VYPE Southeast Oklahoma February 2018 by Austin Chadwick

COVERAGE OF ATHLETES FROM ALL OVER SEOK

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SNU COACH OF THE MONTH

SNU: “Paying It Back” Growing up with two older brothers, Kirk LaFevers admits he’s always been competitive by nature enjoying a life filled with sports. And thanks to the influences of high school and college coaches, LaFevers discovered his passion for coaching high school sports. “Growing up in Tish, I was lucky to have Joe Bill Caskey, Rex Breed and James Wood take an interest in me,” recalled LaFevers. “They wanted the best for me in everything, everyday.” Following graduation from high school, LaFevers’ college travels included playing baseball and golf where the influences of his coaches led him to his career choice of coaching.

“I went to Phillips (Enid) and Western State and played baseball for coach James Leutjen before landing in Tahlequah at Northeastern State University where Scott Varner took a personal interest in me,” said LaFevers. “Those two guys were instrumental in my career choice because of the way they cared for me as an individual not just another athlete.” A 15-year coaching veteran including the last 11 seasons at Tishomingo High School, LaFevers shares his lifelong love for sports with members of the Indians girls and boys golf teams as well as coaching football at all levels.

“Wins and losses are important but for me the true reward is the relationships built with your players that last forever,” said LaFevers. “When former players come back home and you get to chance to share memories is special. Then they tell you thanks coach for creating such a positive influence and for caring on and off the field, that’s the biggest win any coach can achieve.”

Thanks to the influence of others, LaFevers opened the door to pursue achieving a Masters in Educational Leadership through Southern Nazarene University.

“One day while coaching at a golf tournament, Bubba Tamez (Byng Principal) shared with me about the program at SNU,” recalled LaFevers, who will graduate with his degree in May. “Then Chad Gilbert from Sulphur explained the convenience of the program and I decided to give it a try.” LaFevers calls the SNU experience the best of his educational career. “It’s a perfect fit for my schedule and for my family,” pointing out the once a week class schedule. “I like the fact that you have one on one instructors there to meet you and care about you,” said LaFevers. The overall benefits of the SNU leadership

program make life better for LaFevers.

“The SNU program has made me a better in so many ways. It’s helped me as a teacher and coach as well a becoming a better employee,” LaFevers explained citing challenges for educators today. “This experience gives me the chance to provide a better future for my family too.”

A cohort for the Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership program from SNU will meet on Wednesday nights starting on April 18 in McAlester with instructors who are career educators preparing students to be school administrators. The program runs for 18 months. Get ready for a fantastic opportunity to connect with other educators and build your professional network. For more information go to http://snu.edu/mael or call 405-491-6346.

Your program to be a Principal, Superintendent or Administrator

COURSES

GRADUATE PREPARED TO BE PRINCIPAL OR SUPERINTENDENT

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MONTHS

McAlester April 2018

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A cohort is starting in

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MCALESTER WRESTLING

Jake Rattan

Ty Nohelty

TWO-POINT TAKEDOWN Photos by Mark Emmons Photography

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As the OSSAA wrestling championships approach, the focus and determination of McAlester wrestlers Ty Nohelty and Jake Rattan are proving ready to not just reach the Class 5A championship tournament the final week in February but stand on the medal stand on Championship Saturday.

Nohelty is a two time state qualifier who enters February with a 21-1 record including a championship title at the Maverick Conference tournament plus runner-up finishes at Carl Albert and the McAlester Invitational. The 2018 junior has all the tools needed to challenge for the gold medal this year at 126 pounds. “Ty’s wrestling pedigree is his foundation,” said Brett Lalli referencing Nohelty’s experience with RAW, Roller Academy of Wrestling. “Ty’s not your basic fundamentalist, He’s pretty aggressive, some call if funky, and he’s

going to hit anything you give him. His opponents often find themselves from a good position to getting pinned because of he’s got a move from any position he’s in.” After getting a taste of the state meet atmosphere the past two years, Nohelty is focused on winning a gold medal for the Buffaloes wrestling program on the heels of Hunter Smith’s championship crown last year.

“Walking in the wrestling room everyday and seeing your best friends name on the wall is an embedded memory for me,” Nohelty admits claiming a state championship has been a personal goal since he started wrestling at five years old. “Knowing I’ve been close the last two years definitely drives me to get it done this time.” Is there a key to going from good to great, from qualifier to champion?

“It’s all about your attitude, how you think, no excuses. You just have to go out and leave it all on the mat,” Nohelty said with confidence and determination. Rattan, a senior who narrowly missed qualification for state last year, enters the final month competition with a 24-2 mark at 132 pounds including a gold medal in the McAlester meet. “If things go like last year, Jake gets a chance to wrestle at state,” explained Lalli noting the rule change resulting in fifth place finishers at regionals given a challenge match against a fourth place finisher from the opposite side of the state in a win or go home match.

Nohelty and Rattan along with the balance of the lineup will compete at the Class 5A regionals at Tahlequah February 16-17 seeking a top five finish to advance to the OSSAA championships February 23-24 in Oklahoma City.

MCALESTER BASKETBALL

Bren Cable

Taryn Howard

Sydney Shelton

Mahrle Angel

McAlester Seniors Speak Out Photos by Mark Emmons Photography

VYPE: Which player does the best impersonation of Coach Owen? Cable: Sydney Shelton Howard: Sydney Shelton. Angel: TARYN HOWARD, no questions asked. Shelton: Definitely me. Shhhh, don’t tell him! Ham: Mahrle Angel, she can impersonate anyone.

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Cascha Ham

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VYPE: Who is the funniest player on the team? Cable: Mahrle Angel is definitely the funniest. She never fails to lighten the mood in tough times. Howard: Erin Kelley, she’s always smiling and laughing about nothing. Put us together, we’re hilarious. Angel: Me, I try to lighten the mood

VYPE: Who is the smartest player on the team? Cable: Sydney Shelton Howard: Brenae Rhone, she see’s the floor and consistently takes the smartest shots. Angel: Erin Kelley, she always knows what to do in game situations Shelton: Bren Cable Ham: Bren Cable. She’s more than just book smart; she’s school smart too.

VYPE: In your opinion, which player deserves “Miss Motivation” on this year’s team, why? Cable: Brenae Rhone, even though she’s a sophomore, she’s always encouraging everyone. Her attitude is the best of everyone on the team. Howard: Mahrle Angel, she never let’s us slack, she pushes me to always give 100%. Angel: Sydney Shelton, she’s always encouraging everyone Shelton: Brenae Rhone, even when she’s tired. She tells everyone “good job.” Ham: Every player on the team deserves this award. We’re ALL IN on helping each other.

Shelton: Mahrle Angel, she makes you laugh even when you’re having a bad day. Ham: Mahrle Angel keeps everyone laughing.

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While Highway 69 in McAlester remains in construction turmoil, the turnaround project of McAlester Lady Buffaloes basketball nears completion. Anchored by the commitment of five seniors, McAlester has climbed back into the Class 5A Top 20 rankings as playoff season begins. The quintet of seniors including Bren Cable, Taryn Howard, Sydney Shelton, Mahrle Angel and Cascha Ham continue to foreman the work crew like effort of success as the 2018 seniors, playing for a third head coach in four seasons, draw praise from head coach Jared Owen. “Altogether we’ve changed our mindset of play as this year we’re focused on a defensive philosophy and hard work,” said Owen complimenting each member of the roster. “Our style is up-tempo on both ends of the court and we’re seeing the results of everyone buying into the system.” VYPE posed questions to the 2018 seniors to get their input for the resurrection of Lady Buffs basketball: VYPE: In your own words, describe your role in the success for the Lady Buffs this season. Cable: I’m more involved in play calling and what offense we run. Thanks to coach Owen, practice is fun and makes you want to play harder. Howard: Set the example for others, attitude plus effort, keep working to improve daily. Angel: To set good examples and hold my teammates accountable. Shelton: Go hard, in practice as well as games and be a role model for the underclassmen. Ham: Bring your best effort, everyday in practice and games. Make your teammates and yourself better by your effort.

