up. He also had a 32-yard reception and handled the punting duties.

Others:

Donovan Roberts, RB, Norman

Scored twice in the Tigers’ 16-0 win over Moore.

Chad Anderson, QB, Norman

Threw a touchdown pass and led Norman to its first victory of the season.

Richard Peoples, RB, Norman North

Scored on a 76-yard run on his first carry of the game against Westmoore. Led team in rushing with 94 yards.

Raymond Demby, RB, Norman North

Ran for a 48 yards TD and averaged nearly 18 yards per rush.

Jamar Harrison, RB/CB/KR, Norman North

Had two touchdowns rushing and intercepted a pass on defense. Also had a 68-yard punt return for a touchdown that was called back.

Cross country

Megan Johnson, Norman

Had the best time (11:51) in all classes in the biggest meet of the season to this point, the Edmond Dog Pack. Was the only girls runner to post sub-12 minute time and bested two-time state champion Jori Davis of Piedmont for second week in a row.

Others:

Tanner Satterthwaite, Norman

Placed third at the Dogpack in the 5A/6A boys division as Norman’s top boys placer.

Kyle Wardwell, Norman North

Placed fifth at the Dogpack in the 5A/6A boys division as North’s top boys placer.

Danielle Riley, Norman North

Placed seventh at the Dogpack in the 5A/6A girls division as North’s top girls placer.

Volleyball

Lexie Matthews, Norman North

Sophomore helped Timberwolves to a 3-1 mark at the Norman North Tournament.

Mollie McIver, Norman

Senior’s defense helped Tigers to a 3-0 sweep of Moore.

Suggestions for Norman Zone players of the week? Send them my way at jharper@opubco.com.

Football

Austin Haywood, TE/DE, Southmoore

Haywood led the SaberCats to a 38-35 double-overtime win by running for a touchdown, catching a touchdown pass and making a crucial interception in the second overtime.

Others:

Nyko Symonds, WR/CB, Southmoore

Symonds was huge in the Southmoore win, leading the team in receiving, scoring a touchdown on offense and defense and recovering a fumble.

Brian Self, RB/NG, Westmoore

After Westmoore had not been able to gain any significant yards rushing all game, Self came in at running back in the late fourth quarter and ran for 57 yards in one series.

Larry Rhodes, DE, Moore

As usual, a steady force for the Lions’ defense..

Cross country

Toby Bothwell, Westmoore

Had the best time in all classes in the biggest meet of the season to this point, the Edmond Dog Pack.

Others:

Taylor Painter, Westmoore

Placed third at the Dogpack in the 5A/6A girls division.

Ashley Sparkes, Southmoore

Placed in top 11 at the Dogpack in the 5A/6A girls division.

Softball

Kendra Pierce, Westmoore

Strong play at shortstop in close losses to Piedmont and Broken Arrow at the Putnam City Tournament.

Volleyball

Lacie Adame, Southmoore

Led team by Wright Christian with strong outing.

Suggestions for player of the week honors? Send them my way at jharper@opubco.com

Football

Jacinto Biorato, Mustang: The senior quarterback executed the Mustang offense about as well as you can. After misfiring on his first two passes, Biorato completed 15 of his final 19 for 234 yards and four scores. Mustang scored on six of the seven drives he quarterbacked in the 42-7 win over Putnam City. Mustang moved up a spot to No. 7 in this week’s rankings. 

Softball

Kylee Rounsaville, Mustang: One of the few teams around to be able to play because of the continuous rainfall the last week, and Mustang had to get out of the state to do it. Rounsaville’s hot bat has been a key part in the Lady Broncos’ 8-1 record the last two weeks and she helped them go 3-1 at a tournament in Blue Springs, Mo. Mustang suffered just its second loss of the season, snapping a 21-game win streak.

Volleyball

Ashley Dunn, Putnam City West: Dunn has carried the Lady Patriots through a rough season, which finally came with some relief last Thursday. PC West won its first match of the year, a five-game victory over Midwest City.

Cross Country: No one was nominated this week.

