VYPE Oklahoma City March 2016 Issue by Austin Chadwick

Cover Photo: Rosemary Stephens

L to R: Julie Wheeland Katey Blumenthal Kasidi Hardy Megan Gold

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6 | Dress Season

Area athletes put on the formal wear as the “dress season” rapidly approaches. Get their tips on hunting for that perfect look.

14 | Ranking Edmond

What wrestlers have the best shot at placing at state? We have it for you in this edition of VYPE.

28 | Signing Day

The ink is dry and their future is known as area athletes from every sport put their name on the dotted line.

36 | Harding Prep Basketball Head coach Wade Wallace has the Harding Prep boys basketball team ranked in the top 10 and rolling at the right timeyear. 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 Associate Editor Cal Ross Oklahoma Sales Director Roscoe Migloire Sales and Development Marylynn Heath Partner Mark Rodgers OKC Sales Executive Gary Noske Contributing Writers Brad Heath, Kyle Kendrick, Sarah Dewberry, Braden Cox, Dean Wilson Contributing Photographers Brad Heath, Kyle Kendrick, Steve Toney, Marea Breedlove, Defining Moment Photography, Josh Clough, Michael Mayberry, Brett Rojo, Sara Carter, Sam Perry, Brandy Moton, Dean Majors, Trey Coursey, Wes Sharp, Christian Campbell, Rosemary Stephens 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.

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VYPE Let's Get Formal VYPE invaded Serendipity Prom with four friends to get an early look at some of the best prom dresses for the formal season. Megan Gold from OCS, Julie Wheeland from Edmond Santa Fe, Katey Blumenthal from Edmond Memorial and Kasidi Hardy from Piedmont modeled some great dresses and gave us some must-know tips for prom.

Science and become a Veterinarian.

VYPE: Tell us what sport you play and how old were you when you started?

Wheeland: I am junior and I plan to go to college at UCO and major in nutrition and minor in business.

Blumenthal: I’ve been playing tennis since I was 12 years old. I joined my middle school team and fell in love with the sport.

Hardy: I am a senior. My plans after high school are to go to SWOSU and later go to OU to be an occupational therapist. Gold: I am a sophomore. After high school, I plan on attending the University of Oklahoma and majoring in the medical field.

VYPE: Was shooting a cover for VYPE magazine in a prom dress something you ever thought you would be doing?

Hardy: I play golf and volleyball. I have been playing golf since I was about seven years old and volleyball since my freshman year, when Piedmont first got the program.

Blumenthal: I never in a million years thought I would be given this opportunity! It was so fun and such a cool experience! I will never forget being able to be on the cover for VYPE magazine!

Gold: I am a varsity cheerleader for Oklahoma Christian School. I began cheering in middle school, sixth grade.

Hardy: No! Never! God has truly blessed me with amazing opportunities like this one.

Wheeland: I run cross country and track. I was 13 when I started running and 15 when I started running for a team, competitively.

Gold: No, I never dreamed I’d get this opportunity! I always thought it would be so fun to model and be in a magazine.

VYPE: What grade are you in and what are your plans after high school?

VYPE: When you shop for clothes/ dresses are you a grab and go person, know it when you see it or it takes me forever to pick something?

Blumenthal: I’m a senior at Edmond Memorial High School. I plan to attend Oklahoma State University and major in Animal 6

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Blumenthal: When picking out a prom dress I am definitely a “know it when you see it” kind of girl. Usually as soon as I try on a dress I know it’s the one. Hardy: It definitely takes me a long time to pick a dress. I can get very picky. Especially when it's something like prom. Gold: I typically know it when I see it, but I know it’s the one when I can’t stop smiling. Wheeland: It usually takes me forever because I really like to think about what I would wear something with and how versatile it is.

Wheeland: No, but it was really fun.

Katey Blu

menthal

important because you want to feel confident and comfortable in it because it will make you enjoy your night so much more. VYPE: Which is more important, the dress or the shoes? Blumenthal: Most definitely the dress. The shoes are a nice touch but most the time people aren’t even going to see them. Honestly I would say be creative with your shoes, the less painful the better and the more fun you have.

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Kasidi Ha

VYPE: How important is the dress for prom? Blumenthal: I would say the dress is pretty important. As long as you feel confident and pretty in it is really all that matters. But I love picking out a dress and dressing up fancy in a floor length dress for a change is always fun. Hardy: The most important part. Gold: For me, the dress should just be the “icing on the cake”. It’s important but not more than having fun. It should allow you to dance, enjoy the night, and feel absolutely beautiful. Wheeland: Your dress for prom is super

Hardy: Well I wore my cowboy boots to prom last year, so I would definitely say the dress. Gold: Definitely the dress! Heels can be difficult to dance in; mine always come off as soon as the dancing starts.

Blumenthal: My best advice is have fun, eat some good food, throw an awesome after party that has even more food and stay up all night because its way more fun than sleeping.

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VYPE: Any plans for spring break? Blumenthal: Yes! I get to go to Colorado to go snowboarding. I’m extremely excited and am ready to take a break from school and spend some time with my family in the mountains!

Gold: Catching up on sleep and hanging out with friends are my only plans at this point… and I’m looking forward to that!

VYPE: What’s your best prom advice to everyone out there?

Gold: Have fun! Don’t get caught up in the plans and drama. In the end, everything will work out and won’t be worth

Wheeland: To enjoy your time and don't worry too much about what you look like. You should focus on making memories and having fun over making sure you look "perfect". But it’s totally okay to have fun dressing up and getting ready.

Hardy: I am going to gulf shores with some of my friends.

Wheeland: The dress because if it's long you don't see the shoes as much and most people look at your dress over your shoes.

Hardy: Don't stress over the little things.

the stress. Enjoy the moment and make memories.

Wheeland: Probably relaxing, hanging out with friends and family, running, and hiking. I'm excited to have a whole week to myself. VYPE: What will you tell friends and family in 20 years when you look back on this cover? Blumenthal: In 20 years I’ll probably tell them how cool it was to get to be able to do this. I had a lot of fun and basically am on my way to fame. Hardy: Be open to life's twists and turns. You never know what opportunity might be

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around the corner! Gold: I will tell them how cool it was that I got this opportunity and how big of an honor it was to represent high school athletes going to prom. Wheeland: I did that cover when I was young and super busy! But it was so fun! VYPE: Who did your hair for the photo shoot? Blumenthal: My little sister did my hair. Hardy: Meaghan Calhoun at DK Salon. They did my hair and make-up.

amazing girls. The car rides to and from all the tennis tournaments are always fun, especially deaf karaoke. Hardy: Winning the Bethany tournament & beating Shawnee. Gold: At the state competition this year, my cheer squad was named State Runner-Up. After the adversity we had faced with multiple girls getting concussions and injuries, we were absolutely thrilled our countless hours of hard work had paid off.

Gold: My best friend’s mom helped me with my makeup and I did my own hair.

Wheeland: So far, it's been regionals. It was the first meet I've ever won and my coach and mom were very proud and both cried at the finish line.

Wheeland: I did my own hair and makeup!

VYPE: Do any of you want to continue your sport in college?

VYPE: Do you have a favorite place you would like to eat on prom night?

Blumenthal: It would be extremely fun to play college tennis however I also want to do other things so I have chosen not to play. I am playing club tennis though because I honestly don’t know what I would do without at least some tennis in my life.

