VYPE North Oklahoma December-January 2016

Tyra Aska - Coyle, Chelsea Lazenby - Glencoe, Dylan Fix - Stillwater. Front row left to right: Trey Lazenby - Glencoe, Maverick Ball - Cleveland, Gideon Gardner - Pawnee

Trinity Media Group, LLC 12330 E. 60th St. STE A • Tulsa, OK 74146 All rights reserved.

Publisher Austin Chadwick • Partner/Editorial Director Brad Heath • Partner/Director of Operations Rod Coulter Partner/Three Rivers Director Bill Huddleston • Editor at Large Kyle Kendrick • Oklahoma Sales Director Roscoe Migliore Partner Mark Rodgers • Associate Editor Cal Ross Contributing Writers Kevin Green, Cal Ross Contributing Photographers Vicki Osborn, Kyle Lomenick, Newkirk Herald Journal, Brandy Moton, Kevin Green Contact Information: Website: www.VYPEOK.com • Phone: 918.495.1771 • Fax: 918.495.1787 VYPE is published monthly by Trinity Media Group, LLC. Reproductions in whole or in part without permission are prohibited. VYPE is not responsible for the return of unsolicited artwork, photography or manuscripts and will not be responsible for holding fees or similar charges. All digital submissions and correspondences will become property of VYPE.

6 | All-VYPE Football See what kids from around the North region made the North AllVYPE football team.

8 | Stillwater Football Coach Tucker Barnard talked to VYPE about the success of his players.

10 | Stillwater Area Basketball VYPE previews Stillwater area basketball programs.

18 | Ponca City Area Basketball Take a look at basketball programs from Ponca City and the surrounding area.

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NORTH OKLAHOMA TOP 100 VYPE TOP 100 presented by Shelter Insurance includes fourteen of Oklahoma’s best players from North Oklahoma and will compete to earn the title Shelter Insurance Mr. and Miss Basketball Oklahoma. Follow them @VYPEOK on twitter and keep up with their season at #VYPETop100 Chelsea Lazenby Glencoe Lady Panthers Jr. 5-8 Forward @_chelsea_33 Did you know: Chelsea has 6 brothers and when she’s not on the court you can find her with her family.

College: Chelsea is still undecided on where she will attend school.

Quote: “I would like to study with Education or Physical Therapy in college.”

Maverick Ball Cleveland Tigers Sr. 6-2 Shooting Guard @maverick_ball9 Did you know: Maverick loves to buy shoes.

College: Maverick is undecided on where he will attend school next year.

Quote: “If I could be anyone for a day I would be a member of Dude Perfect because they have my dream job.”

Tyra Aska Coyle Lady Bluejackets Sr. 5-7 Point Guard @_iiamtyra Did you know: Tyra loves to rodeo and when she’s not on the court you can find her riding horses.

College: Tyra is being recruited by OCU, Langston, and Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Quote: “Growing up my favorite player was my big sister TiAra Aska.”

Dylan Fix Stillwater Lady Pioneers Sr. 5-5 Guard @dylanfix Did you know: Dylan is a 4.0 student and would like to study Allied Health or Biology in college.

College: Dylan is being recruited by Arkansas Tech and Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Quote: “One day when I’m older I will travel the world.”

Gideon Gardner Pawnee Black Bears Sr. 6-2 Combo Guard @gid32 Did you know: Gideon would like to study Physical Therapy in college.

College: Gideon is still undecided on where he will attend school next year.

Quote: “I am the hardest working kid in the state and I love the game.”

Mckenna Pulley Newkirk Lady Tigers Sr. 5-9 Guard @kennap12 Did you know: Mckenna is a cat lover.

College: Mckenna is still undecided on where she will go to school next year.

Quote: “My mother, Dana, is my biggest role model and influence in life.”

Trey Lazenby Glencoe Panthers So. 6-0 Point Guard @zebo35 Did you know: Trey loves to hunt.

College: Trey is undecided on where he will go to college.

Quote: “If I could be anyone for a day I would be my grandpa because I miss him.”

ALL-VYPE NORTH OK

All-VYPE Cross Country

All-VYPE Softball

Boys Team Paul Giddeon – Cushing William Decker – Chandler Caleb Elmore – Chandler Payton McNabb – Perry Collin Hogan – Perry Lane Summers – Tonkawa Nakota Summers – Tonkawa Patrick Glimp – Drumright Gage McKinney – Woodland Braden Clapp – Woodland Vlad Munteanu – Stillwater

Pitcher: Michaelanne Nelson, Frontier Neleigh Herring, Chandler Brooke Field, Perkins-Tryon Ariole O’ Neal, Newkirk Kenzie Lyons, Ponca City

Girls Team Bailey Alford – Cleveland Joannie Adkisson – Cushing Braelyn Berlowitz – Cushing Ariya Regnier – Cushing Samantha Adams – Perry Elise Rackley – Stillwater

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Breyana Estep, Cleveland

Utility: Teagan Polm, Oilton Celia Roth, Tonkawa Annie Fluman, Cleveland Anika Smalley, Coyle Megan Stump, Cushing Taylor Tuck, Stillwater

Infield: Thristian Young, Frontier Makenzie Flewellen, Drumright Ainsley Flewellen, Drumright Alicia Maker, Coyle Kayla Vasquez, Cushing

Outfield: Halie Hawkins, Newkirk Kalyn Cushenbery, Newkirk Devon Randall, Ponca City

