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The Shawnee News-Star’s
2020 Best of Preps winners Bethel senior Emily Brock named Student of the Year, wins Jeep Renegade By Vicky O. Misa Vicky.misa@news-star.com (405) 214-3962 Twitter: @Vicky_NewsStar
For the third year, The Patriot Auto Group teamed up with The Shawnee News-Star to recognize the area’s best student. Each month administrators at participating area high schools submitted nominations for seniors who had excellent GPAs, displayed community leadership qualities, and were active volunteers, and displayed high moral integrity. Patriot Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Chandler provided a brand new Jeep Renegade for the Patriot Student of the Year to a student from a participating high school — this year’s winner was Bethel High School senior Emily Brock. During the school year, between September and April, two students of the month were selected by an impartial panel of judges based on nominations from school administrators. Those 16 students became finalists to win the Patriot Student of the Year award — and one received a new car after the News-Star’s fourth annual Best of Preps banquet that was held online this year on June 18. The remaining 15 students won scholarships.
Selected as one of the program’s April Students of the Month, Brock became Student of the Year, and won a brand new car, thanks to Patriot Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Chandler. Brock said being named Student of the Year was extremely exciting. “I am so grateful to everyone around me who has loved me, inspired me, and pushed me through high school,” she said. “This is an experience that I’ll always remember and will also stand as a reminder to keep striving for the best of myself.”
ABOUT BROCK “I’ve had the chance to get to know Emily, both as a student patron and as a senior student in my Library Science course,” Bethel High School Library Media Specialist and nominator Leah O’Rorke said. “From the moment Emily became a library aide, I recognized her commitment, determination, and value of literacy.” While keeping up with her studies, Brock has held an outside job at a coffee shop, managed the school’s basketball team for the last four years, was an officer in a very involved student council team, and managed an entire section of the middle
school/high school media center. “Emily exudes responsibility,” she said. “There is no doubt in my mind that Emily will succeed in whatever path she chooses.” O’Rorke said Brock’s motivation and attitude toward academics will continue to push her toward her dream of helping others. Among extra-curricular activities Brock is/has been involved in include Homecoming and Prom committees; musical production/ cast of Mama Mia; Hands for
McNeil, Hamilton selected as Athletes of the Year
WINNER, Page 2G
FFA Student of the Year winner
By Brian Johnson Sports Editor (405) 214-3932 bjohnson@news-star.com
Shawnee High School freshman swimmer Piper McNeil was selected Female Athlete of the Year, and Asher High School basketball/baseball senior Patch Hamilton was named Male Athlete of the Year as the Shawnee News-Star’s Best of Preps Virtual Awards Show was conducted on June 18. McNeil won two individual events and was part of one winning relay for the Shawnee Lady Wolves at the Class 6A State Swimming Meet. She set a state record in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 55.49 seconds. McNeil then claimed the top prize in the 200 individual medley by clocking in at 2:04.58 and then started the 200 freestyle relay as her team covered the distance in 1:41.12. For her efforts, McNeil was selected as All-City Swimmer of the Year by the The Oklahoman newspaper. “I was really shocked because I’m only a freshman. I didn’t expect it to happen,” said McNeil. “I was really proud of our relay team. The girls really worked together well.” McNeil attributes a lot of success to work outside the pool. “Weight training was one of those helpful things and I tried to have a better diet, more sleep and worked out before and after school,” she said. Hamilton, who also picked up the Basketball Player of the Year Award, was unable to play in his final high school basketball game due to a bout with the flu, and then COVID-19 ended his final
Piper McNeil
Patch Hamilton ATHLETES, Page 3G
The winner of the FFA Student of the Year was Keegan Carrera, of Shawnee. Pictured are Suzanne Gilbert, at left, Carrera, center, and Randy Gilbert. Carrera won a $500 cash award.
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WINNERS OF $500 SCHOLARSHIPS
BETH DENNEY PRAGUE
HUDSON HASKINS BETHEL
WINNER
Continued from Page 1G
Hope; girl’s golf team; basketball manager; art club; and gifted and talented. She has participated in several mission trips, as well as served as a volunteer at the Regional Food Bank, Pottawatomie County food market, nursing home outreach, sports and arts EMILY BROCK camp and Relay BETHEL for Life. An Academic Letterman recipient, Brock was named Masonic Lodge Student of Today, is a member of the National Honor Society and Oklahoma District 9 Student Council President. “Her hard work and effort will get her very far in life and there is no question that she will succeed,” O’Rorke said. “She will greatly contribute to any community that she’s a part of.” Parents are Jeff and Amanda Brock.