If you’d like to nominate someone for next Monday’s honors in any of the four sports, e-mail me at swright@opubco.com.

TODAY

Volleyball: at Westmoore, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY

Football: at Westmoore, 7:30 p.m.

Volleyball: at Edmond North, 6 p.m.

Softball: U.S. Grant at Norman North, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY

Cross country: at Edmond Dog Pack (Mitch Park in Edmond), 9 a.m.

Volleyball: Norman North Tournament, 9 a.m.

SATURDAY

Volleyball: Norman North Tournament, 9 a.m.

TODAY

Softball: Del City at Norman, 6:30 p.m.

Volleyball: Southmoore at Norman, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY

Volleyball: Moore at Norman, 6 p.m.

Softball: Edmond Memorial at Norman, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY

Football: at Moore, 7:30 p.m.

Cross country: at Edmond Dog Pack (Mitch Park in Edmond), 9 a.m.

TODAY

Softball: at Moore, 6:30 p.m.

Volleyball: at Norman, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY

Football: at Midwest City, 7:30 p.m.

Cross country: at Edmond Dog Pack (Mitch Park in Edmond), 9 a.m.

Softball: at Putnam City Tournament

SATURDAY

Softball: at Putnam City Tournament

TODAY

Softball: at Edmond Memorial, 6:30 p.m.

Volleyball: Norman North at Westmoore, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY

Football: Norman North at Westmoore, 7:30 p.m.

Volleyball: Lawton Eisenhower at Westmoore, 6:30 p.m.

Softball: Midwest City at Westmoore, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY

Cross country: at Edmond Dog Pack (Mitch Park in Edmond), 9 a.m.

Softball: at Putnam City Tournament

SATURDAY

Softball: at Putnam City Tournament

TODAY

Softball: Southmoore at Moore, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY

Volleyball: at Norman, 6 p.m.

Softball: at Del City, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY

Football: Norman at Moore, 7:30 p.m.

Cross country: at Edmond Dog Pack (Mitch Park in Edmond), 9 a.m.

SATURDAY

Volleyball: at Destiny Christian Tournament

Softball: at OK Shootout (Hall of Fame Stadium)

Football

Jace James, Putnam City North: The junior, making his second varsity start at quarterback, was efficient through the air and gave the Panthers a little boost in the run game as well. He threw touchdown passes of 30 and 46 yards, and rushed for PC North’s other score in the 24-17 win over rival Putnam City.

Softball

Kayla Ratliff, Mustang: Ashley Paxton’s pitching has been dominant, but Ratliff deserves just as much credit Tuesday morning when Mustang is back at No. 1 in the state. Ratliff hit a solo home run to give No. 2 Mustang a 1-0 win over No. 1 Yukon last week.

Volleyball

Danielle Brown, Putnam City: The athletic senior helped the Lady Pirates to a semifinal appearance in the Harkness Invitational over the weekend as they battle through the toughest stretch of their schedule. They host No. 5 Edmond North Tuesday night.

Cross country

Taylor Clark, Yukon: Clark cruised to victory in the senior girls division at the Putnam City Divisional last week at Dolese Park and will be back in action Tuesday with the Millerettes at the PC North Panther Invitational at Oklahoma City’s Woodson Park.

If you’d like to nominate a player for next week’s honors in the West Metro (Yukon, Mustang and the Putnam City trio), e-mail me, swright@opuboco.com.

Coming off a disappointing loss to Norman North last Thursday, the Tigers’ football squad will host Del City Thursday at Harve Collins Field at 7:30 p.m. It will be the team’s debut at home.

The cross country squad will host the OK Runner Classic at the course behind Irving Middle School (of of 24^th Avenue). It’s one of the biggest XC events of the year because Norman is hosting a regional later this season and teams want to get a feel for the course. As many as 32 teams are expected to be there.

Coach Staci Vest takes the volleyball squad will to Edmond Santa Fe for a tournament beginning Friday and continuing Saturday. Meanwhile, Tim Gonzales’ fastpitch softball squad will play in the Plainview Tournament Thursday and Friday.