Catcher: Bailey Wamsley, Perkins-Tryon Heidi Smithey, Prue Blayne Solberg, Chandler Olivia Buck, Perry

Elise Rackley Stillwater

Vlad Munteanu Stillwater

All-VYPE Football QB- Mason Myers, Chandler QB- Autry Westfall, Perkins-Tryon QB- Jared Keeler, Cleveland RB- Josh Houtchens, Cushing RB- Steve Quinones, Depew RB- Deshaun Anderson, Coyle WR- England Honeybuss, Cushing WR- Braden Morrill, Blackwell WR- Michael Wilson, Chandler WR- Jordan Brown, Stillwater OL- Adam Loftis, Cushing OL- Jared Harvey, Ponca City OL- Ben Raulston, Ponca City OL- Gage Strom, Stillwater OL- Bryen Bloomfield, Newkirk DL- Levi Herren, Cushing DL- Jake Gould, Perkins-Tryon DL- Heath Moorman, Coyle DL- Adam Martin, Stillwater LB- Austin Hercyk, Ponca City LB- Austin Fry, Ponca City LB- Mike McCleary, Blackwell DB- Ira Hurst, Bristow DB- Britton Stacy, Deer Creek-Lamont

DB- Chase Pfluger, Tonkawa DB- Tucker Alexander, Tonkawa P/K- Mitchell Wilson, Ponca City ATH- Tristan Garringer, Morrison ATH- Kyler Patterson, Cushing ATH- Harrison Muegge, Deer Creek-Lamont

Josh Houtchens Cushing

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VYPE

5 Things: Stillwater Football Tucker Barnard

Stillwater’s Tucker Barnard talked to VYPE about the ups and downs of the season The Stillwater Pioneers hosted a playoff game for the first time since 2006. Unfortunately, the game did not go the Pioneers’ way, as Sand Springs beat them 49-14. The Pioneers made serious progress this season. After a tough 0-3 start to the season, Stillwater rallied to go 4-2 in district play and earn a home playoff game. This season was a huge confidence boost for the Pioneer program heading forward. Coach Barnard gave VYPE some insight the 2015 season.

VYPE: Coach, what were three things that went right for your team this season?

Barnard: “Our team chemistry continued to grow and get better over the course of the year. That aspect really helped our football team down the stretch. Another thing was the development of our young players. They constantly improved throughout the season, and that really helped us out in some of those tight games. Lastly, the leadership of our seniors was tremendous all season. Those guys never gave up and set a great example for our younger players.

The seniors really made a lasting 8

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impact on the program.”

VYPE: What were three things that didn’t quite go the way you wanted them to go?

Barnard: “Injuries to our offensive line is the big one. We ended up losing four starting offensive lineman for the year. That took a major toll on our football team, but we had multiple guys step up, which was great. Non-district play is the second thing that hurt us. We were dealing with some internal issues, and the 0-3 start was tough, but our guys battled through it.

Third, our passing game didn’t quite develop the way we wanted it to, and our injuries were a big factor there.”

VYPE: Coach, who are three players we should keep an eye on next season?

Barnard: “Stone Mesa, who is going to be a junior next season, is one guy to look out for. He stepped up big for us on the offensive line this season. He will be an impact player up front for us. Defensive back Brendan Goad will be huge for us next year. He made a huge impact in our secondary this season, and he will be a leader next year. Jace Brownlee stepped in at quarterback and showed consistent improvement. He will

be a senior next year, and we are excited to see what improvement he makes over the offseason.”

VYPE: Who was Stillwater’s offensive MVP this season?

Barnard: “Well, we had a few guys who were huge for us on offense this season. Jordan Brown, a guy who is a Division I talent, made a huge impact for us all season.

Quarterback Jace Brownlee stepped in and was a big part of our success. Josiah Castlebury is the other guy I would put on that list. He was a big part of our offense from the running back position. The timing of some of his runs helped us win multiple games. Those three guys really consistently sparked the offense.”

VYPE: What about defensive MVP? Barnard: “Linebacker Trey Carter was one of our most productive players, especially at the linebacker position. He constantly made plays for us. Defensive lineman Adam Martin was huge in the trenches.

Our defensive game plan was often built around him. Brendan Goad is another kid I have to throw on this list because he made so many plays in the secondary. These guys were great all season.”

Maverick Ball Five January Games to Watch in North Oklahoma 1. Jan. 19, 2016 – Norman North @ Stillwater (Boys): The Pioneers will face a tough schedule this year, as most teams in Class 6A will. There are a lot of talented squads in 6A. This game will be an early test for coach Michael Davis and Stillwater. One of the most talented players in the state, Trae Young, and Norman North come to town on Jan. 19. If the Pioneers want to make a splash in Class 6A, getting a win against this team would certainly do it. If Stillwater can pull out the win on their home floor, it should give them a lot of momentum for the final part of the season.

2. Jan. 26, 2016 – Pawnee @ Glencoe (Boys): This Jan. 26 matchup will be one of the tougher games for both Glencoe and Pawnee. Glencoe is one of the highest ranked teams in Class A, while Pawnee is a top 10 squad in Class 2A. Both teams have players who are in the VYPE Top 100. The two teams split in the two games they played against each other last season. Glencoe was only a bucket or two away from taking both games. Expect Pawnee to have a chip on their shoulder heading into this matchup.