FINALISTS • September Students of the Month were Prague senior Gayle Blackwell and Shawnee senior Ashlyn Oliver • October Students of the Month were Prague senior Julie Brydon and Prague senior Beth Denney • November Students of the Month were Tecumseh senior Jacey Cox and Bethel senior Colton Ingmire • December Students of the Month were Prague senior Anna Lee and Bethel senior Janie Brown • January Students of the Month were Prague senior Austin Lee and Bethel senior Hudson Haskins • February Students of the Month were Bethel senior
JULIE BRYDON PRAGUE
CONNER CHENEY MCLOUD
WINNERS OF $250 SCHOLARSHIPS
JAELA DAILY SHAWNEE
ASHLYN OLIVER SHAWNEE
GAYLE BLACKWELL PRAGUE
COLTON INGMIRE BETHEL
JACEY COX TECUMSEH
ANNA LEE PRAGUE
JANIE BROWN BETHEL
AUSTIN LEE PRAGUE
LAUREN KING BETHEL
ALLYSON ANDERSON PRAGUE
BLAINE COPE MACOMB
Lauren King and McLoud senior Conner Cheney • March Students of the Month were Prague senior Allyson Anderson and Macomb senior Blaine Cope • April Students of the Month were Bethel senior Emily Brock and Shawnee senior Jaela Daily
SCHOLARSHIPS The $500 scholarships went to Beth Denney, Prague; Hudson Haskins, Bethel; Julie Brydon, Prague; and
Conner Cheney, McLoud. All the others received $250 scholarships.
SPONSORS Additional sponsors of the program include Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Benchmark Realty, Oklahoma Baptist University, Pioneer Library System, Immanuel Baptist Church Student Ministry and the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.
Congratulations! Georg Fischer Central Plastics is the proud sponsor of the 2020 Best of Preps: Male Basketball Player of the Year and Female Basketball Player of the Year
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ATHLETES
Continued from Page 1G
spring baseball season after just two games for Asher High School. It wasn’t enough to keep Hamilton from earning Area Male Athlete of the Year honors. Hamilton was able to have a highly-productive fall baseball season in which he batted .438 with nine home runs, 14 doubles and 30 runs batted in. During the 2019-20 basketball season, Hamilton averaged 17 points and 11.3 rebounds and was named to the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State Small East Team. In addition, Hamilton was named Region 6 Male Athlete of the Year. Region 6 encompasses 97 of 475 schools in the state of Oklahoma. Hamilton will play baseball at Rose State College next season. “Both the Basketball Player and Athlete of the Year Awards are huge honors, considering all the talented players in the Shawnee News-Star area,” said Hamilton. “The way the professional athletes (in Hamilton’s case, Stephen Curry for basketball and Patrick Mahomes for Athlete of the Year) announced it was a pretty cool deal.” Due to COVID-19, no awards were presented for spring sports because of limited or no games or events being held. Here are the other award winners’ and other finalists:
FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS Beth Denney Prague Softball and Basketball, Senior Senior Beth Denney was a 2019 All-State selection in softball as she batted .500 with a .571 on-base percentage and a 1.032 slugging percentage for the Prague Lady Red Devils. She clubbed nine home runs while collecting seven triples, nine doubles and 36 runs batted in to go with 48 runs scored. While playing third base, she had 65 assists, 19 putouts and only six errors. From the circle as a pitcher, she posted a 13-4 record with three shutouts and a 2.10 earned run average for Prague, which reached the Class 3A state semifinals with a 26-7 record. On the court, Denney was a starter for the Lady Red Devils, averaging 5.2 points. Danyn Lang Dale Basketball and Softball, Junior In softball, Lang posted an 8-2 record with a 2.35 earned run average. She also hit .337 with a pair of home runs and 57 runs scored as the Dale Lady Pirates reached the Class 2A state finals. On the basketball floor, Lang averaged 11.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals in helping Dale qualify for the Class 2A girls’ state basketball tournament, which was canceled due to COVID-19.
FEMALE COACH OF THE YEAR Valarie Colburn Shawnee High School Swimming Colburn led both the Shawnee High School girls’ and boys’ swimming teams to sixth-place finishes in the Class 6A State Championships at Jenks in February. The Lady Wolves and Wolves held their own despite coming from one of the smaller schools in Class 6A. Several of her swimmers received postseason recognition, including freshman Piper McNeil, who won two individual events at state and was part of one state-winning relay team. McNeil set a state meet record in the 100-yard backstroke, won the 200 individual medley and was part of the 200 freestyle relay. Colburn was also selected as Region 6 Swimming Coach of the Year.
MALE COACH OF THE YEAR Eddie Jeffcoat Dale High School Baseball Jeffcoat, in his second year as Dale High School head baseball coach, guided the Pirates to a 32-3 record and a Class A state championship during the fall of 2019. It was Jeffcoat’s first state title in directing the Dale program. The Pirates won 13 straight games to conclude the fall 2019 season, including a 4-3 decision over Silo in the championship game. Jeffcoat has one state crown and one state runner-up title in the short time since serving as Dale’s head coach. The Pirates own 21 state baseball championships, including 10 during the fall campaign.
MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS Denzel Harris McLoud Football and Wrestling Senior Denzel Harris excelled on both the gridiron and the mat for the McLoud Redskins. He was named District 4A-2 Defensive Lineman of the Year, earned AllState accolades and was a Little All-City honorable mention pick as a defensive tackle and offensive lineman. He totaled 63 tackles, nine for loss, five sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery for a touchdown. As a wrestler, he placed third in the Class 3A state tournament at 220 pounds and he was an All-City honorable mention pick in wrestling. Will Hilton Tecumseh Football and Wrestling Hilton had an outstanding effort on both the gridiron and mat for the Tecumseh Savages in 201920. Hilton was a First-Team All-District selection as a quarterback for 7-4 Tecumseh. He completed 56% of his passes for 1,498 yards and 11 touchdowns with only five interceptions. He also rushed for 163 yards on 44 carries and three touchdowns on the season. Hilton also qualified for the Class 4A state wrestling tournament and finished the season with a 23-11 record.
COURAGE AWARD The Courage Award goes to the Tecumseh High School Football Team and Tecumseh Public School System. A series of tragedies plagued the school and community within the last two years. The latest was the death of Tecumseh football player and wrestler Ryder Kinsey along with serious injuries to a fellow student in a vehicle accident last November. The accident occurred on the brink of the Savages’ first trip to the Class 4A football playoffs in a long time. Heading into the playoffs, Tecumseh played with heavy hearts but jumped out to a thrilling 14-0 lead at Cache before the hosts responded with 42 straight points in a 42-20 victory. Despite the loss by Tecumseh, the Cache crowd filled buckets and raised more than $2,100 for the affected families and in a postgame sign of solidarity, members of the Cache and Tecumseh teams, cheerleaders, parents and fans prayed for the affected families. The deaths came after the school system lost three other students during the previous year.
COLUMN
Following Friday’s Class 4A first-round football playoff game, members and followers of the Cache and Tecumseh football teams gathered at midfield to pray for the families of the two Tecumseh High School students who were involved in a vehicle accident which claimed the life of sophomore football player Ryder Kinsey. PHOTO BY BRIAN JOHNSON
One community embracing another is comforting By Brian Johnson bjohnson@news-star.com 405-214-3832
In a 24-hour span, the ultimate ugliness of football in Cleveland, Ohio was transformed into a heartfelt lifting night in Cache, Oklahoma. On Thursday, in perhaps a moment of insanity, Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett decided to bop Pittsburgh Steelers and former Oklahoma State star quarterback Mason Rudolph over the head with Rudolph’s own helmet, in the midst of a brawl in the final seconds of a rowns’ 2 -7 victory. The act led to the season-ending suspension of Garrett and a few other game suspensions to players on both sides of the melee. Flash forward one day to Cache, Oklahoma and the first round of the Class 4A state football playoffs between the Tecumseh Savages and Cache Bulldogs. It was a tough week in the Tecumseh community in which a vehicle accident last Tuesday claimed the life of Savage football sophomore Ryder Kinsey and critically injured another student.
The Tecumseh squad not only had to prepare for a talented Cache team, the Savages had to battle through obvious sorrow and emotions. For a little while, it looked as if Tecumseh had successfully navigated through those obstacles in building a 14-0 advantage through one quarter. A Jaylen Walker 12yard scoring run less than two minutes into the game and an 81-yard strike from Will Hilton to Gavyn Rogers gave the Savages that early cushion. The inspiring effort to start the game was short-lived however, as the Bulldogs countered with 42 unanswered points and eventually won by a 42-20 score. Though the result was certainly not a positive for the Tecumseh faithful, the experience of the night was uplifting in a few ways. In the second half, Cache cheerleaders passed buckets on the Cache side of Ulrich Stadium to collect donations for the two affected Tecumseh families. It was announced that more than $2,100 was raised in the effort. Following the game, members of the Savage and Bulldog squads,
along with cheerleaders, supporters, etc. gathered at midfield in a student-initiated prayer for the families. In a news report by Lawton television station KSWO, channel 7, Cache Athletic Director Lonnie Nunley says their school has gone through what Tecumseh is going through now and he’s proud they were able to step up and help. “We were in constant contact with the Tecumseh administration to let them know we were praying for them, thinking about them,” said Nunley through the television report. “We wanted their town and community to come enjoy this playoff game, take their mind off the situation and come enjoy a Friday night in Southwest Oklahoma and play a little football.” That’s the beauty of small-town high school football in Oklahoma. Indeed there are times of black eyes in high school athletics in this state and elsewhere as well. But despite the seriousness of a football playoff game, one community embraced another in a time of sorrow which made leaving the stadium somewhat comforting.
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Sport-by-sport athletes of the year and finalists By Brian Johnson Sports Editor (405) 214-3932 bjohnson@news-star.com
Here is a look at the players of the year and finalists for volleyball, fast pitch softball, girls’ cross country, boys’ cross country, football, fall baseball, girls wrestling, boys wrestling, girls basketball and boys basketball.
VOLLEYBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Addie Bell Dale Lady Pirates, Sophomore Pitcher Bell, a Little All-City selection by The Oklahoman, recorded a 19-3 pitching record with 75 strikeouts and a 1.85 earned run average. Offensively, Bell batted .444 with 15 doubles and 52 runs batted in.
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY RUNNER OF THE YEAR
Brooklyn Fluke Shawnee Lady Wolves, Senior Outside Hitter Fluke was named to the Large East All-State Team after registering 348 kills, 44 service aces and 194 digs during the 2019 season for the Shawnee Lady Wolves. Fluke, who was also named to the All-Suburban Conference Team, will take her talents to NCAA Division I California Baptist this fall and play in the Western Athletic Conference.
VOLLEYBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Emily Ridley Tecumseh Lady Savages, Senior Libero, Rightside and Outside Hitter Ridley totaled 130 kills, 390 digs, 46 assists, 45 service aces and 10 blocks during the 2019 season for the Tecumseh Lady Savages. She had played in the USA Jr. National Championships in Indianapolis and participated in a volleyball ambassador program in Italy. Ridley will play at NCAA Division II Oklahoma Christian this fall. Kylie Mikish Shawnee Lady Wolves, Sophomore Middle Blocker Mikish was an honorable mention All-Suburban Conference Team and had been a two-year starter for the Shawnee Lady Wolves.
FAST PITCH SOFTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Beth Denney Prague Lady Red Devils, Senior Pitcher and Third Baseman Denney, an All-State selection, batted .500 with a .571 on-base percentage and 1.032 slugging percentage on Prague’s path to the Class 3A state semifinals. She also clubbed nine home runs, hit seven triples and finished with nine doubles while driving home 36 runs and scoring 48 times. Denney also recorded 65 assists and 19 putouts while committing only six errors from the hot corner. She also pitched 103.1 innings with 67 strikeouts and only 30 walks. She posted a 13-4 record with three shutouts and a 2.10 earned run average.
Riley Randall Meeker Bulldogs, Freshman Randall registered a time of 17:44.11 for ninth place for the Meeker Bulldogs in the Class 3A State Cross Country Meet.
FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY RUNNER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Leah Brannon Chandler Lady Lions, Sophomore Brannon took 45th place with a time of 13:48.73 in the 3,200-meter Class 3A State Cross Country Meet for the Chandler Lady Lions. Brannon, one of triplet sisters, qualified for state as a freshman, placing second in the 400 meters and was part of a third-place 4x400 relay with her sisters. Brannon is also a starting post on the Chandler girls basketball team. Cienna Works Seminole Lady Chieftains, Senior Works posted a time of 14:02.39 for 61st place in the 3,200-meter Class 4A State Cross Country Meet for the Seminole Lady Chieftains.
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY RUNNER OF THE YEAR
David Herring Dale Pirates, Senior Pitcher and Outfielder Herring hit .534 with 11 home runs, one triple, 19 doubles and 57 runs batted in. From the mound, he posted a 6-0 record with a 1.72 earned run average.
FALL BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Ike Shirey Dale Pirates, Junior Pitcher and Second Baseman Shirey batted .593 with one triple, 14 doubles, 33 runs batted in and 58 runs scored. He also had a 6-0 record with a 2.48 earned run average.
Trevor Martin Asher Indians, Senior Pitcher Martin had a 6-3 record with a 1.72 earned run average. Offensively, he batted .395 with eight home runs, eight doubles and 28 RBIs.
GIRLS WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
Cassie Wright Chandler Lady Lions, Freshman Wright clocked in at 13:45.12 and placed 43rd in the Class 3A State Cross Country Meet, a 3,200-meter race for the Chandler Lady Lions. Wright battled injuries through the season after running cross country for the first time as an eighth grader. She was expected to run track this spring before the season was cut due to COVID-19. Wright is an accomplished vocalist and percussionist as well. Devin Acklin Bethel Wildcats, Senior DB/WR Acklin was a 2019 Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State selection as a defensive back. He also was a Class 3A All-Star by Class as a defensive back, All-District 3A-2 pick as a wide receiver, a NewsOK Little All-City kick returner, NewsOK honorable mention selection and Tulsa World Wide Receiver. Acklin compiled 84 tackles and intercepted five passes. Offensively, Acklin caught 64 passes for 1,002 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also had 16 kickoff returns for 309 yards.
FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Caden Wolford Meeker Bulldogs, Junior RB Wolford, an All-District 2A-2 pick, ran for 1,540 yards and scored 23 touchdowns. So far, he has run for 3,057 yards and 45 touchdowns for his career.
Gunner Smith Bethel Wildcats, Senior QB Smith was a Class 3A-2 All-District quarterback, a Class 3A All-Star by Class at quarterback and a Tulsa World All-State quarterback. He completed 61.5 % of his passes for 3,331 yards and 37 touchdowns with nine interceptions. Smith amassed 300 yards passing six times in 2019 and went over 400 yards twice.
Jordan Blair Bethel Lady Wildcats, Sophomore, 107 pounds Blair placed second in the first-ever Girls’ State Wrestling Tournament. She went 2-1 at the event after having a strong season. She made history after placing eighth in the 106-pound division of the USA Preseason Nationals in Des Moines, Iowa in October. It was the first time that a Bethel wrestler, male or female, had earned All-American status.
GIRLS WRESTLER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Bailey Bigbey Chandler Lady Lions, Freshman, 147 pounds Bigbey took second place in the Girls’ State Wrestling Tournament. Ashley Schoenecke McLoud Lady Redskins, Junior, 161 pounds Schoenecke finished second in the first Girls’ State Wrestling Tournament.