VYPE: What’s the biggest difference in your approach to each game from last year? Cable: Because we’re better prepared for every game, we’re confident and excited instead of nervous. Howard: Confidence, in my teammates and myself. We believe we can and will win. Angel: Going into the game focused on what “to do” instead of what not to do. Shelton: Preparation, scouting reports and film study. There’s an excitement with this year’s team. Ham: I didn’t play last year but I want to help motivate my teammates through my attitude everyday.

HARTSHORNE BASKETBALL

Jaycee Kitche ll

FOLLOW THE YELLOW (GOLD) BRICK ROAD Feature Photos and Cover Photo by Holly Hackler Photography

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The road to a championship is paved good intentions, filled with challenges and opportunities. As the high school basketball playoffs begin, the Lady Miners of Hartshorne continue to map out their travel plans to reach Championship Saturday the Big House in March.

After a 21-0 start entering February, coach Mark Woolard’s balanced lineup continues to meet the challenges of their next opponent. Fact is 19 of their 21 wins have been by double digits.

“We’ve got five that can score, each one capable of leading our point total on any

given night,” said Woolard referencing the balanced statistics of his starting unit with all five players scoring in double digits. “At this level, you’re fortunate to have two or three average double figures. In my coaching career, including coaching 23 years coaching boys basketball at Crowder, I’ve never had all five starters maintain this kind of point production and balance.” After a 14-12 season a year ago, the Lady Miners have responded to the challenge of opponents defense that is something different every night.

“Box and one, triangle and two, zone or man-to-man, we’ve seen all kinds of things,” Woolard admits. “To the girls credit, they’ve handled the opportunity

with confidence and chemistry. The boost from the bench has been solid.” Hartshorne’s starting five presents more than just scoring balance for Woolard and assistant coach Shane Hackler.

“Our length at every position is a plus on both ends of the court allowing us to be solid on defense plus create turnovers into points in transition.”

Last year’s scoring leaders, Jaycee Kitchell (5-10, Jr.) and Alex Miller (5-8 Sr.) enter February leading the Lady Miners point parade averaging 13.4 points per contest while Alexis Lyons (5-9, Sr.), who has earned MVP honors in two tournaments averages 12 points.

Alexis Lyons Ashton Hackler (5-10, Fr.) adds 10.5 points per game while Holli Lindley (510, So.) contributes 10.2 per night.

“It’s fun to see these five play together,” replied Woolard. “Ashton, our point guard, sees the floor distributes the ball to the other four who can finish at the rim or from the perimeter. They feed off each other and play with confidence. Everyone does their part.”

The “boost” from the bench includes the “Wizard of Oz”, Ozzlyn Lightle (5-7, So.) and Haven Peace (5-8, Jr.). “Oz is just like a starter,” said Woolard referencing Light’s experience starting 22 games a year ago after a knee injury sidelined Lindley. “Haven gives us depth in the post play on either end of the court.”

“All three of these girls continue making everyone else better,” Woolard added noting the energy and spirit of the senior trio. “As a group, it’s a close knit bunch. Mess with one, you get us all.”

the girls efforts and commitment to taking it one game at a time just trying to win the next game and get better everyday.”

Woolard points to a string of tournament victories as the turning point when everything came together.

“We played three tournaments in back-to-back-to-back fashion. We came together and won them all,” said Woolard pointing to the championships in tournament action at Hartshorne, Wilburton and Tushka in successive weeks. “I thought on the way home from Tushka, we’ve got something special going on here.” So how does a team balance the recognition and 20-win start and avoid the pressure of being unbeaten?

“We don’t talk about it, period,” said Woolard. “Our fans, students and faculty are filled with enthusiasm. Everyone says great job coach. But this is all about

While the regular season success has resulted in the Lady Miners drawing statewide attention including a climb to number five in the final Class 3A coaches poll resulting in a bye in the District tournament to advance to the Regionals, everyone wearing the blue and gold, coaches and players alike, know it’s all about to start again.

“When the playoffs begin, every team is equal. We’re all 0-and-0,” emphasized Woolard. “The Class 3A field is deep with talent including Idabel, Heavener, Pocola, Kingston and Wilburton just here in this part of the state. Our girls know that and we’re striving to make this start just the beginning of something bigger.”

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Ozzlyn Lightle

“Congratulations Hartshorne Lady Miners. It’s Championship Saturday and you’ve made it to the Big House.”

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With talent and depth, focus and determination, the Lady Miners have the makings of writing school history by reaching the state tournament for just the second time, the only time in 2000. Don’t be surprised to hear the public address announcer introducing the lineups saying…

Holli Lindley

Ashton Hackler

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The veteran coach praises the contribution of three other seniors Taylor Hackler, Grace Daniels and Shelby Tushka for their part in the winning momentum.

Alex Miller

Written by Chandler Engelbrecht

PONTOTOC TECHNOLOGY Pontotoc Tech Spotlight: ASHLEY SNOW - Vanoss Sports are filled with plenty of blood pumping, adrenaline rushing, heart stopping moments. Whether it’s hitting a buzzer beater to win a state championship or hitting the game-winning homerun in extra innings to cap off of a state tournament, sports fans are well aware of the “rush” that comes with watching and playing sports. On the other hand, that rush can also be felt in plenty of other places, too. For Vanoss High School’s Ashley Snow, that rush is part of the excitement while working and studying through the Health Science program at Pontotoc Technology Center. Snow, a senior, plays softball and girl’s basketball for the Wolves. She was drawn to the Health Science program because of her interest to enter the nursing field once she graduates high school. “I’ve always had the desire to help others,” said Snow. “I feel like being able to come here and participate at Pontotoc has really given the edge and head start that I

Pontotoc Tech Spotlight: CHANDLER KILBY - Ada

Hall of Fame basketball coach Bobby Knight once said that everyone has the will to succeed, but not everyone has the will to prepare. When looking for an example of someone who has the will to do both, then look no further than Ada High School’s Chandler Kilby. A junior at AHS, Kilby plays guard for the Cougars’ boys basketball team whose tremendous work ethic and natural basketball smarts make him a great addition to the team. Unfortunately, Kilby has been sidelined from the beginning of the season with a hip injury. Usually, you might see players who face such adversity just give up and become unmotivated because that they can’t play their sport. That’s not the route Chandler Kilby wanted to go. Instead, Kilby has chosen to take his work ethic and natural talents to the welding program at Pontotoc Technology Center. “I used to work on a ranch. My boss at the time, Dee Moore, was a big time welder. He’s the one that got me interest in welding,” said Kilby.

