VYPE Southeast Oklahoma March 2015 by Austin Chadwick

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March 2015

Trinity Media Group, LLC 12330 E. 60th St. STE A. • Tulsa, OK 74146 All rights reserved. Publisher Austin Chadwick • Editorial Director Brad Heath • Director of Operations Rod Coulter Three Rivers Director Bill Huddleston • Editor at Large Kyle Kendrick • Associate Editor Cal Ross Oklahoma Sales Director Roscoe Migloire Southeast Oklahoma Sales and Marketing Director Kelly Marsaln • Partner Mark Rodgers Contributing Writers Bill Huddleston, Kelly Marsaln, Brad Heath, Kyle Kendrick Contributing Photographers Christy Lindley, Holly Hackler, Brad Heath, Mark Emmons Photography, Erica Lee Photography, Jennifer Curliss, Vickie Tincher, Brett Rojo, Bill Huddleston 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.

19 | Atoka Boys Basketball

6 | All-VYPE The annual All-VYPE basketball teams are announced in this issue. Check out this list of great players from Southeast Oklahoma.

12 | McAlester Tennis The McAlester tennis team showed great success in 2014 and the Buffs and Lady Buffs look to continue the trend in 2015.

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March 2015

Ranked #1 in Class 3A for most of the season, the Wampus Cats remained in the hunt for their first state title in boys basketball all the way to the Big House.

31 | Idabel Baseball Head coach Lance Wyrick returns a good group of seniors to the diamond. Find out what you can expect from the Warriors in 2015.

Dexter Brown - McAlester Golf…has long been referred to as gentleman’s game, a game of integrity. It’s more than just the rules and their implementation but also how you conduct yourself on the course. Dexter Brown, a three-time state qualifier in golf

have the consistent example of my parents (Greg & April). I’ve learned how to make my choices thanks to their example of always doing the right thing for others.” Success in golf is a combination of physical and mental talents. The muscle memory gained from practice and the mental skills to block out the distractions and play through any challenge lead to winning results. For Brown, who ranks among the top of his graduating class with a 4.4 GPA, winning is more than the score; something that is accomplished by the ability to evaluate the options, rely upon past experiences and then trust your confidence to succeed. “Success is all about the mental game, in golf and life,” smiled Brown. “When you can stay inside your bubble of confidence and maintain positive thoughts, you can accomplish almost anything.” Brown’s approach on and off the course continues to inspire others to seek their best.

for the McAlester Buffaloes, applies the same approach to his day-to-day life as he does with every trip around the links.

“Dexter is a rare type of athlete who combines exceptional natural ability with an eagerness and willingness to learn,” said Jude Schlesselman, former McAlester High golf coach the past two years. “His work ethic and communication skills give Dexter the unique ability to make his peers and teammates better.” A member of the National Honor Society, who also shares his willingness to help others through participating with Shared Blessings, the 2015 senior at McAlester High School accepts the responsibility of being a role model in the true spirit of Buffalo pride.

“Integrity is who you are, not just when you play golf but in everything you do, in every decision you make,” notes Brown, a senior at McAlester High School. “For young and old people alike, there’s always a temptation to take short cuts or try to get away with something; but for me it’s a simple choice… is it the right thing to do?”

“I just try to be friendly,” chuckled Brown, noting his willingness to talk to everyone. “If you just take time to listen, you can help somebody with their struggles. The hard works of others previously have created today’s opportunities. It’s our chance to pay it forward for others. And, when your teammates know they can trust you for support and encouragement, they’ll do whatever it takes to reach for the stars.”

“When Dexter tells you something, you can count on it as fact,” said Chris Zike, who will be McAlester’s golf coach this season. “He’s a young man of honor. And, when you need something done, Dexter’s always willing to do it, no questions asked.”

“Dexter is an open book, no surprises,” claimed Zike, “He knows what he wants to do and has a game plan to achieve it. And because of his example, on and off the course, Dexter’s influence raises the level of achievements for everyone.”