Blumenthal: I really am not too picky on where to eat at prom. As long as its good food that’s not too pricey I’m up for anything. If I had to choose some place I would probably say I really like pizza and Pizza Rio Gusto has some of the best pizza. Hardy: Any steakhouse. Gold: Last year at prom, my friends and I went to Cheever’s Cafe. I absolutely loved it and would totally recommend it. Wheeland: I'm really not picky, so anywhere with a good dessert menu. VYPE: Lets get back to sports. Tell us your favorite sports moment of your high school career. Blumenthal: My favorite moment is quite difficult to pinpoint. I have had so many favorite moments and memories. Winning regionals was a really special moment to me that I got to share with some

Hardy: I would like to, but I am going wherever God takes me and I'm staying open to what that leads me to!

Blumenthal: Oh wow if I could get anyone to play at prom it would definitely be Taylor Swift. She is most definitely my favorite person to jam to. Hardy: Miranda Lambert, because she's Miranda Lambert. Gold: I think Taylor Swift is the coolest performer and would freak out if she came to my prom.

Gold: Irresistible by Fall Out Boy is a song my friends and I love to jam out to. It’ll get everyone up and dancing.

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Hardy: Kelle Coker. Gold: Oh definitely my best friend Gabi! Gabi and I have so much fun at school dances together… I definitely need to take some dance lessons from her.

Blumenthal: Huge shout out to my family, but especially my mom for always being there and supporting me in everything I do. I am so extremely blessed to have you. Thanks for sitting through all my tennis matches no matter what. I love you and don’t know what I’ll do without seeing you every day next year. Also want to thank my coach, Clothier thanks for putting up with me and giving me opportunities like this. I’ll miss you next year. And also Chadd and all of ERC because you all are like family and I wouldn’t be where I am today without you!

VYPE: If you could get any musician/ band to play your prom who would you get any why?

Hardy: Low by Flo Rida.

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Blumenthal: I have no idea but I can tell you who is not, me.

Wheeland: I would love to run in college.

Blumenthal: Really if any good throwback song plays everyone is all over the dance floor. Guaranteed.

school?

Wheeland: Probably me! I'm just kidding, really everybody BUT me!

VYPE: What song will get everyone out of their seats on the dance floor?

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Gold: High school cheer has taught me so many life lessons and been a huge blessing to me, but I do not plan on continuing cheer in college.

Wheeland: Mister Wives because they play super upbeat, fun music that anyone could dance to!

and lie Wheel

Megan G

Wheeland: Footloose! It's such a fun song! VYPE: Who is the best dancer in

VYPE: Here's your chance to give a shout out to whoever you want! Go…..!

Hardy: Thank you to my family & coach Bernhardt for supporting me the last four years through everything. I wouldn't have been half the player I was if it wasn't for their dedication to me. I will always hold close to my heart the memories I made through high school sports, especially this past volleyball season. Gold: Go OCS Varsity Cheer! Wheeland: Shout out to my coach! She is awesome!

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VYPE Hayli Hoffman

Edmond News & Notes Signing Day 2016 – Edmond area athletes sign letters of intent. BASEBALL – Cole Ballinger, Edmond North – Cisco College, Matthew Conerly, Edmond Memorial – NOC Enid, Chandler Lipe, Edmond North – Seminole State, Kaden Polcovich, Deer Creek – OU, Peyton Ravencraft, OCS – Harding. BOYS BASKETBALL – Kameron Doolittle, Edmond Memorial – OU, Tre Evans, Edmond North – Old Dominion. GIRLS BASKETBALL – Hayli Hoffman, Edmond North – USAO, Paige Serup, Edmond Memorial – Samford. FASTPITCH SOFTBALL – Coren Davis, Edmond Memorial – Texas Southern, Jordan Keimeg, Edmond North – Eastern New Mexico, Kori Laci, Edmond Santa Fe – Ottawa, Bria Smith, Edmond Santa Fe – Grambling. FOOTBALL – Dustin Anthony, Edmond Santa Fe – Drake, Calvin Bundage, Edmond Santa Fe – OSU, Mike Coats Jr, Edmond Santa Fe – Lamar, Charles Gaines, Edmond Santa Fe – NEO, Steven Gordon, OCA – Baker, Jacob Goss, Edmond Santa Fe – NEO, Dillon Hall, Edmond Santa Fe – NEO, Diamen House, Edmond Santa Fe – NEO, Zeke Jenkins, Edmond Santa Fe – SE Louisiana, Juan Johnson, Edmond Santa Fe – Arkansas Tech, Parker Jure, Edmond North – Cumberlands, Zeke Mammen,

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Edmond Memorial – Air Force, Grant Newton, Edmond Santa Fe – Southwestern KS, Sylvester Parrish, Edmond Santa Fe – SWOSU, Jordan Prince, Edmond North – NEO, Delwin Richard Jr, Edmond Santa Fe – Arkansas Tech, Aaron Ward, Edmond Memorial – Orange Coast College, Antonio Williams, Edmond North – NEO, Darran Williams, Edmond Santa Fe – NEO. BOYS/GIRLS GOLF – McCain Schellhardt, Edmond Memorial – UMKC, Bailey Blake, Deer Creek – SNU, Emily Floyd, Edmond North – SW Wesleyan.

Santa Fe – Rose State. SWIMMING – Rylee Linhardt, Edmond North – Rice, Natalie Vorel, Edmond Memorial – Minnesota State. TENNIS - Chase Brill, Edmond Memorial – Washburn, Rylee Tucker, Edmond North – Nebraska-Omaha. VOLLEYBALL – Hannah Rose Frohling, Edmond North – Pepperdine, Madison Pearson, Edmond North – Chicago. WRESTLING – A shraf Mohamad, Edmond North – Ozarks.

LACROSSE – Christian Cherry, Edmond North – Colorado Mesa. GIRLS SOCCER – Chandler Bradley, Deer Creek – Rose State, Grace Brennan, Edmond North – Kansas State, Tesia Brzozowske, Edmond Santa Fe – Cowley CC, Mackenzie Coupens, Deer Creek – Tulsa, Karlee Johnston, Edmond North – Rose State, Ivanna Riva, Edmond Santa Fe – OU, Jordyn Thomas, Edmond

Jordyn Thomas

Ranking Edmond 106lb Trent Higginbotham – Edmond North During the Edmond Open, Higginbotham placed third by defeating Dawson McDermott of Tuttle. Early favorites at 106lbs are Cannon Randall from Westmoore and Colt Newton of Choctaw. 113lb Paxton Rosen – Edmond North With a ton of success this season Rosen is riding that success into the state tournament as the favorite in Class 6A at 113-pounds. Keep an eye on Wes Hardin from Westmoore and Mason Naifeh from Union who won the Sand Springs Invitational. Rosen earned All-American honors this summer, while in Fargo, ND. 132lb Connor Shanks – Edmond Memorial Shanks placed second at the Norman

Tournament and appears to the hopeful at 132-pounds. But the uphill climb at this weight is Daton Fix from Sand Springs.

hungry after missing the tournament last year by one match, while Schimmels has enjoyed a very successful season.

145lb

182lb

Shamar Young – Edmond Santa Fe

Noah Hooks – Edmond North

Ranked No.4 at 145-pounds Shamar Young has a shot at adding his name to wrestling history in Oklahoma. Chance Vincent from Yukon and Kendon Lee from Stillwater are the frontrunners.

A state qualifier last year, Hooks returns to claim his spot on the podium. Standing in his way is Broken Arrow product Zach Marcheselli.

