TULSA TECH STUDENT ATHLETES
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for all the sports you play, we’re on your team. at eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic center, we’ve been caring for athletes just like you for many years. that means, when you’re seen by one of our sports medicine specialists, you’re seeing the same doctors who care for the elite athletes of the University of tulsa, Oral roberts University, and many other college and high school teams. from physicals to physical therapy and beyond, our team is here to help you be the best athlete you can be. call the sports medicine experts at eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic center at (800) 283-3662 today.
shoulder & elbow | hand & Wrist | spine | hip | Knee | foot & ankle sports medicine | primary care sports medicine | pediatric Orthopedics
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W h a t ’s O n V Y P E Tu l s a . c o m
VYPETulsa.com Tulsa Area Athlete of the Month – Presented by Creek Nation Jalise Smallwood, Broken Arrow – 12,645 votes Megan Jackson, BT Washington – 10,059 votes Ja’Mee Asberry, East Central – 705 votes Mallory Vaughn, Collinsville – 26 votes Caleb Nero, Memorial – 21 votes Ethan Chargois, Union – 14 votes Adrian Rodriguez, Union – 13 votes
Jalise Smallwood – Broken Arrow High School Smallwood has been turning up the heat in the gym this season. Early this season Smallwood sored 28 against Sand Springs and 20 against Union. Heading into January she continued that hot streak scoring 23 on Sapulpa and 22 on Jenks. In more recent game versus Sapulpa, Owasso and Muskogee, Smallwood put up 18, 19 and 18 respectively. On the season Smallwood is averaging 14.6 points per game, 2.3 assists, 6.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game.
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One of the top guards in Class 6A, Smallwood has enjoyed a great senior
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season and is looking forward helping the Lady Tigers to the state tournament. Tulsa Area Top 100 Wrestling Poll Trenton Lieurance, Broken Arrow – 16,227 votes Caleb Wise, Broken Arrow – 12,419 votes Zach Marcheselli, Broken Arrow – 4,601 votes Daton Fix, Sand Springs – 4,337 votes Xavear Cullors, Collinsville – 4,317 votes Gunner Hamm, Collinsville – 3,926 votes Beau Bratcher, Sand Springs – 3,582 votes Jack Karstetter, Sand Springs – 2,633 votes Jerome Townsell, Edison – 2,202 votes Zane Basma, Sand Springs – 1,503 votes ICYMI Voting For Mr./Miss Basketball
The polls are open for the semifinal round of the Shelter Insurance Mr./ Miss Basketball Oklahoma poll. The list
Jalise Sm
allwood
consists of 25 male and 25 female players from Oklahoma all competing for the title of Mr. and Miss Basketball Oklahoma. Go to www. VYPEOK.com and click the link for the polls. Vote for your favorite player and vote often!
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Download any QR code reader app and snap this mobile tag on your smartphone to read more about treatment and prevention of sports injuries.
Tu l s a A t h l e t e o f t h e M o n t h
Tulsa Area Athlete of the Month Poll announced in March.
Lieurance received over 16,000 votes with teammates Caleb Wise coming in second with over 12,000 votes and Zach Marcheselli in third with more than 4,500 votes.
the month of January to grow and mature this group. We like their work ethic and drive to succeed,” said coach Jones. Lieurance is a two-time state placer and finding his way back the podium
According to owrestle.com Lieurance is the No.2 ranked 285-pounder in Class 6A.
urance
ie Trenton L
Trenton Lieurance Broken Arrow High School
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VYPE Top 100 wrestler Trenton Lieurance was recently voted the Tulsa Area Top 100 wrestler nominee by the fans and will be eligible for the title of Mr. Wrestling, which will be
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Last season Lieurance finished the year with a record of 38-8 and placed third at the state tournament. Wrestling in the 285-pound class, Lieurance more often than not is facing a larger opponent, but his experience, superior skill set and determination take over. Lieurance is a senior and for coach Shawn Jones having guys like him in the wrestling room can make all of the difference. “We have a great outlook on the season. Young kids mixed in with some veterans. We’re going to use
is something he’s grown accustom to, but knowing this is his final shot at a state title has Lieurance motivated to leave everything on the mat. This season Lieurance placed 3rd at the 73rd Annual Geary Invitational and according to owrestle.com Lieurance is the No.2 ranked 285-pounder in Class 6A.
“I feel very confident going into February. I just have to keep working and getting better,” said Lieurance.
Mr. & Miss Basketball
Adrian Rodriguez
Terryn M il
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Tulsa Area Mr. & Miss Basketball Oklahoma Semifinalists The Tulsa area is loaded once again with tremendous talent. One of these great players could carry the title of Mr. or Miss Basketball Oklahoma this year. Go to www. VYPEOK.com and vote for your favorite player! BOYS Tulsa Area
Caleb Nero - Memorial Chargers Elijah Landrum - Central Braves
RJ Fuqua II - Booker T. Washington Hornets David Ward - Webster Warriors
Keyshawn Embry, Midwest City Bombers
Cameron Hines, Fort Cobb-Broxton Mustangs Cameron Martin, Yukon Millers Callen Haydon, El Reno Indians Jace Pratt, Sperry Pirates
Champ Bridges, Chouteau-Mazie Wildcats Brewster Peacock, Verdigris Cardinals Tylor Arnold, Pryor Tigers GIRLS Tulsa Area
Taylor Cox, Durant Lions
Trey’Von Hopkins, Carl Albert Titans
Terryn Milton - Owasso Rams Kara Speer - Metro Christian Patriots
Presley Payahsape, Cashion Bailey Vogt, Okarche
Michaela Richbourg, Broken Bow Trena Mims, Muskogee
Ki’Essence Shields, Preston Erin Gray, Eufaula
Jena Williams, Bartlesville Madison Factor, Sasakwa Misty Dossey, Comanche
Zoe Shieldnight, Fort Gibson Ana Llanusa, Choctaw
Cenia Hayes, Sequoyah Tahlequah Keni Jo Lippe, Adair
Taylor Roberts, Classen SAS Katie Mayo, Newcastle
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Mya Bhinhar - Owasso Rams
Ja’Mee Asberry - East Central Cardinals
Abbie Winchester, Heritage Hall
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Grayson Nix, Red Oak Eagles
Carlos Coppage II, Edmond North Huskies
Jessi Murcer, Westmoore
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Darius Riggs, Okay Mustangs
Mallory Vaughn - Collinsville Cardinals
Jo’Nah Johnson, Edmond Santa Fe
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Jimell Tate, Okmulgee Bulldogs
Brady Manek, Harrah Panthers
Rest of Oklahoma Clare Chastain, Dale
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Rest of Oklahoma Trae Young, Norman North
Trey Lazenby, Glencoe Panthers
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Adrian Rodriguez - Union Redskins
Tanner Hunt, Depew Hornets
Gabby Gregory - Holland Hall Dutch
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Ethan Chargois - Union Redskins
Ben Pruitt, Ada Cougars
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FEATURES
CJ Thompson-Holland Hall
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ns-Union
Signing Day 2017: Athletes from Oklahoma Make it Official It’s an athlete’s dream (And their family’s dream). To sign on the line which is dotted. Committing themselves to a university for the foreseeable future. These athletes have worked so hard for so many years and we pay a special tribute to each and every one who has earned their way into college. We congratulate you, your parents, and your families.
