OJ Walker - Ardmore, Nacho Gallegos - Anadarko, Tre Curry - Lawton
Athlete theYear of
S C H O L A R S H I P
ATHLETE OF THE MONTH Bank SNB has teamed up to grant a $1,000 Scholarship to be presented in the June issue of VYPE. Here is how it will work: • Each month, VYPE will take nominations for an Athlete of the Month and a boy or girl will be elected the Bank SNB Athlete of the Month. This will be a chance for boys and girls of all sports to be recognized for their performances. • Nominees can be mailed to Oklahoma@VYPE. com. Give the nominee’s name, school, sport and reasons you believe the athlete should be awarded the scholarship. • The nominees will need to be seniors this season but keep in mind that their accomplishments as juniors will be taken into consideration as well. • Each monthly recipient will be a candidate for the scholarship that will be awarded in June. • All sports will be eligible to have a nomination. • The male and female athletes who are chosen each month will have a pictured bio, highlighting their accomplishments, placed on this page. Nominees will be profiled in VYPE magazine, but it is not necessary to be profiled in order to win the scholarship.
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Bank SNB Scholar Athlete of the Month
Chris Nottingham - Chickasha High School A senior basketball player for the Chickasha Fightin’ Chicks Chris Nottingham is a player that has experienced his fair share of victories. Off the floor though Nottingham has experienced possibly even more victories, with possibly the sweetest coming early this year when he was accepted to Baylor University. Nottingham said Baylor has always been in the front of his mind when he thought about what school to attend after high school. “It really has always been where I wanted to go honestly. I’ve been looking at schools ever since I was a freshman and Baylor was the first one to stand out. It really is a dream come true,” Nottingham said. In order to achieve his dream though Chris had to work especially hard in the classroom. Carrying a 4.25 grade point average, Chris is currently enrolled in Honors Physics at Chickasha and also takes concurrent enrollment classes at Redlands Community College. The classes Chris takes at Redlands are College Algebra, Composition I and II and U.S. History. Chris also scored a 25 on his ACT exam. When asked what he would like to study once he gets to Baylor though Nottingham said he is keeping his options open. “I’m really not sure yet. I’ve heard everyone’s stories about changing majors halfway through so I really just want to go in open-minded about it and find something I truly love,” Nottingham said. For his amazing work ethic on and off the basketball floor Chris Nottingham is the Chickasha Bank SNB Academic Athlete of the Month.
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Trinity Media Group, LLC 12330 E. 60th St. • 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 • Oklahoma Sales Director Roscoe Migloire Associate Editor Cal Ross • Sales Executive Gary Noske • Partner Mark Rodgers Contributing Writers Kyle Kendrick, Autumn Mathews, Andee Beth Fitts Contributing Photographers Christy Lindley, Brad Heath, Josh Clough, Bill Huddleston, Brad Heath, Kyle Kendrick, Terrance Young, Wes Sharp, Brett Rojo Graphic Design Kerri Conner 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.
6 | All-VYPE Teams Announced 10 | Top 100 With the latest installment of the VYPE Basketball Preview being released so was the annual VYPE Top 100. Look here to find out which players from southwest Oklahoma made the list.
The All-VYPE teams for fall sports have been announced check them out to see which players were selected as the best in the region.
8 | Gridiron Greatness
34 | Chickasha Basketball
VYPE editor Kyle Kendrick sits down with some of the best football players in southwest Oklahoma to talk football and much much more.
A team that is set to make some noise this season take a look at what makes this group so special.
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ALL-VYPE
SPORTS
All-VYPE Cross Country Girls
Berkley Price – Cordell Kylee Isbell – Cordell Hallie Sewell – Cordell Cailin Wright – Velma-Alma Taylor Javorsky – Cordell Addison Kliewer – Cordell Rylee Rich – Marlow Aubrey Schmidt – Washington Bailey Sutherlin – Plainview Madie Gray – Plainview Kyleigh Norris – Plainview Maicie Brown – Weatherford Zoie Defehr – Weatherford Sydney Montgomery – Cache Hannah Burks – Elk City Mattie Bivens – Duncan Lauren Turner – Elgin Mora bivens – Duncan Kaydan Johnson – Ardmore Eli Cummins – Elgin Boys Russell Butler – Velma-Alma Taylor Cotton – Riverside Jake Thomas – Tuttle Josh Jones – Plainview Adrian LaBrada – Anadarko Braden Cross – Plainview Alan Ortiz – Altus Justin Morris – Duncan Braden Ledford – Duncan Coach of the Year: Jana Rogers – Cordell
All-VYPE Volleyball Amber Hoover – Cache Nautica Butler – Cache Morgan Roberts – Lawton Daysha Gordon – Lawton Selena McDonald – Elgin Heather Wander – Elgin Shelby Stephens – Snyder Erin Howell – Snyder Brooke Bross – Eisenhower Adrienne Gibson – Duncan Chandler Hurt – Duncan VYPEOK.COM | DECEMBER 2015 6
Braedyn Rackley – Union City Marissa Graff – Corn Bible Jessie Cornell – Clinton Sha Harper – Clinton Shelby Ulrich – Clinton Kylie Hixson – Weatherford Kelsey Cummins – Weatherford Coach of the Year: Jylian Pinnell – Clinton
All-VYPE SWOK Softball First Team
P: Kelsi Gore – Chickasha, Shelby Riggs – Binger-Oney, Randi Hamilton – Cache, Bethany Hines – Washington, Shelby Elroy – Marlow C: Lynsie Elam – Chickasha, KK Williams – Duncan, Taelor Martin – Lawton MacArthur INF: Brighton Gilbert – Chickasha, Breanna Busby – Washington, Ashley Pletcher – Lawton Eisenhower, Augusta Duty – Minco OF: Kaylyn Smith – Cache, Sidney Patrick – Elk City, Rylee Murphy – Lawton MacArthur UTL: Raylee Pogue – Ringling, Falon Howell – Duncan, Lexi Gage – Healdton, Sami Skelly – Plainview Coach of the Year: Dennis Furr – Chickasha
Sami Skelly Plainview
Kelsi Gore Chickasha
Second Team
P: Lexi Duff – Ardmore, Mackenzie Thornton – Frederick, Angel Stoker – Ringling, Ariel Enzenauer – Lawton MacArthur, Turner Whorton – Hollis C: Destiney Spradlin – Burns FlatDill City, Briana Slaughter – Lawton Eisenhower, Kendall Jackson – Cyril INF: Amanda Bradford – Chickasha, Kennedy Stewart – Duncan, Kenysha Noland – Ardmore, Holly Hoffman – Binger-Oney OF: Kasey Mathias – Cyril, McKensi Laughlin – Mangum, Brittan McGahey – Ringling UTL: Alyssa Pletcher – Lawton Eisenhower, Abbie Etter – Healdton, Kendalyn Shaw – Mangum, Anjelica Aponte – Lawton Honorable Mention Callie Busby – Washington Mackinley Mogg – Binger-Oney Kaytlyn Kizzar – Marlow Ashlyn Brite – Frederick Abigail LaValley – Elk City Jordan Weese – Burns Flat-Dill City Ceiley McComas – Minco Riley Keith – Plainview
All-VYPE SWOK Football First Team QB: Nacho Gallegos – Anadarko Warriors QB: Clay Atwood – Ardmore Tigers QB: Gage Porter – Elk City Elks RB: Orrin Walker – Ardmore Tigers RB: Taven Birdow – Altus Bulldogs RB: Jeremy Lewis – Lone Grove Longhorns WR: Austin Taylor – Lindsay Leopards WR: Jarviear Christon – Lawton MacArthur Highlanders OL: Hagen Meservy – Lawton
Coach of the Year: Jeremy Reed – Altus Second Team QB: Kobe Brewster – Plainview Indians QB: Colton Henson – Cordell Blue Devils QB: Gunnar Ewing – Hollis Tigers RB: Jared Andrews – Washington Warriors RB: Tucker Halstead – Minco Bulldogs RB: Trenton Bell – Duncan Demons WR: Richard Morigeau – Elgin Owls WR: Adonis McGee – Lone Grove Longhorns OL: Jalen Yackeyonny – Cache Bulldogs OL: Kelby Bailey – Anadarko Warriors OL: Hector Hernandez – Clinton Red Tornadoes OL: Sherman Addi – Mangum Tigers OL: Ryan Boecker – Cordell Blue Devils LB: Jahred Lopez – Grandfield Bearcats LB: Jamiroquai Boyd – Fox Foxes LB: Shayne Thornton – Elk City Elks LB: Baylor Feller – Altus Bulldogs DL: Andrew Jackson – Healdton
Bulldogs DL: Dyllan Haworth – Weatherford Eagles DL: Brant Hines – Alex Longhorns DL: Chase Singleton – Minco Bulldogs DB: Malic Johnson – Hollis Tigers DB: Kris Vinson – Grandfield Bearcats DB: Walter Neil – Lawton MacArthur Highlanders P/K: Clifton Laughlin – Elgin Owls ATH: Kyler Thornburg – Alex Longhorns ATH: Luke Ring – Duncan Demons ATH: Jason Reeves – Clinton Red Tornadoes Honorable Mention Tate Wheatley – Mt. View-Gotebo Tigers Daequon Bell – Hollis Tigers Mark Mincey – Healdton Bulldogs Andre Miller – Corn Bible Crusaders Dru Brayton – Lindsay Leopards Frank Davidson – Fox Foxes Blake Berryhill – Tuttle Tigers Luke Milner – Duke Bulldogs Jamaal Betterson – Plainview Indians Grant Harmon – Lone Grove Longhorns Trystan Slinker – Cache Bulldogs Tyler Stuver – Washington Warriors Austin Maine – Clinton Red Tornadoes Robert Ferguson – Chickasha Fightin’ Chicks Damon Miller – Chickasha Fightin’ Chicks Bridge Buffing – Cordell Blue Devils Wade Haugen – Weatherford Eagles Riley Julian – Marlow Outlaws Preston Nunley – Marlow Outlaws Garrison Brown – Grandfield Bearcats Matt Seratte – Cache Bulldogs
Jarviear Christon Lawton Mac
EDITOR