152lb

Imani Woodley – Edmond Memorial

Jordan Prince – Edmond North Taking a year off may have helped Prince. A state runner-up his freshman year, then qualifying for state as a sophomore means Prince has the experience. Now as a senior Prince is ready to win his state title. 170lb Cooper Coil – Edmond North OR Jacob Schimmels – Deer Creek Coil and Schimmels both should place, but both have the talent to win. Coil is

VYPE

Which wrestlers from Edmond have the best shot at winning a state championship?

195lb Woodley has spent much of this season ranked in the top five, but does have a loaded bracket to contend with at state. 220lb Joseph Winfield – Deer Creek Ranked No.8 at 220-pounds, Winfield might be our long shot, but he does have the skills to get past favorites like Nic Roller of Bixby and Gage Kaiser of Broken Arrow.

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Jacob Bakewell Piedmont How long have you been involved with FCA? Four years. I have also been on the leadership team for three years.

Who influenced you to join? My dad influenced me to join.

How has FCA made an impact in your life on and off the field? It gives me an opportunity to be a servant to those in need, witness to people in my school and on the field, and fellowship with other athletes.Â

How have your beliefs helped you as an athlete? My beliefs help me be a better leader. It helps know that I play for something greater than the game. I play for God.

What is your favorite Bible verse and why? My favorite verse in the Bible is Joshua 1:9. It reminds me that there is nothing to fear because God is with me where ever I go.

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Crossings Christian Basketball Head coach Shawn Schenk has led the Crossings Christian boys basketball team to a winning season with a group of unselfish players. VYPE: Coach, is this where you thought the team would be before the season started? Schenk: You always wish you could go undefeated, but with the very difficult schedule we have had this year, I feel our team is really close to where I thought we would be. We had a great summer as we competed against large schools in the Edmond Memorial Summer League and went 6-4, and lost in the finals at OU Team Camp to Brock, Texas (3A State Champs 2015). I felt with the way we played last year, our improvement this summer, and the fact that we had almost our entire team back, that we could be a top 10-15 team in our class and have a shot at reaching the state tournament. VYPE: What's been the key this season? Schenk: We have a team that plays unbelievably hard and is very unselfish. We can really guard people and our guys have gotten stronger and more athletic due to their commitment to the weight room this past year. We have seven seniors who are great leaders and set a great example with their work ethic, character, and unselfishness. VYPE: Is there a player(s) on the roster

that's been solid all year? Schenk: It's really hard to pick out one guy because we are so balanced. Our leaders and leading scorers though are Evan Griffith, SR guard, Blake Pennington, SR point guard, and Dylan Dennis, SR forward. Evan and Blake are excellent shooters who can also get to the basket. The best thing is that they can really guard. Dylan is an excellent midrange shooter with very good touch around the basket. Dylan also leads our team in charges. These guys lead by example and with their mouth. They set the bar for how we treat each other, other people, and how we hold each other accountable. All of our Seniors have really improved their game and are performing at a high level. VYPE: What about someone coming off the bench. Who has been the big contributor there? Schenk: Again, we have several seniors and some younger guys who have worked extremely hard to improve and give our team one of the best benches in the state. We often play 12 guys a game and feel completely confident in all of them. To pick one guy, Mason Hooper

has been a very impactful player for us. He is really a starter, but has unselfishly come off the bench this year. He is shooting 66% 2FG and 45% 3FG. He has rebounded the ball at a high rate and strengthened our interior defense. VYPE: Tell us something about the Crossings Christian program everyone should know. Schenk: I have never had a team practice, work out, and play as hard as these guys do. They are completely unselfish, almost to a fault. Our program is only five years old. The program started with these seniors as freshmen. They had only two guys older than them that played. Our biggest challenge has been for our guys to believe that they can compete with anyone now. When they were freshmen playing a varsity schedule, they were getting beat handily every night. As they have matured and improved, they have begun to realize they cannot just compete, but can beat really good teams. I am extremely proud of their growth as players, but most importantly, as men who love God and their teammates.

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Piedmont Taking The Field Head coach Kory Williams returns a talented group of players that have their sights set on making some waves this May. Coach Kory Williams admitted his team has the talent to be very competitive this season, but also said his younger players will be key if this team is going to take that next step to becoming one of the top programs in the state. “We should be solid 1-9 offensively and play good defense. Our returning pitchers have a lot of experience and did a good job for us last year. If some of our less experienced guys step up to give us depth on the mound, we have a chance to be a dangerous team in May,” said Williams. Catcher Bryce McDermott (Jr.) hit .343 with 20 RBI’s last year and had a great fielding percentage of .996 from behind

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the plate. Shortstop Gabe Griffith (Sr.) brings leadership to the dugout, but also brings a .302 batting average and added 16 stolen bases. At short Griffith had a fielding percentage of .932. Fellow senior Hunter Chism is a solid hitting with good wheels on the bags. Chism hit .351 with 16 RBI’s and 28 runs scored. Senior pitcher Trevin Michael recorded 66 strikeouts and finished the season with an ERA of 2.22. The right-handed thrower pitched 56.2 innings last year making him the most experienced pitcher on the roster. Brayden Nelson (Sr.) went 3-1 and recorded 38 strikeouts of his own. Other players expected to pitch include Koy Priddy (Jr.), Noah Ellis (Jr.) and Tyler Anderson (Sr.). Priddy is expected to start at first, while Ellis can play multiple spots including

third base and catcher. At the plate Ellis knocked in 28 runs and hit .293 for the season (and is the starting QB for the football team). Anderson is a lefty and could become one of the go-to guys with more experience. Last year he recorded 24 strikeouts and pitched 26 innings. Ty Rother (Sr.) is a solid second baseman and Trevor Larson (Sr.) gets the nod as an outfielder. Larson is another player capable of taking the mound if necessary. Coach Williams has added assistant coaches Ken McQueen, Todd Brown, Markus Carr and Kyle Wagner. “Our seniors have done a good job showing leadership coming into the season. We have a really good group returning,” said Williams.

VYPE Piedmont Track Q&A Devin Bingham – Piedmont Track Track athlete Devin Bingham slowed down long enough for us to catch up and ask a few questions about the upcoming season. Teammate Ethan Taylor was too fast for us, but we caught him as well. Catch Ethan’s answers online at www.vypeok.com VYPE: You hold records at Piedmont High School, when did you realize you had a shot at breaking a record? Was it something coach Strahorn discussed beforehand? Bingham: When I was in 8th grade I spent a lot of my time watching the high school track athletes run and it inspired me to try my best to break whatever records that I could. VYPE: What leg of the relays do you prefer to run and why? Bingham: I personally en-

joy running first and fourth leg the best. When I am first leg I get to try my hardest to give my team the lead, and when I am the fourth leg I get to try to catch as many people as I can, which is a good way to get myself to run faster. VYPE: Do track guys talk trash to each other? Bingham: Honestly not that I've heard, usually we all just talk about how we can't wait to finish our run and go eat. VYPE: Is there one event you would like to try and know you could give a solid effort? Bingham: I would like to try the 200m dash this year. It’s half of my usual event and I feel it would be a fun run to really test how fast I can run. VYPE: Who on the team, male or female, is the following? The fastest person? The class clown? Can sleep anywhere? The over achiever? Bingham: I am the fastest sprinter, but John Anderson is the fastest distant runner by far. The class clown would probably be Parker Smith he can crack a good joke any where any time. Ethan Taylor and Justin Nguyen fight for the sleep any-

where award, you can find them passed out in all manner of places. I would say that I am the over achiever on the team, I always try to run the fastest and the hardest VYPE: Best pre-race meal and best post-race meal? Bingham: Best pre-race meal Sauteed shrimp with pasta for sure, and post race meal chocolate milk and a good bacon cheeseburger. VYPE: Where is your favorite place to compete? Bingham: I love running on the Yukon track, it has a lot of cushion and gives a nice spring to my step. VYPE: One thing you always have with you on road trips? Bingham: I always have my music and Bose headphones to help myself relax. VYPE: What was the last movie you watched and was it worth it? Bingham: The last movie I watched was Star Wars 7 and it was most definitely worth it, I absolutely loved that movie! VYPE: If track athletes had walk-out music like fighters, what would your walk-out song be and why? Bingham: My walk-out song would be Imagine Dragons, Warriors. That song always gets me pumped and feeling ready to race!