3. Jan. 26, 2016 – Enid @ Ponca City (Boys/Girls): Enid and Ponca City have one of the better rivalries in Oklahoma high school

sports. While Enid is almost twice the size of Ponca City, the two towns despise each other, especially in high school sports. That’s what makes this matchup a must watch.

Both the boys and girls programs at both schools are in a rebuilding phase, but a win in this matchup would give either team a huge confidence boost for the remainder of the season. Expect this to be a heated matchup on the boys and girls side of things.

4. Jan 15, 2016 – Stillwater @ Southmoore (Girls): The Lady Pioneers are poised to have a solid season behind star player Dylan Fix. Southmoore is a balanced squad, and they are sitting just outside the top 10. Stillwater isn’t far behind them, and the Lady Pioneers will have a chance to come away with a big road win in this game. If they do, Stillwater will be in good position for the remainder of the season. Keep an eye on Fix, as she climbs the Stillwater record books throughout the season.

5. Jan 12, 2016 – Bristow @ Cleveland (Boys): VYPE Top 100 player Maverick Ball is aiming to lead Cleveland to a season to remember. Bristow is looking to have similar success. Both teams were bounced in the regional tournament last season, and both are looking to make it to the state tournament this season. This game will be a good gauge of where both teams are at that point in the season. Cleveland swept Bristow

VYPE

You Don't Want To Miss

3-0 last season, so this will be a revenge game for the Pirates.

Expect this game to be a tight, competitive matchup.

Players to Watch

When Pawnee and Glencoe meet on Jan. 26, 2016, two players who were selected to the VYPE Top 100 will face off. Glencoe’s Trey Lazenby and Pawnee’s Gideon Gardner will face off, and one should expect an offensive explosion. Gardner finished last season averaging 27.6 points per game, which was good for third in the state. Gardner is the top returning scorer in the state coming into this season. Gardner is one of the best pure scorers in the state, and he is looking to prove that once more.

Lazenby, who is only a sophomore, averaged 15 points, four rebounds and four assists per game last season behind his big brother Ty, who averaged the fourth most points in the state, just behind Gardner. Trey Lazenby exploded for 39 points in his first game of this young season, showing he has great potential to be a great player.

The Lazenby family tree has been littered with talented scorers, and Trey is looking to add his chapter to the legacy. Expect this game to be a great showing for both of these players, as they try to grab a big win for the respective teams.

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VYPE Stillwater Basketball BOYS Michael Davis 2014-15 Record: 8-16 After a successful campaign in 201314, where Stillwater finished 17-7, the Pioneers took somewhat of a step back last season, finishing with an 8-16 record. The main culprit in the Pioneers’ lack luster season was a mixture of lack of depth and youth.

Many of the players who started for coach Michael Davis last year did not have that much experience under their belt. This season should be a different story. With a senior laden team, mixed in with some experienced young players, the Pioneers are looking to bounce back this season.

“We are very excited about the upcoming season,” coach Davis said.

“We have a strong team, and it is looking good. So we are extremely excited.”

Leading the charge for Stillwater will be point guard Jake Green (5-8, Sr.).

Green has developed his game over the course of the summer and now has a good command of the offense.

Green is a balanced player who can score, pass and defend. Last year, Green averaged 9.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.

Zack Ormsby (6-1, Sr.) joins Green in the backcourt. Ormsby doesn’t have eye-popping stats, but coach Davis said he is a quiet leader who works tremendously hard. Ormsby helps keep his teammates honest. Alec Noftsger 10

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(5-10, So.) adds both youth and depth to the backcourt. As a freshman, Noftsger averaged 2.4 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. Kelton Carter (62, Sr.) is a versatile wing player who will be expected to step up big this season. Carter averaged 3.5 points and 2.1 rebounds per game last year.

Mark Smith (6-2, Jr.) adds depth, as he can play either the forward or guard spot. Coach Davis is excited for his team, and the Pioneers are ready to challenge Class 6A. Jake Green 5-8 PG Sr. Zack Ormsby 6-1 SG Sr. Alec Noftsger 5-10 PG So. Kelton Carter 6-2 SF Sr. Mark Smith 6-2 G-F Jr. GIRLS Mark Harris 2014-15 Record: 10-14 The Lady Pioneers are looking to rebound in 2015-16, after a 10-14 season. Coach Mark Harris has a solid core group of players returning to his team this season. The highlight player of that group is point guard Dylan Fix (5-5, Sr.). Fix is one of the best three point shooters in the entire state. Fix has a chance to make a big impact for the Lady Pioneers this season. Overall, Harris has high hopes for his team.

“We should be better defensively and rebounding,” Harris said. “We just have to find the points.”

Fix averaged 18.1 points per game last

season, and the teams other leading scorer, Lauren Stettnisch, graduated and is now playing at Friends University in Kansas. So, Harris will need another player to step up and fill the scoring void that Stettnisch left. Harris said that Adrienne Blakey (5-10, Sr.) has a chance to take over that secondary scoring role. Blakey is a post player who averaged 3.2 rebounds per game last season. With Stettnisch, who was a post player, gone, Blakey’s stats should see a boost. Taylor Tuck (5-8, So.) joins Fix in the backcourt. Tuck averaged 3.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game as a freshman. Kaitlyn Kirksey (5-9, Sr.) and Danelle Springer (5-8, Sr.) round out coach Harris’ lineup. Kirksey averaged 2.2 rebounds per game from the post last season. Kirksey should expect to get more looks this season.