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Pontotoc Tech Spotlight: SHELBY ELDRED - Roff

“Practice does not make perfect…Only perfect practice makes perfect.” – Vince Lombardi The words of the Hall of Fame coach can be applied to every walk of life. For Roff High School’s Shelby Eldred, this concept doesn’t just apply to the softball field, it also applies to inside the cosmetology classroom at the Pontotoc Technology Center. In softball, or in any sport, there are several team practices before the team makes it to game day. With the cosmetology program, students practice on mannequins several times before they get to an actual client. Growing up with two younger sisters, Eldred always had a knack for doing her hair and nails. “This is something I’ve wanted to do and now I can do this while I’m in college,” said the Roff High School junior.

Pontotoc Tech Spotlight: TYDE THOMSEN - Ada

Soccer can be a difficult sport to completely understand. Because of its vast rulebook and complicated style of play, your average American sports fan may choose to watch something else. Nevertheless, can you guess what is sometimes an even harder subject to completely comprehend? Trying to figure out what’s making your car engine not work properly. In both cases however, you can reach out to Ada High School’s Tyde Thomsen and he can more than likely be able to explain what exactly is going on. Thomsen, a junior who plays center back for Ada’s boys soccer team, has not only been busy on the soccer pitch and in the traditional classroom, but also inside the Automotive General Service Technician program at the Pontotoc Technology Center. “All my life I’ve loved learning about cars. When I heard Pontotoc Tech had an automotive program, it really intrigued me to come here,” said Thomsen. “It’s been better than I ever expected.”

need in order to succeed in the heath field.” The learn by doing program at PTC is for high school students interested in nursing. The occupational outcome is a long term care certified nursing aide that is qualified to work in long term care facilities. This program will also provide the proven student the opportunity to gain advanced standing credit in a practical nurse program through completion of courses including Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, CPR and First Aid, Long Term Care Aid, and many more. With the heartbeat of compassion and a smile, it’s a perfect match for Snow, a second year student, evidenced through the commendations of the program instructor, Jeanna Munholland “Ashley is just an all-around excellent student,” Munholland expressed. “She’s always on time. Ashley gives one-hundred percent effort in whatever she’s doing and is a terrific listener.” And like all the programs at Pontotoc Technology Center, Snow unlocks the doors to success. “Our program really gives students like Ashley a base for what they want to do in life,” confirmed Munholland.

“It always helps give them the ability and confidence to succeed in our workforce.” The diagnosis for success is something that Ashley Snow cherishes the opportunity for following her lifelong dreams at PTC. “Students come to Pontotoc to get a jumpstart on the career paths they want to follow in life. Not a lot of people can walk straight out of high school at 18 years old and say that they are certified in their dream job,” she concluded. Career paths are built everyday through the many programs at the Pontotoc Technology Center where dreams really do become reality.

“Once I’m out of high school, this is the avenue of life I want to follow.” The cosmetology program at Pontotoc Technology Center prepares high school students to become licensed cosmetologists certified to provide nail, skin, scalp, hair care and composition to customers to help them enhance their personal appearance. Students receive classroom instruction as well as hands-on training in hairstyling, cutting, coloring and chemical restructuring. Included are manicures, pedicures, facials, lash and brow tinting and arching plus scalp treatments along with customer service and shop management. The program’s director Cristy Moore had words of praise for Eldred. “Shelby is very soft spoken and is a great listener,” said Moore. “She always gets her work done and isn’t afraid to ask questions. Her personality allows Shelby the opportunity to easily develop one-to-one relationships with everyone. She’s an outstanding student.” A veteran cosmetology professional, Moore raves

about the opportunities available through the variety of programs at the Pontotoc Technology Center. “Technology centers are an incredible advantage to high school students,” Moore continued. “Even out of high school, some students just aren’t the college type, and that’s fine. Our program gives students everything they need to succeed,” said Moore. Because of the cosmetology program and the other tremendous services at the Pontotoc Technology Center, opportunities are endless for students like Shelby Eldred to make their childhood dreams become reality.

The welding program through Pontotoc Technology Center opens a variety of options for students like Kilby, much more than a introduction to common welding and cutting processes used in metal fabrication of structural steel. “When students leave here, they can be pipefitter, a welder, weld inspector and more,” said Fields. “We cover Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC), Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC), Air Carbon Arc Cutting (AAC), metal preparation and heat treating.” With a desire for perfection, Kilby likes the demands of the welding program through PTC. “The thing I love the most about this course and welding is that everything has to be perfect. You have to work hard to make sure every last detail is right.” Kilby expressed. With hopes to one day have a career in pipelining, Kilby believes the PTC program gives him a “huge” advantage once he enters the workforce. “Basically, right out of high school, I can go and make as much money as someone who went to college for four years.” explained Kilby.

Students in the two-year program cover the skills necessary to become an entry-level technician concentrating on a variety of learning by doing courses. Like Thomsen, students will master how to diagnose and complete brake service, perform vehicle steering and suspension alignment as well as electrical theory and diagnostics. “The hands-on style of learning here is perfect for me. I feel I learn better that way opposed to just sitting in a classroom,” explained Thomsen. “It’s fun getting your hands dirty.” The program at PTC opens endless doors to job opportunities. “So far, I’ve had an one hundred percent job placement average with all my former students,” said Nathan Dial, program instructor. “That means job and career opportunities are endless here. Our students leave here with all the necessary tools to become successful in life.” To add to that, a select group of Automotive students at Pontotoc Technology Center get the chance to compete in Hot Rodders of Tomorrow competition where teams must strip down and rebuild a small block chevy engine in about 20 minutes or less. Thomsen was chosen by the program’s upperclassmen to join the team because of his hard working,

By making use of his training and creating a future for himself through his determination to succeed, Kilby draws praise from his mentor and instructor. Explained in basketball terminology, “and one.” “In our program, we also cover life skills, how to better one’s self as an individual,” notes Fields. “Chandler is a real go-getter. He’s here to get his work done and get it done right.” Traditional learning-by-doing training methods is something that high school students don’t always have an opportunity to receive. Yet thanks to Pontotoc Technology Center, students like Chandler Kilby have the keys to unlock a successful tomorrow. Because of that, their future is brighter than ever, and that’s what truly matters most.

never quit type of attitude. An approach that draws recognition from Dial. “Tyde Thomsen is the poster child for positive attitude,” praised the second year instructor. “He’s got a smile on his face every morning, he’s always excited to be here. I don’t think he’s ever had a bad day!” For students like Tyde Thomsen, they are discovering that Dial’s statement, opportunities for life, is becoming fact. “This program is helping me further my education in so many ways,” explained Thomsen. “I’ve worked with tools I didn’t even know existed beforehand. Every single day, we’re working on a new car. Every single day I’m learning something brand new. It’s just so amazing.

CH AR ACT ER COUN T S

Ada Character Counts: Kaley Watkins The essence of character is defined by what a person will do when “no one else is watching”… how do you decide to do the right thing.

For Kaley Watkins, doing things right is the only way to accomplish the desired results.

“You define who you are by your actions,” said Watkins, a junior and starting member of the Lady Cougars basketball and softball lineups.

Watkins brings a determined spirit of success to make things better for those around her. Among her many activities, the ever-smiling Watkins takes an active role with the Ruff Ryders, the school spirit squad, as well as

in giving back to the Ada community as a member of the Ada student council through it’s service efforts.

“Our student council members focus on character building,” said Watkins. “I really enjoy the chance to give back by volunteering at P.A.W.S, Abba’s Table and our Earth Day pickups.”

Watkins’ effort to meet the needs of the Ada area draws praise from her basketball coach.

“Kaley has a special talent of leadership,” said Lady Cougars coach Christie Jennings. “She’s willing to do whatever it takes to see the mission accomplished from start to finish. Kaley is the kind of person that continuously

puts the needs of others before her own desires.”