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MR./MISS BASKETBALL FINALIST From the VYPE Top 100, we have whittled down the list and announced the finalists for the Shelter Insurance Mr./Miss Basketball Award. The 14 boys and 14 girls finalists we have chosen showed extraordinary talents on and off the court. Polls from across the state, as well as on court performance, have given us the final 14 for each award. The Mr. Basketball Oklahoma and Miss Basketball Oklahoma voting will end on March 28. The results from the Finalists poll will count for one (1) of the award ballots that we will send out to over 50 members of the media, coaches and administrators around the state to make up the final tally and decide the award winners. So go VOTE at www.VYPEOK.com

GIRLS FINALISTS Jo’Nah Johnson – Edmond Santa Fe (People’s Choice)* Mya Bhinhar – Owasso (People’s Choice)* Aaliyah Wilson – Muskogee Ana Llanusa – Choctaw Jaden Hobbs – Alva Taylor Roberts – Classen SAS Brice Calip – Sapulpa Chelsea Dungee – Sapulpa Taylor Hedrick – Seiling Alexis Gaulden – Broken Arrow Kelsey Johnson – Washington Mallory Vaughn – Collinsville Jessi Murcer – Westmoore (Wild Card)** Grace Garrison – Oologah (Wild Card)**

Ana Llanusa 16

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BOYS FINALISTS Maverick Ball – Cleveland (People’s Choice)* Carlos Coppage – Ardmore (People’s Choice)* Caleb Nero – Memorial Tre Evans – Edmond North Trae Young – Norman North Todd Dawkins – McAlester Kristian Doolittle – Edmond Memorial Jakolby Long – Mustang Brady Manek – Harrah Elijah Landrum – Tulsa Central Gideon Gardner – Pawnee TJ Washington – Jenks Champ Bridges – Chouteau-Maizie (Wild Card)** Brandon Shumway – Chickasha (Wild Card)** * Leading vote getter from the online poll at VYPEOK. com ** Players not originally selected to the VYPE Top 100

Kristian Doolittle

The number of great basketball teams coming out of the Oklahoma City area is mind blowing. So the question came up, who is the favorite to win a title? After some long debates, we’ve got you an answer. BOYS Edmond North – ODDS 2/1 “The Favorites.” The Huskies have rolled through the 2015/16 season beating eight top ten teams, which included two No.1’s. Led by Trae Evans, North is poised to win their first state title in basketball. Carl Albert – ODDS 3/1 Head coach Jay Price has this Titan basketball team playing at a high level with wins over five Class 6A opponents and a six point loss to 6A No.1 Edmond North. A relatively young team, the Titans are the team to beat in Class 5A. Oklahoma Centennial – ODDS 5/1 Ranked No.4 in Class 3A, Centennial is 3-0 versus 6A opponents and 6-1 against 4A opponents. Amazing stats for a 3A team. With only two seniors on the roster the Bison could be a team to deal with for several years. Harrah – ODDS 6/1 I know what you’re going to say, “we picked them way too low.” Maybe so, but Class 4A will not be easy to win. Harrah is ranked No.1, but several teams have a shot here including Tulsa Central, Douglass and Victory Christian. El Reno – ODDS 9/1 El Reno could be our long shot, but when you have players like Callen Haydon averaging 30

points a game and Christian Wassana going for 18.7 points a game, you have a chance in any contest. Look for the Indians to make some waves! GIRLS Newcastle – ODDS 3/1 Undefeated in Class 4A, Newcastle has the talent to run the table. Ranked No.2 behind Fort Gibson, Newcastle is getting it done on both ends of the court. Head coach Brett Sanders has the experience to take this group all the way.

Shawnee – ODDS 7/1

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What Are The Odds? Head coach Wendi Wells and the Lady Wolves are getting respect from the other Class 5A teams with the No.3 ranking. Their defense could be the best in the class. Harrah – ODDS 7/1

Harrah lost two games in December and have not looked back since and that was to 5A Shawnee and 6A Choctaw. Ranked No.3 in Class 4A, Harrah may be the most dangerous team entering regionals and area tournaments.

Choctaw – ODDS 4/1 Led by the explosive Ana Llanusa, the Lady Yellowjackets look like a team on a mission. They are 6-0 when playing teams ranked in the top five and 9-2 versus top ten teams. Choctaw has scored 70 or more points eight times this season. Westmoore – ODDS 5/1 Like Choctaw, Westmoore is a dangerous team with electric players. Led by Jessi Murcer who averages 21.2 points a game, the Lady Jags have the shooters to defeat anyone in 6A. Also look for Ashley Gomez and Kaci Richardson.

Brady Manek F E B R U A R Y- M A R C H 2 0 1 6

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The Bronco Notables Kendall Cross

Josh Cooper

Who are Mustang High Schools most notable athletes of all-time? Check out this list of greatness and let us know who we missed or what your order would be by tweeting us @VYPEOK or logging on the our website and sharing your comments.

7 – Mark Allen – Wrestling – Senior Nationals All-American in 1979. Twotime state champion at 130lbs and 136lbs.

10 – Spencer Brazeal – Baseball – Played college ball at Oklahoma City University. Drafted by the Texas Rangers in 1995.

5 – Darron Cox – Baseball – Went on to play baseball at OU. Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds and made his MLB debut on April 6th, 1999.

9 – Danielle Zanotti – Basketball – Played college basketball at Kansas State. Current Director of Basketball Operations at KSU. 8 – Jakolby Long – Basketball – VYPE Top 100 selectee and finalist for Mr. Basketball Oklahoma 2016.

6 – David Glidden – Football – Played college football at Oklahoma State University. 2014 OSU Offensive MVP.

4 – Josh Cooper – Football – Played college football for Oklahoma State University. Played in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns and the Minnesota Vikings.

American in 1999. Big All-City CoWrestler of the Year. 2 – Dennis Byrd – Football – All-State football player at Mustang. Played college ball at the University of Tulsa. Drafted by the New York Jets in 1989. Number retired by the Jets. 1 – Kendall Cross – Wrestling - State champion in 1985. National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee 2002. 1997 USA Wrestler of the Year. Three-time AllAmerican at OSU. Won a gold medal in the 1996 Summer Olympics. The Honorable Mentions Melissa Addington – Soccer Ashley Andersen – Soccer Tiffany Bostic – Soccer

3 – Matt Bean – Wrestling – Four-time state champion. Senior Nationals All-

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Josey Takes The Court

Stevie Josey Senior tennis star Stevie Josey will take the court for Mustang High School in singles and doubles this year. Josey took a break from practice to clue us in on the upcoming season and how the team is shaping up at Mustang. VYPE: Looking ahead to the season, what are you most excited for this year? Josey: I'm definitely most excited just for the fact it's my senior year and that I get another chance to play the sport I love. I'm also excited to say I'll be playing some doubles this year, so I'm looking forward to that change! VYPE: Tell us who are some of your teammates we should look for on the court? Josey: My closest friend on the team, Sarah Atkins, is someone to look out for. I've played with her on varsity for 4 years now and she is a true competitor. The other is my doubles partner, Alexis Le. She is a sophomore that I've grown to love on and off the court, and I'm excited to play with someone who loves winning just as much as I do and who is also encouraging in the process. VYPE: How much time do you spend in practice? Josey: Our daily practices usually last around 2 hours. This includes working out, lifting weights, and mostly hitting. VYPE: What have you been working on the most? Josey: I've been working on my net game the most. It's something I've always struggled with and it's important to not only doubles, but singles as well. VYPE: When I talk to people about tennis one thing they bring up is the competitors can call shots in or out. Has that ever caused some problems for you on the court?