Start with volleyball. The Timberwolves freshmen host the Norman North Tournament beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday.

Fastpitch softball will play in the OU Tournament Thursday through Saturday at Reaves Park.

The cross country team will run at the OK Runner Classic hosted by Norman High on Thursday starting at 4 p.m. That event will be held on the cross country trail behind Irving Middle School.

As for football, the 1-0 T-Wolves will be at Harve Collins Field for the first time this season, hosting quasi-nemesis Muskogee on Friday. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. as always.

Sure, Jones and the Millers would trade the bulky stats for a 1-0 record right now, but the sophomore quarterback came out of nowhere to give a fantastic performance in his first game.

And he showed some toughness, both physically and mentally. He rushed the ball 17 times, and took some hits while doing it. And after an interception that put Yukon down 11 in the fourth quarter, Jones bounced back and completed seven of his final eight passes with two going for touchdowns, to keep the Millers in it until an onside kick didn’t go their way in the final minutes.

Other contenders

David Glidden, Mustang football: His performance led Mustang to a thrilling 53-47 win over the rival Millers. He scored two touchdowns on pass receptions, one on a kickoff return and another on an interception return. His first two receptions netted seven yards, but the other three went for 119 and two TDs.

Kollin Retter, Yukon football: Retter was on the receiving end of four of Jones’ TD passes, none shorter than 46 yards. He finished with nine catches for 271 yards.

Casey Curtis, Putnam City football: Only a sophomore, the 5-foot-6, 152-pounder scored a touchdown on a 26-yard catch and set up the deciding score with a punt return to Choctaw’s 3-yard line. He had five receptions for 68 yards.

Sam Wolfe, Putnam City North football: The junior rushed for 161 yards and two TDs, including a 56-yard burst, to help the Panthers to a 41-20 win over PC West.

Dani Fox, Yukon softball: One of only two seniors on undefeated Yukon’s roster plays a key role for the Millerettes, which have outscored opponents 77-5 in the last 12 games and are No. 1 in the state.

Aimee Creger and Ashley Paxton, Mustang softball: The Lady Broncos’ deadly pitching combo has allowed five runs in Mustang’s last nine games.

Tori Cox, Putnam City volleyball: The 6-foot-3 junior anchors an athletic squad that hopes to end a three-decade playoff drought this year.

Want to nominate someone for next week’s honor? Tell me about them at the e-mail address below.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

By virtue of its home victory over Union, Edmond Memorial leapfrogged the Lady Redskins for No. 2 in Class 6A, sitting behind cross-town rival Santa Fe — each with a win over Union early this season. Santa Fe topped Memorial at the Union Invitational, and they’ll meet again a week from today.

We mentioned in today’s paper, there’s a big Class 5A showdown in Tulsa, when unbeaten Bishop Kelley hosts Bishop McGuinness tonight. But McGuinness dropped a spot to fourth in the rankings, thanks to surging Tulsa Washington, which now holds a 13-0 record. But the Lady Hornets will get tested in the next 10 days, with three straight matches against 6A teams ranked in the top 12, including No. 8 Stillwater and No. 7 Bartlesville.

Heritage Hall is still holding the top spot in Class 4A at 6-2, with Clinton in second. Cache hopped up to No. 3 with a 12-1 record as previous No. 3, Cascia Hall fell to 7-7 on the year and No. 5 in the rankings.

There are a few other big games tonight, including Edmond Memorial at Putnam City, Broken Arrow at Stillwater, and in 5A, McAlester at Southeast.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com

There’s no question Bishop Kelley has been the best of the best in volleyball for Class 5A here lately.

But fellow chum and resident volleyball expert Scott Wright said the Comets might be in for a real challenge this season from Bishop McGuinness.

Guess we’re going to find out how good the Irish are Tuesday night when McGuinness plays at Kelley.

The Irish are 5-1 and have beaten a pair of top 6A teams in Stillwater and Putnam City. Their only loss is against No. 1 Edmond Santa Fe. Should be a fun one.