BOYS WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
FALL BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
FAST PITCH SOFTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Adisyn Auld Prague Lady Red Devils, Senior Catcher Auld, an All-State pick, hit .525 with a .545 on-base percentage and an .879 slugging percentage while slamming four homers, four triples, 15 doubles, 36 RBIs and 34 runs. She also had no errors from her catcher’s position.
Kyle Henry Shawnee Wolves, Senior Henry covered the 5k distance for 39th place with a time of 17:40.34 for the Shawnee Wolves in the Class 5A State Cross Country Meet.
Jordan Coody North Rock Creek Cougars, Freshman Coody clocked in at 17:39.92 for sixth place in his first 5k Class 2A State Cross Country Meet. His time was the fastest at state among area runners in all classes. Coody is also a member of the North Rock Creek basketball team.
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY RUNNER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Denzel Harris McLoud Redskins, Senior, 220 pounds Harris took third place at 220 pounds in the Class 3A State Wrestling Tournament. He went 3-1 at the state tournament and finished the season with a 34-14 record. Harris was also an All-City honorable mention selection.
FINALISTS, Page 2H
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Keegan Carrera Shawnee FFA Winner of the 2020 Best of Preps FFA Student of the Year SPONSORED BY GILBERT INSURANCE AGENCY and GILBERT & SONS TRUCKING
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GIRLS BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Continued from Page 4G
BOYS WRESTLER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Kyle Helie Shawnee Wolves, Junior, 182 pounds Helie claimed fourth place at 182 pounds in the Class 5A State Wrestling Tournament. He posted a 2-2 record at the state tournament and ended the season with a 23-14 record. Helie was also an All-City Second Team selection.
Lane Williams Shawnee Wolves, Sophomore, 220 pounds Williams overcame a knee injury suffered during the football season and battled back to earn a spot in the Class 5A State Wrestling Tournament. He finished the year with an 18-9 record while claiming third place in the Class 5A West Regional.
GIRLS BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Lindy Nowakowski Dale Lady Pirates, Senior Though an injury sidelined her nearly half the season, Nowakowski still had a solid effort during the 2019-2020 campaign, averaging 11.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 steals and 1.8 assists. She is headed to play collegiately at East Central University next season.
Alexxis Coon Earlsboro Lady Wildcats, Senior Coon averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double on the season. She also averaged four assists and two blocks per outing in earning all-conference accolades.
Asher Indians, Senior Hamilton, a 6-foot, 5-inch forward, averaged 17 points and 11.3 rebounds for the Asher Indians, who reached the Class A area tournament. He was unable to play in the team’s last game due to the flu. A two-sport star, Hamilton batted .438 with nine homers, 14 doubles and 30 RBIs during the fall 2019 baseball season. He was selected as Region 6 Male Athlete of the Year for 20192020. Region 6 encompasses 97 of 475 school districts in the state.
BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Trae Thompson Dale Pirates, Senior Thompson averaged 14.3 points and 6.1 rebounds for the Class 2A state qualifying Dale Pirates. He was also named a Little All-City Second Team by The Oklahoman. A three-year starter at Dale, Thompson was part of three state tournament teams and excelled off the basketball floor as well with a 3.9 grade-point average, earning a spot on the superintendent’s honor roll, serving as a member of student council and being involved in FCA. Ka’Veon Sharp Shawnee Wolves, Senior Sharp made the Suburban Conference’s All-Defensive Team and was an All-Suburban Conference Second Team selection as well for the Class 5A state qualifying Shawnee Wolves. Sharp averaged 9.5 points per game and 3.5 rebounds, but just as important had better than two steals per game to spark Shawnee’s transition game. He was also the team’s assist leader at 4.2 per outing. Sharp was also named to The Oklahoman’s Big All-City Third Team.
BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Kennedy Gregory Bethel Lady Wildcats, Senior Gregory showed efficiency for the Bethel Lady Wildcats as she averaged 13.4 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 50% from the floor to go with 1.5 steals and 1.5 assists per outing. Defensively, she absorbed nine charges to flip possessions in favor of her squad. In the classroom, she had a 3.8 GPA, was a member of National Honor Society and was a student council member.
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Congratulations to athletes on their 2019-20 season ...
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... and good luck next year!