Tulsa Area Signees Baseball Jacob Bailey, Berryhill – Seminole St. Ryan Bateman, Union – Coffeyville Zach Bess, Collinsville – Labette Blake Burd, Collinsville – Wichita St. Austin Butler, Victory Christian – Northern
Basketball – Boys Ethan Chargois, Union – SMU Kaelen Childs, Memorial – Eastern Kyle Keener, Sand Springs – UCO
Fastpitch Softball Aimee Adair, Owasso – Eastern Makenzie Addis, Union – Arkansas Tech Kerri Alexander, Booker T. Washington – NEO Coral Ash, Coweta – NSU Paige Boyle, Union – Keiser Jessica Collins, Sand Springs – Connors Daelyn Denny, Owasso – OK Christian Lexy Dodson, Union – UCO Allie Eichler, Owasso – UCO Gracie Garman, Coweta – NEO Megan Henderson, Jenks – Benedictine Madison Henson, Broken Arrow – Independence CC Brenlyn McCoy, Jenks – Central Missouri Elizabeth McKelip, Broken Arrow – Northern Abigal Parks, Broken Arrow – Cowley CC Sydney Pennington, Sand Springs – Oklahoma State Taylor Perez, Memorial – McPherson
We congratulate all athletes from the great state of Oklahoma, your parents, and your families.
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*If you do not see the name of an athlete who has signed, please send to Brad.Heath@VYPE.com
Brandon Morgan, Victory Christian – Northern Rustin Postier, Edison – Labette Ben Replogle, NOAH – OK Wesleyan Austin Roark, Memorial – McPherson Foster Roy, Metro Christian – Richmond Dylan Russell, Collinsville – Rogers St. Blake Shannon, Metro Christian – Johnson Co. Kyle Simms, Union – Ok. Wesleyan Declan Spurlock, Broken Arrow – NSU Brett Standlee, Jenks – Oklahoma State Ryan Summers, Coweta – Hutchinson Nic Swanson, Bixby – Seminole St. Jake Terry, Sand Springs – Oklahoma Brandon Walker, Edison – Labette Conner West, Berryhill – NSU
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Hector Carrillo, Union – Fort Scott Cade Cavalli, Bixby – Oklahoma Colton Croft, Broken Arrow – Murray St. Cale Crutchfield, Collinsville – NEO Grady Davenport, Union – Cowley Co. Brett Erickson, Collinsville – Barton Co. Casey Foster, Coweta – Connors St. Brody Gibson, Metro Christian – ORU Hunter Greathouse, Sand Springs – Cowley Co. Tanner Griffin, Bixby – Oklahoma State Austin Hulet, Broken Arrow – Fort Scott Landon Hulet, Broken Arrow – Fort Scott Brannon Jordan, Collinsville – Cowley Co. Dylan Kuester, Coweta – Carl Albert Hunter Little, Broken Arrow – Fort Scott Keaton McDaniel, NOAH – UCO Matt Merrill, NOAH – Pittsburg St.
Elijah Landrum, Central – SMU Marvin Lowe, Central – Connors Israel Mansker, Hale – Mt. San Antonio Adrian Rodriguez, Union – UTSA Kobe Rose, Memorial – Connors
Basketball – Girls Morgan Brightwell, Berryhill – Mo. Southern Kambri Davison, Booker T. Washington – Harris-Stowe St. Claire Nichols, Broken Arrow – Southwestern Emmie Sims, East Central – Neosho Kara Speer, Metro Christian – Incarnate Word Kaylee Stephens, Rejoice Christian – Colorado St.-Pueblo Mallory Vaughn, Collinsville – Arizona
Chandler Roberts, Coweta – OBU Mikalyn Strother, Broken Arrow – Murray St. Brooke Tyler, Coweta – Rogers St. Gail Young, Collinsville – NSU
Field Hockey Maddie Murphy, Holland Hall – Slippery Rock Football Lincoln Adams, Sand Springs – OBU Devon Bajek, Union – NEO Blake Batson, Broken Arrow – NSU Quedon Baul, Booker T. Washington – ECU Kaleb Bethel, Rogers – NEO Josh Black, Webster – NEO Seth Boomer, Collinsville – Tulsa Lee Barnes, Union - Southwestern
FEATURES
Golf – Boys Harrison Gearhart, Broken Arrow – NSU Andrew Skinner, Broken Arrow – Ottawa Jacob Stoller, Owasso – SWOSU
Golf – Girls Baylee Brewer, Broken Arrow – S. Arkansas Ger’Kayla Tunley, Union – Bethany Lacrosse Kinsey Meek, Jenks – Tenn. Wesleyan
Rowing Sydney McMahan, Booker T. Washington – USC Sierra Munoz, Metro Christian – UCO Soccer – Boys Ben Barkley, Bishop Kelley – Saint Louis DJ Dean, Union – C. Arkansas Adam Habib, Bishop Kelley – Tulsa Noah Harris, Broken Arrow – Fort Hayes St. Jose Lopez-Alvarado, Rogers – Coffeyville Hunter Meeks, Broken Arrow – McPherson Troy Souvannasing, Union – Tulsa Austin Wormell, Bishop Kelley – Creighton Josue Zarate, Memorial – Northern
Taylor Malham, Union – Arkansas Brianna McGowan, Owasso – ORU Bryn McQuaid, Jenks – Missouri St. Samantha Mickle, TSA – UCO Kayla Mireles, Rogers – NSU Jessica Misquez, Broken Arrow – ORU Mollie Nance, Broken Arrow – East Central Taylor Numbers, Owasso – SWOSU Nayeli Perez, Jenks – Arkansas Hannah Roth, Jenks – The Citadel Bailey Stringer, Owasso – Rogers St. Haley VanFossen, Union – Arkansas Allie Verner, Union – ECU Sarah Ward, Broken Arrow – Manhattan Christian Hannah Warner, Owasso – Oklahoma State Rachel Wilkins, Broken Arrow – NSU Meredith Wilson, Bishop Kelley – UCO Swimming – Boys Noah Nelson, Union – Simpson Swimming – Girls Jordan Riley, Owasso – OKC
Track & Field/Cross Country – Boys Collin Carpenter, Broken Arrow – Dodge City CC Miguel Flores, East Central – Bethel Track & Field/Cross Country – Girls Alexis Davis, Sand Springs – SWOSU Chris Largent, Owasso – Rogers St. Heather Ward, Owasso – ORU Cheyenne Walden, Sand Springs – Oklahoma State
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Wrestling Daton Fix, Sand Springs – Oklahoma State Tyler Lawley, Broken Arrow – Newman Matt Smith, Bishop Kelley – North Carolina
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Volleyball Mia Bledsoe, Broken Arrow – Pittsburg St. Kaitlyn Carroll, Lincoln Christian – Seminole St. Maggie Hembree, Jenks – Tulsa Maria Leatherland, NOAH – OBU Natalie Mikels, Jenks – New Mexico St. Gloria Mutiri, Sand Springs – Ohio St. Alisha Reese, Memorial – Ok. Wesleyan Kamryn Smith, Broken Arrow – Coffeyville CC Sarah Thiessen, Jenks – ORU
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Soccer – Girls Kaitlyn Asher, Bixby – UCO Izzy Barton, Jenks – Winthrop Emily Beach, Union – OBU Ellie Chapple, Bishop Kelley – Sam Houston St. Paulina Chavez, Broken Arrow – NSU Juliana Coates, Union – Arkansas St. Kelsey DeCastro, Owasso – Ok. Wesleyan Cora Duininck, Lincoln Christian – Liberty Maggie Ertl, Bishop Kelley – Arkansas St. Sommer Franks, Broken Arrow – NSU Parker Goins, Union – Arkansas Hailey Gonzalez, Broken Arrow – Allen CC Kaylee Cheyenne Gragg, Broken Arrow – East Central Lauren Keck, Broken Arrow – East Central Ashlyn Kitterman, Jenks – Florida Atlantic Lindsay Lee – Union – Drury
Izzy Barton-Bryn McQuaid-Jenks
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Terry Robinson, Memorial – Evangel Austyn Romine, Broken Arrow – Southwestern Trevian Rushing, East Central – Langston Bobby Schmidt, Sapulpa – East Central Yosef Scott, Booker T. Washington – East Central Pierce Smith, Lincoln Christian – Evangel Grayson Snider, Coweta – Southwestern Jordan Starks, Union – Fort Hays St. LaRon Stokes, NOAH – NEO Kendall Sweet, Booker T. Washington – Montana Chris Thomas, East Central – Langston Isaiah Thomas, Memorial – Oklahoma CJ Thompson, Holland Hall – Fort Hays St. LeDarren Walker, Broken Arrow – NEO Trey Walker, Berryhill – East Central Elijah Washington, Edison – Sterling Noah Williams, Lincoln Christian – Evangel Raphiel Williams, Union – William Penn RJ Williams, Central – Bacone Cade Yeager, Broken Arrow – NSU