Springer can play in both the front and backcourt. Springer averaged 2.3 rebounds and 2.2 points per game last year. Coach Harris believes his team has a chance to make a lot of noise in Class 6A this season. Keep an eye on the Stillwater record books this season, as Fix is aiming to rewrite them.

Dylan Fix 5-5 PG Sr. Adrienne Blakey 5-10 Post Sr. Taylor Tuck 5-8 G So. Kaitlyn Kirksey 5-9 Post Sr. Danelle Springer 5-8 Post/G Sr.

Trey Lazenby Perkins-Tryon GIRLS Jerry Burnett 2014-15 Record: 23-6 The Lady Demons came up just short of the state tournament last season, but still had a solid overall season. Juniors Ericka Stevenson (6-2) and Brianna Hobbs (5-7) solidified themselves as leaders for the Lady Demons. Last season during their sophomore campaigns, Stevenson averaged 14.7 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, while Hobbs averaged 11 points and hauled in 5.1 rebounds per game.

Coach Jerry Burnett is expecting a great year from his team.

“The new conference will provide a tough schedule,” Burnett said. “We will need the younger players to mature into a game ready mode.”

With Stevenson and Hobbs leading the way, the Lady Demons have a great chance to challenge many of the good teams in Class 3A. Ericka Stevenson 6-2 C Jr. Brianna Hobbs 5-7 F Jr. Tierra Vigil 5-2 G Jr. Raegan O’Donnell 5-9 G Sr. Jaci Armstrong 5-10 F Sr. Glencoe Few teams in the state are dominant in both girls and boys

VYPE

Perkins-Tryon/ Glencoe Team Notes

who was in the top five in scoring. basketball. The Glencoe Stephen Castlebury, coach of the Panthers happen to be Lady Panthers, expects his team one of the programs that to make a deep playoff run this are. Both the Panthers and the season. They are an incredibly Lady Panthers had tremendous deep team. The Panthers lost a seasons in 2014-15. The Panthers lot of scoring with the departure of finished 29-3, and won the Class Ty Lazenby, but there is plenty of A state championship. The Lady talent to make up for it. Expect big Panthers finished 24-8, and made things from the Glencoe basketball it to the quarterfinals of the Class program this upcoming season.

A state tournament. This season, both teams have a great chance to have repeat performances. The Panthers, led by Trey Lazenby, who is a VYPE Top 100 player, expect to be right in the middle of things as they defend their state title. The Lady Panthers have one of the best scorers in the state in Trey’s sister, Chelsea Lazenby.

Chelsea has WE PROVIDE OILFIELD SERVICES been a VYPE Top 100 player the last two seasons. Last TO PROVIDE WELL CONTROL year, Chelsea PumP TRuCKS & KILL TRuCKS averaged 23.3 points per game, WE ALSO PROVIDE along with 6.1 rebounds. tRuckinG and hot shot Trey Lazenby OILFIELD EquIPmENT averaged 15 points per game last season, behind his brother Ty, 1000 E. Yost Rd • Glencoe

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FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE

MONTH

A division of

Kaitlyn Kirksey – Stillwater Basketball Senior Kaitlyn Kirksey is preparing for her final basketball season at Stillwater High School. Last season as a junior, Kirksey averaged 2.2 rebounds per game. Kirksey was a key role player in the post for the Lady Pioneers. This year, Lauren Stettnisch, who was the premier post player for Stillwater last year, is gone, so Kirksey will be asked to increase her production. The Lady Pioneers will need Kirksey to pick up some of the scoring production that is going to be vacated.

Kirksey has been playing basketball with six of the other Lady Pioneer seniors since they were in elementary school. This is important to Kirksey because it allows her to trust her teammates, but also because her teammates motivate her to play hard each practice and game.

“My motivation to work hard every single day is my teammates,” Kirksey said. “I find it so much easier to find motivation from my friends than it is from myself. Because there are days that I don’t want to give my all and then I think about the fact that giving anything less than my best doesn’t just hurt me, but my team as a whole.”

Kirksey said she wants to be a leader on and off the court for her teammates, and not only do her words show it, but her actions do as well. Kirksey’s efforts off the court are impressive. Kirksey holds a 3.97 GPA, and is involved in numerous activities including National BETA Club, FCA and African American Student Association.

The honors she has earned off of the basketball court are as impressive as her leadership on the court. Not only will Kaitlyn Kirksey leave a large impact on the Stillwater girls basketball program, but she will also leave a lasting legacy on the Stillwater community as a whole. For all of her hard work on and off the court, and her efforts to lift up her teammates, Kaitlyn Kirksey is the Stillwater Cancer Center Female Athlete of the Month.

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Character is a combination of qualities that distinguishes one person or group from another. Hideaway Pizza celebrates achievements of local high school athletes by presenting the monthly “Character Counts Award.”

The Stillwater Pioneers enter the 2015-16 basketball season with a handful of senior leaders. One of those senior leaders is Zack Ormsby.

Ormsby will be a key contributor on the court for the Pioneers this season. Ormsby will be asked to supplement his fellow guard Jake Green.

Ormsby will be a key factor to the Pioneer defense. On the court, Ormsby is a productive basketball player, but he is also a great leader. Off the court, his leadership skills translate flawlessly.