The key ingredient behind Brown’s foundation of character is being prepared; something he credits to childhood experiences in Boy Scouts and the influence of his parents.

So checking the scorecard, whether he’s swinging a 52-degree wedge, his favorite club, to produce pin-point shots on the golf course or spending time helping others accomplish victory in challenging circumstances, Dexter Brown is at the top of the leaderboard, a proven example that Character Counts.

“Growing up, I was involved in Scouts and eventually earned Eagle Scout status,” recalled Brown. “Being prepared wasn’t just a phrase but a way of action in everything you did. I’m blessed that I also

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Southeast

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Basketball

All-VYPE Basketball BOYS Player of the Year: Todd Dawkins – McAlester

First Team Cory Kilby – Ada Bobby Johnson – Atoka Chase Shearwood – Canadian Oscar Rivera – Haworth Ryan Scales – Idabel Treston Tully – Latta

Second Team Bishop Coulter – Atoka Daekwon Cubit – Broken Bow Alan Lockhart – Talihina Wade Young – Wright City Kaleb Wilson – Stuart Boochie Threatt – Idabel Brad Davis – Quinton

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All-VYPE Basketball GIRLS Player of the Year: Amber Collins – Buffalo Valley

First Team Addy Clift – Kiowa Jacie Engler – Wright City Michaela Richbourg – Broken Bow Shelby Brennan – Quinton Brittany Ward – Red Oak Jaycee Sanders – Davis Second Team Delaney Nix – McAlester Alexis Lambert - Stonewall Rainey Mauzey – Red Oak Torii Tarkington – Hugo Jolie Romine – Davis Justice Dees – Stonewall

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McAlester Baseball Taking A Simple Approach to Success

Mason Ross

Brett Homer

Win the next game…it’s the approach for the McAlester Buffaloes this spring with a inning by inning, game to game plan for success. Head coach Justin Bond enters his second season with five starters returning from a 19-18 mark a year ago. “We were just a hit away from a district title,” admits Bond. “This year, we’ll be a tough, gritty bunch that will work the count at the plate and play solid defense. When we do that, the Buffs will be tough to beat.” Among the starters in the lineup, sophomore right handed pitching ace Mason Ross joins a trio of seniors including catcher Brett Homer, middle infielder Taylor Mullins and outfielder Zach Baugh to answer questions for VYPE about the upcoming season. VYPE: What can fans expect to see from McAlester baseball this year?

Baugh: Chemistry & camaraderie…a team all playing with the same goal-State Tournament. VYPE: What is the most challenging thing about your position? Ross: Playing multiple positions day to day and being the best you can be everyday. Homer: Managing the whole game.

Mullins: It’s more about handling the pressure of the situation whatever position you play.

Baugh: Judging the wind and the ability to find the ball off the bat with the sun in your eyes. VYPE: Who is your favorite MLB player and why?

Ross: Old school style play, whatever it takes to win.

Ross: Clayton Kershaw-LA Dodgers because there’s no one better in my opinion.

Mullins: Expect a return to the state tournament.

Mullins: Brandon Phillips of the Reds-he’s the best infielder in MLB.

Homer: Winning and competing in every game down to the final out. Baugh: Hard work, success and determination to win.

VYPE: What are the strengths of this year’s team? Ross: Pitching, base running, small ball.

Homer: Flexibility in the lineup because of the interchangeable players at multiple positions. Mullins: Interchangeable parts in the 8

lineup and our team speed are big factors.

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Homer: Ivan (Pudge) Rodriguez – I’ve tried to model my play after him.

Baugh: Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates – I style my play after him. (He also wears the black & gold) VYPE: Who is your favorite team to play against and why? Ross: Shawnee because it’s a dogfight every time we play.

Homer: Durant, it’s a rivalry and we’re coming after them!