Watkins also enjoys cooking and using her art talents through drawings.

“Pretty much anything creative fun for me,” smiled Watkins.

The creativity and passion for serving others proves that Kaley Watkins is living proof that Character Counts.

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221 West 12th St. Ada, Oklahoma (580) 332-4020

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SULPHUR BULLDOGS

MR. BULLDOG – DAN BAKER

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Quiet and confident, the impact of Sulphur High School senior Dan Baker sets a standard for success. A fouryear starter on the Bulldogs football team while simultaneously proving his athleticism on the wrestling mat as a state champion and state runnerup, Baker has been a leader amongst his peers.

“A winner in all walks of life, Dan’s leadership separates him from other top-notch athletes,” notes Director of Athletics, Corey Cole. “His example of dedication and compassion makes everyone he meets strive to reach for the stars.” Baker’s efforts on the gridiron as a two-way starter this season helped to lead Sulphur to a 12-2 record and the Class 3A state semifinals. His dominance on the defensive front earned the 2018 senior Class 3A AllStar status as well as being tabbed 3A-4 Defensive Player of the Year.

After narrowly missing a second straight gold medal a year ago, Baker has returned to the wrestling mat with added focus to capture the 220 pound state title entering the OSSAA regionals with an undefeated 33-0 mark including 29 pinfall victories. So far, “Gentle Ben” has recorded a career record of 132 wins and only 7 losses. “Mr. Bulldog definitely defines the character and work ethic of Dan,” said wrestling coach Drew Swartz. “He’ll do whatever we need and take it a step further. He’s a friend to everyone and willing to do anything for anybody.”

Baker qualified for the state track meet in 2017 competing in the discus.

Actively involved in the choir and drama playing the lead male role as well as earning three time ECOCDA Honor Choir honors, Baker is also part of the Student Council while maintaining a solid performance in the classroom with Principal’s honor roll. Paying back to the youth of his hometown, Baker clears time on his schedule to coach Sulphur’s youth wrestling program. “Every school and

community could use a young man like Dan Baker,” said Cole. “He’s an inspiration to young and old alike.” READY FOR THE NEXT LEVEL

The success for athletes at Sulphur High School continue to open doors to the future with five 2018 seniors having signed collegiate scholarship offers to compete at the next level. Jacob Farrell (OSU), Houston Haines (East Central) and Demetris Hymes (NEO) earned football scholarships while Dawson Muck (Randall Univ.) will continue to play baseball and Jared Williams (William Carey Univ.) moving to the next tee on the college golf circuit.

ATO K A A R E A AT H L E T E S

Ryann Cochran

Elijah Vanderburg

Atoka Area Athletes of the Month RYANN COCHRAN Tushka Lady Tigers

“Ryann is the kind of player every coach loves to coach,” said head coach Lori Ford. “She’s a competitor and wants the best for everyone.”

ELIJAH VANDERBURG Atoka Wampus Cats

“Elijah has been a main contributor all four years, notes head coach Russ Harrison. “On and off the court, he’s a leader in every aspect of the word.

“E-Butta” has been a key figure in the success of the Atoka basketball program that past four seasons, Vanderburg, a 5-11 senior whose favorite food is hamburgers and the alternative

music of Bad Suns, ranks among the top scorers in Class 3A boys basketball maintaining a 21.8 points per game average. A topnotch student maintaining a 4.3 GPA while mastering college algebra and AP English comp classes, Vanderburg also leads aTuesday morning worship with his classmates.

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#GAMECHANGER…the 5-7 senior is a threat to score from anywhere on the floor averaging 40% from beyond the 3-point line as well as off the bounce. Cochran averages 17.3 points per game while producing scoring chances for her teammates with 4.5 assists and 3.1 steals plus grabbing 6.3 rebounds per contest. Add to her play on the basketball court, Cochran ranks #1 in her class maintaining a 4.0 GPA. The four-year veteran in the Lady Tigers lineup, “Rhino”

admits her favorite food is Nana’s apple pie and she enjoys Old Yeller as her favorite movie.

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DURANT WRESTLING

Tagen Jamison

Braden Rudolf

Connor Hall

Durant Wrestling: No Excuses The mentality of winning required of an athlete competing on the wrestling mat demands the approach of no excuses. Regardless of the experience or age of the lineup, when stepping into the circle, a champion on the mat requires a winning attitude. Combined with their talents on the mat, the Durant Lions continue to prove to their opponents they’re a force worthy of respect.

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While this year’s lineup includes only one upperclassman, Braden Rudolf, the Lions lone state qualifier from a year ago at 182 pounds, the ladder of success is filled with aggressive minded and talented young wrestlers for coach Jim Taylor, now in his 13th season.

A perfect example is freshman Tagen Jamison at 126 pounds, who remains unbeaten in 32 matches following the Midwestern Conference Tournament where he earned Most Outstanding Wrestler honors. “Tagen lives to wrestle, said Taylor. “His strength for a 126 pounder is really good and is rarely out of position. Whether in competition or to workout and train, he lives the sport. Tagen’s earned a pretty solid shot at challenging for the title at 126.” So far this season, sophomores Connor Hall at 138 pounds and Cody Hicks at 145 have been productive along with another sophomore,

Josh McKim Josh McKim who wrestles at 285 pounds.

“This year the fifth place wrestler at regionals advances to the field at state with a single shot match against another fourth place finish to secure a spot in their weight class,” Taylor noted. “If that had been the rule a year ago, Connor and Cody would’ve reached the Class 5A tournament field.”

Among the rest of the Lions lineup, sophomore Isaiah Wright at 132 pounds and junior Ethan Horner at 152 continue to peak as the regional championships approach.

Cody Hicks “Isaiah finished third and Ethan was fourth at conference and have a chance to qualify,” said Taylor. We’ve got several guys that can make it.”

Filling out the lineup card are freshman Preston Lewis (106), sophomore Jared Pierce (113), juniors “Spur” Brown (120) and Caden Orlando (132), freshman Ty Rudolf (160), sophomore Fulton Gorges (170) and freshman Jesus Galvez at 220 pounds. Photos courtesy Kevin Farr

Durant’s Ashleigh Ned Written by Chandler Engelbrecht American wrestling legend Dan Gable summarized the sport of wrestling best when he said: “More enduringly than any other sport, wrestling teaches self-control and pride. Some have wrestled without great skill, none have wrestled without pride.”

You will perhaps never find a more prideful combatant than Durant High School’s Ashleigh Ned. A senior at Durant, Ned has been wrestling for a total of four years now. Drawn to wrestling by watching the sport as a middle schooler, she took up the sport as a freshman and never looked back. “I’ve always been kind of a smaller person. Watching the games while in middle school, I would see the interesting moves it takes to take an opponent down” Ned explained. “I thought, I should try this.” Along the way, Ned quickly learned wrestling is a bit harder than it looks.

“At first, it was a little bit hard,” Ned admitted, “but once you can get the muscle

memory down, it becomes much easier to just go out there and work a move that you need to work.” Obviously, Ned’s high school career has come with its fair share of challenges. Most notably, her matches against male opponents.

“Personally, the hardest part about wrestling would have to be the fact that I’m not built to be stronger than the guys.” stated Ned. “Because I’m a girl; I have to work more on my skill, rather than my strength.”

Of course, matches where Ned finds herself up against a male opponent are accompanied with plenty of trash talk.

Hampered by a back injury this season, Ned has seen limited action for the Lions but continues her quest to wrestle in the regional tournament.