Wolverines OL: Chandler Anthony – Tuttle Tigers OL: Ry Schneider – Minco Bulldogs OL: TJ Fiailoa – Lawton MacArthur Highlanders OL: Jace Webb – Hollis Tigers LB: Savion Carter – Lawton MacArthur Highlanders LB: Ethan Spurlock – Mt. ViewGotebo Tigers LB: Seth Hayes – Washington Warriors LB: Jay Whitson – Weatherford Eagles DL: Keith Thierry – Lawton Wolverines DL: Kaden Jackson – Anadarko Warriors DL: Brandon Mason – Tuttle Tigers DL: Dorian Fagan – Plainview Indians DB: Jayden Benway – Altus Bulldogs DB: Rico Bussey – Lawton Eisenhower Eagles DB: Braeden O’Dell – Marlow Outlaws P/K: Nathan Rushin – Duncan Demons ATH: Jake Combest – Velma-Alma Comets ATH: Tre Curry – Lawton Wolverines ATH: Terrence Rushing – Tipton Tigers
'Tis the Season We are rapidly approaching on of my favorite points in the sports year. Right below March Madness is my love for late November and early December. As playoff football hits full stride for high school programs across the state, basketball season begins for others. In fact several schools have already tipped off their hoops seasons and are looking for exciting seasons on the hardwood. In this issue we highlight this amazing time of the year as we wrap up our fall sports coverage and begin talks about what is going on in the world of high school basketball. What players and teams to look for to make some noise this winter and possibly a sleeper pick or two just to keep an eye on. We also have outlined our All-VYPE teams for football, volleyball, fastpitch softball and cross country in this issue, highlighting the best athletes from across the region in each of those sports. It has been an amazing fall for teams all across southwest Oklahoma and I don’t expect this winter to be any different. I also want to make sure to congratulate the fastpitch softball teams from Binger-Oney, Washington and Chickasha on claiming state titles. Congrats are also in order for the Cordell Lady Blue Devils cross country team who claimed a Class 2A title, their second state championship in a row. Finally, just let me say good luck to all the athletes and coaches of southwest Oklahoma. If it wasn’t for you this magazine wouldn’t be possible and I wouldn’t have the greatest job in the world. DECEMBER 2015
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Q&A Taven Birdow
Gridiron Greatness Five of southwest Oklahoma’s best football players sound off on football, music, movies, and more Nacho Gallegos – Anadarko OJ Walker – Ardmore Taven Birdow – Altus Tre Curry – Lawton Wade Haugen –Weatherford VYPE: You are considered one of the best football players in the state. How much pride do you take in that? Gallegos: It feels great to know that I
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worked hard over the years and that is showing on the field and opening people’s eyes. It’s just great knowing all that hard work paid off. Walker: I take a lot of pride in it, but I also try to be humble about it. I try not to brag but sometimes it’s hard to stay humble because a lot of people bring it up. Birdow: I think it is an honor to be considered one of the best in Oklahoma. Curry: I take a lot of pride in that because there’s so many players out there. It’s very humbling.
safety because because I would want to be the guy you have to beat deep or be that last guy to come through and clean up the plays. I feel like I would be good at that. Haugen: Probably quarterback. I actually played a little quarterback this year along with running back and receiver and if I had to pick just one I think I would choose to be a quarterback. Birdow: I’ve always wanted to be a pass rushing defensive end. Curry: I would want to play quarterback! I believe I see the field really well.
VYPE: What one quality do you possess that has made you a great player? Haugen: I would have to say my football IQ. I understand the game really well. Walker: To always stay disciplined and listen to my coaches. Birdow: I think it would be my ability to show up and play my best in the biggest games. Curry: The quality I possess would probably be the ability to be an allaround player.
VYPE: What’s the last song you downloaded? Gallegos: Yo Gotti – The good die young. Haugen: Traveler by Chris Stapleton. Walker: Time by Fetty Wap. Curry: In my Ways by Fetty Wap.
VYPE: If you could play any position on the field besides the one you do; what spot would you want to play? Gallegos: I would have to choose
VYPE: Last movie you saw? Gallegos: I honestly couldn’t say. I don’t watch movies really. Mainly I just watch football games on TV. Haugen: I’m not a big movie guy. Probably, Remember the Titans. I watched that on TV awhile back. Walker: Woodlawn Birdow: I went and watched Woodlawn in the theatre with my
Q&A Tre C ur
ry
Gallegos: Funniest guy in my locker room would have to be my little bro Braedon Borden. He can always make me laugh. I’ll miss him when I’m at college. Haugen: Dyllan Haworth. No doubt. Walker: Anthony Kimmons. Birdow: Kameron Canchola is the funniest guy on our team hands down.
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Nacho Galle
team.
VYPE: Hardest hitter you played against this year? Gallegos: I don’t think I played against a hard hitter. Or if I did they didn’t hit me hard or I might’ve just outran them. LOL. Haugen: Blake Berryhill from Tuttle. Birdow: The linebacker from Lawton Mac was a stud. He gave me a little trouble that night. Curry: By far the hardest hitter I would say was RJ Goodman Midwest City’s outside linebacker. That kid is a stud. VYPE: Favorite TV show to watch? Haugen: The Office. Walker: Empire Birdow: When I have time to watch TV I usually turn on the Science Channel and watch some How It’s Made. VYPE: Funniest guy in the locker room?
VYPE: Favorite NFL player? Gallegos: Dez Bryant. He is always making some kind of amazing catch or making clutch plays. He is a playmaker. Walker: Marshawn Lynch. Birdow: Marshawn Lynch. He lives up to his nickname. Curry: My favorite player is Le’Veon Bell for sure. VYPE: That’s all the questions but if you want to thank anyone like coaches or parents then feel free to do that here. Gallegos: I wouldn’t be able to do it without the man above. He always blesses me with everything I need or want. I also want to thank all my coaches that stayed on me and pushed me. And finally I want to of course thank my family that has been there for me. Haugen: I’d definitely like to thank all of my coaches for all the hard work and preparation they do each week to get us ready to
play. Walker: I want to thank God first for giving me the opportunity to play the game I love so much. I also want to thank coach Russell for everything he did for me, my head coach Josh Newby and my former head coach Doug Wendel. I want to thank the rest of the coaching staff as well, plus my family and all the supporters we had for my high school career. Birdow: I have a million people I could thank, but I would mostly like to thank my family for their constant support. I would also like to thank my head coach, coach Reed. Curry: I want to thank God for getting to where I’m at as a person and as a player. I also want to thank my parents for guiding me and my coaches for helping get me to where I am now on the field.
Wade Haugen DECEMBER 2015
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VYPE OK'S TOP 100 The top 100 high school football players in the state will compete for the annual title of Mr. Football Oklahoma presented by Shelter Insurance. Here are the NWOK area players from the top 100 as they introduce themselves and represent their schools. Don't forget to follow them on Twitter and keep up with their season at #VYPETop100. Polls open on August 1st for the first round of online voting at VYPEOK.com.
Kelsey Johnson
Washington Lady Warriors Sr. 6-3 Center @kelslynn33 Did you know: Kelsey would like to study Nursing in college. College: Kelsey is committed to the University of Texas-Arlington. Quote: “Growing up my favorite players were Oklahoma Lady Sooners stars Ashley and Courtney Paris.”
Aliyah White
Anadarko Lady Warriors Sr. 5-11 Center @aliyahsuzannahw Did you know: Aliyah is “freaked out” by the sight of blood. College: After a great summer season Aliyah is beginning to draw interest from several DI schools. Quote: “My favorite place to play is the Anadarko Fieldhouse and before every game I pray and listen to music.”
Dominique Golightly
Chickasha Lady Chicks Sr. 5-11 Guard/Forward @dominiqueee_23 Did you know: Before every game Dominique eats a banana. College: Dominique is committed to Abilene Christian University. Quote: “If I could be anyone for a day Skylar Diggins because she’s a beast on the court and she’s beautiful (plus I want that Nike contract!).”
Marvin Johnson
Ardmore Tigers Jr. 6-5 Shooting Guard @bucketteamceo Did you know: Marvin loves to ride horses and does so frequently. College: Marvin is being recruited by Texas, Creighton, Houston, the University of Tulsa, and Oral Roberts University. Quote: “My biggest role model is my stepfather, Virgil Harmon.”
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Darius Roy
Eisenhower Eagles Sr. 6-1 Combo Guard @ohthats_dare Did you know: Darius would like to study Business in college. College: Darius is verbally committed to Mercer. Quote: “My favorite place to play is Putnam City West and before every game I just listen to music and stretch.”