Taylor Mullins Mullins: No doubt, it’s Durant because of the rivalry. Baugh: Doo-rant, we don’t like them!

VYPE: Who is the funniest guy in the dugout?

Ross: Michael Hyden – you never know what he’s going to say.

Homer: Michael Hyden – he keeps things loose. Mullins: Michael Hyden – his lingo is unique that’s for sure. Baugh: Michael Hyden – no doubt!

VYPE: Is there something you’re afraid of? Ross: My Math class! Homer: Snakes

Mullins: A career ending injury. Baugh: Bigfoot!

VYPE: What’s the best thing about being a McAlester Buffalo? Ross: It’s all about the team and the pride of wearing BUFFS across the chest. Homer: The tradition of being a competitor and the brotherhood of the team.

Mullins: The high expectations and being part of the tradition and success. Baugh: Winning and the tradition of teamwork and brotherhood.

McAlester Buffaloes Baseball 2015

3/6 vs. Edison** 3/7 @Edison** 3/10 vs. Shawnee** 3/12 @ Shawnee** 3/17 @ OC Capitol Hill (2) 3/18 @ Red Oak Festival (2) 3/19-20 @ Shawnee Festival 3/23 @ Durant** 3/24 vs. Durant** 3/26-28 @ Pryor/Claremore Tournament 3/31 vs. Western Heights (2) 4/3 vs. Byng 4/6 @ Coweta** 4/7 vs. Coweta** 4/9-11 @ Carl Albert Tournament 4/14 @ Pryor** 4/16 vs. Pryor** 4/21 vs. Red Oak 4/23-25 McAlester Shootout 4/27 vs. Ada 4/28 @ Allen 5/7-9 Class 5A Regional Tournament 5/14-16 Class 5A State Tournament

Zach Baugh

** - 5A District

March 2015

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McAlester Tennis Serving For Another Trip To State Talent and determination are two of the words shared by head coach Chad Waller as the McAlester Buffaloes tennis teams open the 2015 season with a strategy to reach center court at the OSSAA state championships in May. “We lost our number one singles Eric Borengasser player on both teams,” said Waller, “but we have plenty of kids with experience on the court that give us the chance to be on the state tournament pairings again.” On the boys side of the net, the Buffs’ lineup features state tournament experience with Eric Borengasser at number one and Sam DeNike serving at two-singles. “Eric qualified at number two singles last year after reaching state in doubles his freshman year,” notes Waller, “and Sam qualified in doubles last year.” Adding to the experience will be Taeam Kang, kicker on McAlester’s football team, who will team with sophomore Ben Domingue at number one doubles. After successful junior high seasons, freshmen Manning White and Christian Parker will combine skills at two doubles. Austin Weiher, Kyle Vieux and Benjamin Redman continue to compete for their time in the order.

been intense as everyone of the girls wants their chance to play.” Among those challenging for positions will be Brooklyn Anderson, Molly Ervin, Kate Namuhmuh, Cydney Linehan, Mackenzie Brown and Desiree Felkner. “We’ve focused working on our fundamentals on both sides of the net,” said Waller noting the continued development of this year’s teams. “We’ll play with a strategy of placing our serve for points. The competitive nature of this year’s teams leaves me confident the Buffs will be among the teams on center court come state tournament time in May.” McAlester Buffaloes Tennis – 2015 Mar 9 East vs. West 5A Championship Mar 12 McAlester Duals Mar 27 McAlester Team Tournament Mar 30 Durant Triad w/Ardmore Apr 2 Ada Invitational Tournament - Boys Apr 3 Ada Invitational Tournament - Girls Apr 6 Bartlesville Tournament Apr 9 McAlester Triad Apr 16 Claremore Triad in Muskogee Apr 17 McAlester Burn Out Tournament Apr 21 Henryetta Triad Apr 24 Ardmore Tournament – Girls Apr 25 Ardmore Tournament – Boys May 1 Shawnee Tournament – Girls May 2 Shawnee Tournament – Boys May 4 Class 5A Regionals – Girls May 8-9 Class 5A State Tournament – Girls May 11 Class 5A Regionals – Boys May 15-16 Class 5A State Tournament - Boys Photos by Mark Emmons Photography