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Shamari Brooks, Union – Tulsa Tre Brown, Union – Oklahoma Robert Calhoun, Broken Arrow – Missouri Bapt. Robert Caldwell, Edison – Sterling David Castles, Coweta – Southwest Bapt. Anthony Cochrane, Memorial – NWOSU Connor Cluck, Berryhill – East Central Devon Crittenden, Union – NWOSU Jordan Curtis, Jenks – Arkansas Kalib Daniels, East Central – Langston Saboor Daniels, Central – UCO Maurice Davis, Central – Bacone Levi Draper, Collinsville – Oklahoma Trevon Douglass, Jenks – Langston Eli Emmitt, Collinsville – NEO Isaiah Epps, Jenks – Kentucky Brendon Evers, Bixby – Oklahoma State Montana Ezell, East Central – Langston Garrett Flanary, Lincoln Christian – Tulsa Kyrei Fisher, Union – Arkansas Leonard Foster, Edison – Victor Valley Alvin Fowlkes, Rogers – NEO Noah Green, Edison – Bacone Connor Haff, Owasso – Missouri St. Corden Harrington, Coweta – Drake Skyler Haynes, Broken Arrow – NEO Aaron Herbig, Jenks – Southwestern Jeremiah Holliday, Broken Arrow – Henderson St. Trey Inks, Sapulpa – NSU Kainen Jarrett, East Central – William Penn Jalen Johnson, Owasso – Eastern Illinois Delvin Jordan, Sand Springs – Pittsburg St. Carder Key, Broken Arrow – Montana Daniel Kincy, Rogers – NEO Athanie Leeviraphan, Owasso – Evangel Reese Leitao, Jenks – Texas Austin Lindsey, Lincoln Christian – Evangel Reed Martin, Lincoln Christian – Tulsa Jake Martin, Berryhill – East Central Marcus Mays, Edison – Tulsa Larrion McBride, Central – Bacone Sam McKenzie, Hale – NWOSU Hagen Meservy, Jenks – Ohio Jonah Morrow, Victory Christian – OBU Diego Moya, Jenks – Southwestern C.J. Myers, Broken Arrow – Pittsburg St. Ryan Patrick, Bishop Kelley – Tulsa Braden Patton, Booker T. Washington – Washington Mo. Nate Peters, Union – NEO Kyre Richardson, Union – San Diego State
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COAC H ES Q&A
Victory Christian Cooking Up Something Special By Michael Kinney Photos by Bill Powell The Victory Christian Conquers are off to a strong start to the season and are looking to continue it the rest of the way. As the postseason approaches, coach Ryan Wakley took time sit down for a Q&A to talk about what has made the 2016-17 campaign special.
VYPE: What have been the keys to the season so far?
Wakley: Coming in every year you always want to think you have a chance to try and compete and get to the state tournament. With the kids we had returning, I felt like that should be our goal is getting to that point. Trying to be one of those final eight teams… then anything can happen.
Wakley: We’ve been pretty good defensively all year. We make that a point of emphasis with our team. We want to go out and defend each and every night. I think that has been evident by our scores that we’ve held opponents to. For the most part, we’ve done a pretty good job.
VYPE: What were your expectations coming into this season?
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VYPE: Did you envision you would get off to such a strong start with a 3-0 record?
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Wakley: I think one of the things we talked about was continuing to work on shooting the ball a little bit better. Just our execution down the stretch in those games. We just have to be better down the stretch.
VYPE: How would you describe your team’s style of play?
Wakley: It was a good confidence builder. At that point in time, playing without our football kids because
Wakley: I would say that we like to play with a high intensity. Try to be as physical as we can. We like to be well balanced offensively. I think
our football team made the state championship game. For us to get off to the start we did was very encouraging.
that we are. We are a tough matchup from the standpoint that anybody on any given night can go for double digits.
“We like our schedule being tough. We feel it prepares us for the upcoming playoffs.” - Ryan Wakley
VYPE: Each of your losses this season have been close games. Was there a common factor in all of them?
VYPE: What has impressed you the most about your team so far? Wakley: I think the overall balance that we’ve had. I was hoping that was
COACHES Q & A the way it was going to be for our team. I just didn’t know for sure if we’d be able to pull that off. We’ve had multiple people lead us in scoring each and every game and I really like that. VYPE: Would you describe your squad as veteran unit?
Wakley: Everybody that we have playing this year helped us out on the playoffs last year at some point. So I would say it’s a veteran squad. We have three seniors and four juniors in that mix. VYPE: What players have really stepped up their game?
Wakley: I think you could talk about every one of those kids. Eli Freeman, Sebastien Davet, Johnathan Pride are our three seniors and have all done a great job. Caleb Calhoon, Tyler Hicks, Hunter Holmes and RJ Wakley are the juniors and have all been great contributors to what we’re doing. A really tight knit group. VYPE: You have a stretch coming
up where you face five opponents ranked in top 20 in their class. What do you want to see from your squad? Wakley: Hopefully it helps us. Hopefully we don’t get beat up. Last year we went through the same thing. It was a tough week. And our kids showed some good perseverance and pushed through it. VYPE: How does going through a tough stretch like that help prepare a team for the postseason? Wakley: We like our schedule being tough. We feel like it prepares us for the playoffs.
VYPE: For this team to do well in the playoffs, what improvements do you need to see the rest of season? Wakley: I think we just need to continue to improve offensively. Make strides defensively. Then follow the
game plan and scouting reports for each game. We have a great coaching staff here that I feel has them prepared for each and every team we’re going to see. We do that, play hard each and every night, and bring the effort where it needs to be, I think we’ll be in great shape.
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ELITE 8
The 11th Annual Tulsa Elite 8: Ready for Takeoff The Tulsa Air and Space Museum was the perfect backdrop for this year’s version of the Elite 8. These eight players are at the top of their class; Ethan Chargois, Caleb Nero, RJ Fuqua, Elijah Landrum, Kara Speer, Ja’Mee Asberry, Abby Gregory and Mya Bhinhar are on another level. Sit back and make sure your tray tables are in the upright position as we go Beyond the Court with the 2016-17 Elite 8 selectees. Photos By Brett Rojo
his brother Isaiah. “He was a good basketball player just like me,” said Landrum. On the court Landrum is a pure competitor, but off the court he’s one of the more friendly guys you’ll meet. One Thing I Want To Try – “I would like to windmill dunk during a game. It gets the crowd lit.”
If I Won The Lottery – “The first I would do is get my mother a brand new house and car and bless everyone who ever helped me in
The best of the best in Tulsa have been highlighted in VYPE for over a decade, These ballers don’t disappoint. my journey.”