Cameron Hines
Fort Cobb-Broxton Mustangs Jr. 5-10 Point Guard @hines1302 Did you know: Before every game Cameron and his teams sing Jesus Loves me. College: Cameron is being recruited by the University of South Dakota, Cornell, and several others. Quote: “My dad is my biggest role model.”
Makenzie Janz
Erick Lady Bearcats Sr. 5-8 Forward @makenziejustine Did you know: Makenzie is scared of heights. College: Makenzie is being recruited by USAO and SCU. Quote: “If I could be anyone for day I would be Stephen Curry because he’s an awesome player and shows his Christian beliefs.”
Ryan Ross
Velma-Alma Comets Sr. 6-2 Point Guard @ross33_va Did you know: Ryan has never seen the movie Space Jam. College: Ryan is drawing interest from several schools but is undecided as to where he will attend. Quote: “When I’m not on the court you can find me hanging out with my girlfriend.”
Amanda Hart
Hydro-Eakly Lady Bobcats Sr. 5-10 Guard @amandahart22 Did you know: Amanda is an avid reader and growing up Amanda’s favorite player was Larry Bird. College: Amanda has offers from several DII schools. Quote: “One day when I’m older and out of school I want to travel the world.”
Braden O’Dell
Marlow Outlaws Sr. 6-0 Small Forward @bodell06 Did you know: Braden would like to study mechanical engineering in college. College: Braden is a three-sport star at Marlow and is receiving interest from several schools. Quote: “Before every game I read out of the Bible.”
Bryson Lierle
Lookeba-Sickles Panthers Sr. 6-2 Point Guard @brysonlierle Did you know: Bryson says the toughest place to play is the Big House because of the atmosphere. College: Bryson is drawing interest from several school but is undecided. Quote: “When I’m not on the court you can find me in the batting cage.”
Connor Karpe
Lindsay Leopards Sr. 6-5 Guard/Forward @ckarpe23 Did you know: Connor would like to study Health and Physical Education in college. College: Connor is drawing interest from several school but is undecided. Quote: “One day when I’m older I will be living on a farm and coaching.”
VYPE
Highlanders Football Feast Lawton MacArthur has made its mark in Class 5A A year ago the Lawton MacArthur Highlanders won their first football state championship in school history finishing with a 13-1 record. Some teams would’ve relaxed a little bit after that type of accomplishment but that was never a concern for MacArthur head coach Brett Manning. “I don’t think it was a matter of relaxing, what everyone on the coaching staff was concerned about was how we would replace the 19 seniors we graduated,” Manning said. “We knew we would be young and inexperienced but it was a pleasant surprise when those guys stepped up so quickly.” Manning said he and his coaching staff first realized just how good his young team could be when they were at the Mustang team camp. “I think we all realized it way back in the summer when we were at the Mustang team camp in June. We competed well with teams like Mustang and Southmoore and walked away knowing we could be pretty good again this year,” Manning said. Leading the team this year has been a bevy of playmakers and some mean,
nasty players in the trenches. Senior TJ Fiailoa leads the group up front and is a DI prospect on the offensive line with offers from Arkansas State, North Texas, Utah State and others. As for the playmakers on the offensive side look no further than Jarvier Christon, a dynamic receiver who has racked up over 1200 yards receiving and over 15 catches for touchdowns. Christon is also a big play threat in the return game and has taken several kicks back to the house this year. Running back Teddrick Thomas gives good balance to the Highlanders offense and has already cracked the 1500 yard nark this year. On the defensive side of the ball the Highlanders have been led by safety Walter Neil. The catalyst for the defensive unit all year, Neil made a huge impact in the Highlanders first round playoff game against Carl Albert with two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception on the night. With another fall sports season
Teddrick Thomas coming to a close one thing is for sure, the Lawton MacArthur Highlanders have strengthened their winning tradition something several coaches told Manning would happen. “I had some big time coaches like Gary Rose, Rafe Watkins and Dale Condict, guys who have won multiple titles, tell me I would be surprised with how much our kids would expect to win titles after that first one because that’s the toughest one to win…and they were all right,” Manning said.
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VYPE Caitlyn Cox
Wolverines!!!! Lawton boys and girls basketball teams ready to hit the hardwood GIRLS 14-15 Record: 7-15 Outlook: The Lady Wolverines finished last season with a 7-15 overall record and will be under new leadership as Jackie Barnett Jr. comes back to coach the program after taking five years off from coaching. Barnett was the coach at Lawton previously from 1991-2010. Heading up the charge for Barnett this season will be the team’s lone returning starter Caitlyn Cox (5-10, Sr.). Barnett said Cox, who is the kicker for the Lawton football team, will be the backbone of the team, providing great senior leadership to go along with her play on the floor which netted her averages of 8.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per game a year ago. Post player Joy Rhodes (5-9, Sr.) should be another key player for the Lady Wolverines this year. Rhodes is coming off a knee injury and if she can stay healthy will provide good depth for the Lady Wolverines frontcourt. 12
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Monica Gonzalez (5-6, Sr.) is an athletic and speedy guard that will be the driving force for Lawton’s perimeter attack. Ginger Reece (5-10, Fr.) and Shilyn Freeman (5-6, So.) will also spend a good amount of time on the perimeter this season. Deme Woods (5-10, So.) will be a player who Lawton fans are likely to see come off the bench at the forward position while Bianca Puente (5-4, So.) is a guard that Barnett said will see a ton of time due to her quickness and ball-handling skills. Other players to watch this year will be Jaylis Phillips (5-5, So.), Zhalynn Givens (5-6, Sr.), Britny Seid (5-10, So.), Kelsey Tartsah (5-10, Jr.) and Alienna Warner (6-2, Fr.). BOYS 14-15 Record: 10-12 Outlook: Last season the Lawton Wolverines battled a tough schedule and finished with a 10-12 overall record after a regional tournament loss to Putnam City North. This season Lawton head coach Eric Wiley feels his team could be better than they were last year but said they will still have to
endure the same type of challenging schedule. “I feel like we are in a real tough conference. I think this year we should be better because we are more balanced and the kids want to compete,” Wiley said. The team’s catalyst this year will be junior shooting guard Tre Vaughn. Senior small forward Lamar Hawkins will also be a key piece of the puzzle this season. Senior Donald Alexander should also contribute this year but may take time to grow comfortable on the court as this will be his first season playing organized basketball. Diavonta Michaels is another player who wasn’t on Lawton’s roster last season but will be counted on to play a big role this year. Michaels missed last season due to the OSSAA transfer rules but should be a player that draws fans’ attention this year. Finally expect Tristan Smith to give the Wolverines some key minutes this year but only after the Christmas break due to his recovery from a knee injury.
Lady Owls have a new coaching staff but the goals remain the same By: Autumn Mathews This year, the girls basketball program down in Elgin looks a lot different from last year. They finished with a record of 19-8. Since the Lady Owls’ trip to the 4A state semifinals in March 2015, they graduated three seniors. All of them played key roles, including the dominant former VYPE Top 100 power forward Jentry Holt. Elgin also welcomes in new additions to the coaching staff. Miles Thompson now leads the Owls as head coach. Thompson is familiar with the school district because he served on the staff for the Elgin football team from 19932001. Last season, he was the head coach for the Snyder boys basketball team, taking them on a run to the Class A state tournament. At the new assistant coaching spot, the Owls bring in Taylor Thompson, former NCAA Division I player and the daughter of their freshly acquired head coach. She contributed to the Fresno State Bulldogs’ success in the NCAA tournaments all of her four years with the team. Finishing her college career averaging 14.3 points per game in her senior season, Taylor received several individual conference awards as well. Elgin only has one returning starter
from last year and the biggest challenge heading into the season is that although they are a team of mostly upperclassmen, they are lacking in a lot of experience. The Owls took another blow when junior power forward Emily Poindexter suffered an injury that will keep her out all season. She played every game for Elgin last year and averaged 50 percent shooting from beyond the arc. They will look to senior Ava Battese at shooting guard for that maturity they need on the court. In the first round of the 2015 state tournament, Elgin battled it out with Vinita. In overtime, it was Battese that hit a three-pointer to tie the game, giving Elgin the momentum they needed to pull off the upset. She averaged 5.8 points last year, but that number should greatly increase now with her being a primary scorer. Filling the open post spot, 6-3 junior Selena McDonald hopes to rise to the occasion. McDonald only played in ten games for her team last season, but she shows good potential in being expected to perform. For natives of the town watching in the
VYPE
Golden Dreams
Ava Battese stands, this team will have several new components but should still carry on the girls basketball tradition in Elgin. Yes, most of the players may lack experience, but being on a team that went all the way to the semifinals a year earlier should not be taken lightly. These girls know what it takes to make a winning team. “I think we will be a true family,” Coach Thompson says. “We have a pretty good balance. Even though we have a couple of go-to players, we should be able to get some points from everywhere.” Looking ahead to where his team will be in midMarch, Thompson says, “Hopefully making a run at the state tournament.”