“The top four are solid,” said Waller, “and the other spots will be determined by whoever wants it most and proves it in competition.” The girls roster matches the talents of 10 players with a preseason routine that has been extremely competitive to keep a position on the ladder. Singles play will come off the rackets of Rayne Key and Jennifer Amy while sophomore Keira Johnson is expected to team with Chaise Isky at number one doubles. “Number two doubles is day to day right now,” admits Waller, noting the close competition between six players on the varsity team. “Because of the strength of our junior high teams, challenge matches have 12

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Rayne Key - Jennifer Amy

Sulphur Comeback Athlete

Bailee Eldred - Sulphur

Bailee Eldred

Bailee Eldred is a basketball player at Sulphur high school. She is one of coach Toby Todd’s best players. On Nov. 11, 2013, Eldred broke her left ankle. This was unfortunate news for not only Eldred, but her coach as well. He had just lost one of his best players. Fortunately, the injury did not require surgery. The bones were able to heal back together on their own. Eldred visited Dr. Edmonds at the McBride Clinic, and he helped her through her rehab process. Eldred said the hardest part of the process was being forced to stay off her ankle for two months. Then she had to work her way back into playing shape. She rode the elliptical, stretched and eventually began jogging. She faced physical and mental challenges, but her coach, and her faith, was there to push her along

the way.

“My coach kept me motivated throughout the whole process and still allowed me to take on the leader role from the sidelines,” Eldred said. “I learned a lot about the game and my teammates by switching roles. My faith got me through it. I knew God had a plan and that’s what I believed in. I knew I’d be a better player because of it.” Her perseverance and hard work has earned Bailee Eldred the honor of Sulphur Comeback Athlete of the Month.

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VYPE talked with Ada girls golf coach Ron Anderson about the history and development of his program.

VYPE: How long have you been coaching at Ada?

Anderson: It was certainly a learning experience for the girls and most people, mainly administration and our country club pro, had doubts that this would work out, including several country club members that didn’t want a bunch of hackers on the course. Our first year was certainly a struggle and we finished last in most every tournament. However, these girls worked harder than any team I’ve had before including my very good teams at Stillwater (3 state tournaments), Tahlequah (2 state tournaments) and Chickasha (1 out of 1 state tournament).

Anderson: This is my seventh year as basketball coach and girls golf coach. VYPE: How many golfers do you have on the team this season? Anderson: This year I have nine girls out for golf. That’s the most ever for Ada. VYPE: What was the state of the program when you arrived at Ada? Anderson: When I arrived seven years ago I had one senior golfer; a very good one that made it to state and went on to play at OCU. Never had Ada had enough girls to field a full team, two players at most. So, I went out and recruited five girls to play. Not one of them had ever played competitive golf and some had never picked up a club. VYPE: What type of challenges did that force you and your team to overcome? 14

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Rhyley Hagar

VYPE: When you did you realize all of the hard work was paying off? Anderson: When we qualified for state with the second girls’ golf team in Ada history. We’ve been to the state tournament three additional times to make it four out of six years. This year I will not have the very good low scoring individual, but I feel I have the most balanced team since I’ve been here. I expect to make it again this year.

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Lucchese Maxey - Atoka High School Senior Lucchese Maxey has been a dominant force down low for coach William Holiman and Atoka. She is efficient on both ends of the floor, and she rebounds the basketball extremely well. This season, she is averaging 12 points, four rebounds and three blocks per game. She has been a leader on the court this season. Holimanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lowerclassmen have had a great role model to learn from. Earlier in the season, Maxey recorded a season-high 27 points. Her work ethic, on and off the court, has set the example for her younger teammates to follow. For her hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball, Lucchese Maxey is the Atoka Athlete of the Month.