Elijah Landrum – Central Braves Point Guard, 5-11, Committed to SMU
Known as “E” by some of his closest friends and family, Elijah Landrum reminds many people of
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Beyond the Court
Caleb Nero – Memorial Chargers Point Guard, 6-2, Undecided
Caleb Nero or “C” is a dynamic point guard with next level talent. The Charger is a pure competitor on the court. Off the court he’s one of the more chill guys you could meet. “People say I remind them of my dad,” said Nero.
One Thing I Want To Try – “One thing I would like to try is going on a cruise with my family because I heard it’s really fun.”
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I Will Travel To – “Hawaii, it’s a beautiful place.”
m
dru Elijah Lan
If I Won The Lottery – “The first thing I would do with the money is give back to my community, and by things for family.” I Will Travel To – “One place I would
Caleb Ne
ro
like to go is to Hawaii.” RJ Fuqua – Booker T. Washington Hornets Point Guard, 6-0, Undecided
One of the top point guards in the state, RJ is extremely focused on the court and a comedian off the court. Many people say he reminds them of his uncle Shawn. “We have the same type of attitude, works hard, but very stubborn, loves to watch football, I think it’s because he and I have the same birthday,” said Fuqua.
One Thing I Want To Try – “I would want to go on a singing show. I really feel as if I could win a singing contract and become a singer.” If I Won The Lottery – “Buy both of my grandmothers something they have always wanted.”
I Will Travel To – “The Great Wall of China.”
ELITE 8 Ja’Mee Asberry – East Central Cardinals Point Guard, 5-4, Oklahoma State
RJ Fuqua Redskins
Ethan Chargois – Union
Power Forward, 6-8, Committed to SMU
We’re not going to say what her nickname was because she grew out of it, but it rhymes with Dunkin’. Friends and family agree when they watch Ja’Mee it’s like watching her mom. “We look alike, have similar physiques, as well as our speed and quickness were parallel. She played basketball and ran track for Tulsa Central,” said Asberry. Known for her tenacity on the court, off the court Asberry is an inquisitive person always looking to feed her mind. One Thing I Want To Try – “I would love to have dinner with Russell Westbrook before
“The Big E” or “E-Rok” as some have started calling him, has a presence on the court that is undeniable. On the court he’s relentless, but off the court he’s completely laid back. “People say I remind them of my brother because we look alike,” said Chargois. One Thing I Want To Try – “Probably play hockey because it seems fun.”
If I Won The Lottery – “I would buy my mom the blue Corvette she has always wanted and get my dad a motorcycle.” I Will Travel To – “Outer space.”
Ethan Chargois
Ja’Mee A s
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sitting courtside at a Thunder vs. Golden State. Westbrook is one of my idols. His leadership qualities and outstanding work ethic inspire me. I would love to pick his brain.” If I Won The Lottery – Since I recently obtained my drivers license, I would reward myself with a 2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible in Oklahoma State orange. I would build my family our dream home and set up education trust funds for my younger siblings. Last, I would discuss investment options with a financial analyst in hopes of my current money creating future money. I Will Travel To – “As an African American, it
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ELITE 8 would be enlightening to visit Africa to learn more about my African heritage by exploring the people, food and culture.”
Forward, 6-0, Undecided
Gabriella, or “Gabby” as she’s known by most of us, describes herself on the court as competitive, but off the court Gabby said she’s a little goofy. “People often say I remind them of my dad. Especially when I was little. I got told all the time how much I looked like him,” said Gregory.
One Thing I Want To Try – “There’s so many fun things I have never done and would love to try, but one thing I really want to do is swim with dolphins.”
er
Kara Spe
Kara Speer – Metro Christian Patriots Shooting Guard, 5-9, Committed to Incarnate Word
There are many words that can describe Speer on and off the court, but the two best may be determined and dedicated. Determined to help her team win and dedicated to being the best person she can be through activities like FCA, NHS and NSHS. And who does she remind people of in her family? Her sister of course. “My sister is my best friend and we are basically the same person,” said Speer. One Thing I Want To Try – “I’ve never been skydiving and I would love to do that.”
If I Won The Lottery – “I would save some of it and then spend it on a ton of clothes and shoes.” I Will Travel To – “I would love to travel to Europe.”
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Mya Bhinhar – Owasso Rams
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Combo Guard, 5-9, Committed to Arkansas
One word that describes “Mya-lou” on the court is determined. Determined to make the most out of every position and determined to stop you from doing the same. Off the court Bhinhar is a caring person and a devoted friend. Bhinhar said people tell her she is a lot like her father. “Everyone says that I remind them of my Dad. We have the same personality and view a lot of things the same way.”
If I Won The Lottery – “Move to south Tulsa, and buy more shoes.” I Will Travel To – “I would love to travel the world and go see as many places as I can, so I can’t name just one.” The Tulsa Air & Space Museum is located at 3624 North 74th East Avenue, Tulsa OK 74115. You can find them on the web at tulsaairandspacemuseum.org or call 918-834-9900. The TASM is open MondaySaturday 10am-4pm and be sure to visit the Planetarium!
History of the Elite 8 2006/07 Alyssia Brewer – Sapulpa Haley Knifechief – Claremore Abby Jackson – Memorial Nicollette Smith – Bishop Kelley Nick Sidorakis – Jenks Ken Holdman – East Central Robert Avery – Holland Hall Derrick Lewis – Union
2007/08 Alyssia Brewer – Sapulpa 2X Tia Magee – Jenks Jenni Bryan – Coweta Angel Goodrich – Tahlequah Sequoyah Rotnei Clarke – Verdigris Robert Crawford – Victory Christian Monty Brown – Liberty Bryson Pope – Jenks
2008/09 Amy Graham – Hominy Kevi Luper – Adair Taleya Mayberry – Booker T. Washington Taylor Lewis – Broken Arrow Cameron Downing – Memorial Tyler Ridgeway – Foyil Bryson Pope – Jenks 2X Brock Morton – Holland Hall
One Thing I Want To Try – “Surfing, because it seems like it is really fun.”
If I Won The Lottery – “Donate money to the Cancer Institution.” I Will Travel To – “Bora Bora.”
Gabby Gregory – Holland Hall Dutch
Mya Bhinhar
Gabby Gr egory 2009/10 Jenni Bryan – Coweta Carrington Fox – Union Paiton Taylor – Hulbert Caitlyn Mathis – Kiefer Cameron Downing – Memorial Tharone Chilton – Booker T. Washington Oren Faulk – Muskogee Will Baysinger – Owasso 2010/11 Savannah Carter – Memorial Chelsi Dennis – Broken Arrow Jordan Schultz – Claremore Miranda Sisney – Sand Springs Drew Wilson – East Central Kendall Davis – Sapulpa Clay Wilson – Lincoln Christian Jacob Parker – Bixby
2011/12 Jessica Washington – Jenks Felecia Achilefu – East Central Caitlyn Spurgeon – Vinita Shannon Hough – Green Country Juwan Parker – Booker T. Washington L.J. Ross – Victory Christian J.C. Hartzler – Union C.J. Cole – Sperry
2012/13 Jessica Washington – Jenks 2X Bria Pitts – East Central Stevi Parker – Bixby Christina Devers – Bixby Juwan Parker – Booker T. Washington 2X Allonzo Trier – NOAH Thomas Bacon – Kiefer Zach Norris – Coweta 2013/14 Toree Thompson – Broken Arrow Amari Dennis – Broken Arrow Baileigh O’Dell – Verdigris Sharayla Brown – East Central Shake Milton – Owasso Mitchell Solomon – Bixby Chris Crawford – Victory Christian Shawn Olden – Union
2014/15 Brice Calip – Sapulpa Makenzie Ellis – Booker T. Washington Amiri Durant – Memorial Lauren Billie – East Central Shake Milton – Owasso 2X Chris Crawford – Victory Christian A.J. Cockrell – Memorial Elijah Landrum – Central 2015/16 Brice Calip – Sapulpa 2X Alexis Gaulden – Broken Arrow Eva Lewis – Rogers Mya Bhinhar – Owasso Elijah Landrum – Central Caleb Nero – Memorial TJ Washington – Jenks Ethan Chargois – Union
The District Debate
The District Debate We asked area basketball coaches to weigh in on the debate over Conference play versus moving to a district play system like football. Here’s what we got.