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VYPE
A Player's Coach
DeAnthony Bowden was an extremely successful player and now makes the transition to the sidelines It’s become such an overused phrase, being a “player’s coach.” As overused as it may be DeAnthony Bowden fits the model to a t. As a player at Creighton University Bowden starred alongside players like Nate Funk and Kyle Korver in head coach Dana Altman’s system. At Creighton Bowden was selected to the Missouri Valley Conference All-Defensive team and became known for his lockdown ability on the perimeter and the energy he brought to the floor. After college Bowden played professionally
as a member of the Lawton Calvary and the London Lightning. During his 13 years as a pro Bowden continued to be known as a point guard who played with tremendous energy and could put the clamps on opponents. Fast forward to the present and Bowden has taken over the reins as the head coach of the Lawton Christian boys basketball team. Bowden said he believes that his time spent playing at a high level will help him as a coach. “I definitely think it will. If you can carry those experiences that you had as a player with you it gives you a whole new perspective on what your players are going through and it has really helped open the gateway of communication for me and my players,” Bowden said. As for his goals as a coach Bowden was clear about what he expects. ‘Well I won nine championships in my 13
years of professional basketball so I want to win but I really just want to help the kids get better everyday. I want to help them get better everyday as both athletes and people,” Bowden said. Leading Bowden’s defense-first scheme this year is senior point guard Tardarian Thompson. A stat sheet stuffer, Thompson is one of the team leaders in points, rebounds and assists. Other key players will be senior Amon Butler, juniors Ethan Andrews and Swee Ashworth along with sophomore Tucker McKee. Bowden said fans can expect to see a lot of intensity and defense this year when they come out to see his team play. “We play a high-intensity game. We strive on defense, I believe that two points are enough to win the game if you lock in defensively. Offense will take care of itself and you will score points but I was a defensive-minded player and that’s what I hope to instill in the kids,” Bowden said.
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Oilers are Ones to Watch Tanner Mong Merritt’s boys basketball team is an early favorite in Class 2A If you are looking for teams that could end up on top of the Class 2A mountain in March look hard at the Merritt Oilers. Head coach Donnie Husband led the Oilers to the state tournament last season after arriving at the school following back-to-back titles at Latta. That trip will help the Oilers this year as they embark on a quest for a gold ball this season according to Husband. “There’s no doubt that it’s going to help us. It took awhile for the team and I to get used to each other last year and that postseason run certainly helped them gain confidence in me and my system and gain confidence in
their abilities,” Husband said. Leading the way for the Oilers this year will be the 1-2 combo of juniors Tanner Mong and Luak Tut. Mong is the straw that stirs the drink, starting at point guard for the Oilers while Tut is a 6-6, 280-pound big man that is capable of dominating the paint. Working around those two players will be juniors Brett Custer, Rylan Jones and Bryce Cobb. Senior Riley Forrester will also be a key contributor this year for the Oilers. Overall Husband said his team’s goal is a state championship but added that it will be a long journey. “I think we have those capabilities. The goals for us are the same as they have been and that’s to be playing on the last day of the season,” Husband said. “Obviously
that’s every team’s goal but I think the biggest thing is just to get better everyday. I know that is cliché but you can’t cheat the process. If you get better everyday you will max out your talent and have a chance to go a long way.” Sayre Lady Eagles Basketball Just southwest of Merritt, the Sayre Lady Eagles will be looking to take the next step this year after finishing last season 19-9 and advancing to the regional tournament. The Lady Eagles will need to battle a tough schedule this year but don’t be surprised if the Lady Eagles are playing deep into February and possibly even March.
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Young and Dangerous Shayne Thornton
The Elk City boys basketball team could be a team nobody wants to play in February Youth isn’t a good thing too often. Then again sometimes if you have just enough youth with the right type of veterans you can be onto something special and that is exactly what Elk City head basketball coach Lucian Bliss is hoping for. “We are going to be a young team this year but we have great leadership. We should be able to score at multiple positions and play a lot of players,” Bliss said. “We will be more up-tempo this
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year than we have been in the past and if we can learn to defend and keep people off the boards we could be a tough out by the playoffs.” Shayne Thornton (6-3, Sr.) and Josh Adams (6-2, Sr.) will provide solid leadership for the Big Elks at the forward spots. Last season Thornton averaged 7.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game while Adams chipped in averages of 4.0 points and 3.0 rebounds a game. Caedon David (6-0, Jr.) and Brayden Miller (5-10 Jr.) are Elk City’s other two upperclassmen and both will line up at guard this season. The sophomore class is where Elk City is the deepest however and where you will find a host of talented players led
by Trent Lewallen (6-1). Trent averaged 7.0 points per game last year and is the younger brother of Luke Lewallen who was a star at Elk City guiding the Elks to the state tournament in 2014 and is now playing for the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Bulldogs. Also part of Elk City’s talented sophomore group are Chipper Skelton, Cooper Rogers, Shyler Thornton, Payton David and Diquan Bradford. All of those players should see time at guard this year besides Thornton who will play forward. Last year the Big Elks were ousted in the regional tournament but this year are hoping to go much further and they may just have the right formula to do it.
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After a solid campaign last year the Elk City girls basketball team is hungry for more The Elk City Elkettes wrapped up last season with a 15-12 overall record after losing to Woodward in the area tournament. Knowing that you were just a few wins away from the state tournament has a way of driving you though and that’s just what has happened to this team.
Center Hannah Anderson (6-0, Sr.) is the leader of the team and will be looking to improve on her numbers of 12 points and 8.0 rebounds a game from a year ago. With Anderson controlling thing inside look for Paige Boyd (5-6, Sr.) to captain the ship on the perimeter. Last year Boyd averaged 8.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game proving that opponents can never relax when she is on the floor. Bailey Bruner (5-8, Sr.) and Melanie Mikles (5-6, Sr.) should also both see significant time in the Elkettes starting rotation this year. Bruner will play forward this season helping to take some of the frontcourt load off of Anderson while Mikles will start at guard alongside Boyd. Rounding out the Elkettes first five is Grace Merrifield (5-5, Jr.). An extremely good athlete Merrifield is a star for the Elkettes soccer team and brings her good footwork and speed to the hardwood. Juniors Kelcee Millican (5-9) and Devyn Metcalf (5-7) will be key players off the bench this season as will sophomore Kenlee Crouch (5-8.).
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Elkettes Eager for Hoops Season
Bailey Bruner Crouch is a player that put up solid numbers as a freshman and should be a player to watch as she looks to better her 6.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game averages. The Elkettes will play a tough schedule this year with home-and-home series with 5A teams like Altus and Woodward along with games against 4A powers Anadarko, Cache and Elgin. In a Class 4A division that boasts talented teams around almost every corner the Elkettes are a team that could easily make a deep postseason run and their tough schedule should only better prepare them for that run because as the saying goes “iron sharpens iron.”
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VYPE Bulldogs Chew Up the Competition Altus football team puts together historic season Coming into this season the Altus Bulldogs’ best record this decade was the 8-3 mark they logged last year in head coach Jeremy Reed’s first year with the program. This season Altus built on last
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year’s success, going 9-1 in the regular season and finishing second in their district behind defending Class 5A state champion Lawton MacArthur. That was just the start however, the Bulldogs ran the table in the postseason with wins over Guthrie, Coweta, Bishop McGuinness and finally Collinsville in the Class 5A title game. The gold ball was the second in program
history, the other coming way back in 1971. Reed said he believes the team really turned the corner on getting to the level that they are currently at late last season. “I thought it was late last year towards the end of district play. I think that’s when the kids really started to believe and gain that confidence,” Reed said. Powering the Altus offense this year has
VYPE been quarterback Jayden Benway and star running back Taven Birdow. The senior running back holds every rushing record at Altus after his amazing season this year, including most rush yards in a single game, and most rushing yards in a career. The career mark had held since 1954 when Raymond Boaz set it at over 3,000 yards. What may make Birdow’s numbers that much more impressive is that he spent his junior year at IMG Academy in Florida so one can only speculate on what his career
numbers would be if he would’ve spent four years in a Bulldogs uniform. Reed also praised the unsung heroes up front, the team’s offensive line. “I really love our offensive line. They do such a great job executing our scheme. They really are our unsung heroes and without them we wouldn’t have the offense we do,” Reed said. On defense, Reed praised Hassan Foy, Baylor Feller and Mikey Abuan for their effort and leadership this season.
Benway has also been a key player for the Altus defense working as a safety along with his duties as the team’s starting quarterback. In fact his impact may be even greater on defense. Just this year he broke Altus’ record for most interceptions in a single season, a record that has stood since 1976. With a gold ball and all of those broken records it’s easy to see just how historic this year was for Altus, and we all have been lucky to witness it.
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VYPE Lady Bulldogs Ready to Take a Bite Out of Class 5A THE ALTUS GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM IS PRIMED TO MAKE ANOTHER RUN TO THE STATE TOURNAMENT
After battling their way through a tough regular season schedule last season the Altus Lady Bulldogs kicked it into high gear in the postseason. The Lady Bulldogs lost their first game of the area tournament to Deer Creek but then upset top ten teams in Guthrie and Carl Albert to advance to state. This season the Lady Bulldogs will be young but the experience gained last year should help the team reload quickly and make another deep postseason run. Kiandra Knight (5-5, Jr.) will be the team’s motor at point guard this season after putting together a dynamic sophomore campaign in which she averaged 3.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds a game. If Knight can continue to improve her game this year expect big things for her and the Lady Bulldogs. Another key player in Altus’ lineup this season will be Mariah Watson (56, Jr.). Starting at forward Watson has the speed to draw bigger defenders out and then beat them off the dribble.