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Wampus Cats Made A Good Run At State The Atoka boys basketball team reached the semifinals of the Class 3A state tournament.

Last season the Atoka boys basketball team made a trip to the Class 3A state tournament but suffered a heartbreaking 56-53 loss to eventual state runner-up Oklahoma Centennial. This season the Wampus Cats won 20 of their first 22 games to ascend to the No. 1 ranking in 3A, putting themselves in a prime position to make a run at a title.

Head coach Russ Harrison said that he felt like his team couldn’t be more prepared to make a deep postseason run and contend for a championship. “I think we were as ready as we needed to be. We were very focused and I felt like we were much more prepared than last year,” Harrison said.

With a guard heavy lineup surrounding big man Bishop Coulter the Wampus Cats were able to score in bunches this year but also held opponents to some very low scores. Overall Atoka averaged 73.9 points per game and only allowed a total of 53.1 points per contest during the season. Harrison was quick to point out that it was Coulter who set everything up for his team and allowed for numbers like that to be possible.

“I think Bishop was the key to everything we did, both offensively and defensively. He just changed the look for other teams and freed things up for our talented group of guards,” Harrison said. Some of those talented guards Harrison mentioned are senior Bobby Johnson, junior point guard Tyreke Johnson and senior guard Brandon Calicutt. A talented scorer, Johnson drew a good deal of attention himself but also helps his team with solid defense and hard work on the glass. Johnson and Calicutt meanwhile were both capable scorers that gave their team a huge boost with their speed and athleticism.

Bishop Coulter

win over Sperry but then saw their season come to a close with a 72-67 loss to eventual state champion Heritage Hall. Despite the loss however, Wampus Cats fans have reason to be optimistic with just four seniors departing from the team when they graduate in May, leaving a solid core of returning players to make another run at a gold ball in 2016.

After making it to the state tournament Atoka advanced to the semifinals with a 79-64

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Durant Golf Hopes to Swing a Big Stick The Lions boys and girls golf teams both have high hopes for this spring.

Lady Lions Last season the Durant Lady Lions finished in second place at a team at the Class 5A state tournament and despite losing two players to graduation last year head coach Tanner Dupree said he still expects big things. “After finishing as 5A state runner-ups last season, we will look to continue to have success on and off the field. We replace two all-state players with sophomores that have good potential. They are looking to fill in and help the team stay inside the top five for the third season in a row,” Dupree said. Leading the team this year will be junior and two-time defending Class 5A individual champion Sydney Youngblood. Seniors, and three-time lettermen Karina Parmley and Makenzee Castanon are also back this year to help with the leadership duties. Look for sophomores Paige Clinton and Chloe McKinney to likely round out the varsity team this year. Freshmen Kacy Benson, Bailey Page and Adison Hutchens are also names to look out for this year as they look to make an impact in their first season at the high school level. Lions

While the girls team has 22

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flourished in Durant the boys team has taken a small step back. Head coach Tanner Dupree is focused on making sure that skid stops this season.

“The boys team is looking to rebound from last year when we failed to reach the state tournament for the second season in a row. We will be stronger down the stretch this season and Sydney Youngblood should be in competition to make the state Jackson, sophomores Christian tournament,” Dupree said. Bruce and Noah McGinnis. Freshman Tyler Buhler and Senior Trey Hunt will lead the Thomas Sawyer also will have a boys team after claiming an individual regional championship chance to make a big impact this season for the Lions. last year. Sophomores Wes Engle and Taylor Cox are also returning to the team this year with another added year of experience. Outside of the top three several golfers will challenge to spend time on the varsity roster this year including junior Josh

Jarris Hamilton - Silo High School

Hadley Clower - Caddo High School

Silo senior Jarris Hamilton carries a 3.75 grade point average as a baseball and basketball stalwart for the Rebels. He is currently enrolled in several concurrent classes at Southeastern Oklahoma State University including Government, History, Psychology, English, Computers and College Algebra. Hamilton’s favorites are math classes, but mostly Geometry. While he definitely excels in the classroom, he also does an outstanding job athletically, including being named the Bryan County All-Star Game Slam Dunk titlist in 2013. He was also a key member of the Rebels’ fall state championship baseball team. Hamilton’s plan is to play junior college baseball at Rose State or Seminole.