Joshua McGee – Nathan Hale Boys It would be interesting if something like that would be viable. Basketball has more games so it would increase our travel and costs. Also it would restructure our playoff system. It would take the voting away from coaches and leave it up to district play as well. Depending on which district you ask the answers may vary. Overall, conference play in the East is going well between the Frontier, Metro Lakes, and Green Country being represented in all the large school rankings. Definitively, both options have its pros and cons.
Cory Campbell – Kiefer I personally like the way we are set up now. Everyone has a chance in the playoffs despite the way they finished in their conference or district races....Keeps student-athletes motivated and gives everyone a chance to extend their season. I think its great especially for small school basketball!
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Jamie Hill – Union Girls I do believe that a district system would be better for basketball. There are too many politics involved in the ranking system, and coaches constantly try to manipulate the system either for themselves or for friends that they have in the coaching world. Additionally, many coaches do not pay attention to factors like strength of schedule and who a team’s opponents are. They will reward a team who may have more wins but who has played
Wally Poplin - Rejoice Christian Boys Absolutely. I know the argument is travel, but there has to be a way. It is the only fair way to do it. I know we have OSSAA rankings, but there is no way to accurately rank 96 teams. If football can do it, basketball can. One of my best friends is Jerry Pease, the softball coach at Union High School. He loves district play. He says it is a much fairer system. Plus, it has made the regular season much more meaningful. Finally, the states around us all do it, so it can be done.
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Additionally, I have spoken in the past with coaches who participated in the OSSAA playoff pairings meetings that have purposely manipulated the pairings to put more competitive teams together in Districts, Regionals and Areas so as to eliminate the tougher teams and improve their own chances for advancement. This wouldn’t happen if playoff pairings were determined solely on a team’s performance in their District play.
Crystal Lawson – Holland Hall Girls With this being our first year in the OSSAA, I’m not real sure how I feel on the matter, until I at least experience one year. My initial thoughts are that it would be great for scheduling and playing people in your classification (since our current conference is Class A-4A), however, I would think the travel on Tuesday and Friday nights for small schools would be difficult. I’m assuming the districts would be pretty spread out (similar to football) and when you are making Tuesday night trips and playing 2-3 nights a week it may be a little much for high school athletes.
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Scott Norris – Coweta Changing to districts would be great for high school basketball! With our current system the last two weeks of games are meaningless and we decide our seeding by coaches opinion. I think it would be great to have districts where every game mattered and seeding was decided on the court.
school basketball, just my opinion.
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Beau Wallace – Broken Arrow I haven’t looked at the district system to speak on it too much, but I am for anything that makes the whole season count towards your seeding going into the post-season tournament. There are normally 4 to 5 games each year that don’t really help from a seeding purpose, and most coaches are just hoping to get through those without an injury.
“There are normally four to five games each year that don’t really help from a seeding purpose, and most coaches are just hoping to get through those without an injury.” -Beau Wallace
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John Phillips – Summit Christian Boys We have talked about it for years. One definite negative is travel because usually conference teams now have close proximity. Scheduling is very difficult for private schools, so we band together in the Tulsa area.
weaker opponents over a team who has to play stronger opponents that may lose some games. With a district system, all of those opinion factors are thrown out, and teams prove themselves on the court for their playoff seedings. I know that some think that a district could be unfair or unbalanced, but I still believe it would be a better system than what we currently have. My only other suggestion would be to create some sort of RPI system in our current rankings that incorporates strength of schedule into the points you earn.
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Brian Rahilly – Cascia Hall Boys I believe it would be good, but for those conferences that are tied to multiple sports it could be a detractor. It would also make regular season games more important as teams would be playing for post-season spots.Non-qualifiers for post season could just have a tournament week.
Rudy Garcia – Union Boys Yes I would be in favor of districts. It would be easier for scheduling games against your class. It takes rankings out of play for seeding purposes; playoff spots would be determined playing the whole season instead of part of it. It is discussed every year but gets no further than a discussion don’t think it will ever happen. There are pro’s and con’s to everything but in the end there are people above my pay grade that make the final decisions. The topic that needs to be pushed is a shot clock in high
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Mya Bhinhar
Tulsa Bone & Joint Captain’s Q&A Owasso Lady Ram Basketball Photos By Jason Norwood Just as we reach the end January, VYPE editor Brad Heath (with an assist from coach Matt Sweeney) caught up with Owasso basketball players Terryn Milton, Loni Culley and Mya Bhinhar to get their thoughts on the season, coach Sweeney and the bus ride to away games.
and Allie Eicher. Milton: Everybody. We all keep everyone laughing.
VYPE: What do you do to get focused before a game? Milton: I pray and listen to music. Bhinhar: I isolate myself and listen to music.
VYPE: Lets start with something easy. What’s been your favorite moment so far this season? Milton: The way we’ve bounced back from the beginning of the season. Culley: Getting the opportunity to play in the Tournament of Champions. Bhinhar: Beating Sand Springs and giving them their first loss of the season. VYPE: Who keeps the team laughing in the locker room? Bhinhar: Rylie Boone and her dancing and singing. Culley: Rylie Boone
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"Playing at someone else’s house (gym) and beating them is a lot of fun." -Mya Bhinhar VYPE: What do you love most about away games? Is it the bus ride or playing in an opponent’s gym and getting the W? Culley: Sometimes I just like to play in front of a different crowd. The bus rides home are the best when we win. Bhinhar: I like playing in an opponent’s gym and getting a win. Playing at someone else’s house and beating them is a lot of fun. Milton: Getting a W in somebody else’s gym. There is just something about going to somebody else’s house and making it yours. VYPE: Give me two words that best describe coach Sweeney. Milton: Passionate, caring. Bhinhar: Determined, goofy. Culley: Caring, unpredictable. VYPE: Should high school basketball implement a shot clock in Oklahoma? Milton: Yes! I don’t like it when people stall at the end of the game. Bhinhar: Yes because the end of the games would be a lot more intense. Culley: A shot clock definitely.
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Culley: I listen to music and dance, a lot.
y
Loni Culle
VYPE: When you’re on the court do you hear the fans or can you block everything out.
Terryn M il
ton
Except coach Sweeney of course. Culley: I block everything out, sometimes not on purpose. Milton: I block everything out except for coach Sweeney. Bhinhar: I block everything out besides my teammates and coaches.
VYPE: What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen or heard during a game? Bhinhar: Rylie (Boone) thought the girl she was guarding shot the ball and she blocked her out, but she still had the ball in her hand. Milton: I’ve seen a girl who was running down the court and had a wide-open layup, slip and fall and knock the ball out of bounds. Culley: I’ve seen a girl do a full tuck and roll with no one around her. VYPE: Here’s your chance to say thank you to anyone you wish. Lets hear it! Milton: Thank you to my mom for always being supportive. Bhinhar: Myrion Milton, thank you for seeing something in me at a young age and teaching me about character on and off the court. Culley: Terryn Milton, for always supporting me and keeping me up no matter what.