Fellow forward Jimmie Dollins (5-8, Jr.) will be a player to keep an eye on as well. Dollins carries a 4.0 grade point average off the floor and her IQ on the hardwood this year will be a major advantage for the Lady Bulldogs. Sha’Quayah French (5-11, So.) and Alyssa Thompson (6-1, Sr.) both will give the Lady Bulldogs good length inside and help the team’s guards be more aggressive defensively on the perimeter. Kelsee Baker (5-5, So.) and Allie Goodpaster (5-3, So.) are both young players that should give the Lady Bulldogs a nice shot in the arm off the bench this year. Other key reserves will be Nia Hill (5-7, So.), Vanessa Molina (5-3, Sr.) and Angela Edwards (5-6. So.). It won’t be an easy road for the Lady Bulldogs but if last season proved anything it was that the team’s tough schedule only helped them out late in the year. Some tough tests that Altus will face in January start with the Chickasha Tournament Jan. 7-9 and continue with road games against Anadarko, Cache and Elgin later in the month. Game to Watch: Feb. 16 vs. Anadarko Why: It’s a late season matchup with a top notch Class 4A basketball team so that alone makes this one to keep an eye on. Factor in that this will be these team’s second meeting in the span of just over a month and it gets even better. Need a cherry to go on top? Anadarko beat Altus by 27 points in each of their two contests last year so the Lady Bulldogs should be hungry for revenge.
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VYPE
Looking Good, Looking Real Good
Greyden Steinmetz
Riverside and Ft. Cobb both have teams that will be in the hunt for gold this season Riverside Braves Last season the Riverside Braves made it to the area tournament but came up just short of a trip to state. This year the Braves and head coach Patrick Moore are hoping to take the next step and advance to the Big House. “We have eight seniors on our team and they have experienced the playoffs. Two years ago we were a regional tournament team, last year we made it to area and I think if we stay healthy we will have a good chance to take that next step,” Moore said. Leading the way for the Braves this year will be senior big man Julian
Stands and senior point guard Draven Hickman. Stands is a player who has come a long way over the summer according to Moore and not only can play in the paint with his back to the basket but also can step out and shoot the three. Hickman meanwhile has been the team’s leading scorer the last several years and will once again be counted on to post a good amount of points bu also will be asked to be more of a distributor this season according to Moore. Other key players Tommy Whataname and Yoyo Solomon will also play big roles this year. Both players are seniors who can make things happen with their athleticism and energy. Ft. Cobb Mustangs After winning the Class B gold ball last year the Mustangs move up to Class A this year. Don’t expect that
to bother the Mustangs though, they didn’t graduate a single senior off last season’s team, making them an early favorite to claim another gold ball this year. Leading the team is junior point guard and VYPE Top 100 selection Cameron Hines who averaged 21.3 points, 6.0 assists and 4.0 rebounds a game last year. Greyden Steinmetz averaged 20.3 points and 5.0 rebounds a game last season and provides the Mustangs with a great threat to score inside at the forward spot. Look for Levi Pierce, Austin Robnett and Cache Clift to round out the Ft. Cobb starting five this season. Last year the trio combined for nearly 21 points per contest. Finally expect Briley Baca, Kellen Hines, Robert Johnson and Luke Lewis to all contribute this season.
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VYPE Path of Destruction The Clinton Red Tornadoes added to their legacy this year with another solid season Clinton is just one of those programs you think of when you think of a tradition of football success. The Red Tornadoes have won 16 state titles, the last coming in 2012 when this group of Clinton seniors were only freshman. One of those seniors from this year’s team, quarterback and defensive back Austin Maine, transferred into Clinton from a rival school after his sophomore season so he didn’t get to experience the gold ball but he still expressed his gratitude for being able to put on a Clinton jersey. “It was a big change when I came to Clinton, I really enjoyed it. The players over here grow up looking up to the football players and can’t wait until they become them one day. The tradition runs deep through the community,” Maine said. “I
really enjoyed being able to put on the jersey and having kids come up to me asking questions. I’m very proud to have become a Red Tornado.” This season the Red Tornadoes began the year with three extremely difficult nondistrict tests against Class 5A defending champ Lawton MacArthur, 3A defending champ Heritage Hall and 3A power Plainview. The Red Tornadoes dropped all three games but the tests served their purpose and quickly prepared Clinton for a tough district schedule. Once they began district play the Red Tornadoes swept through three of their first four games, picking up big wins over Weatherford, Elgin and Newcastle. The only loss during that stretch came to district champion Anadarko. After a loss to Cache on Oct. 23 Clinton closed the regular season with wins over Woodward and Elk City to finish third in District 4A-1. In the first round of the playoffs Clinton
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squared off against another program with a tradition-rich history, the Ada Cougars. The Red Tornadoes easily dispatched of their first round foe winning the game by a score of 41-10. In the quarterfinals Clinton’s season finally came to a close with a loss to defending 4A state champ Wagoner. Although the ending wasn’t as sweet as the graduating seniors may have hoped it would’ve been the tradition and legacy of the Red Tornadoes lives on and don’t look for that to change anytime soon. Clinton Seniors Jason Reeves Austin Maine Sergio Deleon AJ Armbruster Kevin Naranjo Hector Hernandez Mason Waldrop Saul Soto
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Cornell Covers it All
Clinton FFA student Jackson Cornell does a little bit of everything with the organization Clinton FFA student Jackson Cornell has been a part of FFA since his eighth grade year but he’s be interested in agriculture related organizations much longer. Before joining FFA, Cornell was involved in 4-H for four years. Through FFA Cornell participates or has participated in many different activities. As a freshman he competed in the Greenhand Contest. Now he shows pigs, is part of the judging team and also does some wok in Clinton’s FFA shop. Like nearly any other FFA student you speak to Cornell said that his involvement
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with FFA has aided him in other areas.
“it has helped me to become more responsible, has taught me life-long skills and has helped me make decisions that will help me throughout my life,” Cornell said. Away from FFA Cornell is also a member of the Clinton Red Tornadoes basketball and golf teams. For his efforts to excel as a student-athlete and a member of the Clinton FFA chapter Jackson Cornell is the Clinton FFA student of the month.
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Lady Bobcats Bound for Big Things Amanda Hart Hydro-Eakly girls hungry for state tournament berth After finishing last year 22-8 and advancing to the area tournament the Hydro-Eakly Lady Bobcats are more than ready to get back on the floor. “I am excited about the potential for the upcoming season. We are returning three starters from last year’s team, led by senior Amanda Hart. We will be young but very basketball smart. We will also be very athletic and have the ability to pressure teams and run the floor,” Hydro-Eakly head coach Dennis Hart said. Amanda Hart, a 5-11 guard, was selected
to the VYPE Top 100 prior to the season, will be looking to improve on her numbers of 19.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game a year ago as she leads her team on the floor and off it. Hart was an honorable mention All-State player as both a sophomore and a junior and last year ranked in the top 10 Class A players statistically in scoring, field goal percentage, three-point field goal percentage, free throw percentage, rebounds, steals and assists. Sophomore guard Carly Pence will be another player counted on to post big numbers this year after averaging 7.7 points and 6.4 rebounds a game as a freshman. Look for senior guard Vivian Pence to round out the Lady Bobcats big three this year.
Last year Pence averaged 3.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game but will be asked to play an even bigger role this season. Other key players for the Lady Bobcats will be sophomore Amanda Lierle and freshmen Gabbi Parker, Loryn Gore, Kalyn Yancey and Kierra Meade. If fans in southwest Oklahoma are looking for good times to catch the Lady Bobcats a good time may be when Hydro-Eakly gets a big test in late January when they compete in the West Central Tournament in Weatherford. Shortly after that they will compete in the Washita Valley Conference Tournament which is also held in Weatherford.
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Bobcats Ready to Maul the Competition Jared Hart
Hydro-Eakly boys could be the biggest sleeper in Class A basketball They went 23-9 last season but when you ask the so-called experts to list the favorites in Class A Hydro-Eakly probably won’t be one of the first five teams mentioned. That may be a huge mistake when you begin to examine the Bobcats starting lineup. Leading the team this year will be 6-2 junior guard Jared Hart. Last season Hart averaged 17.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.6 rebounds per contest, proving that he is a player
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that can hurt opponents in a variety of ways. Hart has also led Hydro-Eakly in scoring each of the last two years and will most likely be asked to again this year. Joining Hart in the backcourt will be 6-3 junior Jakie Friesen. A year ago Friesen poured in 9.7 points and grabbed 5.4 boards per game, forcing defenses to lessen their focus on Hart. Jon Regier, a 6-3 junior, will also likely see major time on the perimeter this year. In the frontcourt, senior Tyler Barnett will be the team’s go-to player after scoring 8.6 points and ripping down 6.8 rebounds per game last year. Senior
forward Destry Christensen should also get major minutes inside this year. Other key players in the Bobcats’ lineup this year will be senior Kason Cook, juniors Jace Derryberry, Dayton King and Garrett Harvey along with freshman Mason Hart. Overall head coach Rick Gore said he is excited about his team this year. “The average height for our probable starters is 6-2 with a lot of length. We are a very athletic team with three returning starters. This is one of the most athletic groups I have had in many years,” Gore said.