Ned hopes that eventually, male opponents won’t look at her as “just a girl”, but instead as someone who can beat them just like anybody else.

With a quiet and confident spirit and because of her fearless, never-quit mentality, success is a certainty, on and off the mat for Ashleigh Ned.

“I remember one time, I beat this guy and he actually came up to me after the match and was very upset” she described. “I just looked at him and said, ‘Hey, you just need to get better’.”

“You don’t want to overlook her,” said coach Jim Taylor. “Our guys in our training room know better. She’s still got a chance to earn a spot in our lineup before regionals. She’s tough as nails.”

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Pine Cellular Spotlight: Tateum Jones - Hugo Written by Nick Hampton She’s like the behemoths of the offensive line in football. Except just one-third their size.

Like the offensive linemen who open the holes for the so-called stars of the team to run or pass, little Tateum Jones of Hugo is the glue that holds the Lady Buffaloes basketball team together. She’s the point guard, only returning starter, and the only senior on a team that’s looking to find its identity. While it might be easy for her to feel like she has to take the team on her back, Jones is content unselfishly filling her role as the team playmaker.

“I don’t really care so much about scoring,” said Jones, who’s averaging seven points and six assists per game. “I think it’s more important to get my team involved and I look for any kind of way to keep things rolling for us.” Jones bases her play and style on a former pro basketball icon.

Pine Cellular Spotlight: Hugo’s Houston Gregg

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Written by Nick Hampton

The year 2018 figures to be the year that Houston Gregg gets his chance to shine.

The 6-7 Hugo senior has been a role player for the Buffaloes since he was a freshman, not starting but gaining lots of varsity experience including two trips to the area finals. He and his coach are hoping that with Gregg becoming a full-time starter this will be the year that Hugo makes it to the Big House.

“Houston is our big man inside,” said his coach Darnell Shanklin. “He can go in and post up, hit the short jumper. and have a big game inside which is a little unusual in this era of the three-point shot.” Gregg says his abilities in basketball are pretty much a family thing. “I had a brother that played for coach Shanklin and I have aunts and a grandma that played basketball so

“Kobe Bryant really changed the way I look at basketball as I was growing up,” said Jones. “I feel like he wasn’t just a basketball player but an inspiration for kids. He changed the way I looked at basketball and helped me develop a love for the game in the first place.” Her coach, Chris Scott, is aware of Jones’ importance for his inexperienced team which was 10-7 mid-January with most of those losses to larger class, ranked teams.

“She’s very quick and a true point guard,” said Scott. “She’s good at breaking other defenses down and getting the ball to our post people and getting everybody easier shots and she’s a tenacious defender. Her unselfish play and senior leadership are vital and it’s important for our team for her to have the ball in her hands.”

A member of the Hugo track squad as well, Jones runs the 100 and 200 meters. But basketball will always be her love and she relishes her role as the lone senior leader of the team. “As a senior I see it as an honor and

privilege to lead my team this year and hopefully take them to the state championship,” said Jones. Photo courtesy Bobby Hamill

it’s kind of like a family thing really,’ said Gregg, who’s averaging nearly 18 points and nine rebounds a game in the pre-holiday portion of the season. Becoming a starter this year has admittedly been a challenge for the likeable Buffalo post-man.

“The first part of the season was a little bit of a struggle because I had to get used to starting. But as I got in to it I think it’s coming around. I’m moving inside better, being more aggressive, hustling more, and running the court a lot better.” said Gregg.

The Buffaloes were 7-3 at the Christmas break and ranked seventh in Class 3A with their losses coming to larger schools in tournament play which fits with Shanklin’s plan of playing a tough early schedule so they’ll be ready for the 3A competition down the road. Regardless of how the season falls, Shanklin feels his big post man will do well after high school.

“I’m really proud of the way Houston has accepted his role on the team as one of our leaders this season, Off the court, he’s an A or B grade student and has good chance to go on to college and that’s what makes me as proud of him as anything,”

H U G O C H A R AC T E R

Hugo Character Counts: ERIC HILBERT “You get up every morning From you ‘larm clock’s warning… Take the 8:15 into the city…

When you examine the efforts and contributions of Hugo High School junior Eric Hilbert, the opening lines from the hit recording “Taking Care of Business” by Bachman Turner Overdrive say it best…or perhaps the chorus says it even better… Taking care of business (every day) Taking care of business (every way) I’ve been taking care of business (it’s all mine) Taking care of business and working overtime (Work out)

The 5-9 junior guard for Buffaloes basketball starting lineup is a product of hard work before, during and after practice. “Eric has made himself into a player and simultaneously made his teammates better at the same time,”

notes Hugo basketball coach Darnell Shanklin. “He’s a gym rat that spends the extra time perfecting his shot. There’s nothing flashy but opponents have to respect his ability to drive and score. His energy on the floor is top notch.” Quietly through his neverending work habits, Hilbert’s defensive skills draw praise from Shanklin.

“He’s a communicator who rarely gets beat defensively, which is one of our primary points of emphasis,” Shanklin confirmed. A solid student in the classroom, the Buffaloes head coach appreciates Hilbert’s willingness to check his ego at the door. “They all know what I expect ‘cause I’m not the easiest guy to play for,” admits Shanklin. “Eric takes care of his

business on the court everyday as well as the other 22 hours when he’s away from the gym.”

No doubt about it, Eric Hilbert understands and proves by his actions that he’s taking care of business and by doing so will help his team reach the Class 3A state basketball tournament in March. Photo by Bobby Hamill

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Security First National Bank has been proudly serving the citizens of Choctaw County since 1930 and we are the ONLY bank headquartered in Hugo.

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WE HAVE LOCAL ROOTS

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MCCURTAIN COUNTY BANK SALUTES McCurtain County Bank Spotlight: Idabel’s Isabella Murray Excellence in athletics isn’t necessarily limited to the field or court. Take, for example, the story of Idabel cheerleader Isabella Murray.

A senior with a 4.0 GPA, Isabella (or Bella as they call her) went to UCA cheer camp this past summer where she was named one of 20 AllAmerican cheerleaders out of a group of 200-300 girls.

“You had to learn a cheer, a dance and a chant and perform those along with your best jump just for the tryouts,” said Murray. “Besides the prestige of being All-American you also qualified for a trip to London, but you had to play your own way.” Not an easy task to afford that kind of trip, but Bella’s father, who is deployed overseas with the National Guard, decided to give her an early graduation gift and paid for her, mom, her aunt and grandmother to all go. “London was amazing. There was so much to

McCurtain County Bank Spotlight: Allison Crow - Valliant Allison Crow of Valliant is a case study in what perseverance and faith are all about in athletics and life in general.

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With lots of promise in front of her in both basketball and softball, a 2016 auto injury cut Crow’s sophomore season short. She came back and contributed off the bench her junior year only to suffer an ACL injury last summer which devastated her.

“When it first happened, I thought ‘Oh no, I’m not going to be able to play again and they told me that I really shouldn’t try to play again. But I’ve worked hard to regain my leg strength because I’ve lost over half of my muscle there and it’s just been really hard,” said Crow. “The most difficult part is just getting in my mind that I can do it.” Her coach, Patrick Nix, says that while she’s still working on the physical rehab, the injury has

McCurtain County Bank Spotlight: Deja James - Broken Bow

Every team needs a big play leader. And for the Broken Bow Lady Savages that player this season has been senior Deja James. “She’s been in big games situations and she’ll take it on,” says her coach Dottie Slabaugh. “Just the other night against Okemah they played a very slow patient game and were up by a point with two minutes to play. Deja came up with two big steals and a basket to help us get the win. She’s just into the big moments and she’s going to come through.” According to Slabaugh, James has really stepped up her game since the end of last year, “For most of last year, Deja was a little timid on the floor, but she had a really good state tournament and has carried that over to this year where she’s now more aggressive on offense in addition to her tough defensive play,” said Slabaugh.

