VYPE Three Rivers Oklahoma February 2017 Issue

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PRE GAME

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MR. AND MISS BASKETBALL OKLAHOMA

The semifinalists for VYPE and Shelter Insurance Mr. and Miss Basketball Oklahoma include seven players from Three Rivers. Who moves on to the finals?

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#GOLDBALL

As the high school basketball playoffs begin, the chase for the Gold Ball reaches a feverish pace. VYPE breaks down the chances to see who will be this year’s state champions.

SIGNING DAY

High school sports heroes sign on the dotted line to open the door for taking their talents to the collegiate level in football and other sports.

The list of Three Rivers stars on the road to the next level is impressive.

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

PUBLISHER Austin Chadwick EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Brad Heath THREE RIVERS/SEOK DIRECTOR Bill Huddleston DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Rod Coulter OKLAHOMA SALES DIRECTOR Roscoe Migliore SALES EXECUTIVE Dan Rowlan SALES EXECUTIVE Marylynn Heath SALES EXECUTIVE Joe Wilhite GRAPHIC DESIGN Tom Kazansky VYPEOK.COM EDITOR Mike Metcalf SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Charlotte Blackwell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bill Huddleston, Brad Heath, Nick Hampton, Larry Owen CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Vickie Tincher, Von Castor, John

Hasler, Bill Huddleston, Stephanie Hair-Priceless Poses Photography, Craig Hall-Heavener Ledger, Larry Owen-Okmulgee Times, Jared Porter-Tahlequah Daily Press, Holly Cooper, Tiffany Terrell, Ruth Kelly Studios, Sherri Risenhoover Photography, Tom Firme-Stigler News Sentinel, Brandy Moton Photography, Kevin Swanson, Ramona Smith, Eufaula High School, Sallisaw High School, Warner High School, Stigler High School, Vian High School, Henryetta High School, Beggs High School, Okemah High School, Fort Gibson High School, Muskogee High School, Porter High School, Haskell High School, Wagoner High School, Hilldale High School, Checotah High School, Vian High School, Eufaula FFA, Gore FFA, Muldrow FFA, Oktaha FFA, Roland FFA, Vian FFA, Warner FFA, Webbers Falls FFA.

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.

®

®

Photo By Vickie Tincher

photo by Kevin Swanson

TRYSTIAN SHIREMAN – WAGONER

CONNOR PLACE - HEAVENER

photo by Vickie Tincher

Photo By Bill Huddleston

CALEB SMITH HEAVENER

BRIAN RESCH - TAHLEQUAH

photo by Craig Hall-Heavener Ledger

BERNABE TAPIA - HILLDALE

AMARI HARDWICK MULDROW

photo by Jared Porter-Tahlequah Daily Press

AUSTIN BROWN – CENTRAL SALLISAW

photo by Vickie Tincher

photo by Bill Huddleston

photo by Vickie Tincher

photo by Vickie Tincher

FRIDAY NIGHT HEROES – AS THE 2016 FOOTBALL SEASON KICKS OFF, VYPE PHOTOGRAPHERS SPOTLIGHT THOSE PLAYERS EXPECTED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR SUCCESS THIS FALL IN THE THREE RIVERS AREA.

JACOB MORGAN - GORE

JADA TAYLOR - GANS

T.J. AUSTIN - BEGGS

Photo By Bill Huddleston

KYLAR STILWELL - KEYS

KYLEIGH HARRELL - ROLAND KYMBER TYON SEQUOYAH TAHLEQUAH

XAVIER LIGONS - MORRIS Photo By John Hasler

Photo By Stephanie Hair-Precious Poses Photography

Photo By Bill Huddleston

photo by Vickie Tincher

photo by Jared Porter-Tahlequah Daily Press

photo by Holly Cooper Photography

photo by Vickie Tincher

photo by Vickie Tincher Photo By John Hasler

P I C T UFRE EA TTUHRI S E

JAVIER RAMOS - VIAN

JAXON CALHOUN - STIGLER

KENNEDI COOPER - HOWE

FFA - It’s More Than a Sport....

Gore FFA GORE This past month the Gore FFA participated in the Oklahoma Goodwill Tour 2017. Four of the state officers came to the Gore Ag Building and presented a demonstration of the Three Component Model of FFA. The officers also answered many questions that students had.

The Gore FFA Chapter officers served a smoked chicken lunch following the presentation.

Also at the Goodwill Tour the Gore School Superintendent Lucky McCrary presented the Chapter with a bronze plaque as a dedication of the new Ag building at Gore. Attending the Goodwill Tour were State Senator Mark Allen, State Representative Ed Cannaday, Gore Town Administrator Horace Lindley along with many other local residents and students.

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WEBBERS FALLS

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The Webbers Falls FFA Chapter recently attended the Oklahoma FFA State Officer Goodwill Tour at Gore High School. It was a good experience to get to go and listen to the state officers talk to us about becoming successful in agriculture and life. We are very grateful to the Gore FFA chapter for allowing us to attend their Goodwill Tour stop. We look forward to attending more leadership activities in the future. Webbers Fall chapter members in attendance were Drew Pevehouse, Devon Pevehouse, Haley Cato, Jayden Carter, Madison Carter, Brittany Baer, Faith Treadwell, Katie Marzano, and Jordan Turley.

WARNER

With over 40 students participating in the

Warner FFA

Webbers Falls FFA event, the Warner Livestock Booster Club kicked off the Spring Show season for all livestock exhibitors. On January 26, 2017 the Warner FFA was privileged to host four of the eight State FFA Officers for the Goodwill Tour.