Josey: This is always a funny question to me because I've had multiple matches where I've lost off of bad calls, especially in tiebreakers. Though it's irritating at the moment, it's gotten to be something I just laugh about because it's not the end of the world. We all make mistakes and it isn't always an intentional bad call! No hard feelings for anyone (laughs). VYPE: Where is your favorite place to play? Josey: My favorite place to play will always be the OKC Tennis Center. That's where I started developing as a player and where I found some awesome friends and players. It will always be like home. VYPE: What kind of racket do you prefer? Josey: I've gone through every racket you can think of, but with trial and error over the past six years, I have to say Babolat.

top people you will compete against this year? Josey: While I will be playing more doubles, I still might compete in singles a few times as well. I'll have to keep a lookout for my friend Nina from Norman North, but I'm not sure where everyone will be this next year prior to the 2015 class graduating and the mix of talented girls who are able to play both singles and doubles. Either way, I'm super excited to wrap up my senior year with my great team and awesome coach! VYPE: Here's your chance to give a shout out to whomever you wantâ&#x20AC;Ś make it count! Goâ&#x20AC;Ś. Josey: Also huge shout out to my amazing parents, my coach, Taylor Hurst, My God who gave me my abilities, and my always supportive boyfriend, Garrett Turner! Couldn't do life and tennis without these great people!

VYPE: Are you superstitious or have a routine the day you play? Josey: I wouldn't say I'm superstitious but I do have a routine I like to do before every match: I sit on the bench, slip on my shoes, drink water then Gatorade, then water again; that isn't superstitious I just heard you're supposed to drink more water than Gatorade, then I pray and recite my favorite verse, Matthew 19:26 which is "With man it is impossible, but with God, all things are possible." This just gets me in the right mindset and reminds me of the true reason I play tennis! VYPE: Looking at the field of singles, who are some of the F E B R U A R Y- M A R C H 2 0 1 6

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VYPE

Potawatomi Academic Achievers

Tecumseh High School junior Kylie Stewart is making a difference in her local community and around the world.

volunteer with the National Honor Society and my church, the Tecumseh Pentecostal Church of God in Tecumseh.”

As a member of the Potawatomi Tribe and a student at Tecumseh High School, Kylie Stewart has felt a responsibility to her tribe and her classmates to be more than just a student, but to have an impact wherever she can in life.

Through the church her impact on another tribe more than 6,000 miles away was felt when she took a mission trip to Panama.

In the classroom Stewart carries a 4.0 GPA and is focused on making the most of her opportunities. “I am currently involved in the National Honor Society, Oklahoma Indian Student Honor Society and Beta Club,” said Stewart. “I also

“My mission trip to Panama was definitely a life changing experience. While we were there we helped build a church and a school for the Ngobe-Buglé Indian tribe living in the mountains. The one thing that left the biggest impact on my life was seeing how happy these kids were even though they didn't have much. No matter what was going on they always managed to have a smile on their face. These wonderful people taught me to cherish even the smallest things in life.” The Potawatomi Tribe will continue to help Stewart with her education in college. Stewart plans to attend St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee, OK. “The Potawatomi Tribe has been a tremendous help in furthering my education. The tribe has a contract with St. Gregory's that will completely pay for the four years that I will be attending there,” said Stewart. Before she heads off on another mission trip or off to college, Stewart will graduate from Tecumseh High

School, a place she will always call home. “The thing I like most about being a student at Tecumseh High School is all of the AP classes they offer. While these classes are challenging, they help me prepare for my future in college. My favorite class is AP U.S History, also known in school as APUSH. My favorite teacher would have to be Mrs. Ozment, my trigonometry teacher.” There’s little doubt Stewart will be successful in college and in life. “It is very important to me to be successful in anything I do because I represent the Potawatomi tribe.”

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Lady Wolves Hunting for a Title The Shawnee Lady Wolves have the discipline, grit and determination to battle their way to a state title. So we caught up with head coach Wendi Wells to find out what makes this group different from others and do they have what it takes to go all the way. VYPE: Class 5A girls basketball is loaded. What does the eventual winner have to do to come out on top of this incredibly talented class? Wells: You’re right, it’s so loaded with great teams. Anyone can get hot and make a run. Teams who make plays, control their emotions, guard and get stops against good people will have the advantage. We’ve shown the ability to play good defense, but we need to be more consistent. When we play lockdown defense and make them make plays and we’re all on the same page we can have a shot like the rest. We’re not super big so the question is can we guard as a team? VYPE: What has surprised you the most this season about this group of girls? Wells: That’s hard to answer. This group has had some ups and downs. Our starting point guard played the post last year. We’re trying to put kids in places to be successful. We’ve done some things we did not do in the

past. Players have been moved out of position just for one game to match up against an opponent. But the girls have responded well to those adjustments. VYPE: Is there a player or players that have stepped up this season or someone who comes off the bench for you that has played better than expected? Wells: We have had a lot of surprises this season. Every game someone different has stepped up. Monica Brooks and Kasey Rice have done a great job attacking the hole. Monique Tramble moved from the post to point guard. We have three kids who average six points and three or four players averaging four points. On any given night we have several players who can step up and get the job done. VYPE: Your team has played well against ranked opponents this year. Does that translate to playoff or tournament ball and will that experience help you as regionals get underway? Wells: Hopefully it will. It’s been a tough schedule. I can’t speak for the east side, but so many teams on the west can get hot. We only played three unranked opponents this year. It can be stressful not getting a break. Every single night is a tight game, but it could

give us an edge going into regionals. VYPE: Is there anything you did early on in the season to get the girls to become more of a team or is there something you preach to get them into that mindset? Wells: Really it’s just how we are. It’s not how you perform, but how the team performs. Every kid has a role. Do your role and we’ll be successful. We talk about being selfish. Going for a steal can put the team in a bad position. Getting out of position can put another player in a bad position giving the opponent an opportunity. I have great girls who buy in. They actually like knowing they have to do to be successful. VYPE: Is there a win this season that you can look on as a win that propelled this team? Wells: We want to win every game, but how well did we play is the key. We take bits and pieces from every game and apply that to the next. We continue to learn what our girls can do and they continue to respond. There are times after a game that we think, what just happened? But we also know that if we play our game and get hot at the right time, we could be a team that could win it all. F E B R U A R Y- M A R C H 2 0 1 6

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Championships and high school athletics success has opened the doors to opportunities at the collegiate level as local athletes ink their futures to letters of intent…

Macy Fisher Here are the area athletes that signed their letters of intent to play at the next level.