Written by Nick Hampton

see,” said Murray. “Probably the highlight of the trip was marching in the London New Year’s Day Parade and being featured on their mostwatched TV network.”

Besides her duties as the captain of the cheerleading team, Bella is also a member of the Key Club, National Honor Society, and Native American Club among others. In addition to her regular classes she also attends classes at the Kiamichi Tech Center studying health careers and was recently elected an officer in the Health Occupation Students of America organization-a first for the Kiamichi Center. “She’s a very important member of the squad,” said sponsor Sanda Gambol, who just recently took over that responsibility. “I taught her when she was younger, and she has become my go-to person and a real god-send as I get adjusted to the job. She’s an amazing leader of the squad. She’s not bossy, but the girls all respect her and listen to her.” Bella plans to attend Texas A&M UniversityTexarkana following graduation where she

hopes to study neo-natal infant care.

So next time you see the cheerleaders on the field or basketball court, keep in the mind the story of Bella and how much work goes into being the cream of the crop in that endeavor as it does for the athletes on the field.

helped her in other aspects.

“She started the season a little slow but in the last couple of weeks before the holiday break she was averaging 12-13 points a game,” said Nix. “She’s not quite as quick as she was but it’s probably made her a better player because she’s had to be smarter and learn the small things about the game.” Crow also has another aspect of her game that she feels has made her rehab more tolerable.

“I pray before every game and I’ve got an ankle bracelet that I wear that has the scripture ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ and I think about that whenever things get tough, so I can just keep on pushing.” She also relies heavily on her handful of team mates that have all played together for several years and which she and her coach feel can push them into the area tournament and maybe beyond this season.

In addition to her talents on the floor, James is also an excellent softball player who has signed with Carl Albert State College. But strangely enough, James says she’s got some mixed emotions.

“You know I’m not really a big fan of just watching softball, but people kept telling me how good I was, and so I continued to pursue it,” said James. “I think my mom being a good athlete when she was young had a big influence on why I’m successful.”

The Lady Savages reached the mid-January with a 13-1 record and ranked No. 6 in Class 4A and Slabaugh thinks her crew has what it takes to get them past the state semifinals where they’ve ended the last two seasons. “Deja and Aspen (Williston) are my two kids that have lots of returning varsity experience. Most of the other starters were spot players or saw no action last year so I’m real pleased with our start and we’ll just strive to continue to grow and get better with each game.”

“I think it goes back to how well we get along. We all pick each other up and push each other and if we weren’t close, I don’t think we would be as good as we are,” said Crow. Perseverance, faith and a strong team comradery should help the Valliant Lady Panthers and Allison Crow find success both on and off the court this year.

McCurtain County Bank Spotlight: Donte Reece - Idabel Donte Reece is what basketball folks call a “big body”. At 6-4 and about 260 pounds it’s easy to see why. But as it turns out Donte Reece is even more big hearted than big bodied.

The junior center for the Idabel Warriors basketball team is already a winner this season no matter the team’s won-loss record. This story goes back to December 14 in a game against Boswell as Reece picks up the story.

“Me and one of the Boswell players were both going for a loose ball. He jumped over me and landed on his head real hard. I didn’t like the way he was looking laying there, so I stopped and prayed for him. After they helped him off the court I was so upset I asked coach to take me out of the game and the rest of the time I just sat there praying. They took him to the hospital and after the game I went there to see how he was doing and met his mom and dad and told them I was sorry for what had happened.”

McCurtain County Bank Spotlight: Ashley Robinson - Talihina

In baseball it’s three strikes and you’re out. The Lady Tigers of Talihina are certainly glad that rule doesn’t apply to basketball or else they might be without one of their key players this year.

Senior Ashley Robinson has been through the wringer during her high school career. In the early part of her freshman season, she tore an ACL and was done for the year. She had a follow-up surgery that next fall and there was some doubt if she’d return her sophomore year. But she did come back that season only to tear the other ACL right before playoffs. After an uneventful junior year, she suffered a severe ankle sprain that sidelined her most of December this season. But despite all that, she still has a great attitude about everything.

McCurtain County Bank Spotlight: Dylan Blair - Talihina

getting to play and sometimes I wasn’t sure about going back, but I just really enjoy playing. The surgeries themselves didn’t bother me too much but all the physical therapy has been really rough.”

they move towards the playoffs. But for Donte Reece it seems he’s already learned a big life lesson that can’t be coached.

David Morris, who has coached Robinson since her sophomore year, is amazed at her attitude and resilience.

“When she hurt her knee her sophomore year the first thing she said when I got to her wasn’t about being hurt but that she wasn’t ever going to get to play in a district tournament. But a lot of folks around here have helped her get back in shape and she’s persevered through it all and I can’t talk enough about her and what she means to the team. We’re just so glad that she’s going to be back right after the holidays.”

Off to a 6-1 start on the season, Morris feels with the team less reliant on just one player this year and with a healthy Robinson back in the lineup, the Lady Tigers could see a 20-win season

and a shot at the state tournament. But even if that doesn’t come to pass, Ashley Robinson has already shown the ability to make lemonade out of the lemons life may throw her way.

he’s out there.”

For his part, Blair, who was a receiver on the Tiger football team that made it to the second round of the playoffs, is soft-spoken about his value to the team, but acknowledges that being a team leader sometimes has its draw-backs when it comes to the big brother-little brother dynamic.

“I try to lead by what I do and for the most part my brother follows my lead but sometimes he tends to just act like a little brother,” chuckled Blair.

Wilburton both in our conference and both ranked in Class 3A.”

But as long as Dylan Blair continues to be part of the glue that holds the Tigers together, Talihina would seem to be in good shape to make a strong playoff run.

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“Nick McLemore is a freshman who started playing off the bench for us and is now a starter that’s been a nice addition for us,” said Lockhart. “I think we’ve got to become more consistent and learn to play a full 32-minute game. Our schedule will be tough with Hartshorne and

Although they’ve had a surprise contributor off the bench early in the season, Lockhart knows there’s still some work to be done and some obstacles to overcome to get to the playoffs.

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“He rolled an ankle in mid-December and we dropped our next two games,” said Lockhart. “The guys played kind of lost without him. The team just plays with a lot more confidence when

The Warrior basketball team needs to work on cutting down on transition turnovers and defensive rebounding according to Griffin as

His value to the team has been evident as the Tigers are ranked in the top 10 in Class 2A going into January. But it was truly evident in December when Blair was out of the lineup for a couple of games.

“I saw how he talked to the kids during football and I’ve been encouraging him to take on that role in basketball too,” said Griffin. “He already does a great job of leading by example in his work ethic.”

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“He’s definitely our team leader,” says Blair’s head coach Taggart Lockhart. “The guys look up to him including a younger brother, so he’s been a big help to the team by the way he leads and acts.”

His coach, Burchtal Griffin, hopes to see him become the team leader in basketball that he was in football.

He’s a man of few words. But what he is (and isn’t) on the court makes him a valuable member of the Talihina basketball team. Meet Dylan Blair, a 6-2 senior forward for the Tigers averaging about 11 points a game.