The annual Crosstown Clash football game will be held at on Owen Field Thursday at 7:30. But before then, the softball team hosts Midwest City today and Moore Tuesday, both games starting at 6:30 p.m. The volleyball team plays at Mustang Tuesday at 6 p.m. And the Cross country runners will join the annual Brookhaven Run, a road race open to the public, Saturday at 8 a.m.

The Crosstown Clash football game will be held at on Owen Field Thursday at 7:30. Before then, only the softball team will be in action: The Tigers are at Edmond Memorial today at 6:30 and host Anadarko Tuesday at 4 p.m..

The next scheduled volleyball game isn’t until Sept. 7 when the Tigers play in the Mid-State Conference Tournament at 6 p.m. The cross country runners will stay close to home and compete in the annual Brookhaven Run road race. It starts at 8 a.m. Saturday and is open to the public.

Norman won the Crosstown Clash 25-13, 25-16, 16-25, 25-14 at the NHS Gym. The win was the second of the season for NHS (2-8), while the loss was the second of the season for North (9-2). Norman will try to keep the win streak going tonight at perennial power Edmond Memorial. The match starts at 6:30 p.m. North looks to rebound, hosting Christian Heritage tonight at 6 p.m.

Softball Crosstown Clash

Speaking of Crosstown Clash action, the Norman and Norman North fastpitch teams square off tonight at 6:30 p.m. The Timberwolves are hosting. Norman’s team is beyond young, as the roster is made up of just four seniors and no juniors.

It’ll be a busy week for volleyball in the All-City Athletic Conference with an almost full slate of games on Wednesday and Friday as well.

Wednesday:

Centennial at John Marshall

U.S. Grant at Northeast

Star Spencer at Capitol Hill

Friday:

Classes SAS at Southeast

Northeast at Douglass

Millwood at Northwest

I’ve spent a lot of time gushing about the prospects of Edmond Memorial quarterback Blake Umberham and junior running back Kameron Doolittle.

I don’t feel bad that I have, but I may be neglecting what might be the strength of the team: the defense.

And it’s not just because new coach Justin Merideth has a defensive background. The Bulldogs return nine starters from last year’s team. Even though one of the departed is all-around leader Anthony Morales, can’t go wrong with nine starters.

It’s going to start up front with Connor Myers and Bryce Burget. Myers (6-2, 267) is only a junior while Burget (6-3, 241) is a senior. Merideth is also high on junior Ronnie Godley. They’re going to clog up the holes and lead the way to the other guys making the plays.

Players like Adrian Shoecraft and Jeremy Langston at linebacker. Shoecraft is definitely impressive, but Langston turned my head a time or two this week at practice. And as only a junior, who knows what might happen when he gets some more seasoning?

The secondary is going to be anchored by Nelson Medeiros. He was among the state’s leaders with nine interceptions last year. Doolittle will also see time at safety.

***

Fellow chum Scott Wright is covering volleyball, and he went to Memorial for the preview. To read that, here ya go.

Doesn’t All-State week feel like the official beginning of the upcoming school year, or is it just me?

Since us from the Oklahoma City area are making the trip to Tulsa, I guarantee you the Boneman will get lost driving at least once next week.

To go with all the coaches clinic activities, there will be a slew of all-state games.

So as a little precursor of what’s to come, here’s the schedule:

Monday: Golf at 8:30 a.m. at Mohawk Park GC; Small Baseball at 4:30 at J.L. Johnson Stadium (Oral Roberts); Large Baseball at 7 (same location); Swimming at 6 at Bixby High (that’s where I’ll be).

Tuesday: Tennis at 5:30 at the University of Tulsa (that’s where I’ll be); Small Volleyball at 6 at Broken Arrow High; Large Volleyball at 7:30 (same location); Wrestling at 8 at Union High.

Wednesday: At Oral Roberts’ Mabee Center – Small Girls Basketball at 7; Large Girls Basketball at 8:30.