Weatherford Jay Whitson
The Weatherford Eagles enjoyed a great football season this year finishing with a X-X record. The Eagles finished fourth in an extremely tough district but then upset powerhouse Tuttle in the first round of the playoffs before falling to Oologah in the quarterfinals. Senior Jay Whitson was a major part of the team’s success this year making plays anytime he stepped on the turf. Whitson was a jack-of-all-trades this season playing linebacker, fullback and acting as the team’s punter. Whitson played well at each position this season and for his efforts was selected to the Southwest Oklahoma All-VYPE first team as a linebacker. Whitson also plays basketball and baseball for the Eagles and is a key player for both teams. Weatherford head basketball coach Tim Price said that Whitson will see significant time on the hardwood this year as an athletic forward who can play both on the block and face up to the basket. For his efforts as a three-sport athlete Jay Whitson is the Weatherford Athlete of the Month.
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Eagles Ready to Fly
Isaac Fuller The Weatherford boys and girls basketball teams gear up for the season GIRLS 2014-15 Record: 11-15 Outlook: After finishing 11-15 last year the Weatherford Lady Eagles are looking for a bounce back season in head coach Clay Stephens’ second year with the program. That looks entirely possible when you examine the Weatherford roster and realize that they only graduated one senior off of last season’s team. Junior guard Alexa Harvey will be the Lady Eagles leader on the floor this year after leading the team in scoring a year ago. Seniors Taylor Winn and Kennedie Helton will also be relied upon heavily this year according to Stephens. Helton’s presence will be a breath of fresh air after she missed a good portion of last year after getting injured at the Harrah Tournament just before Christmas. Other key players for the Lady 28
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Eagles will be Kiley Stewart and Bailee Roberson. Roberson will likely not be back until December or January due to finishing up recovering from a knee injury. Overall Stephens said his team has their strengths but are not without their weaknesses. “I think we have a pretty good group of shooters and a couple of girls who can attack the rim, offensively I think we are a little ahead. Defensively though I think we are a little behind because we aren’t super athletic. We are making progress but right now I wouldn’t say we are great
defenders,” Stephens said. The veteran coach said they would need to overcome their weaknesses by playing smart.
VYPE Alexa Harvey guard Isaac Fuller and Spencer Ard will anchor the Eagles on the perimeter. Versatile athlete Brandon Kirk will also spend some time in the backcourt but will also work his way into frontcourt when the matchup favors that. At forward expect Wade Haugen BOYS to make a large number of plays 2014-15 Record: 16-13 for the Eagles this year. Haugen is a versatile forward who is a Outlook: Tim Price takes over as great rebounder with a nose for head coach of the Eagles this year, coming over from Carl Albert the ball according to Price. Jay where he was the winningest girls Whitson will also get significant time at forward this year for coach in the history of the Lady the Eagles. Dyllan Haworth, a Titans program. Price said he defensive lineman that will play at isn’t pulling any punches when it comes to expressing his goals for the next level, is another player that may see big minutes in the the team this year. “I made it very clear the first night paint this year for coach Price. I met with the guys that our goal is the state tournament. Right from the start that’s what we are going to set our sights on and I’m excited to be a part of this program while we try to realize those goals and dreams,” Price said. Helping Price achieve those goals will be a roster full of senior, two and three-sport athletes. At “We need to compensate for not being as athletic by being smart about how we defend and I think that’s another strength of ours. I think we have a high basketball IQ,” Stephens said.
Canute Teams Ready to Take the Next Step A year ago the Canute Trojans and Trojanettes both advanced all the way to the area tournament but both came up just short of a trip to state. On the girls side head coach Bobby Dawson will be counting on a tandem of talented sophomores in Gillian Snowder and Baylee Frederick to lead the way this season. Both players averaged double digits last season and both should be due for an increase in numbers with an extra year of experience under their belts. For the Canute boys head coach Dane Thrash will be looking to improve on last year’s 20-11 record. Senior Keyshaun Smith will head up the Trojans’ offensive attack. Juniors Rowdy Hoffman and Josh Kupka will also be major contributors. In six games in the month of November the Canute boys went 5-1 with their only loss coming to Leedey in overtime. The girls team meanwhile went 3-3 in November losing close games to Erick, HydroEakly and Arnett, all of whom are ranked in the top 11 of their respective classes.
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Anadarko Aliyah White
A dominant center that is committed to play at Oklahoma Baptist University Anadarko’s Aliyah White will be a key part of the Anadarko Lady Warriors basketball team this year. White was selected to the VYPE Top 100 list this year and is now eligible for the Shelter Insurance Miss Basketball award given out in April. Off the court though White excels in the classroom. Carrying a 4.0 grade point average White is a member of the National Honor Society and on the Superintendent’s honor roll at Anadarko. White is also a member of the Key Club, Student Council, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In college White said she hopes to study Business Administration but prior to that she said her goal is to win another state title. For her effort on the court and off of it as an amazing student Aliyah White is the Anadarko Academic Athlete of the Month.
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Worried Warriors? Photo By Terence Young Despite their year ending earlier than they would’ve hoped the Anadarko football team isn’t concerned; goals stay the same At most schools across the state an 8-3 overall record, a district championship and an appearance in the state quarterfinals would be considered a very successful season. Not at Anadarko though. That’s a testament to what head coach Kent Jackson has built in Warrior country but it also means good seasons sometimes are overlooked
if you don’t bring home some hardware. After being eliminated early in the postseason with a 27-7 loss to Cascia Hall this year Jackson said the goals won’t change and neither will the expectations.
Kaden Jackson
“We’ve won six straight district titles, we’ve made six straight trips to the quarterfinals but there was a lot of disappointment in our locker room when we lost because we didn’t feel like we played our best football and we were pretty banged up with injuries,” Jackson said. “The goals and expectations stay the same though, we tell our guys that we expect to win every year.” Jackson has good reason to be optimistic about the future and so do fans of the purple and gold. The Warriors graduate just three senior starters off of this year’s team and next year will drop into Class 3A, a welcome sight for Jackson. “Years ago when we moved up to 4A I thought it was a good thing because I looked at it like we wouldn’t see the really tough teams until we got to the top.
Now those teams like Cascia Hall, Metro Christian, Newcastle and Clinton have all moved up to 4A too so I’m hoping that 3A may be a little weaker,” Jackson said. “It’s also tough being the smallest school in 4A because you already have limited depth and when you end up battling injuries like we have the last few years that makes it even tougher.” Leaving the program after having amazing senior campaigns will be quarterback Nacho Gallegos, tight end and defensive end Kaden Jackson and offensive and defensive lineman Kelby Bailey. All three were team captains this year and leave a legacy of leadership behind them. The Warriors will have plenty of returning players back next year to carry the torch. In fact Jackson says this may be the strongest collection of playmakers Anadarko has had in awhile. “We don’t have a Nacho, an RJ (Sink), or a Sheldon (Reynolds) but as a group I think this may be the best set of skill guys we have had in awhile,” Jackson said. Among those returning players will be running back Trey Eason, wide receiver Kyle White along with quarterback candidates Dayton Moser and Damon Teart. The offseason for those returning players will start immediately with weight training and conditioning. Jackson added that the emphasis over the offseason and summer will be developing a couple linemen to step in and be ready to start next year while also continuing to develop their read-option scheme that the coaching staff implemented this year. DECEMBER 2015
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Another basketball season is upon us and the Anadarko Lady Warriors are favorites again Water is wet. The sky is blue. These are facts we all take for granted. You can add the Anadarko Lady Warriors are a favorite to compete for a gold ball to that list. Anadarko head coach Jeff Zinn said his expectations won’t change this year but he did admit this team may encounter more bumps in the road than years past. “Our goals are still to make it to the state tournament and have a shot to
compete for a state title. To be honest though I’d be surprised to see us cruise in there because it will be a growing year for us but by January I think we have a chance to be pretty good and we still expect to be there in the end,” Zinn said. Zinn went on to say that he believes the experience and successes of the past help drive his current players. “I think it does. We all feel the urgency. We doubled our practice time this summer but nobody is complaining because they know what it takes to get there,” Zinn said. Helping the Lady Warriors get to where they want to go will be a veteran force in the paint. Aliyah White (5-11, Sr.) was selected to the VYPE Top 100 prior to the season starting and will be a big time scorer and rebounder for the Lady Warriors. Last year White averaged 12 points a game in the state tournament helping the Lady Warriors to a silver ball. Katelyn Johnson
VYPE
Lady Warriors Are Strong Once Again
Katelyn Johnson (5-7, So.) was a big contributor off the bench last year but will be assuming a much bigger role this year as a starter. Johnson is somewhat of a pointforward who sees the floor extremely well, in fact Zinn said she is as good of a passer as any player he’s coached, high praise from a man who has coached multiple DI guards. Freshmen guards Halle Horton and Jessica Queton are also expected to make a big impact this year for Zinn’s squad. Kori Williams (5-9, Jr.) is a lights-out long range shooter and will stretch the floor for the Lady Warriors offense allowing other guards to slash to the rim and clear out space for White to go to work on the block. Overall Zinn said that this team’s biggest strength could be something that has been the staple of Anadarko’s success the past several years, defense. “I’m really looking for this to be one of our better defensive teams. We have had great athletes who have been able to bail us out if we had a breakdown on that end of the floor in the past but this group doesn’t have that and I think that will make this group that much more disciplined and tougher on defense,” Zinn said.