“I think I play a lot like Shaq O’Neal,” said Reece. “He just kind of powered over people but he had real smooth moves in the pivot. That’s what I’d like to do but shoot free throws better.”

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“I think I have robot legs at his point,” laughed Robinson as she talked about her trials. “But it was depressing to have to go through and not

A defensive tackle and wide receiver on the Warrior football team that went to the state quarterfinals last fall before losing to eventual state champ John Marshall, Reece has already received attention from schools such as Oklahoma State and SMU. In basketball he tends to emulate the play of another “big body”.

CLAYTON BASKETBALL

Clayton Basketball Coach David Sanders Reaches 1,000 Wins To turn a phrase from the folks at Sesame Street, this story is brought to you by the numbers 4 and 7.

Put together as 47, it gives us the number of years that Clayton girls coach David Sanders has coached basketball. Turn it around to 74 and you get his age, which begs the question, why are you still doing this?

“I just have a desire to win and like watching kids improve,” said Sanders, who captured his 1000th career coaching victory in November.

A basketball and baseball player himself in high school and college, Sanders started coaching at Union City in the 1960’s and eventually ended up in Cheyenne where his girls team became only the second in state history to score a three-peat state championship in 198587. He then moved on to Stigler where he led the Lady Panthers to three state titles in the 1990’s. Oh, and he also has two state baseball championships to his credit at Gould.

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Sanders maintains he can’t choose a favorite state championship team because they’re all special.

“A state championship team is something special. It really builds a bond that lasts a long time,” said Sanders. “Like last year, Cheyenne had a 30-year anniversary reunion of that championship team and every player and their kids and their husbands were there, and it was really special.” There is one of those championship games that stands out for the veteran coach.

“In 1992 when I was Stigler, Prague beat us at the Tournament of Champions, but we were able to come back and beat them in double-overtime in the state championship game,” said Sanders.

After retiring for a while, Sanders came to Clayton this year to take over the girls team and instill his coaching philosophy which harkens back to the days of coaches like Henry Iba. “We don’t run and gun like a lot of teams do,” said Sanders. “I believe more in a half-court game and to that end, I work a lot on passing, free throw shooting and patience. To me,

reading the other team’s defense is the key so we have options for every set play. It’s like a quarterback who has to read his receiver options when he goes back to pass and that’s the hardest thing to teach kids today.”

And while Sanders says it’s still a work in progress, his Lady Bulldogs were a top-20 ranked team in Class A in mid-January, so it looks like the Sanders magic may be paying off again.

CHEERLEADING POLL

Karmeishi Bray

Haley Gass

McCurtain County Cheer Poll The spirit of the Warriors rings loud and proud as fans of Idabel cheerleader Karmeishie Bray expressed an overwhelming appreciation for the Warriors cheerleader to finish on top of the Pine Cellular Cheerleader of the Month poll as the online expression of support totaled 22,863 votes. Bray received 12,734 votes equaling 55% of the activity while Atoka senior Haley Gass garnered 9,907 votes to finish second. PINE CELLULAR AREA CHEERLEADER OF THE MONTH POLL

Pine Cellular Spotlight: Kensey Wright - Wright City

“I have a temper on the court, but I do my best to control it because I know if one team member gets mad it can rub off on the rest of the team. So I just try to keep a good attitude,” said Wright.

A true country girl, Wright lives on a farm and enjoys hunting, fishing and horseback riding to the point that she’s a tour guide in the area.

“We’re young, inexperienced and not very big, so this season has been more a struggle,’ said

Converse. “But we play hard and have come back to make a lot of our games close. This group doesn’t give up and they play with pride.”

It’s a sure bet that Kensey Wright will continue to have a hand in that spirit as Wright City moves through the last half of the season.

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Coming off a 26-5 season that saw them go to the finals of the area tournament last year, the Lady Lumberjax lost a lot to graduation so this has been somewhat of a rebuilding year according to coach Mike Converse.

“It really makes me kind of nervous because I feel uncomfortable telling people what to do,’ said Wright. “But I realize that I need to do that as a senior. Last year we didn’t have a lot of leadership and I felt intimidated asking the

Her competitive nature tends to leave her frustrated at times when things aren’t going well but she’s working on getting a handle on that in order to be a better leader.

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Being a senior puts her in a position of leadership for the Lady Lumberjax though she’s not all that crazy about it sometimes.

seniors for help, so I keep that in mind when I’m trying to lead.”

“I don’t know,” she laughed. “I guess I just want to make sure I don’t do anything wrong.”

A senior for the Wampus Cats cheer squad, Gass earned All-State cheer honors this fall. She’s also a standout in track after posting some of the state’s best times competing in the 100m, 200m and 400m running events. Gass ranks near the top of the class of 2018 maintaining a 4.3 GPA.

HALEY GASS – ATOKA

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The lone senior starter, Wright leads the team in scoring and rebounding, averaging 11.2 points and over four rebounds per game. She’s an aggressive competitor who doesn’t like to lose and does admit to asking a lot of questions.

A junior at Idabel High School, Bray is an active member of the Key Club as well as maintaining academic success in order to maintain membership in the National Honor Society. In addition to her spirited efforts as a cheerleader, Bray is also Drum Major for the Warriors marching bank and also plays in the concert and jazz bands.

KARMEISHIE BRAY – IDABEL

Her coach kiddingly calls her “Question Mark”, but on the court, there’s no doubt that Kensey Wright of Wright City is the girl in charge for the Lady Lumberjax.

“Karmeishie is one of the best cheerleaders on the squad this year,” said coach Sanda. “She’s combines her athleticism and neverending energy to top notch levels. She’s also an excellent student in the classroom.”

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1. Karmeishi Bray – Idabel 12,734 2. Haley Gass – Atoka 9,907 3. Sidney Boone – Hugo 65

4. Dawson Williston – Haworth 44 5. Isabella Murray – Idabel 31 6. Sophie Tims – Broken Bow 29 7. Hailey McClain – Talihina 24

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Pine Cellular Spotlight: Ryan Tuck - Valliant Sometimes in athletics, the spotlight tends to shine more on the big-stat performers and less on those players that shine off the court as well. Valliant’s Ryan Tuck is a great example of both as he leads the Panthers basketball team in 2018. An accomplished basketball and baseball player, Tuck is also involved in his church activities and around the Valliant community according to his coach Jake Fenley.

“Ryan is just a really solid player and a really solid guy out and about in the community,” said Fenley. “He’s active in all his church’s fund-raising activities and he’s just the kind of guy you can count on if you need something. You don’t have to worry about what’s he does off the court, he never says a bad word, and he’s just a great character example for the younger kids.” Averaging about 11 points and seven points per game as a four-year starter for Valliant, Tuck

Pine Cellular Spotlight: Broken Bow’s Quinton Owens Change is one of those things you can’t avoid in life or athletics. Take the case of junior Quintin Owens of Broken Bow.

An accomplished point guard on the Savage’s basketball team last year, coach Ryan Woolsey asked him to move to the two-guard spot this year on his guard-heavy team when Josh Jones emerged as a contender for the point guard spot.

“I’ve got to tell you I was a little nervous about the change myself,” said Woolsey. “But it’s worked out great. His point per game average is up (at 17) and three-point shooting percentage (42 percent) are both better than last year.”

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For Owens himself, it’s not a big deal.