BASEBALL – Joe Buckendorff, Heritage Hall – Dodge City CC, Logan Carter, Dale – NOC Enid, Jacob Doshier, Bethany – Seminole State, Brendan Ezell, Heritage Hall – Seminole State, Cade Fulton, Mustang – Eastern OK State, Coy Hacker, Blanchard – Redlands CC, Jacob Hammer, Mustang – SW Christian, Ryan Kouba, El Reno – Eastern OK State, James Tanner Long, Blanchard – NOC Tonkawa, Skyler Martin, Dale – NOC Enid, Haddon McIntosh, Community Christian – USAO, Bryce Milligan, Blanchard – Oklahoma City, Brayden Nelson, Piedmont – Ok Wesleyan, Drake Norton, Yukon – Butler CC, Kaden Polcovich, Deer Creek – OU, Peyton Ravencraft, OCS – Harding, Rowdy Reihs, Guthrie – NOC Enid, Hayden Woolsey, Mustang – SW Christian, Brendan Yates, Putnam City West – Independence CC. 22

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BOYS BASKETBALL – Jakolby Long, Mustang – Iowa State, Kellen Manek, Harrah – ORU, Dashawn McDowell, Southeast – SMU, Lindy Waters III, Norman North – OSU. GIRLS BASKETBALL – London Archer, PC North – LouisianaMonroe, Katy Boyles, Community Christian – USAO, Areanna Combs, Putnam City West – OSU, Chinna Fair, Midwest City – UTArlington, Darian Hill, Harrah – USAO, Isis Lane, PC North – Texas Southern, Morgan Meacham, Heritage Hall – Florida Gulf Coast, Alexa Scott, Norman North – ORU.

BOYS XC/TRACK – Ean Beyer, Norman North – OU, Matthew Leedy, Carl Albert – St. Gregory’s. GIRLS XC/TRACK – Breonna Hall, Millwood – Tulsa, Daisha Reece, Norman North – Rogers State.

FASTPITCH SOFTBALL – Elizabeth Deshields, Carl Albert – Marshall, Jordan Edwards, Piedmont – USAO, Madison Elliott, Bethel – Ok Wesleyan, Kelsey Eropkin, Bethel – Tulsa, Macy Fisher, Bridge Creek – OSU, Alexis Freeman, Shawnee – Seminole State, Nykiah Hines, Millwood – Houston, Abigail Johnson, Carl Albert – Missouri-KC, Allison LeClaire, Newcastle – USAO, Winslow Lybrand, Bethany – Eastern, Abby Martin, Choctaw – USAO, Erika Mercer, Putnam City West – Seminole State, Madison Monson, Bethany – Mid-America, Alexis Perry, Putnam City – Nebraska, Madi Powell, El Reno – NOC Enid, Andreana Reynolds, Millwood – Grambling, Britani Sanders, Mustang – USAO, Abby Sanner, Newcastle – USAO, Megan Schmidt, Choctaw – ECU, Jaden Shores, Blanchard – Oklahoma City, Logan Simunek, Piedmont – OSU, Bailey Stecker, Carl Albert – St. Louis University, Erica Vessels, Choctaw – Garden City CC, Mikayla Whitten, Bethel – Tulsa, Cheyenne Woodward, Mustang – Southern Nazarene, Makayla Workman, Newcastle – USAO. FOOTBALL – Tyler Banta, Carl Albert – Emporia State, Jamal Barkus, PC West – NWOSU, Chris Cohen, Millwood – Northeastern State, Percy Craig, Del City – Langston, Grahme Croslin, Bethany – Missouri Baptist, Michelby Davis, Millwood – South Dakota, Travis DeGrate, Putnam City – Victor Valley CC, Bo Denny, El Reno – NWOSU, Gavin Garner, Newcastle – NWOSU, Chandler Garrett, Mustang – Wyoming, Romero Gatewood, Norman – Victor Valley CC, Steven Gordon, OCA – Baker, Cameron Hardesty, Norman North – Evangel, Caleb Hash, Shawnee – Northeastern State, Dominique Jones, Douglass – Northeastern State, Brice Kelly, McGuinness – Orange Coast College, Terrell Love, Heritage Hall – Texas Southern, Grant Martin, Harrah – UCO, Xavier Mason, Douglass – Northeastern State, Tevin McDaniel, Heritage Hall – Air Force, Patrick McKaufman, Douglass – NEO, Kiante Miles, Mustang – McAlester College, Tramonda Moore, John Marshall – OSU, Jalyn Morgan, Guthrie – SWOSU, Asjon Reeves, Del City – SWOSU, Jude

Richardson, Norman North – Sam Houston St, Logan Roberson, Harrah – OU, Bryce Roberts, Mustang – New Mexico State, Nicholas Ruffin, Millwood – NWOSU, Chase Smiley, Harrah – Baker, Elijah Smith, Norman – Missouri Southern, Sean Talley, Del City – Emporia State, Max Wariboko-Alali, Casady – Emporia State, Walter Watson, Del City – Missouri State, Jacob Williams, Midwest City – SWOSU, Jeremiah Wilson, Del City – Langston, Terry Wilson, Del City – Oregon, Jackson Winrow, Shawnee – Vanderbilt, Darrius Winston, Choctaw – Baker. BOYS GOLF – Joseph Lemieux, Christian Heritage – East Central. GIRLS GOLF – Bailey Blake, Deer Creek – SNU, Mallorie Dew, Bethany – SW Christian.

BOYS SOCCER – Lamar Batista, Heritage Hall – UC-Santa Barbara, Brett Koontz, Norman North – OBU, Garrett McLaughlin, Heritage Hall – SMU, Kian Rahmanzadeh, Heritage Hall – OCU, Cade Summers, Norman – Ok Wesleyan.

GIRLS SOCCER – Rebeka Abrego, Bethany – SNU, Chandler Bradley, Deer Creek – Rose State, Kelsey Bumgarner, Mustang – OBU, Mackenzie Coupens, Deer Creek – Tulsa, Nichola de Angeli, PC North – Rose State, Madison Donihoo, Mustang – Mid-America, Lexi Fowler, Norman – SWOSU, Julia Grimes, Piedmont – USAO, Lara Haring-Lovett, Norman – OBU, Blakelee Hernandez, Bethany – SW Christian, Jaci Jones, Mustang – OSU, Ruth King, Bethel – Ok Baptist, Kylie Pyle, Piedmont – USAO, Lauren Smitherman, Heritage Hall – Illinois, Brooklyn Speis, Carl Albert – Louisiana Tech. SWIMMING – Madie Sarantakos, Norman North – NWOSU.

WRESTLING – Josh Copeland, Harrah – Duke, Garrett Rowe, Choctaw – UCO.

Rowdy Reihs F E B R U A R Y- M A R C H 2 0 1 6

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Norman News & Notes Norman North’s Waters Picks OSU

PG) from Tampa FL.

Norman North basketball star Lindy Waters III signed his letter of intent to play for the Oklahoma State Cowboys next year. Waters joins a talented recruiting class for the Cowboys that includes Cameron McGriff (6-7, 205, SF) from Grand Prairie TX, Gorjok Gak (6-11, 215, C) from Bradenton FL, and Thomas Dziagwa (6-4, 180,

Signing Day 2016 – Norman Area Athletes Sign Letters of Intent. BOYS BASKETBALL – Lindy Waters III, Norman North – OSU GIRL BASKETBALL – Katy Boyles, Community Christian – USAO, Alexa Scott, Norman North – Oral Roberts. BOYS & GIRLS XC/TRACK – Ean Beyer, Norman North – Oklahoma, Daisha Reece, Norman North – Rogers State. FOOTBALL – Romero Gatewood, Norman – Victor Valley CC, Cameron Hardesty, Norman North – Evangel, Jude Richardson, Nor-

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man North – Sam Houston St. BOYS SOCCER – Brett Koontz, Norman North – OBU, Cade Summers, Norman – Ok Wesleyan. GIRLS SOCCER – Lexi Fowler, Norman – SWOSU, Lara HaringLovett, Norman – OBU. SWIMMING – Madie Sarantakos, Norman North – NWOSU.