“Zack Ormsby is an outstanding student with a 4.0 GPA,” Pioneer coach Michael Davis said. “He has an incredible character and is a quiet leader.

He is a very hard worker.”

Ormsby leads on and off the court. He is an ultimate team player, and his individual goals coming into the season prove just that.

“My personal goals heading into this season are to be a reliable player and contribute to the team’s success,” Ormsby said.

Zack Ormsby Stillwater Basketball

Winning is the most important part for Ormsby. He said that the goal for his team this season is to be better than they were last year, while also reaching their full potential come playoff time. Off the floor, Ormsby is involved with the National Honors Society and the Beta Club. Ormsby said his favorite part of playing basketball is his teammates because they are like a family and get along really well with each other.

Ormsby finds motivation in the fact that this could be his last year to play organized basketball, and he plans to make the most of his opportunities. For his leadership on and off the floor, his dedication to Stillwater athletics and the Stillwater community, Zack Ormsby is the Stillwater Character Counts Athlete of the Month.

Andrew Nieman is a senior wrestler at Stillwater High School. Nieman is a two-time state finalist wrestler, and in 2014, he won a state championship. This season, Nieman plans wrestle at 126.

Nieman is looking to become a state finalist for an impressive third time in a row. Stillwater wrestling coach Doug Chesbro and Andrew’s father, Roger, answered some questions for VYPE to see who knew Andrew better.

Andrew Nieman

Doug Chesbro

Stillwater Wrestling

Stillwater Coach

Roger Nieman Andrew’s Dad

Who is Andrew’s favorite athlete?

John Smith

John Smith

John Smith

What is Andrew’s favorite subject in school?

Math/English

Social Studies

Math

Who is Andrew’s dream date?

Scarlett Johansson

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lawrence

What is Andrew’s favorite place to eat?

Da Vinci’s

Home

Ted’s Escondido

What is Andrew’s dream job?

Chemical Engineer

Senator/ Congressman

Chemical Engineer

Snapchat, Instagram or Twitter?

Instagram

Snapchat

None of the above

What is something Andrew would never eat?

Pufferfish

Potato chips/soda

Wrestlers never turn down food

If Andrew could be any person for a day, who would he want to be?

Donald Trump

Donald Trump

Himself

What is Andrew’s guilty pleasure?

Reading

Pizza

Sweet snack

Does Andrew have any pregame rituals/superstitions?

Stretching/Focusing on mindset

Focusing on mindset

Peanut butter and honey sandwich pre-meal

TOTAL POINTS: 10

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akey l B e n n e i Adr sketball Stillwater

Ba

By Kevin Green

For Adrienne Blakey, time management is key.

Blakey, a senior at Stillwater High School, is a member of the Lady Pioneers’ basketball team, but she does not let that get in the way of her schoolwork.

Blakey is enrolled in two AP courses, calculus and English IV, and she carries a GPA of 4.08, ranking first of 376 students in her class. She is also involved in Stillwater’s Future Farmers of America program, among other extracurricular activities. Through FFA, Blakey has won numerous awards.

Earlier this year, Blakey was named the 2015 Most Distinguished Young Woman of Payne County. “I do keep myself pretty busy,” Blakey said. “I believe that you only get out what you put in, so I’ve gotten involved in as many aspects of my school as I can.”

Blakey said her planner plays the biggest role in how she manages her time.

“It’s super important to stay organized with your calendar so that you don’t miss anything important,” Blakey said.

Blakey also likes to compartmentalize. When she prepares for FFA speeches, she devotes all of her attention to memorizing her lines and improving her public speaking skills, focusing on one responsibility at a time. The same mindset is shared for basketball. She said it is important to avoid getting overwhelmed. “Don’t bite off more than you can chew,” Blakey said. “It’s OK to say no to a couple things if you don’t have time to take something new on.”

For her hard work and dedication to her school work and basketball, Adrienne Blakey is the Stillwater Academic Athlete of the Month.

Ericka Steve Perkins-Try

nson

on

Perkins-Tyron High School junior Ericka Stevenson is a member of the Lady Demons’ basketball team, and she hopes to help her team qualify for the Class 3A state tournament for the first time since 2012.

Last season, Stevenson averaged 14.7 points per game as a center, shooting over 52 percent from the floor while also grabbing 7.2 rebounds per game.

Perkins-Tyron missed the state tournament by one game, finishing with a record of 23-6. “I expect us to work hard to achieve our goal, which is making it to state,” Stevenson said. Stevenson carries a 3.7 GPA, and though she is not enrolled in any AP classes this semester, she attends Meridian Technology Center. She uses its vocational education system as a way to line up her credits before graduation and to prepare for a career in the health services industry.

Stevenson dedicates most of her time to her schoolwork, basketball and her part-time job at the McDonald’s in Perkins. When she has time, she enjoys participating in her church youth group and Young Life, a missionary program.

For most basketball players, games are the catalyst for memorable moments, but Stevenson’s favorite memory came at a practice.

“Last season in practice one day, coach [Jerry] Burnet was showing me how to power dribble and go up strong, and he ended up breaking his thumb.”

Stevenson has shown devotion in not only improving her basketball skills, but also in her studies, and for that reason, she is the Perkins-Tryon Academic Athlete of the Month.

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Northern Oklahoma College

NOC TONKAWA MEN Coach: Donnie Jackson

Assistant Coach: Jason Hinson

With a strong finish to the 2014-15 basketball season and a 2nd place OCAC finish, the NOC Tonkawa Mavericks look to carry some momentum into the 2015-16 season.