“Josh and I work together well, and I think maybe he’s a little better ball handler than me,’ says Owens who plays hard every game to honor his late father. “I think having played point guard is an advantage for me because I

Pine Cellular Spotlight: Kyra Hornbuckle - Idabel Coach Katedria Moseley and her team are anxiously watching the calendar in January awaiting the return of what Moseley calls a missing piece of the puzzle for the Idabel Lady Warriors in senior guard Kyra Hornbuckle who transferred in from Poteau this season.

“We’ve always had good speed and tough defense, but Kyra has added range and given us someone who can step up and knock down the outside shot when we needed it,” said Moseley.

Idabel was rolling along with just one loss when Hornbuckle went down with a knee injury in late December. That, in part, led to the Lady Warriors dropping two games in their own tournament because they lacked Hornbuckle’s outside shooting threat. Although they were able to bounce back and win the Beggs Tournament at the start of January, they’re looking forward to the middle of the month when Hornbuckle is

Written by Nick Hampton

made a change in the off-season to improve himself.

“I dropped some weight over the summer and I think that’s really helped my athletic ability and stamina,” said Tuck. In some ways, Tuck is a throw-back to a different generation of athletes much like his boy-hood role model.

“Larry Byrd was one of my favorite players when I was young,” said Tuck. “He wasn’t the most athletic guy, but he could shoot lights out and knew the little things about the game that helped him get open for shots.”

As one of the seniors on the team, Tuck knows that he’s not only looked to for his play, but also for his leadership on the team and feels he’s up to challenge. “I’ve had to become a little more vocal this year and I try to challenge my team mates without being too confrontational.” Fenley feels that with the improvements in his game over the past year, Tuck might have a

chance to play small college ball somewhere

But whether or not that happens, Ryan Tuck has shown that he’ll leave high school with traits more valuable than athletics: good character and a solid citizen.

have a sense of where the ball should be going all the time.”

Owens also runs high hurdles in track and was tailback on the Broken Bow football team that lost in the second round of the playoffs to eventual state champ Heritage Hall. He probably leans a little more to football as being his favorite sport because of the success they enjoyed this year. On the court Owens’ quickness is one of his biggest assets according to his coach.

“Quintin is probably the quickest kid I’ve ever coached,” said Woolsey. “It helps him beat defenders from the outside and get to the rim a lot or dish it to an open team mate.”

The Savages are 10-4 as of mid-January following a 61-49 win over rival Idabel but need to be more consistent if they want to go the distant in a talented Class 4A field.

“There are some games we shoot really well and then we’ll have a game or two where we don’t shoot well at all. We’ve got to do a better of job of being ready every game and we need to improve our defensive

rebounding,” said Woolsey.

So, change has worked out well so far for the Savages.

“The success of Quintin as the shooting guard has really been a pleasant surprise. We’ve got a young back court with a junior and two sophomores but they’re growing up quickly and I think we’ll be all right by playoff time,” said Woolsey.

expected to be back in the lineup.

Transferring schools especially in your senior year was tough says Hornbuckle, but her new team really made it easy. “My teammates made the transfer easy and welcomed me right in,” said Hornbuckle, who will be available to the Idabel track team with experience in the sprint relay, 800-meter relay, and high jump. “On my old team I was little timid to shoot the ball but here they’ve encouraged me to shoot and I know my team knows how to handle the ball as well.”

Through the Beggs Tournament, the Lady Warriors were 12-3 and ranked No.9 in Class 3A. But Moseley feels her team needs more consistency in their play as they approach the second half of the season to continue their success.

“We have a tendency to play to the level of our opponents and I’d like to see us play with the same tenacity every game no matter who we’re playing.”

Besides her play on the floor, Hornbuckle brings with her another factor that will help her well past her playing days according to Moseley.

“She’s got around a 3.8 GPA and I think if that holds up she’ll be an Academic Achievement Award winner for us this year no matter how the team ends up doing.”

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I D A B E L P OW E R L I F T I N G

WARRIOR POWER Written by Nick Hampton

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The Three Musketeers, who were one for all and all for one, would be proud of Idabel power lifting coach T.J. Langley. In a competition that focuses on how each individual performs, Langley is all about the team for his young but talented power lifting squad.

“We’ve got some guys who are strong and have been at this for a while, but we’ve also got some youngsters who are just starting to develop,” said Langley. “Here we push team first. It’s good if you win a medal or you want everyone to do well but we push team, team, team. If you’re working your butt off and helping your brothers, you’ll have success individually and that will also mean

success for the team.”

Langley has a good mixture of experience and youth on his team starting with senior C.J. Frost who captured first place in the 275-pound weight class at the Hilldale meet last month. Brothers Oscar, who placed second at 220 pounds at Hilldale, and Alex Gill, who also earned a medal at that meet, are typical of the youth-factor of this team. “Oscar and Alex are young and don’t even realize how strong they can be yet,” said Langley. “Besides the Gills and Frost, we’ve got Darren Rios who has done well. I also took our freshman team to the Hilldale meet and all but one of them got a medal and I’ve got an eighth-grader,

Brandon Hilton, who won state last year and has great potential.”

There will be a couple of meets in February and then regionals before the state meet in March and Langley is excited about his team’s prospects this year.

“This is the best and strongest team I’ve had starting a season in the four years that I’ve been here,” said Langley. “We’ll have to look out for teams like Sequoyah Tahlequah and Sulphur, but I like our chances. In these next few weeks we just have to keep our focus and be in the weight room every day and try to be the best person on the team that we can be. And if we do those things, the Man upstairs will make sure good things happen to us.”

B R O K E N B OW C H E E R

Broken Bow Cheer: Spirit of the Savages OK class, if I throw out some sports terms like “backspot”, ‘bases’ and “flyer” what are we talking about. Baseball? Hockey? Nope these terms apply to cheerleading and one of the most notable of these squads is found in Broken Bow.

Lauren Ross took over the Savage cheer squad this year at her alma mater where she was on the cheer squad and captain of the team when she was in school. The current edition of the Broken Bow squad features members like Lauren Orr, a 4.6 GPA student who is the top senior at school and vice-president of the senior class along with team captains Lacey Jennings and Kelsie Brown.

“At OCA camp this past summer Lacey and Kelsie both made All-American cheerleader,” said Ross. “To be selected they had to do a cheer, a chant, three jumps and a dance in front of the whole camp and be judged by the camp instructors and there are just a few girls that are selected.” While most folks just think about the cheer squad when they see them at a game, Ross

says it’s a very timeconsuming endeavor.

“Most of my girls are involved in other sports as well so by the time they get to cheer practice it might be their third practice of the day. They’re worn out but they’re still there to support the other teams.”

Although the team is gifted athletically, Ross may be most proud of some of their other accomplishments.

“One of the extraordinary things about our team is that at OCA camp the girls won the Leadership Award. All of the girls were asked if they couldn’t be on their own team, which team would they want to be on and Broken Bow won. So that means everyone else at camp would want to be a part of our squad which speaks volumes to me about our girls’ character and how they present themselves,” said Ross. “They also won the Tradition Award which goes to

the school that shows the most pride in their school and that was really important because school pride is the ultimate goal for our cheer team. We want people to be proud of where they came from.” They also take part in activities away from cheerleading according to Ross.

“For teacher’s in-service, I’ll have the girls go with their cheerful faces to each school and pass out doughnuts and drinks to the teachers just to say ‘look we’re here. We’re excited and aren’t you glad to be a Savage?’” And for Lauren Ross that’s what’s it’ all about.

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