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Athlete theYear of
S C H O L A R S H I P
F E B RUA RY 2 0 1 7 Mazzio’s Corporation and VYPE have teamed up to grant a $2,000 Scholarship for one boy and one girl to be presented in the June issue of VYPE. Here is how it will work: • Each month, VYPE will take nominations for an Athlete of the Month and a boy and girl will be elected the Mazzio’s Athlete of the Month. This will be a chance for boys and girls of all sports to be recognized for their performances. • Nominees can be mailed to scholarship. Oklahoma@VYPE.com. Give the nominee’s name, school, sport and reasons you believe the athlete should be awarded the scholarship. • The nominees will need to be seniors this season but keep in mind that their accomplishments as juniors will be taken into consideration as well. • Each monthly recipient will be a candidate for the scholarship that will be awarded in June. • All sports will be eligible to have a nomination. • The male and female athletes who are chosen each month will have a pictured bio, highlighting their accomplishments, placed on this page.
Burke Putnam - East Central East Central point guard Burke Putnam is the Mazzios Male Athlete of the Month. Putnam and the East Central Cardinals recently picked up a big win over Class 5A rival Memorial thanks to the 30-point effort from Putnam. His two free throws with under one second on the clock sent the contest into overtime where the Cardinals were able to pull out the, 78-75 win. On the season Putnam has averaged 20.6 points per game while picking up 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steals. From the 3-point line Putnam has hit 15 of 39 attempts and his shooting 76.8 percent from the free throw line. He’s also blocked 10 shots on the season. Putnam was a VYPE Top 100 selectee this season and continues to live up to expectations. The Cardinals are currently ranked No. 6 in Class 5A and appear to be warming up just at the right time of the year. The senior has his sights set on taking the Cardinals to the state tournament and making this a season the Cardinal faithful will not forget. For his dedication to his team and to East Central High School, Burke Putnam is the Mazzios Male Athlete of the Month.
Lauren Ramey - Kiefer Kiefer Lady Trojans shooting guard Lauren Ramey is the Mazzios Female Athlete of the Month. Ramey and the Lady Trojans are off to a great start having not lost a game since early January. Their overall record of 15-1 has the Lady Trojans sitting in the top 15 of Class 2A. For Ramey the success has meant taking on a larger role on both ends of the floor. Something she has embraced. This season she is averaging 14.5 points per game with 11.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists. On the defensive end of the court she has blocked 34 shots and is averaging 4.6 steals per contest. From 3-point land Ramey is averaging 40.4 percent and hitting 45 of 58 from the free throw line. Recently the Lady Trojans picked up wins over Caney Valley (50-31), Hulbert (61-30), Liberty (53-43) and Clinton (53-37). “We want to win state this year,” said Ramey. The junior guard is motivated to get the Lady Trojans back to the state tournament and bring home a gold ball back to Kiefer. For her relentless pursuit of excellence on and off the court, Lauren Ramey is the Mazzios Female Athlete of the Month.
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J e n k s Tro j a n s Q & A
Ray Weis Jenks Wrestling Coach By Jordan Edwards VYPE: Coach, you graduated some talent last season, who has filled those shoes this year? Weis: We were District champs last year and we did lose some good kids, Sam Wilson and Drew Hinkle, who were both All-State wrestlers. This year we have returning state qualifier Chase Slatton and some underclassmen that are really going to provide us a solid foundation and a good future. VYPE: Who are those underclassmen you’re excited about? Weis: I’m excited about the development of a couple of underclassmen. At the Jenks tournament we had seven placers. At the Jenks Tournament, the Jenks Wrestling team had seven total placers. Two were seniors, Chase Slatton (120) placed 2nd and Lucas Debolt (113) placed 6th. Two juniors placed at 138, Austin Daniels took 2nd and Jaylon Pitts took 5th. The other three place winners were sophomores. Garrett Johnson (106) took 5th, Warren Stanley (160) took 4th and Caleb Orr (hwt) took 5th.
VYPE: The Jenks Tournament is always one of the best in the area. Weis: The Larry Wilkey Jenks Invitational is an awesome tournament. Our gym is a great venue and out athletic department really supports the tournament. Tony Dillingham, Tommy Burns and Larry Wilkey get a lot of credit for the tournament. VYPE: What does it take to put something like that on?
VYPE: Who are your assistants this season?
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Weis: I’m excited about the future of the program. We have large numbers in our freshman class. Our middle school program is doing very well and I’m really excited about the increased numbers in our elementary program. We are excited about the future.
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VYPE: What do you expect for the future of this program?
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Weis: I love the new Jenks wrestling room. The old one has lots of memories but this wrestling room and set up far surpasses the old one.
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VYPE: Do you ever miss the old wrestling room?
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Weis: My assistant coaches are Dustin Hughes, Justin Glenn and Amos Cherry. My JH staff is Ken Barnes, Todd Cherry and Kane Powell.
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Weis: This year the weather affected the number of teams attending in the format. We changed to a pool tournament for the first time ever this year. It was extremely successful. Craig Bowman ended up doing all the computer work and a really fantastic job. I’m very fortunate to be able to have a great group of people to work with from the booster club to former wrestlers, from former wrestler’s parents that continue to support our program.
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W re s t l i n g
Sandites Poised For Historic Run Story By Scott Emigh Sandite Pride News
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By depth of talent, the current Sand Springs lineup is the best Kelly Smith has ever coached. With a decade and a half at the helm of one of the most historic programs in Oklahoma, that’s saying something. But he hesitates to call them the best in the state.
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runners-up. The team’s lone Championship was in 1971 when they sent seven to the finals and crowned three. They also went undefeated that year, but the OSSAA didn’t adopt a dual State tournament until 1989. The Sandites returned nine State Qualifiers this year and picked up another in Berryhilltransfer Tanner Ward, who is a back-to-back State Runner-Up at the 3A level. “Tanner has adjusted to a different style and tougher tournaments than he’s ever experienced,” said Smith, when asked which of his wrestlers have improved the most this season.
He also named sophomore Riley Weir and senior Michael Ritchey. “Michael does it in a different style than anyone on the team. Most of his matches are six minutes. He comes in with a plan and strategy for each match and sticks to it.”
Daton Fix “We’ve got great opportunity,” said Smith, “but as far as I’m concerned, Choctaw is still number one until somebody beats them. Choctaw, Broken Arrow, Edmond North—all have tough wrestlers and great opportunity to win.” Humble words from a coach whose team wins by an average score of 66 to 9. The Sandites, who are ranked first in 6A by the OSSAA, and fifteenth in the nation by Flowrestling, are undefeated this season with a 17-0 record.
Last year they came in runner-up at Dual State to Choctaw, losing all seven of what Smith described as “swing matches,” then placed third at State with one champion and two
Weir was one of only two freshmen to compete in a varsity dual last year. He finished last season with a 21-12 record, and is already 31-6 this year. He has placed higher than last year in every single tournament.
As a whole, the team has had their most explosive season in school history with five shutouts. At districts they pinned the entire U.S. Grant team in 14:02. They nearly did the same thing in their next two duals and won the entire quadrangle by a combined 245-0. At the Perry Tournament they sent six wrestlers to the finals and Daton Fix, Beau Bratcher, and Delvin Jordan won the gold. At the Kansas City Stampede the team placed third with three finalists, and Fix and Payton Scott won their brackets. Fix and Scott repeated at the Geary Invitational where the Sandites placed fourth. At the Sapulpa Invitational they crowned Weir, Fix, Jordan, and Jack Karstetter for a first place finish with
four runners-up.