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ATHLETES OF THE WEEK 2019-2020 FEMALE ATHLETES
Addie Bell, Dale Softball Beth Denney, Prague Softball Stormee Reed, Shawnee Softball Ayzia Shirey, Tecumseh Softball Shyann Shipman, McLoud Softball Emily Bingham, Tecumseh Softball Lauren Taylor, Tecumseh Softball Jordan Blair, Bethel Wrestling Piper McNeil and Eva Webb, Shawnee Swimming Bria Pelate, Liberty Academy Basketball Alexxis Coon, Earlsboro Basketball Lindy Nowakowski, Dale Basketball Tawny Billy, Tecumseh Basketball Parker Stevenson, Bethel Basketball Anna Andrews, Seminole Basketball Aubrie Megehee, Shawnee Basketball Alesia Thomas, Shawnee Basketball Kenzli Warden, Tecumseh Basketball Taylor Hodges, Prague Basketball Morgan Fowble, Chandler Basketball Kennedy Gregory, Bethel Basketball Danyn Lang, Dale Basketball Holli Ladd, Seminole Basketball Elaine Witt, Dale Basketball Lexie Boyer, McLoud Basketball Lillian Davis, Shawnee Soccer Adisyn Auld, Prague Slow Pitch Softball
MALE ATHLETES
Cameron Gunville, Seminole Football Gunner Smith, Bethel Football Will Hilton, Tecumseh Football Caden Wolford, Meeker Football Jaylen Walker, Tecumseh Football Carson Hunt, Dale Baseball Dre Evans, Shawnee Football Jacob Martin, Meeker Football Casmen Hill, Chandler Football Dakota Gabbert, Meeker Football Dylan McKinney, Chandler Football Brady Sheets, Earlsboro Basketball Ben Corley, Liberty Academy Basketball T.J. Ramsey, Bethel Wrestling Kainan Ryan, Tecusmeh Basketball Jordan Lomeli and Jose Cervantes – Shawnee Wrestling Tanner Morris, Shawnee Basketball Brodie Morris, Shawnee Swimming Patch Hamilton, Asher Basketball Cepado Wilkins, Seminole Basketball Jacob Green, Tecumseh Basketball Ike Shirey, Dale Basketball Jaylon Orange, Shawnee Basketball Trae Thompson, Dale Basketball Colby Smith, Prague Basketball John Gordon, Bethel Basketball George Coons, Shawnee Soccer
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BEST OF PREPS OTHER NOMINEES BY SPORT FALL BASEBALL
Tanner Collins, Dale Patch Hamilton, Asher Carson Hunt, Dale Jono Johnson, Dale Jaxon Wright, Dale
BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY Braxton Bussell, Meeker Brayden Danker, Chandler Tanner Hoskison, Seminole Colton Ingmire, Bethel
FAST PITCH SOFTBALL
Anneca Anderson, Shawnee Emily Bingham, Tecumseh Makyna Higdon, McLoud Emilia Idleman, Dale Danyn Lang, Dale Ayzia Shirey, Tecumseh Tatum Sparks, Shawnee Carly Torbett, Shawnee
Emet Longhorn, Tecumseh Tanner Morris, Shawnee Jaylon Orange, Shawnee Cade Patterson, Meeker Kainan Ryan, Tecumseh Colby Smith, Prague Cepado Wilkins, Seminole Isaiah Willis, Shawnee
FOOTBALL
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
Tanner Bare, Shawnee Coye Campbell, McLoud Scout Cawvey, Shawnee Conner Cheney, McLoud Taylor Clagg, Chandler Trip Davis, Prague Sergio Garcia, Shawnee Cameron Gunville, Seminole Denzel Harris, McLoud Will Hilton, Tecumseh Jacob Martin, Meeker Joe Maytubby, Shawnee Corey Metscher, Bethel Trevor Mills, Prague LW Moore, Bethel Jackson Phelps, Tecumseh Jaylen Walker, Tecumseh Drae Wood, Bethel
VOLLEYBALL
Taryn Bost, Seminole Lauren Cheatwood, Seminole Makayla Harge, Seminole Kenzie Mikish, Shawnee Bailey Swanner, Tecumseh
BOYS’ BASKETBALL Kade Brewster, Meeker Tristan Crook, McLoud Trip Davis, Prague J’Briell Easley, Shawnee John Gordon, Bethel Jacob Green, Tecumseh Brady Johnson, Dale
Anna Andrews, Seminole Cheyenne Banks, McLoud Tawny Billy, Tecumseh Lexie Boyer, McLoud Leah Brannon, Chandler Morgan Fowble, Chandler Madison Hedge, Meeker Taylor Hodges, Prague Paige Hubler, Bethel Jaycee Johnson, Prague Holli Ladd, Seminole Danyn Lang, Dale Lexi Lopez, Meeker Diana Manning, Prague Aubrie Megehee, Shawnee Esabella Ramirez, Shawnee Mariana Siqueiros, Earlsboro Parker Stevenson, Bethel Sierra Streater, Earlsboro Kenzli Warden, Tecumseh Elaine Witt, Dale Kelsie Wood, Bethel
BOYS’ WRESTLING
Will Hilton, Tecumseh Jordan Lomeli, Shawnee T.J. Ramsey, Bethel Elijah Reece, McLoud
GIRLS’ WRESTLING Baylea Allen, Bethel Brinkley Bone, Tecumseh Grace St. Laurent, Bethel Kodie Vega, Chandler
e CouragAward SPORTS
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL
SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
| SECTION B
21-22, 2019 Saturday-Sunday, September
QUESTIONS? Contact 405-214-3932
or tina.bridenstine@news-star.com
Tecumseh rips into Bridge Creek, 40-0
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Pirate bats productive in win over Latta DALE — Four Dale players recorded multiple hits in a 9-1 triumph over Latta Friday. David Herring led the way at 3 of 3 with a 2-run home run in the second inning. Herring finished with three runs batted in and three runs. Cade McQuain was also 3 of 3, all singles, and drove in two runs. Jono Johnson cracked a solo home run in the fifth to go along with a single. Carson Hunt notched a double, single and scored once. Johnson, who was on the mound for the first five innings, gave up one run on five hits. He fanned six. Jaxon Wright went one inning, allowing one hit and whiffing two. Dale, 22-3, will entertain Varnum at 4:30 Monday. The Pirates will begin district play Thursday at Dale, beginning with a noon confrontation with Frontier. Dale will play Agra at 4. Should Dale win both of those games, it would play at 4 p.m. Friday. Note: Report compiled by contributing writer Fred Fehr.