With a perfect 4.0 GPA, junior Hadley Clower is one of the top all-around student athletes at Caddo High School. She does a tremendous job of juggling studies and athletics despite being a three-sport catalyst for the Lady Bruins, competing in softball, basketball as well as track and field. The honor roll student is currently taking a class load that includes English 3, Biology 2, U.S. History, Personal Financial Literacy and Art, which is her favorite class because it gives her a chance to work on a skill she wouldn’t otherwise develop. Clower plans to attend college after graduation and go into the medical field.

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Durant Character Counts

Durant High School senior Blake Whittington is a multitalented standout for the Lions with high ambitions. He carries a 3.5 grade point average with college classes in Algebra, English Comp, Government and Psychology in addition to Oklahoma History. He is a three-year letterman in football and four-year letterman in both wrestling and soccer. Whittington also is a regional archery champion and was the JV skeet shooting state titlist. When not playing high school sports he also teaches swimming lessons. His ability to make people laugh is one of Blake’s top qualities. He plans to finish his college basics at Southeastern before transferring to OU to study pre-med.

She gets her hair from her mom...

Her eyes from her dad...

...and her drugs from her grandma’s medicine cabinet. It is time to clean out your medcine cabinets and properly dispose of unused or outdated prescription medications. Disposal boxes are located at the Durant Police Department and the Bryan County Sheriff’s Department. 24

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Ashton “Brooke” Podany - Durant A two-time Champion of Character Superintendent’s Award winner, senior Ashton “Brooke” Podany is a NCA All American and varsity cheerleading co-captain at Durant High School. She is a member of the Oklahoma and National Honor Society and the Top 10 percent of her class with a 3.843 GPA. Podany is DHS Student Council Executive Vice President as well as a member of HOSA and FCA while volunteering in a variety of activities including blood drives, food drives and Project Pink breast cancer awareness. She was also committee chair and coordinator for prom and class float for homecoming, where she was a homecoming queen finalist. Her future plans are to attend OBU or UCO and pursue a career in nursing.

drugfree@durantisd.org

Blake Whittington - Durant

With a pair of state baseball tournament appearances in the past three years under their belts, the Durant Lions know that the bullseye will be squarely on their backs in the quest for another regional championship this season.

They’ll need to replace two graduates from that regional title squad but will still be extremely young with a host of sophomores and freshmen expected to contribute along with a group of seven seniors. “We’ve got more experience this year but will still be pretty young overall,” head coach Ron Norman said. “We have quite a few underclassmen that will be vital to our success but we will need strong leadership from our senior class to make another push to get back to the state tournament.” Leading that senior group is outfielder Denton Comer, who was a first team alldistrict selection at designated hitter a season ago after batting a team-leading .373 with eight extra-base hits, 24 runs scored, 16 RBI and a team-best .488 on base percentage.

Lefty, Brandon Robison was a second team all-district choice last year with a 4.72 ERA while holding opponents to just a .228

Cooper Webb

The Lions also have a handful of freshmen that should make contributions in multiple roles as the season goes along.

Denton Comer batting average. He also batted .295 with 12 runs batted in.

Fellow senior Cody Jones is also back after being named second team all-district at catcher but will likely be limited somewhat coming off shoulder surgery in October. Other seniors that contributed in the state tournament push returning to make an even bigger impact are infielders Cooper Webb and Carson Campbell along with outfielder Spencer Tidwell and designated hitter Riley Hendrix.