Sand Springs has crowned 25 State Champions in its history. Fix, an Oklahoma State University-signed senior is tied with David McGuire (1963-1965) as the only three-time State Champion in school history. The school hasn’t had more than one State Champion in a single season since 1978. Two of their State Champions, Jay Fleischman (1988) and Ronnie Luce (1974), are also on the Sandite coaching staff.
The regular season has come to an end for Sand Springs, and their next stop is Dual State in Shawnee. From there they will host the 6A-East Regional with seven returning Champions including Ritchey (30-8, 59-32), Blake Sargent (30-8, 82-22), Fix (37-0, 155-0), Karstetter (231, 96-16), Bratcher (36-6, 127-29), Scott (31-2, 52-10), and Jordan (35-2, 66-14). Zane Basma (20-2, 82-27) was the Regional Runner-Up and Ward (27-9, 103-21) was the 3A-East Regional Champion. “There are years where this team could win State by a wide margin, but this isn’t one of those years,” said Smith. The Sandites may not crown more than one or two champions, but with a four-way race for the top, they may not need to. It could easily come down to a single match.
Webster Athlete of the Month David Ward Webster Basketball David Ward is a junior at Webster High School where he plays varsity basketball for the Warriors.
Ward, a point guard, is one of the more dynamic players in the state. This season he is averaging 21.8 points per game with 12.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.4 steals. Add 3.5 blocked shots to the defensive end of the floor and you have one of the more well balanced players in the state.
Recently in a big win over rival Berryhill, Ward scored 29 points to go with 20 rebounds and five assists. Hitting a double-double is nothing new for Ward. This season alone he has at least 10 double-doubles
Ward has scored more than 25 points at least six times this season, making him a scoring threat on every
We b s t e r B a s k e t b a l l
possession and he’s grabbed double digit rebounds at least 10 times proving he is dominant in the paint. Before the season started Ward was named to the VYPE Top 100 and was recently added to the semifinals placing him in the running for the title of Mr. Basketball Oklahoma. Head coach Scott Bowman said Ward was, “one of the top players in the state and should not be overlooked by coaches at the next level.”
Ward has started for the Warriors since his freshman season and he carries a 3.2 grade point average. According to coach Bowman, Ward can, “play any position on the court.” Ward is a great example of a student-
athlete that takes his classroom work as serious as his work on the court. For his dedication to Daniel Webster High School, his coach and his teammates, David Ward is the Webster Athlete of the Month.
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M c L a i n W re s t l i n g
McLain Wrestling: Rise Up By Brad Heath When you think about McLain athletics what comes to mind? Probably football and Joshua Jacobs making his presence felt at the University of Alabama. Or is it the success of the track program? One sport not mentioned too often at McLain is wrestling. That is changing.
“In our fourth year of rebuilding a team from scratch, we have so many kids going in the right direction and this coach can’t refrain from smiling with enthusiasm.” -J. Paul Ganzel
“We have two kids with a more than legitimate chance of winning a state championship this year and several that may surprise everyone before the seasons finish,” said Ganzel.
For coach Ganzel the key is the junior high program. For many years wrestlers who grew up on the mat would move because the junior high program for McLain just didn’t exist. Today the Tulsa Public School district is considering implementing a junior high program and that would be a game changer for McLain High School.
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The junior high program could secure the future of the program, but today the focus is on McNack and Tuggle. They are the favorites to make history for McLain High School this season, but keep an eye on Jeremiah Salone, Abraham Calamease,
McLain Wrestling Lineup Yochanan Ewell (106, Jr.) Nicole Stanley (106, Jr.) Jeremiah Salone (113, Sr.) Taywone McNack (120, Sr.) Monique Hatter (120, Jr.) Reginold Sells (126, Fr.) Abraham Calamease (126, So.) Gabrielle Salone (126, So.) Patra Ware (132, Fr.) Montre’ion Beasley (132, Fr.) Marquis Weston (138, Sr.) Raequan Walker (145, So.) Anthony Harris (152, Jr.) Christian Holdman (160, So.) Kyie Lewis (160, Sr.) Troy Draper (170, Sr.) Devon Pressley (182, Jr.) Antwain Thomas (182, So.) Dillon Hanika (195, Jr.) Daryll Johnson (220, So.) Terryn Johnson (285, Fr.) Hollis Tuggle (285, Sr.)
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“It would funnel the elementary kids who currently train in our building under the Pin-King name, directly into McLain High School. As of now, those kids are leaving the district to wrestle elsewhere once reaching the 7th grade.
place on the podium, they are wrestling for their place in history.
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“We wrestled our district quad and beat both Jay and Oologah. Vinita got us though and improved to, 17-0 going into dual state. Our dual season record is finished, 9-2,” said coach Ganzel. “In our fourth year of rebuilding a team from scratch, we have so many kids going in the right direction and this coach can’t refrain from smiling
“It is evident to all that McLain has seven wrestlers of the fourteen weight classes that are expected to qualify for the state tournament and two wrestlers who are destined to become a state champion,” said Ganzel. You can’t deny the facts, this team is hungry and wrestling for more than a
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Enter head coach J. Paul Ganzel and a group of motivated wrestlers that are focused on turning McLain wrestling into a powerhouse that is respected across the state.
Recently Taywone McNack placed 1st at the Skiatook Invitational and Hollis Tuggle won seven of eight matches and finished 2nd. The pair obviously have the talent to win and place in tournaments, but can they do it on wrestling’s biggest stage? Coach Ganzel believes they can.
Marquis Weston, Troy Draper and Devon Pressley.
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The year was 1977. The No.1 hit on the radio was Rod Stewart’s Tonight’s The Night. Everyone’s television was tuned to Laverne & Shirley, Happy Days, Three’s Company and Charlie’s Angels. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI and Pitt beat Georgia, 27-3 to claim the national championship in college football. At McLain High School a young man by the name of Greg Hawkins was wrestling for his second state championship. Hawkins was attempting to become the schools second back-to-back champion following Ron Hawkins who did it the two years prior. Greg Hawkins won his second straight title in Class 4A after moving up in weight to 178-pounds. It would be the last time a McLain wrestler would take the 1st place position on the podium at the state competition.
with enthusiasm.”
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REJOICE
Trenton Crow
Wally Pop l
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Rejoice Christian Basketball By Michael Kinney Coach Wally Poplin was pretty sure his Rejoice Christian (2A) boys basketball team was going to be pretty good this year. Returning three starters from last year’s squad pretty much guaranteed that. However, once the season began, the Eagles found themselves staring at a 0-3 record.
four practices when we played at Lincoln.” But Poplin knew a change was coming. Once Rejoice got all of its players in uniform, they would be a much better product on the court.
After losing their first three game, the Eagles went on to win nine of their next 10.
“I think just getting every one in the right
“Trenton Crow has averaged 18 ppg over the past ten games,” Poplin said. “Janson Lietzke has averaged 13 ppg and 10 rpg for the season. He is such a force defensively. He has 28 blocks on the season. Logan Schovanec has really shot the ball well for us during this stretch. He is the kid who tore his ACL. He is playing with a torn ACL. Andrew Crow is our sophomore point guard who is getting better every game. Josiah Krispence is our
“We thought we might start slow,” Poplin said. “Seven of our top 10 players are football players and our football team went two rounds in the playoffs. We had only had
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"There has to be an atmosphere of trust. Players have to trust the coaches and they have to trust each other." -Wally Poplin
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places and settling in on what this team could do,” Poplin said. “We beat two really good teams in the KSA Tournament in Florida over Christmas and that got us rolling.”
fifth starter. He is a 6-foot-2 forward who does all the little things for us.”