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VYPE Brandon Shumway
Tyler Miller
Chasing the Gold Ball in Chickasha game. Shumway was also selected to the all-conference team last season. With Henderson and Shumway anchoring things on the perimeter look for a trio of Led by a deadly one-two punch experienced forward to see on the perimeter the Chickasha big minutes in the frontcourt. Fightin’ Chicks will be a team that racks up the wins this year. Colton Christian (6-4, Sr.) averaged 10 points and 4.0 Brock Henderson (6-1, Jr.) is a player who can score in bunches rebounds per game last season while Chris Nottingham (5-11, as evidenced by his 21 points Sr.) and Magyver Boles (6-3, per game average last season. Jr.) combined to average 9.0 Henderson isn’t only a scorer however, he also averaged four points and 11 rebounds per game a year ago. Christian’s rebounds and two steals per performance last year made game as a sophomore. Those him an honorable mention allnumbers helped Henderson conference player last year and earn first team all-conference, fans could easily see him boost first team all-district and first his production significantly this team all-defensive team in the year. conference last year. Brandon Off the bench Braeden Blakes Shumway (5-1, Sr.) is the other (6-2, Sr.) and Tyler Miller (5leader in the frontcourt and 10, Jr.) should give the Fightin’ could easily average a doubleChicks good depth. Blakes is a double this year after a junior campaign in which he averaged forward who averaged 5.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per contest 10 points and 7.0 assists per The Chickasha Fightin’ Chicks have state championship aspirations and the talent to get them there
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while Miller is a talented guard who missed most of last season with a shoulder injury. Also look for Ethan Christian (5-10, So.), David Thibbodeaux (5-10, So.) and Keanan Richardson (6-0, Sr.) to also all be valued contributors this year for the Fightin’ Chicks. Overall head coach Wes Pulliam said he is very excited for the season and feels like his team can do big things. “We have five returning starters from an area tournament team a year ago and we had a good summer. The schedule is tough but we are looking forward to this season,” Pulliam said. “This team has good leadership and with another year in the season we should be very competitive every night. Developing depth early in the season will be critical and emphasis on the defensive end should help the team improve,” Pulliam said.
VYPE
Twice as Nice
The Chickasha softball team claimed their second title in as many years
Earlier this year the Chickasha Lady Chicks claimed their second championship in as many years. Last season’s title came in Class 5A but this season Chickasha dropped back into the 4A ranks and claimed their second title in school history. Ranked No. 1 for a good portion of the year there was never any doubt of Chickasha’s dominance on the diamond. The Lady Chicks opened the year by winning five of their first six games, the only loss in that stretch coming to eventual Class 6A champ Choctaw. After that opening spurt the Lady Chicks hit their only real skid of the season dropping three of their next five to see their record drop to 7-4. Chickasha quickly righted the ship however and won 21 of their next 22 games,
heading into the postseason with a 28-5 record. After sweeping through the regional tournament with a win over Bethany and two over Blackwell by a combined score of 24-2 the Lady Chicks got back to business quickly with a state tournament tune-up against 5A state qualifier Duncan. Chickasha won that game too by a score of 12-4 and headed to the state tournament with a 32-5 record in tow. In the first round of state the Lady Chicks squared off against Cache and picked up a big 9-3 win. The second round brought 2014 Class 4A state champ Newcastle but the Lady Chicks were able to come away with a 4-3 win. Finally, in the state championship game Chickasha took on Tecumseh and fell behind 3-0 early. The Lady Chicks wouldn’t be denied though and battled back, eventually winning the game on a single from Lynnsie Elam. It
was also the second-straight year that Elam delivered the game-winning hit in the state championship game. Chickasha Softball Roster Shantel Hayden Jaycie Brown Brook Sullivan Brighton Gilbert Jayce Pontikos Erin Powell Amanda Bradford Jac Gray Karissa Duke Haley Black Kelsi Gore Tina Bradford Lynnsie Elam Ava Hauser
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Chickasha Character Counts Athlete of the Month - Dominique Golightly Basketball fans in this state have become pretty aware as to what Dominique Golightly can do on the basketball floor. A 5-11 shooting guard/small forward Golightly has the skills and size that college coaches drool over. She can take defenders off the bounce, back them down on the block or pull up and shoot over the top. Those skills made Golightly a first team All-Suburban Conference selection last year and have earned her a scholarship at Abilene Christian University where she has signed to play at next season. Off the floor though Golightly’s exploits may not be as well known. A leader in the classroom Dominique carries a 3.85 grade point average and is also a member of the National Honor Society.
ng back my way aying Giving backGiving back ank you. is my way is my way ” Outside of school Dominique is also involved in her youth group at First and Georgia Church of Christ. She also helps her father when he volunteers to work with the youth in her community with basketball drills.
Once she goes to college Golightly hopes to use her education to continue to help her community by majoring in either Sports Medicine or Elementary Education.
of saying of saying Givingyou.” back “Thank you.” “Thank
For he continued dedication to not only be a stellar student-athlete but also a pillar in her community Dominique Golightly is the Chickasha Character together Counts Athlete of the Month. .
is my way of saying “Thank you.”
in this m® has a long of being there. That’s Michael Day Ins Agcy Inc Michael We’reDay allInsinAgcy thisInctogether.We’re all in this together. Mike Day, Agent Mike Day, Agent n why Chickasha, I’m proud to OK 73018 Chickasha, OK 73018 State Farm® has a long State Farm® has a long Bus: 405-224-1968Athletes!!!. Fax: 405-222-4320 tudent Bus: 405-224-1968 Fax: 405-222-4320 tradition of being there. That’s www.mikedayagency.com tradition of being there. That’s one reason why I’m proudone to reason why I’m proud to support Student Athletes!!!. Michael Day Ins Agcy Inc support Student Athletes!!!.
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Chickasha
Brock Henderson
In baseball if you don’t have any holes in your game they call you a five-tool player. In basketball all they say is that you can ball. Brock Henderson can ball…but he’s also a pretty good baseball player too. Henderson will be the star guard for the Fightin’ Chicks on the hardwood this year but he will also star on the diamond and is already committed to play baseball at the University of Oklahoma following his high school career. Last season as a sophomore Henderson averaged 21 points per game and that alone would’ve made him worthy to be mentioned among some of the state’s top players. Henderson didn’t stop with just his scoring though, he also averaged four rebounds and two steals per game which did more than turn a few heads. Those numbers earned Henderson first team all-district and first team allconference honors. They also helped make him an all-defensive first team player. More importantly though his numbers helped Chickasha go 15-11 and make it all the way to the area tournament. This year as a junior Henderson is looking to do more. He’s looking to do more in not only his production but also in helping his team to more wins and hopefully a spot in the Class 4A state tournament. “My goals are for us to win the last game of the year,” Henderson said. For his effort to be a multi-sport star Brock Henderson is the Chickasha Athlete of the Month.
CURIOUS MINDS challenge the world I chose Communication as my major because I want to travel and motivationally speak to inspire young adults to be the very best they can be. USAO is helping me achieve this goal by providing me with excellent advisors and opportunities to gain hands-on experience.
Nicole Crow | Chickasha, OK | Communication Oklahoma’s Public Liberal Arts College Nationally Recognized for Affordability and Quality Rigorous and Distinctive Interdisciplinary Core Curriculum (405) 574-1357 USAO.edu
THE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND ARTS OF OKLAHOMA - col l e g e f o r t h e c u r i o u s m i n d -
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<--Blake Conway & Sabrina Stewart-->
Blake Conway
Sabrina Stewart
hool Duncan High Sc
DUNCAN HIGH SCHO OL
Blake Conway Duncan High Sc
Fans of the Dunc hool an Demons may know Blake Conw of the Duncan ba ay as a member sketball team. W hat those fans m what an excelle ay not know is nt student Conw ay is when it co the classroom. mes to his work in Conway carries a 4.0 grade poin t average and tak Red River Tech es AP Biology at Center in Duncan . Conway said hi though is Compo s favorite class sition I because he After high scho enjoys independ ol Conway said ent writing. he wants to go in either politica to college and m l science or com ajor munications. Fo his college degr llowing earning ee Conway said he hopes to go to work on becom law school and ing a corporate or government effort to be an ou lawyer. For his tstanding stude nt-athlete at Du Blake Conway is ncan High Scho the Duncan Ma ol le Academic Athle te of the Month
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Submit your nomination for the Whitten Academic Athlete of the Month to: Oklahoma@VYPE.com
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VYPE Trenton bell
Trust the Process The Duncan Demons football team made some major strides this year From the outsider’s perspective a 4-6 football record doesn’t elicit a great deal of optimism. To Duncan head coach and his insider’s perspective however, it does just that. That’s because Benson knows that among his team’s six losses were hard-fought defeats to talented teams in Del City and Ardmore and even past that Duncan was competitive each week with every opponent. “The first thing you want to do is make progress and I think we did that. I know that sounds like coach speak but a lot of things go into winning games and I thought we got two big constants
from our guys this year. I felt like each week we got as much out of them as possible and I felt like every Friday our kids fought their tails off,” Benson said. “I’m encouraged by the direction we are headed and the devotion of our kids to be great.” The Demons got big years from several players this year, chief among them being junior running back Trenton Bell. The Demons also got good production from senior quarterback Luke Ring, senior receiver Collin Klingensmith, and senior linebacker Hunter Kelly. Bell won’t be the only key player coming back though. Junior running back Dillen Seeberger and sophomore Coby Kirkland will also be back after putting together solid seasons. The Demons will also return
three offensive linemen, two receivers, a kicker and a punter. With so much talent coming back Benson said his team has already started their offseason program and will be emphasizing two key things this offseason. “We really want to emphasize getting more aggressive and being tougher; and when we say tougher it doesn’t mean being able to go win a street fight. For us toughness is the player who can stay disciplined with his assignments, it’s the player who can make the tackle at the end of the game when he is dead tired. We want to build our kids into those tough players,” Benson said.