Norman North Athlete of the Month Daisha Reece Norman North High School Varsity basketball and track star Daisha Reece is the Norman North Athlete of the Month. Recently Reece signed her letter of intent to run track for Rogers State University in Claremore OK. But before she steps on the track, Reece is focused on helping the Lady Timberwolves on the court. “It’s been a fun season. The team has been more close and together than in the past,” said Reece. Head coach Rory Hamilton was looking for a leader this year and Reece stepped up for her team. “Daisha is a tremendous leader and a true pleasure to coach. Daisha

always has a team first mentality and embodies all the intangible qualities coaches look for in a player. She is a tough defender and a tenacious rebounder averaging 5.0 points per game and 5.0 rebounds a game,” said coach Hamilton. During track season Reece will run the 4X100 and sometimes the 4X200 relays as well as compete in the long jump. Once she graduates from Norman North, Reece will take her talents to Rogers State University where she will become a member of the track team. “When I went on my visit everything just started to click. There were no red flags! They represent a good, solid, hard working team and they were close like a family and that’s what I’m all about,” said Reece.

Getting To Know Daisha Favorite TV show? Once Upon A Time Favorite place to eat? Logan’s Steakhouse The last person you called? Kiana Humphrey Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat? Twitter Must have for every track meet? A bag of fruit

Win The Day Timberwolves! NORMAN | 405.321.2700 | OKC | 405.523.2100 | www.INSURICA.com

Making Plays for the Norman Community Since 1924! F E B R U A R Y- M A R C H 2 0 1 6

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ROSE STATE COLLEGE ANSWER THE CALL TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY Midwest City, Okla. – Year-round, Rose State College athletes train, practice, and give their all to softball, baseball, or soccer games while still balancing a full load of classes. But, Rose State athletes are not only leaders on the field, they also practice servant leadership by volunteering their time and energy to give back to community based organizations. This school year, the Raiders worked with elementary school PE classes teaching soccer skills, volunteered at the Salvation Army, as well as served on more than one occasion with Habitat for Humanity. One volunteer opportunity that made a great impact on the teams came after a devastating ice storm hit central Oklahoma in December. It did a great deal of damage at the Harn Homestead near the State Capitol building just days before they were scheduled to host the annual Territorial Christmas event which hosts children for hayrides, holiday crafts and a visit with Santa. Harn Homestead Education Director, David Sapper, said, “Three days ago,

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we didn’t know if we were going to be able to have the Territorial Christmas because of the damage but thanks to Rose State’s athletes, we are back on schedule. We depend so much on volunteer help and were thrilled that a group from Rose State wanted to help remove debris from the ice storm.”

State soccer player, was thankful her coach gave her the chance to serve the community. Bacon said, “Helping at the Harn Homestead was a fun experience. It was fun knowing that we were able to help kids see some of the History in Oklahoma City. I feel like we made a difference.”

Approximately 40 representatives from the baseball, soccer, and softball teams volunteered without hesitation to serve as the clean-up crew during what could be a stressful time for any student as final exams were scheduled for the next week. Bailey Bacon, Rose

As baseball and softball seasons are beginning, the athletes will once again focus on school and sports but you can bet on Rose State athletes to willingly answer the call to meet the community’s needs.

Moore Area Signing Day Area athletes from Moore, Westmoore and Southmoore high schools signed their letters of intent to play at the next level. Congrats to all that signed! BASEBALL – Justice Beck, Southmoore – Arkansas-Ft. Smith, Jace Christopher, Westmoore – Westminster College, Braidyn Fink, Westmoore – OU, DeShawn Lookout, Westmoore – OU, Braxton Mwok, Westmoore – Clarendon, Shelby Sherrill, Southmoore – SW Christian, Blake White, Southmoore – SW Christian. GIRLS BASKETBALL – Kaci Richardson, Westmoore – Ok Baptist. GIRLS XC/TRACK – Emily Gardiner, Southmoore – Wichita State. FASTPITCH SOFTBALL – Mason Andrews, Westmoore – Crowder, Sierra Crick, Moore – Northeastern State, Allison Curry, Southmoore – USAO, Arielle James, Southmoore – Houston, Halle Melone, Moore – Southern Mississippi, Amber O’Bryant, Moore – Mid-American

Blake White & Shelby Sherrill Christian, Emily Richardson, Southmoore – Cameron, McKenzie Smith, Westmoore – Murray State FOOTBALL – Anthony Adams, Westmoore – Baker, Tyler Addison, Westmoore – Briar Cliff, Noah Jones, Southmoore – Texas Tech, Austin Malicott, Westmoore – NWOSU, Darrian Moss, Southmoore – Ok Baptist, Dunya Rice, Southmoore – NEO, Tre Towery, Westmoore – Lamar, Desmond Vick, Westmoore – NEO, Wyatt Whitmarsh, Southmoore – Lindenwood.

GIRLS GOLF – Ashlea Mahan, Southmoore – SW Christian. BOYS SOCCER – Ceasar Romero, Southmoore – Mid-America. GIRLS SOCCER – Allie Gordon, Westmoore – USAO, Kylie Lucas, Westmoore – USAO, Megan Unruh, Southmoore – USAO. VOLLEYBALL – Sydney Meget, Southmoore – Cowley CC. WRESTLING – Dalton Duffield, Westmoore – OU.

Sydney Meget & Janet Brannon F E B R U A R Y- M A R C H 2 0 1 6

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Harding Prep On The Map Head coach Wade Wallace has led the Eagles to a top ten ranking in Class 4A and is doing it after losing 12 players from last years 24-win team. We caught up with coach Wallace to get his thoughts on the season as tournament time rapidly approaches. VYPE: Before the season started did you expect this team to be ranked in the top 10 of Class 4A and playing as well as they have? Wallace: I’d be lying if I said after losing 12 players from last year’s 24-5 team either due to transferring or graduation that we’d be able to pick up right were we left off but that’s exactly what they’ve done. Now with that being said I knew we could be good I just wasn’t sure how good. This is a different team they win in different ways, but the two constants are George Price and Anselm Uzuegbunem. IMO they are the best one two punch in 4A, they are the engine that makes us go, they’ve made it their personal mission to put this team on their backs and lead them. I’m very proud of them for taking on the challenge and the work they’ve put in to make Harding Prep a 4A power. The crazy part is they’re still schools out there that don’t have any idea who we are or who they are, but hopefully we can keep it that way and maybe sneak up on a couple. (laughs) VYPE: Who on the team has stepped up to become a leader for the team? 28