The Mavericks return five sophomores who all gained valuable experience last season. Six foot wing Jarrid Rhodes is the Maverick’s leading returning scorer, who averaged 10.1 PPG as a freshman. Also returning are 5’10 Torey Noel, 8.6 PPG, 6’2 Costa Anderson, 9.4 PPG, 6’11 Valentine Sangoyomi, 5.8 PPG, 7.1 RPG, and 6’4 Travon Moore, 4.1 PPG. Rhodes, Noel and Anderson each started more than 15 games last season. Those three combined to hit 105 three-point shots and combined for 90 steals.

Sangoyomi committed to the University of Houston in the early signing period. He will be counted on being an inside offensive presence, rebounder and rim protector.

Several freshmen will need to step up if the Mavs are going to be competitive in the rugged and always tough OCAC. Those freshman include 6’7 Reggie Scurry, 6’7 Dwayne Brown and 6’6 Keeshawn Palmer.

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NOC TONKAWA

WOMEN Coach: Greg Krause

Assistant Coach: Nate Macy

The NOC Tonkawa Lady Mavericks basketball team finished last season with an 18-14 record. The year’s returning starters include forward Alicia Sandlin, guard Darian Hill and guard Paj Jackson. Coach Greg Krause is looking to improve the Lady Mavs and move into postseason play this year. Krause, going into his 33rd year of coaching the Lady Mavs, said, “I feel like we are quicker on the perimeter. We have a lot of improved depth on the roster with the incoming freshmen. Last year set a good tone for this year.” The Lady Mavs return eight players who look to be contenders for a title. Sandlin, who finished last year with an average of 8.4 PPG, 0.7 AP and 4.3 RPG, spoke of her team with great enthusiasm, saying, “Last year everyone was getting used to each other. We were a very young team. This year we know how to handle each other.” Sandlin steps in to lead the Lady Mavs along with Jackson and Hill. Jackson averaged 5.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.7 APG and Hill finished with 6.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG and 2.0 APG. Freshman Laramie Edens will be a newcomer to watch for the Lady Mavs. Edens played for Latta High School in Ada. She finished her senior year with 12.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG and 1.5 APG. The Lady Mavs opened their season Oct. 11 in Frisco, TX at the Southwest Women’s JUCO Showcase.

per game. Nolan Childs (6-2, So.) leads all returning players in points per game with 13. Childs also grabbed 4.6 rebounds per game, and finished with three assists per game. Childs is an aggressive defender as well, finishing with two steals per game in 2014-15.

Frontier Seniors BOYS Bob Weckstein 2014-15 Record: 20-12 The Frontier Mustangs, led by Bob Weckstein, turned things around in 2014-15. The Mustangs finished with a 20-12 record, and came up just short of playing in the state tournament.

Coming into this season, the Mustangs have a good blend of youth and experience. Jayson Ratliff (5-11, Sr.) and Sheldon Kihega (5-7, Sr.) will bring senior leadership to the Mustangs.

Ratliff averaged seven points and five rebounds per game last season, while Kihega averaged six points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals

Nolan Childs 6-2 G So. Jayson Ratliff 5-11 F Sr. Sheldon Kihega 5-7 G Sr. Trevor Norman 6-1 F So. Tyler Armstrong 5-11 G Sr. Jalen Black 6-0 F So. GIRLS Eric Smith 2014-15 Record: 17-12 The Lady Mustangs are getting a new coach at the helm this season in Eric Smith. Smith comes into a team that

VYPE

Frontier Basketball Preview

finished with 17 wins last year. They had the potential to get more wins, but lost a multitude of key players to injury. This season, the Lady Mustangs are loaded with experienced players.

Kristen Molina (5-6, Jr.) returns as the leading scorer, after averaging 15.9 points per game last year. Alexis Romero (5-9, Sr.), Thristian Young (58, Sr.) and Michaelanne Nelson (5-6, Sr.) bring leadership to the table for the Lady Mustangs. Romero and Young both averaged 10 points per game.

Coach Smith is expecting an exciting year from his team as they implement the new system.

Kristen Molina 5-6 G Jr. Alexis Romero 5-9 F Sr. Thristian Young 5-8 F Sr. Michaelanne Nelson 5-6 G Sr. Callie Lane 5-9 F Jr. Morgan Romero 5-6 PG Fr.

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VYPE

Alan Hibler

Conner Larson

Po-Hi Basketball

Ponca City Boys Basketball Preview

By Kevin Green One season older, one season better.

That is the hope of the Ponca City boys’ basketball team, and its season will be full of tests.

Last year the Wildcats endured a rebuilding season, with many inexperienced players getting serious varsity-level playtime.

The team was eliminated in the regional tournament, finishing with a record of 6-17.

Ponca City will miss All-State shooting guard Adam Nicholas, who averaged 12 points, 3.1 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game last season, as well as Michael Mongold and Logan Champlin, but coach Alan Hibler said the Wildcats have the talent to replace those players.

Jacob Birnbaum, a 6-foot-6 shooting forward who is getting looks from multiple D-I schools, will anchor the team offensively.

“He is a combo guard who can post and play outside,” Hibler said. “He may be the best dunker in Oklahoma this year. Kid is unbelievable and a freak athlete.”