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Bailey Teakell
Duncan FFA Student of the Month
Duncan senior Bailey Teakell has been involved with the FFA for four years and has quickly become someone who excels in the organization. Currently Teakell is in her second year as the president of the Duncan FFA chapter. Teakell credits her older sister as the reason she first got involved in FFA. “My older sister was in FFA when she was in high school so when it came to my time I decided to try it out and I just fell in love with it,” Teakell said.
Through FFA Teakell has attended numerous leadership conferences. She also shows pigs and gives speeches. Like so many other FFA students Teakell said the organization has helped her in multiple other ways. “It’s made me a lot more confident in my abilities. It’s made me a better communicator, especially with people that I have never met, and it has made me a better speaker. I can speak in front of groups of hundreds of people now and I wouldn’t have been able to do that before being a part of FFA,” Teakell said. After completing high school Teakell said she hopes to go to college and study either English Education or Deaf Education but hasn’t decided on which college she would like to attend.
For her effort to excel as a member of FFA Bailey Teakell is the Duncan FFA Student of the Month. 40
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Duncan
Falon Howell
Falon Howell is a three-sport athlete at Duncan High school. A member of the Lady Demons softball, basketball and track teams Howell is no stranger to fans in Duncan. This year as a junior Howell was ready to start making people outside of Duncan sit up and take notice. As a sophomore forward last season Howell averaged 9.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. Howell also had six double-doubles last year, a number that should have increased this year, possibly to a point that she averaged a double-double. Unfortunately for Howell just as the season began she tore her ACL and was sidelined for the season. Before the injury, Howell said her personal goals this year focused on improvement, both for herself as an individual and for her team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My goal for this season is to get more rebounds and points. I also want to have a great winning season with my team,â&#x20AC;? Howell said. Now Howell will turn her attention and focus to her rehabilitation and recovery. Those boosts in numbers are still more than possible, something that was evidenced last year when Howell posted a whopping 29 points and 20 rebounds against Douglass. Fans will just need to wait until next year to see them. For her efforts as a multi-sport athlete for the lady Demons, Falon Howell is the Duncan Athlete of the Month.
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MOM OF THE Cheryl Morris
MONTH
Cheryl Morris is a busy mom who is a graduate of Duncan High School, works full time, and has two children, Cortney and Justin. Cortney is a 2010 graduate of Duncan High School where she was a cheerleader for four years. Cortney is now a 5th grade teacher at Cleveland Elementary School in Norman, Oklahoma. Justin is a senior at Duncan High School and is active in cross country, basketball, and track. Cheryl always wants to lend a helping hand whenever she can to the many activities that her kids participate in. She is the secretary of the Tip-In Club for basketball and helps work the concession stand for home games. Cheryl loves to cook and helps make snack bags for the boys’ basketball team. She recently made chicken spaghetti for the home scrimmage against Dickson, feeding both the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams, as well as the opposing teams. For cross country, she helps set up and tear down for the home meets. Cheryl is also very active at her church, New Hope West Baptist in Duncan. She helps with Vacation Bible School and cooks for the youth group during the year as well as when they go to Falls Creek (a church camp) during the summer. Cheryl is also helping with Project Graduation helps support the Duncan High School seniors by raising money to buy items to give away that the new graduates will need as they go off to college or their career. In all of this, Cheryl remains very humble saying that she just loves to serve others. Because of her continuing support of the Duncan community and her kids, Cheryl Morris is very deserving of VYPE Magazine’s Mom of the Month.
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VYPE
Demons Ready to Dominate
Duncan basketball teams ready to make some noise this season GIRLS 14-15 Record: 3-19 Outlook: Outlook: After two seasons of laying a foundation the Duncan Lady Demons are ready to make a big leap this season according to head coach Grant Givens. “This year we will look to make a huge stride forward in our program. The last two years have been building blocks for this year,” Givens said. “We have a strong core of girls that have put in a lot of work leading up to this season. We dramatically improved as the season went on a year ago and have continued to improve throughout the summer.” Falon Howell (6-0, Jr.) was expected to lead the team this year at center. Last season Howell posted six double-doubles including a 29 point, 20 rebound outing against Douglass. Those plans however took a backseat when Howell tore her ACL in early December. Sabrina Stewart (5-8, So.) will also play a key role in the frontcourt this season alongside Howell. Look for Katrina Bevans (5-9, So.) to also spend some time inside the paint this year but also
Collin Klingensmith expect her to use her athleticism to work on the perimeter as well. Paityn Bower (5-8, Sr.) and Honesti Dangerfield (5-8 (So.) will be the Lady Demons’ go-to players on the perimeter this year. Fans will also see Alexus Pettit (5-8, So.) and Maddie Conway (5-6, So.) get time in the Duncan backcourt this season. Rounding out the rotation this season will be Andee Beth Fitts (5-11, Jr.) and Nicole Bevans (6-1, Sr.). Both players give the Lady Demons good length off the bench and both should see big minutes this year. BOYS 13-14 Record: 11-12 Outlook: “We have a group that has worked very hard over the last year. While the expectations are extremely high for them, the goals they have set for themselves is even higher,” Duncan head coach K. David McGuire said about his team. “They want to leave a foundation, a legacy for others to follow, and I am excited to see what they can accomplish, not only in the upcoming basketball season but also in life.”
On the court this year fans can expect Collin Klingensmith (6-0, Sr.) to be the team’s rock on the perimeter. Last season Klingensmith averaged 13.2 points per game and could easily see those numbers go up this year. Working in the backcourt with Klinensmith will be Justin Morris (66, Sr.) and Aaron Haley (5-10. Sr.). Last season the two guards combined for 12.4 points per game and both rebounded the ball well for their position. Inside the Demons will turn to Nathan Clark (6-3, Sr.) to do a majority of the damage. Last season Clark averaged 7.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Caleb Cronk (6-2, Sr.) will also do some heavy lifting in the paint this year for the Demons. Other players to look for this year will be Trenton Bell (6-2, Jr.) and Adam Ridley (5-10, Jr.). Bell, a standout football player, will play forward this season while Ridley will come off the bench as a guard.
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Ardmore Football
Ardmore’s football season didn’t end the way they had planned but the future is still bright Last season the Ardmore Tigers advanced all the way to the Class 5A semifinals and with a large portion of the playmakers that made that run possible the Tigers were a favorite to compete for a gold ball again this year. Those expectations seemed well founded throughout the regular season as the Tigers went 8-2 and finished third in one of the most challenging districts in the class. Sometimes things just aren’t meant to be though and in the first round of the playoffs the Tigers were tamed by Deer Creek, losing 42-37. Despite the first round loss an 8-win season
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is still a very successful one and Ardmore head coach Josh Newby said the success this year was due to a great group of upperclassmen. “It all started with a great senior class and the leadership they provided both on and off the field,” Newby said. “Every time there was an incident either on or off the field they handled it. They really left something positive here for the younger guys to grab onto and run with.” Ardmore’s senior class was led by quarterback and four-year starter Clay Atwood who Newby described as an “incredible leader” and “one of the toughest guys around.” Running back OJ Walker was also a key senior this year who racked up the stats but also was one of the vocal leaders in the locker room according to
Newby. Finally, senior center Breyden Brookshire was the other senior Newby singled out for his play on the field and his leadership off of it. Looking ahead to the future, coach Newby said that he felt like the journey his younger players were able to go on this year can really help them in the future. “I definitely think it can be a positive. It was a good learning experience for them to see how these seniors handled things and I took every freshman to our playoff game at Deer Creek so they could see that first hand and even though it didn’t turn out the way we had hoped I think they understand now that you are going to play really good teams in the playoff and you have to play at an extremely high level to win in the playoffs.”
Plainview
Megan Shelton
Plainview Lady Indians senior guard Megan Shelton is the type of player who can get you what you need. You need points, she can score. You need rebounds, she can clean the glass. You need assists, she can distribute the ball. Last season those skills allowed Shelton to average 14.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. They also helped Shelton earn all-conference honors and helped her team go 25-4. This year Shelton hopes they will help Plainview earn a spot in the Class 4A state tournament. “My goals for this season are to continue to be a positive example on and off the court. As a team we are working hard to go deep into the playoffs and represent Plainview in the state tournament for the first time in school history,” Shelton said. After high school Shelton plans to continue her basketball career at the college level and has already signed a letter of intent to play at Oklahoma Christian University, something she is very enthusiastic about. “I am very excited to play for coach Findley. She holds the state record for most wins by a women’s basketball coach at a four-year Oklahoma college. I am looking forward to my future as an Eagle.” For her continued dedication to excellence on the hardwood Megan Shelton is the Plainview Athlete of the Month.
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