¿UVW GRZQ RQ LWV ¿UVW SRVsession of the night and took over on their own 15TECUMSEH—The yard line. This drive took Tecumseh Savages domseven plays to reach the inated the Bridge Creek promised land. Bobcats on both sides of The score was set up the ball Friday night with by a nice 41-yard run a 40-0 shutout. by Dylan Graham and a “We executed really 28-yard pitch and catch ZHOO LQ WKH ¿UVW KDOI ´ VDLG from Hilton to Jaxon Day. Tecumseh head coach :DONHU ¿QLVKHG WKH GULYH Ty Bullock. “Our passing with a 5-yard scoring run JDPH LV UHDOO\ GHYHORSLQJ ´ ZLWK OHIW LQ WKH ¿UVW The Savages wasted litTXDUWHU VRPH WOH WLPH LQ ÀH[LQJ The Savages upped the offensive muscle. They advantage to 21-0 with took the opening kickoff OHIW LQ WKH ¿UVW KDOI and marched 65 yards in as Walker scored from the seven plays to take a 7-0 ¿YH \DUG OLQH IRU KLV WKLUG lead with 8:48 remaining score of the night. The LQ WKH ¿UVW TXDUWHU FORFN night. drive was aided by another On a second and six from the first quarter of play Friday big pass from Hilton. This Jaylen Walker heads for the end zone in WKH %REFDW \DUG OLQH time he hit Jake Trice for KEVEN SCRUTCHINS/SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR TXDUWHUEDFN :LOO +LOWRQ second yard punt. a 54-yard hook up. led possessions in the rolled left and found Tecumseh started on That’s when the defense pick-six. Tecumseh half and made good on line Jaylen Walker out of the 27-0 with 7:22 left in the ERWK LQFUHDVLQJ WKH OHDG Bridge Creek’s 18-yard joined the scoring party. EDFN¿HOG :DONHU GLG WKH and scored six plays later On Bridge Creek’s next half. to 40-0. rest on a nifty cut back on Walker’s fourth score “Our defense played SRVVHVVLRQ TXDUWHUEDFN On the Bobcats next VDLG through the Bridge Creek Dominick Baez tried to hit UHDOO\ ZHOO WRQLJKW ´ 7HFXPVHK¶V of the night. SRVVHVVLRQ plan defense. them $VKWRQ +RXVHU EXW 7H- Bullock. “The game Walker was far from and they defense smothered punt cumseh’s Graham stepped was really good then forced a hurried ¿QLVKHG RQ WKLV QLJKW KW ´ TECUMSEH, Page 2B in front of the target and IROORZHG LW WRQLJ that resulted in just a oneThe Savage defense held Tecumseh had two more traveled 39 yards for the Bridge Creek to just one
By Keven Scrutchins Contributing Writer
for being named the
Courage Award Winner!
Lions roar past St. Mary’s for first win CHANDLER — Four Chandler players scored touchdowns Friday night in a 39-7 non-district victory over Mt. St. Mary’s. Casmen Hill tallied two touchdowns on a 3-yard UXQ LQ WKH VHFRQG TXDUWHU and a 4-yard run in the
Dale erupts past Red Oak, 13-3
to dodge a Carl Albert defender A Shawnee player tries NEWS-STAR ELISABETH SLAY/SHAWNEE
in the Wolves’ 40-13 loss
Friday night.