Thursday: At Oral Roberts’ Mabee Center – Small Boys Basketball at 7; Large Boys Basketball at 8:30.

Friday: to cap it off, Football at 8 p.m. at Union High (that’s where I’ll be).

Cheerleading will also go on for the basketball and football events as well.

And before all of that, there will be a Hall of Fame ceremony Sunday at the Southern Hills Marriott Hotel in Tulsa at 6:30.

Ten coaches will be enshrined in the OCA Hall of Fame: Phil Elerick (Cashion); Leo Smallwood (Rattan); Jarel Hansen (Shattuck); Chris Gillespie (Talihina); Dan Crookham (Tulsa Edison); Bill Blankenship (Union); Edward “Buck” Chatham (Lone Grove); Alan Simpson (Byng). And being recognized for Distinguished Service: Charles St. John (Vian).

Taken from my original Bout Blog post.

For Bout Blog fans, Heather Harkness is neither a boxer nor an MMA fighter. No, she was an Edmond Santa Fe volleyballer.

She died Tuesday morning during the course of an appendectomy. This one hits me a little bit harder. She had her whole life in front of her.

I didn’t know Heather, don’t know what she looked like, what she liked, etc., but I remember my high school days.

My senior year in Springboro, Ohio, I had a classmate die from a car accident. It shook the entire school. It didn’t matter that I didn’t know Karol Stegemoller that well until senior year, it was one of the few times where there were no cliques. We were all just getting through something together.

And I remember the very next day was the start of the state basketball playoffs where we were supposed to advance pretty far. We got trounced in the first round, but I don’t think anyone cared.

I still have a bunch of mementos from that week, remembering Karol. I’ve moved a lot since 2002, but they’re always going to be with me. There was a Memorial Auction for Karol in June back home, good to know she’s not forgotten.

I don’t know how the ESF volleyball team will continue this season. I don’t think I could. My personal opinion is that all Edmond athletic events should be postponed this weekend, including Friday’s Edlam football game with Edmond Memorial and Edmond Santa Fe.

I don’t know, I just think the kids should be allowed to grieve. Everyone has their own way of doing so, and I don’t think you should force the kids to go out there and hit each other.

I felt this way last year after Rush Springs’ freshman Justin Barney died right before the Rush Springs/Washington game last season. It’s just not easy to turn that switch back on.

Life goes on and eventually everyone will start to feel like themselves again but don’t rush it. School has to be hard enough to not see your classmate there. Give ‘em a rest and let them do whatever is necessary to cope.

It’s not to say that some of the bigger sports don’t have that community feel, but the top volleyball players and coaches all know each other. Not just from newspaper articles and jersey numbers and shaking hands after a match.

The girls are a tight bunch whether it be on the school team or the club team. But they really get to know each other, really build those relationships.

I’ve been reading tonight on various message boards where people are trading their favorite Heather stories. From places all over the state, not just Edmond. Sounds like we all missed out on someone special.

I’m keeping her friends and family in my prayers as I’m sure all of you are. I hope they can find the strength to get through this difficult time.

With today’s release of the All-City volleyball teams, I just wanted to blog about the tough decisions I had to make on the team… But first, I want to post what would have been the second team all-city selections…

Second Team
OH Taylor Rowton, Edmond North, Sr.
S Sam Ball, Edmond Memorial, Sr.
S Courtney Iser, Bishop McGuinness, Sr.
OH Lacy Reasons, Edmond Santa Fe, Sr.
OH Morgan Roy, Bishop McGuinness, Jr.

Libero Jessica Adams, Heritage Hall, Jr.

It was a very tough team to pick because Heritage Hall and the
Edmond schools are so dominant. Several second teamers would have been first-teamers in previous years.

Adams, Ball and Reasons were particularly hard to leave off the first team. Several people have told me Adams has college-level ability as a defender, Ball was the engine that made the 6A state champs run and Reasons was a big reason why Edmond Santa Fe ranked among 6A’s top three teams for much of the year.

Thanks to all the coaches and players who provided feedback for these selections and congrats to everyone on the success you’ve had.