Sophomore Stetson Roubedeaux, who Hibler calls Ponca City’s first true point guard in three years, will help Birnbaum in the backcourt. Senior Conner Larson, a shooting guard who is capable of putting up big numbers, will play in the backcourt as well.

Returning juniors Cody Robertson, Brice McDougal, Blane Locke, Trevor Howey and Mitchell Neisen will add much-needed depth for the Wildcats.

“For the first time in a long time, our depth will give us a lot of flexibility to go small or go big and hopefully cause some matchup problems for teams,” Hibler said.

That depth will come in handy because Ponca City’s schedule will not be easy to navigate.

pressure on some coaches, Fincher said his transition to Ponca City has been a good one.

The team will have to play well every game, and Hibler said he believes it will because practices will bring out the player’s competitive nature.

“The players have worked hard and had great attitudes from day one and the community has been very supportive,” Fincher said.

“The schedule is tough,” Hibler said.

“Putnam City, Tulsa Memorial and Putnam City North are all very talented. We also have Guthrie and Woodward who have been very good in recent years. Also, all three of our tournaments are very challenging.”

Fincher’s first line of business is to get the team prepared to play every game on the schedule.

The team’s goal is the same as every other school in Oklahoma; make it to the state tournament.

“Goals for this season are to be better each game of the season and to enjoy the journey of the season, with an emphasis on obtaining a good seed and advancing through the playoffs.”

Ponca City Girls Basketball Preview

By Kevin Green The Ponca City girls’ basketball program has gone through some rough patches over the years.

The Lady Wildcats hold a record of 41-72 over the past five seasons, and they have not experienced a winning record since the 2009-2010 season when the team went 166. However, new coach Jody Fincher hopes his 12 years of experience will help the program become relevant again.

“I was at Miami, Oklahoma for one year,” Fincher said. “Before that I spent three years in Arkansas and was at Heavener, Oklahoma for six years where we made a trip to the state tournament and had three area tournament appearances.”

Although taking over a program with an unsuccessful history can put a lot of

“We must play well every night to have a chance to win,” Fincher said.

Ponca City returns two starters from last season’s 8-14 team that lost in the first round of the regional tournament, which will open the door for several sophomores to play significant minutes every game this season.

“How our young kids handle the transition to high school basketball and our continued willingness to work hard every day will determine what kind of season we have,” Fincher said.

Seniors Claren McCormick, Ali Freeman and Kenzie Lyons look will carry a big load on floor for the Lady Wildcats, while the athletic group of junior Destiny Crowder and sophomores Alexis Redwine, Julissa Garcia and Ally Jennings will look to heavily contribute as well.

With the help of those players, Fincher hopes to make the team aggressive on both ends of the floor. He plans to implement multiple defensive formations to help the team become a physical presence, while the offense will look to attack opposing defenses with a balanced scoring attack from several players.

“Our goals for the year are to improve the entire program as a whole and make Ponca City girls’ basketball a contender in 6A,” Fincher said.

VYPE

Ponca City Area Team Notes Rowdi Hubbard

Newkirk:

Newkirk legend Winburn.

Mark Huster is returning to his roots. Huster is heading home to Newkirk to take over the girls basketball program, where Newkirk legend Dwight Winburn had made a name for himself. With Winburn stepping down after his second stint at Newkirk, Huster decided to take the job. Huster spent six years coaching at Newkirk’s archrival Tonkawa. After that, he took a short break from coaching.

Huster experienced a lot of success at Tonkawa, taking them to their first ever state tournament berth in 2013. Huster seemingly rebuilt the Tonkawa program, and now he hopes to continue his success in his hometown. Huster coached under Winburn in the past, and adopted a few of coaching quirks.

Huster has now come full circle, coaching at Newkirk and replacing

Blackwell: The Lady Maroons finished with a 7-17 record last season, and coach Wade Wright is expecting a nice bounce back season for his team. With three starters from last year returning, and multiple role players stepping into roles over the summer, Wright has confidence his team will only improve as the season goes along. Senior Kenzee Peetoom will anchor Blackwell from her guard position, while juniors Kayden Burtner and Rowdi Hubbard will be key in pushing the Lady Maroons over the top.

Tonkawa: The Lady Bucs finished the 201415 season with a 19-9 record, and came up just short of a state tournament berth. Coming into this season, seven of the top eight

players are returning for coach Joe Jacobs. The Lady Bucs can shoot the ball well, but need to find a replacement for last year’s lone senior in the post. Senior Samantha Allen, who averaged 11 points, three and a half steals and three assists last season, will lead the Lady Bucs this season.

The Bucs, a team with no seniors on the roster last season, took their lumps on their way to a 7-16 record. This season, with two seniors and a plethora of experienced juniors, coach Scott Howell expects Tonkawa to return to making deep playoff runs like the Tonkawa teams of the past. Senior Tucker Alexander, who averaged 13.7 points and made 83 3-pointers last season, will anchor the Bucs in the backcourt.

“It’s not the will to win that matters – everyone has that.

It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.” Paul “Bear” Bryant

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Senior Jacob Birnbaum is considered a leader on the Ponca City basketball team. Not just by his coach, Alan Hibler, but by his teammates as well.

Birnbaum wants to inspire his teammates each time they take the floor. Birnbaum chooses to lead by example. “My personal goals for the season are to be a leader for our team every night and to push us to the best of our abilities,� Birnbaum said.