Carl Alber t Wolves fall to top-ranked By Brian King
Contributing Writer
WKLUG TXDUWHU Quarterback Kaden Jones scored on an 8-yard run for the game’s ¿UVW WRXFKGRZQ 'DULDQ Mahan returned an intercepted pass 15 yards to paydirt and Dylan McKinney closed out the scoring with a 2-yard IRXUWK TXDUWHU UXQ Chandler’s defense held St. Mary’s to 32 yards rushing on 30 attempts. Chandler amassed 259 ground yards on 42 attempts. Hill was the game’s leading rusher with 161 \DUGV RQ FDUULHV IROlowed by McKinney with 55 yards on six totes. Taylor Clagg had a team-high 10 tackles and Mahan recovered a
fumble. &KDQGOHU ZLOO Shawnee found out first-hand the top launch district play Friwhy Carl Albert is one of RI day night against visiting WHDPV LQ WKH VWDWH UHJDUGOHVV to came Jones. class. The mighty Titans night Note: Report comJim Thorpe Stadium Friday TXDUWHUV piled by contributing DQG GRPLQDWHG IRU WKUHH WK writer Fred Fehr. OHDYLQJ ZLWK D ZLQ WKHLU straight victory. rushThe Wolves were held to 41 Shawnee ing yards on 23 attempts. HIGH SCHOOL losses ball-carriers were tackled for HG FOOTBALL QLQH WLPHV 7KH KRPH WHDP ¿QLVK yards. with 158 total Kiowa pitcher Rachel &DUO $OEHUW PHDQZKLOH DPDVVHG Eggleston fashioned a and 435 309 yards on the ground four-hitter in defeating total. Tecumseh 8-0 Friday at Q 7KH 7LWDQV UDQNHG QXPEHU RQH L the Dale Fastpitch FestiHLU &ODVV $ XVHG ¿HOG SRVLWLRQ WR WKtwo val at the FireLake fields. but advantage in a big way. All Eggleson fanned three Albert of the 35 offensive plays Carl and didn’t issue a walk in HH McLOUD — PerUDQ LQ WKH ¿UVW KDOI ZHUH LQ 6KDZQ the 4 ½-inning run-rule kins-Tryon kept Mcterritory. matchup. Loud’s offense in check The visiting defense held Shawnee Kiowa scored six runs UVW for most of Friday WR IRXU ¿UVW GRZQV LQ WKH ¿ a in the third and two runs night en route to a 30-7 half. Carl Albert has not allowedLHV in the fourth. non-district triumph. ¿UVW KDOI SRLQW LQ LWV WKUHH YLFWRU UH Ayzia Shirey, Lauren The visitors took the VR IDU WKLV VHDVRQ 7KH ¿UVW WZR ZH Taylor, Katlyn Fleming Q D ORQJ Midwest City rivals RSHQLQJ NLFNRII R Mid-Del Cranford against and Shaelee WKH methodical scoring drive DQG 'HO &LW\ /LNH 6KDZQHH singled for Tecumseh. in Class for a 7-0 lead. McLoud’s Bombers and Eagles are Tecumseh committed defense then forced Per6A-II. six errors, leading to zone kins-Tryon into three Carl Albert reached the end eight unearned runs. OD\ straight 3-and-outs. RQ LWV ¿UVW SRVVHVVLRQ ZLWK D VL[ S Starting pitcher Kylee fumble The Demons added drive. It came after an SHS Akehurst gave up three U also VHFRQG TXDUWH Shawnee WZR at its 38 yard-line. hits, fanned one and LQJ WRXFKGRZQV YLD WKH UXVK IXPEOHG WKH HQVXLQJ NLFNRII VHWW walked two in three TD drive the latter a 30-yarder up the Titans for a 22-yard innings. Harley Sturm just 26 seconds before WKDW SXW WKH JXHVWV XS permitted one hit and for intermission — for a 23-0 The Wolves’ defense stiffened fanned one in one inning Three advantage. the remainder of the half. of relief. didn’t Neither team scored long Carl Albert possessions the Tecumseh, 20-8, will On LQ WKH WKLUG TXDUWHU DQG increase the lead much. despite the rain. travel to Pauls Valley for the Wolves Friday night McLoud’s Denzel Harris ¿UVW 6KDZQHH¶V =DQH &KULVWRSKHU Cheerleaders root NEWS-STAR Monday for a 5 p.m. the end ELISABETH SLAY/SHAWNEE recovered a fumble. Mcsnagged an interception in game. The Lady SavagHOG Loud actually muffed the WKH IRXUWK TXDUWHU DIWHU ]RQH 7KH QH[W WZR HQGHG ZLWK ¿ es will be at Purcell at 5 was WRXFKGRZQV LQ WKH WKLUG TXDUWHU RQ ERDUG LQ long snap on a punt goals as C.A. kicker Jacob Eddy p.m. Tuesday. out. a 25-yard pass and a nine-yard run. the Titans’ successful from 27 and 34 yards MCLOUD, Page 2B RII Note: Report compiled 6KDZQHH ZKLFK ZDV FRPLQJ SHAWNEE, Page 2B The Titans led 20-0 at halftime. by contributing writer more D E\H ZHHN ¿QDOO\ JRW RQ WKH VFRUHCarl Albert scored two Fred Fehr.
HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL
Kiowa pitcher stymies errorprone Tecumseh
Tecumseh Football Team
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL
Addie Bell earned a pitching win and went 3 for 3 at the plate Friday as Dale earned a 13-3 victory over Red Oak at the Dale Fastpitch Festival at the FireLake fields. Dale scored 10 runs in the bottom of the fourth inning and the game was called on a run rule. Bell allowed seven hits and three runs in four innings. She drove in two runs with a 3-of-3 performance. Anna Hester had Dale’s only extra-base hit, a double, to go along with a single. Emmie Idelman, Sam Hartman and Makenzy Herman added two hits apiece. Hartman drove in a team-high three runs. Dale is scheduled to play Blanchard at 10 a.m. today in further Festival action. Note: Report compiled by contributing writer Fred Fehr.
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Perkins-Tryon shuts down McLoud offense
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