Look for substantial contributions from several sophomores that saw considerable playing time during their first high school season.

“We feel like we have more depth this year but we need to keep people healthy,” Norman added. “We have a number of guys that are versatile and capable of playing several positions. Playing solid defense and throwing strikes will be critical for our success. If we can do that we should be right in the thick of the district race and challenge for a trip back to the state tournament.” In addition to a rugged district slate, Durant will again have a challenging schedule that includes the Annual NIKE/ Pro-Nine Classic at Owasso, the 5A Shootout at McAlester and the Ardmore Invitational.

Outfielder Matthew Knox was second team all-district last season after hitting .294 with a team-high 27 runs scored, five extra-base hits and 13 stolen bases. Dakota Finley will be a regular on the infield in addition to being one of the Lions’ aces on the mound after coming on strong late last year. Sophomores Brayden Green and Brody Morgan will also be counted on, especially for mound duty. Catcher Kolby Blake is also back after missing much of a year ago with a knee injury during football.

Spencer Tidwell

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Oscar Rivera - Haworth High School This month’s selection for Leader of the Month is Oscar Rivera, a senior at Haworth High School. Oscar is well known due to his exceptional basketball skills; however there is more to Oscar than just what he does on the court. This year he is carrying a 3.7 GPA, while taking AP classes throughout high school. He is involved in numerous school activities such as FCA, FFA and FCCLA. Oscar is very involved in community activities as well. He coaches a four and five year-old basketball team in the Upward Bound league and also officiates. Oscar is also a volunteer with local Special Olympic athletes.

On the court this season Oscar has continued to show the dominance that helped lead the Haworth Lions to three-straight state runner-up finishes. The Lions are currently ranked No. 3 in Class 2A with a record of 21-4. Oscar is team captain and averages 18 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals per game. He was named MVP of both the Idabel Classic and MC-6 tournaments. Oscar’s future plans include playing college basketball. He has not made a decision on what school he will be attending this fall. Right now his focus continues to be on leading his team to a state championship!

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Shalee Brantley This month’s selection for Academic Athlete of the Month is Broken Bow Junior, Shalee Brantley. A multi-sport athlete, Shalee is starting point guard for the Lady Savage Basketball team; averaging eight points, three assists and two steals per game. She not only excels on the basketball court but the softball field as well. Shalee is the starting pitcher for the Lady Savages’ where she averaged nine strikeouts per game, and carried a .593 batting average. She has been selected as McCurtain County defensive player of the year as well being on the All-VYPE Southeast softball team for the past two years. Brantley’s excellence continues into the classroom as well. She currently carries a 4.42 GPA while taking all honors classes. She is a member of National Honor Society and has been ranked in the top 10 percent of her class for three years. Shalee is also a member of Pine Top Baptist Church in Broken Bow. She volunteers as a manager for the Savage baseball team and when she does have free time she enjoys spending it with her friends and family. Shalee’s future plans are to attend SWOSU and major in pharmaceutical science, with the hope of one day owning her own pharmacy.

Shalee Brantley

Broken Bow High Scho

Submit your nomination for the James Hodge Academic Athlete of the Month to: Oklahoma@VYPE.com

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Head coaches David White and Tony Nichols have the building blocks for two excellent golf teams at Idabel High School. the symptoms continued, and after months of doctor visits, he was referred to Children’s Hospital in Ft. Worth, where the doctors immediately gave Bohanon and his parents, Michael and Melissa Bohanon, the diagnosis. They were informed that surgery would be necessary immediately.

Dallas Bohanon, a senior at Broken Bow High School, is experiencing football this season in a different way than ever before. There was a position change - not a position on the field, but a completely new position as an assistant coach.