Birnbaum is the type of leader a coach loves to have, and a player that kids love to have as their teammate. He works hard to help his team succeed, not to boost his personal stats or image. Birnbaum works hard in practice, and competes in every game regardless of opponent or score. Birnbaum said his favorite part of basketball is having the opportunity to put the jersey on and be a part of something bigger than just himself. Those emulate leadership and maturity. Birnbaum strives to lead off the court as well. He is involved in the National Honor Society and Young Life. Birnbaum is constantly trying to uplift those around him, whether they are his teammates or people within the Ponca City community.

Birnbaum said the best part of being an athlete at Ponca City is the support that the school and community consistently show. Those closest to him, including his coaches and teammates, motivate him to work as hard as he can each day. For all of his hard work on and off the court, and his dedication to the Ponca City community, Jacob Birnbaum is the Ponca City Athlete of the Month.

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VYPE 6 Things: Ponca City Football Coach Josh Allen talked about his season, what went right and recognized a few players Josh Allen lead the Ponca City Wildcats to a 3-6 record this season. The Wildcats played one of the tougher schedules in Class 6A-II. They faced last season’s champion Bixby, and the two favorites this season in Booker T. Washington and Bartlesville. However, the progress made over the course of the season gave coach Allen hope heading into next season. Allen chatted with VYPE and talked about the season.

VYPE: Coach, what three things would you say went right for the 2015 team?

Allen: “We had really good offensive line play throughout the season. We had multiple three-year starters there.

Another thing that went right is we had steady improvement on defense and in the passing game. We got better in those two areas with each game. Lastly, we had a front seven that was consistently solid for us. They were constantly getting better.”

VYPE: What three things didn’t quite go the way you wanted them to?

Allen: “Injuries are the No. 1 thing here.

We had double-digit injuries to key guys at a lot of different positions. That really hurt us throughout the course of the year. As a result, we couldn’t run the ball quite as well as we wanted to. We wanted to be better in that department, and we will work on that.

Third thing is we had a ton of personnel changes on the defensive side of the ball, mainly because of injuries. That ended up hurting us a little bit.”

VYPE: Who are three young players we should keep an eye on next year?

Allen: “Jared Kimble, who is going to be a senior next year. He is a defensive lineman, and he is going to help anchor our front

seven next year. Austin Fry, who is going to be a senior, is another kid to keep an eye on. He plays inside linebacker and his presence will be huge for us on defense next season. Darrell Arita is going to be a dynamic playmaker for us on offense. He is going to be a senior and he plays running back and a little bit of wide receiver. I’ll go ahead and add a fourth. Brice McDougal will replace Conner Larson at the quarterback position. Getting him ready for next year is going to be huge.”

VYPE: What three things will you guys work on in the offseason?

connected on a game-winning touchdown against Claremore. Larson lead a 90-yard drive with only 1:15 left in the game. Larson threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Dexter to seal the victory. Great stuff from these guys all year.”

VYPE: What about defensive MVP? Allen: “Austin Hercyk, for sure. He played inside linebacker and was the heart and soul of our defense. He finished with 149 tackles in only nine games because we had one cancelled. Those 149 tackles is a new school record.”

Allen: “First, we want to develop our new offensive line and get them ready to play at the varsity level.

Second, we want to get our QB to compete at a consistent level. With Larson leaving, we will need to improve our passing game. Lastly, we want to develop in the weight room and have high commitment from our kids. If we do those things, we will find success.”

VYPE: Coach, who would you consider your offensive MVP from this season?

Allen: “Conner Larson, our QB, and Dexter Arita, who played running back, slot receiver and even outside receiver. These guys were tremendous all season. These two

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Phillips 66 is a proud sponsor of the Ponca City Area Character Counts Award.

Senior Ali Freeman wants to be a leader on and off the court for the Lady Wildcats of Ponca City. That is the goal Freeman set for herself heading into the 2015-16 basketball season.

“My personal goal was to be a leader on and off the court,” Freeman said. “My team goals are to work together and have a winning season.”

New head coach Jody Fincher takes over the Lady Wildcats after a disappointing 8-14 season in 2014-15. With the new direction, Ponca City is hoping to climb the Class 6A ranks and make a playoff run. Fincher has a handful of unselfish players on his team who work hard and play together. Freeman is one of his seniors who help lead the team in that aspect. Freeman often sets an example for her younger teammates, especially her younger sister. Playing with her younger sister gives Freeman some extra motivation.

“My motivation to work hard is playing with my sister,” Freeman said. “I want to be a role model for her.”

On the court, Freeman shows her younger sister how to practice hard each day and be a good teammate. Off the Ponca City Basketball court, Freeman is a leader as well. Freeman attends church at the Woodlands Christian Church, and she is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletics. Freeman is also involved in the Student Council, National Honor Society and she is a Generation Indigenous delegate. Freeman’s contributions to Ponca City high school set another great example for her teammates.

Freeman said her favorite part of playing basketball is the lifelong friendships that she is forging. Playing at Ponca City has given her a sense of family that is bigger than basketball. For all of her hard work, contributions to Ponca City and dedication to the game of basketball, Ali Freeman is the Ponca City Character Counts Athlete of the Month.

Ali Freeman

PROVIDING ENERGY. IMPROVING LIVES. We’re committed to improving lives in the communities where we live and work. That’s why Phillips 66 is proud to highlight the great student athletes who uphold the fabric of character on and off the field and court.

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