“There has to be an atmosphere of trust,” Poplin said. “Players have to trust the coaches and they have to trust each other. I don't think that there was any panic. Also, we played three really good teams.”
As the Eagles sprint into the latter part of the season, they know they have a tough schedule ahead of them. They have a stretch where they face five straight opponents ranked in top 10 in their class.
But the Eagles turnaround was more than just getting players in uniform. They had to have the right mindset and attitude to not the slow start ruin the rest of the year.
Rejoice also has the veteran makeup to get through rough patches. With five seniors, one junior and a sophomore in their top seven. That includes leading scorer Trenton Crow.
Combined with new facilities, the 2016-17 campaign was set to be impressive. “It is fantastic,” Poplin said. “We finally have our own place to play and practice. We finally have a locker room. We also have a practice gym in our facility so it is really great.”
“Our schedule is really tough,” Poplin said. “We think it is the toughest in 2A. We want to compete. We think that the schedule gets us ready for the playoffs.”
O wa s s o W re s t l i n g
Owasso Ram Wrestling Photos By Rob Melone The Owasso Rams continue to fight hard this season as they look to send several wrestlers to the state tournament. The year was 1983 and the wrestler was Bo Stotts. At 130-pounds Stotts won the state title, repeating what Scott Marshall had done in 1981 at the same weight. Stotts represents the last time Owasso placed a wrestler at the top of the podium at the state tournament.
Enter the 2016-17 squad and head coach Mike Ryan. Now ranked No. 17 in Class 6A the Owasso Rams have a talented wrestling room and several upperclassmen are looking to make headlines as everyone turns their attention to making the state tournament. Dual wins over teams like Muskogee, Sapulpa, Bixby and Jenks on the road, have boosted the confidence of the team. That confidence is starting to bleed into several individuals that believe they have an opportunity to step up their game and do something no one from Owasso could do last season.
According to owrestling.com the Rams have six wrestlers ranked in the top 10 of Class 6A. Senior Brandon Conrad is currently ranked No. 4 at 145-pounds, while junior Justin Johnson is ranked No. 4 at 182-pounds. Both wrestlers have an excellent shot at making the state tournament and have shown a desire to compete at a high level. Ranked No. 7 at 126-pounds is Wyatt Johnson. Another wrestler capable of making waves this season. Junior Baylor Smith is ranked No. 8 at 132-pounds, while junior Nolan Miller wrestling at
160-pounds is someone to watch and is currently ranked at No. 8. Kaleb Mertz (Jr.), also ranked No. 8 at 170-pounds, has shown he has the talent to disrupt the plans of opponents and make a name for himself this season. The positives are outweighing the negatives at Owasso and with several of these guys returning and a talented group of young wrestlers waiting for their shot, the 33 year drought could soon come to an end.
Oklahoma Driving School VYPE OKLAHOMA
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M R. F O OTB ALL
Shamari
Brooks
Shamari Brooks Accepts Mr. Football Award, Is Ready for TU By Austin Chadwick This evening at Union High School’s UMAC, we had an opportunity to present the 5th Annual Shelter Insurance Mr. Football Award to the dynamic Redskin running back Shamari Brooks. Winning the award was symbolic to the toughness
“We needed to get back on track and leave a legacy for the guys coming behind us.” People don’t understand just how hard it is to rush for 2,000 at Union. First off, the majority of games find themselves in lopsided scores where carries come at a rarity in the second half of those contests.
wait to be a Hurricane.”
Many of us who got a chance to play at Union and then for the Golden Hurricane are very proud of Brooks and wish him the best of luck. He’s a special young man and the future is bright.
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"You can't describe what it meant for us as seniors... We needed to get back on track and leave a legacy for the guys coming behind us." -Shamari Brooks
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the Union workhorse presented on the field. I say that because this was the closest voting for Mr. Football we have ever seen. With the Wagoner’s multi-year, multi-sport state champion Malcolm Rodriguez finishing second, we couldn’t go wrong either way.
You see, Brooks was able to do something that no 6A running back has done since another former Redskin did it eight years ago. Shamari rushed for 2,000 yards and led his team to the 6A state title. And in 2008, Jeremy Smith was able to accomplish the feat. Smith went on to have a successful career at Oklahoma State University where he rushed for over 1,700 yards and 34 TDs as a Cowboy.
Brooks found himself being the catalyst for the Redskins on their playoff run. In three postseason games, Brooks compiled 623 yards (568 rushing) and 10 TDs to lead the Redskins to their first state title since 2011.Shamari Brooks-Union “You can’t describe what it meant for us as seniors and for our team,” Brooks said.
Secondly, 6A presents tough defenses that are well-coached and can tackle. With this and the fact that Brooks was the MVP for the Redskins down the stretch, it gave him just enough momentum to edge out Rodriguez. Over 70 media personalities, athletic directors and coaches voted to give Brooks the award. Brooks and Union AD Emily Barkley received their trophies during halftime of the tonight’s basketball game vs. Sapulpa. And now the talismanic running back will take his game to The University of Tulsa. TU is getting a good one. And by the record-breaking performances of their running backs (James Flanders and DeAngelo Brewer) in 2016, Brooks will have an opportunity to be great for the Golden Hurricane as well. He steps into a long line of Union alum who went on to play at TU.
“I am excited about it,” said Brooks. “The staff there and what they do on offense is great. I really think I can fit in well. I have been a long-time commitment and I can’t
Union Redskins at Tulsa (Last 20 years): John Newfield 2015 Spencer Shores 2014 Chris Hall 2012 Dalton Rodriguez 2012 Brentom Todd 2010 Cole Way 2010 Alec Henry 2010 Thomas Roberson 2009 Luke Roberson 2009 Luke Snider 2009 Brian DeShane 2008 Jacob Radar 2007 Matt Romine 2007 Jake Borgsmiller 2005 Tyler Gooch 2000 Jerome Janet 2000 Josh Dupree 2000 Caleb Blankenship 2000 Dustin Kline 2000 Jeremy Davis 1999 Darrell Wimberly 1999 Josh Blankenship 1998 Austin Chadwick 1998 Ben Roberts 1996 Steve Wiedower 1996 Ashon Farley 1996
HOLLAND HALL
Girls Bas
ketball
State Academic Team
Holland Hall Dutch Represent in February State Academic Team In their first year of OSSAA competition, the Holland Hall Dutch qualified for the State Academic Quiz Bowl held at the Redland Community College in El Reno.
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Team sponsor Olivia Martin is excited for the team and is looking forward to their initial state contest.
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Team members as pictured are seniors Ben Truong, Jack Crawford, George Carrington, Rohan Trehan and junior Jack Grossman. Girls Basketball
The Holland Hall girls won the
Legacy Jenks/Union Invitational, defeating a slew of 6A teams and Gabby Gregory came away with another Tournament MVP trophy to add to her growing collection.
In the first round, the Dutch, ranked third in 3A defeated 6A’s 19th ranked Lady Chieftains 5544. Next up was Putnam City West, the fourth ranked team in 6A. Gregory had 37 points and Kennedy Cox had 21 (all three pointers) in the 59-49 win. In the finals, they took on the seventh ranked 6A team, the Booker T. Washington Hornets and defeated them 50-38. Both Gregory and Cox were
named to the All-Tournament Team.
Holland Hall Signings Maddie Murphy - Field Hockey Slippery Rock CJ Thompson - Football - Fort Hayes State
Maddie Murphy - Field Hockey
A MID-TERM LIKE THIS TAKES DRIVE.
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To find out how to pay for college, visit goarmy.com/vype. For more info about the OSU Army ROTC program at 405.744.2055 or email armyrotc@okstate.edu.