The reason for this change is Chiari Malformation, a medical condition that causes the brain stem to press against the spinal cord. Dallas was given this diagnosis in the fall of 2013. Having been a member of the Savage football team for two years, playing on the offensive and defensive lines, Bohanon was looking forward to being a starter last season. The annual Black & Gold scrimmage in August of 2013 would mark the beginning of his junior season; unfortunately, it proved to be the end of Bohanon’s playing career. A few days after the scrimmage, Bohanon began experiencing headaches and numbness. Doctor visits ruled out a stroke, but

During the surgery, which took place on Dec. 13, 2013, a piece of skull and the top rib of Bohanon’s vertebrae were removed in order to relieve the pressure on his brain stem, which would allow him to be able to function as close to normal as possible.

Dallas was hopeful that after recovery he would be back on the field with his teammates for the 2014 season. However, it didn’t work out that way. His doctor quickly gave him the news that he would never be able to play again. No playing. No power lifting. The news was crushing. He asked his head coach, Scott Pratt, if his days of being around his team were over. Pratt told him not to worry, and that they would figure something out. What would be the solution? Pratt soon approached Bohanon with a question: “Would you like to be an assistant coach?” That would allow Bohanon the opportunity to be a Savage. Of course his answer was a hearty “yes!” Fast forward to this season. Bohanon can be seen on Friday nights on the sidelines, clipboard in hand, charting offensive plays.

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March 2015

During the week, he helps to coach the linemen. He is a part of all the coaches meetings, including Saturdays and Sundays, to watch and breakdown film. When asked if he has a new appreciation for what coaches do, he said, “As a player, I never really thought about what the coaches did. Now I know it’s a lot of work.” How do players on the team feel about Bohanon and his new position? Jaylon Watson, senior captain, said,” I am happy that Dallas gets to be a part of our team, it was really sad when I first heard that Dallas wouldn’t be able to play anymore. The team thinks it is great having him as a coach.”

As far as the future is concerned, Bohanon will be facing another surgery on Nov. 21. According to his doctors, he faces a future of medical procedures. There is no cure for Chiari Malformation, just more surgeries to help relieve the severity of the symptoms. He still deals with headaches and numbness - it’s just a part of his life now. His dad said, “Dallas chooses to focus on the positive aspects of his life:

being able to concentrate on his academics, being a part of the football coaching staff and looking to a future that includes college and a career in which he sees himself working for the Choctaw Nation to help keep the Choctaw culture alive.” In the meantime, you will find him helping the Savage football team.

The Warriors have matured into a competitor and head coach Lance Wyrick has the team focused on getting better with each outing.

When the first pitch of baseball season is thrown the Idabel Warriors will have a different look, attitude and focus. Head coach Lance Wyrick will depend on a trio of seniors to lead this team in 2015. Ryan Scales will play shortstop or second base depending on the lineup. Known for his ability to reach the gap balls, Scales defense continues to improve, but it’s at the plate and on the bases where he can really hurt you.

“He (Scales) is an excellent contact hitter and very fast on the bases. Defensively he has a terrific glove,” said coach Wyrick. Scales talked about his team and what he feels could be their strength this season. “The biggest difference about this year and last years team is that last years team was very young and didn’t have much experience. This year we have experience and we’re working very hard. Keep an eye on players Jonathan Falling and Seth Shelton. They will have great seasons,” said Scales. Left-hander Jonathan Falling stands tall on the mound at 6-foot-3 and coach Wyrick is confidant Falling can get the job done this year. “Falling has a great curve ball and throws a lot of strikes. Very important to our lineup,” said coach Wyrick. The third player in this trio is utility man Geoffry Williamson. Every team needs a Williamson. Unselfish and focused on the

team, Williamson happily does what the team needs to win. “Williamson is a tough utility player. He can play anywhere on the field and he’s a solid contact hitter at the plate,” said Wyrick. The Warriors have the talent to be good this season, but younger players need to mature if they are going to take the next step. Should be a fun ride in 2015 for coach Wyrick and the Idabel Warriors.

March 2015

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