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Wallace: Besides Gee and Big A, Meli McKinney has really came into his own this year. It’s been fun watching him mature and grow and to finally see the hard work payoff is a great feeling. He’s probably one of the most athletic players in the state; he is a highlight waiting to happen and he’s used that to motivate his teammates all year in practice and games. When you watch him he’s still raw and sometimes has me scratching my head but then all the sudden he happens and the next thing you know he’s scored six straight points and just dunked on someone. Although I wouldn’t call him a leader per se the leaders on our team are George Price and Anselm Uzuegbunem I would probably label Meli as our motivational leader. VYPE: What about off the bench? Which player(s) have made significant contributions off the bench? Wallace: The play of Kobe Higgins, Brannon Dean and Ryan Cole have been welcome none were part of the team last year and all have stepped into new roles and have performed well for us. Kobe is a freshman that has earned his way into the starting lineup with his defense. Brannon was in our JV program last year and has really improved this year. Ryan was in our freshmen program last year, but has grown both physically and mentally over the past year. Now all three are major contributors on our team and none of them had any varsity experience

prior to this season. VYPE: The team is 5-0 against Class 6A teams and plays very well against ranked teams. Does the team tend to step up against a strong opponent? Wallace: We’ve been lucky to play some 6A schools that were good matchups for us, but they do tend to take it as a personal challenge when we play those types of schools. My kids always feel like they’ve got something to prove although we are a 4A school enrollment wise we are unlike any school in the state with our academic demands, which tends to run kids off when they get here or discourage them from coming altogether. So athletically our numbers would probably closer simulate a 2A school, which makes what they’re doing that much more special. It’s a running joke around here that we do more with less but I think these kids really embody that saying. VYPE: What does the future hold for Harding? Wallace: I honestly don’t know what the future holds for Harding. Hopefully a long playoff run and a chance for a gold ball, but past that I’m not sure. We really try not to look ahead and focus on staying in the moment try to focus on the things we can control. We’ve put a lot of time into building a program that is worthy of being called one of the best in 4A and I’d like to continue that for years to come. Hopefully God will bless us with that chance.

OC baseball, softball poised for first full NCAA Division II seasons Cobble his 100th career win at the OC helm in the process.

Two All-Heartland second-team selections are back to lead the Eagles this season. Senior Derek Jones, a fivetool outfielder who is a serious professional prospect, hit .345 with three home runs and 39 RBIs last season and already has a two-homer game this season. Another senior, versatile second baseman Zac Cobble, is an ace leadoff batter who hit .321 in 2015.

Garett Hill Anticipation is high on the diamond for both the baseball and softball teams at Oklahoma Christian as they begin their first season of competition as a full member of NCAA Division II.

Coach Lonny Cobble’s baseball team entered the season eighth in the Division II South Central Region rankings and figures to contend for the title in the rugged Heartland Conference. The Eagles opened the season with a three-game road sweep of regional No. 7-ranked Texas A&M-Kingsville, giving

Former Carl Albert High School and Seminole State standout Alex Polston transferred to OC from Auburn during the off-season and should provide strong defense to go with a bat with plenty of pop. Senior Kyle Lacy led the Eagles in home runs last season with nine while hitting .299. The left-hander will play in the outfield when he’s not taking his turn on the mound as a starting pitcher. Speaking of pitchers, the Eagles have lots of depth on the mound. Bradley Horn, a transfer from Dayton, will join former Central Oklahoma hurler Jared Sterling and Lacy in the weekend rotation, with former Putnam City North standout Brennan Walker and Jared Price, a Carl Albert High School prod-

Haley Squier uct, serving as the midweek starters.

A former Edmond Memorial star, Garett Hill, is the Heartland’s top long reliever, while hard-throwing Dylan Fazekas (Red Oak) seems a natural as the OC closer.

Coach Tom Heath’s softball team will be young, with nine freshmen and only one senior, catcher Kelsie Finch. The Lady Eagles do boast a returning allregion utility player in outfielder Haley Squier, who hit .346 with one home run and 36 RBIs. Two other juniors, catcher Niki Davidson (.264, 4 HR, 32 RBIs) and first baseman Jordan Chism (.261, 4 HR, 29 RBIs), also are proven contributors, as is sophomore second baseman Sheridan Bond (.244, 19 RBIs). Sophomore Madison Nordyke will lead a young pitching staff, coming off a 7-5 season during which she posted a 3.98 ERA and also hit .296 with two home runs and 26 RBIs. Among the OC newcomers this season are Kirsten Scott (El Reno), Kaylie Upton (Pauls Valley), Kayla Eicher (Edmond Memorial), Bridget White (Edmond North), Lacey Davidson (Community Christian) and Avery Walker (Marlow). F E B R U A R Y- M A R C H 2 0 1 6

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Tournament Time Eats Best Grub to Grab People from every corner of the state will converge on the Oklahoma City metro area as basketball and wrestling tournaments fill the Big House and other area gyms. Every “out-oftowner” needs a place to eat. Here’s the Best Grub to Grab top ten list in OKC. 10 – Pappy’s BBQ – 201 S. May Ave. OKC Right next door to the Big House, Pappy’s BBQ has served tournament goers for years. Get it to go or grab a seat and enjoy some great bbq, either way Pappy’s has some of the best brisket, links, ribs and chicken in the area. 9 – Chelino’s Mexican Restaurant - Multiple Locations With several locations to choose from Chelino’s Mexican Restaurant has some of the best authentic Mexican food in OKC. Our pick is the sausage fajitas. That’s right…sausage fajitas! 8 – The Garage – Multiple Locations Any gear head will appreciate the ambiance, but it’s the food that will keep you coming back. Get the Classic at only $4.99 or our favorite the Fried Onion Burger for $5.50. They also serve tacos, fork & knife hotdogs and salads. 7 – Empire Slice House – 1734 NW 16th OKC Who doesn’t love pizza? How about pizza made by true pizza conasuers. Just promise you’ll order the Doug E. Fresh or the Rocksteady. Both will change your view of pizza forever. Or go nuts with the Ghostface Killah or the Brussell Westbrook. 6 – Bedlam Bar-B-Q – 610 Northeast 50th Street OKC Oklahoman’s love their bar-b-q and Bedlam Bar-B-Q has everything you would expect from an award winning establishment. From smoked chicken and ribs, to the Big Red Dinner and the pulled pork, Bedlam has something for everyone. Get the kids a Little Red plate from the kids menu and don’t leave without trying the bread pudding or the cobbler. 5 – Classen Grill – 5124 Classen Blvd. OKC Voted OKC’s “Best Restaurant serving Oklahoma City, this great breakfast or brunch spot is the place for an amazing biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak or a Mexican breakfast. Classen Grill features plenty of healthy options on the diverse menu.

4 – The Mule – 1630 N. Blackwelder Ave. OKC Located in the Plaza District, The Mule is a great place to grab a sandwich and for you adults, a cold one. We recommend the Big Ass Grilled Cheese. You’ll never eat another grilled cheese again. 3 – Ranch Steakhouse – 3000 W. Britton Rd. OKC Oklahoma City’s original Prime Steakhouse, Ranch Steakhouse offers the best in filets, ribeye’s, sirloin and strip steaks. Couple that with some of OKC’s best appetizers like stuffed mushrooms or the beef tournedos and you’ve got a great meal. Don’t forget the surf & turf! 2 – Cheever’s Café – 2409 N. Hudson OKC Less than two miles from downtown Cheever’s Café is one of the best options for a great meal in Oklahoma City. Monday through Friday lunch runs from 11am to 4pm and stays open until 10:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights. Maybe it’s the great salads, the Bleu Cheese Potato Chips or the Smoked Chicken Fusilli that makes Cheever’s a must eat. 1 – S&B’s Burger Joint – Multiple Locations Burgers and shakes, fried green beans and okie fries! What else do you need to know? The Fatty is your best bet, but if you’re a little adventurous try the Colombian or the Smokin’ Okie. Make S&B’s Burger Joint your first stop after the game!

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Enjoy the best smoked meats in Oklahoma along with homemade sides & desserts! Plus roast marshmallows after dinner & enjoy live music on the best Patio in OKC!

CATER ANY EVENT

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