The State Officers that attended were Cale Jahn, State FFA President, Piper Merrit, State FFA Secretary, Cleo Giraldo, Northeast District Vice President, and Ridge Hughbanks, Northwest District Vice President. The program that the state officers presented to the students was serious but, entertaining as well. The students that were in attendance said that they really enjoyed hearing from the state officers and that they learned a lot from them. Our chapter officers Daniel Hamm Jr., Brooklyn Herriman, Bailey Lockhart, Whitney Nelson, Jake Perryman, and our advisor Mr. Ira Jackson were present at the Warner Elementary school to celebrate the achievement of reaching our goal of collecting over 6,000 canned food items for our holiday canned food drive. We celebrated that by having two of our chapter officers, Bailey Lockhart and Jake Perryman pie the elementary counselor Mrs. Charla Jackson and the elementary principal Mrs. Tracy McMullen. Finally, we’ve had several chapter members attend many different stock shows that included the Beggs Swine Show, Choctaw Nation Livestock Show, Creek Nation Livestock Show, and the Okemah Swine Show just to name a few.

VIAN

“Turnip for What” – Recently the Vian FFA chapter has had their hands full, full of turnips.

Students spent hours in the Sequoyah National

Wildlife Refuge picking locally raised turnips to get a hands-on agricultural experience. When they finished the harvest, they had over ten-five gallon buckets of turnips. With them, they did a number of things. They battered and fried some for a snack in class and donated some to locals and school employees who enjoy eating turnips.

Not only did they do a service for their community, they also were taught life lessons and the basic fundamentals of reaping what you sow, not only with turnips, but in life as well.

OKTAHA

Oktaha FFA Chapter is staying busy throughout the beginning of this year. The officer team and other members are preparing for our freshman luncheon and our annual teachers breakfast.

As our seniors are constantly working on their scrapbooks, scholarships and applications, our show team is getting ready for are county, regional and OYE livestock shows. We also have many members preparing for CDE events, as well as learning and working hard on upcoming public speaking contests. Good job to are fellow FFA members and keep up the great work!

ROLAND

Roland FFA kicked off the month of February with our local show as students exhibited cattle, goats, and swine. Chapter members continue preparations for the upcoming Sequoyah County Junior Livestock Show as well as the Muskogee Regional Junior Livestock Show.

Vian FFA

Oktaha FFA

FFA members will celebrate National FFA Week with a meal and FFA Agriculture Olympics.

Students are also beginning to prepare for Career Development Events which will be held the last of March, all of April, and the first of May. CHECOTAH

Much like every other chapter this time of year, Eufaula FFA has been extremely busy. Since before Christmas break, we have been preparing to move into a newly remodeled Agriculture Education building. We are finally in our new facility and up and running full blast. The new facility was built with funds from a bond issue the community passed. The facility is complete with an animal science lab facility, which was not previously part of the original building.

Besides moving in a new facility, Eufaula has also been busy attending leadership conferences such Roland, Ripley, Glencoe, and Depew. While at the Depew Rock On Leadership Conference, Eufaula’s officer team will have a part in training the freshmen who attend. Eufaula also puts on a FFA dance for FFA members from around the area. This year we had over 100 in attendance.

Eufaula FFA has been extremely busy showing at livestock jackpots every weekend. Members have been competing all over the state accomplishing several high placings, breeds

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Equestrian buildings

January and February is application time for the FFA. Many deadlines are on February 1 and into the month of February. This year Eufaula will have two State FFA Degree recipients, Matt Whelan and Grant Dawson. These two young men have had outstanding FFA careers are will accomplish great things in the future. Eufaula also records many talent demos for the State FFA Convention this time of year as well. It is also Proficiency application time and we have been busy finishing up those applications to send in for evaluation. Next on our sites is to prepare for National FFA week activities and events.

FEBRUARY 2017

Suburban homes and garages

champions, and grand champions. We are gearing up for our local show on February 18th and looking forward to the larger show coming up such as Muskogee Regional and OYE.

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Quality buildings and materials

Eufaula FFA

THREE RIVERS OKLAHOMA

The Muldrow FFA chapter recently held their

EUFAULA

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MULDROW

Muldrow FFA

VYPE OKLAHOMA

Checotah FFA chapter has had another very busy month with activities including stock shows and banquets. Continuing the tradition of the chapter, Checotah FFA has eight State FFA Degree recipients including Jordan Curtis, Nash Turner, Ethan McGee, Deryk Bollinger, Allison Carson, Madison Mitchell, Kaylee VanMeter and Devin Martin. Chapter members recently completed the annual Checotah FFA local show and premium auction. Checotah FFA also raised $9100.00 through the Masonic Lodge fundraiser, which was the most money the Masonic Lodge has ever had a non-profit organization raise in their many years of keeping records. Chapter members continue to be successful in multiple shows. At the Choctaw Nation Livestock show in Wilburton CeeJay Robison was Reserve Champion Doe Goat, and Dakota Cantrell was Bronze Medal English Breeds Heifer. The Muscogee Creek Nation hosted the All Indian Livestock Show in Okemah Oklahoma where Karlee Glover was selected Grand Champion Doe Goat and Codi Robison was Bronze Metal Doe Goat. Checotah FFA exhibited 22 market hogs at this show and 13 heifers. In Wewoka at the statewide cattle jackpot it was Brooklyn Scott who was selected Grand Champion Steer and several of the 13 head entered won their classes in the heifer division.

annual Local Livestock Show at the Muldrow FFA Show Barn.

Exhibitors from the Muldrow FFA and Muldrow 4H presented their animals preparing for County, Regionals, and OYE. One of the highlights off the show was retired Ag Teacher, Jim O’Bryan receiving a plaque from the Muldrow Ag Boosters for 32 years of dedication to the Muldrow FFA.

Checotah FFA 1958

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While continuing their preparations for the basketball playoffs, VYPE caught up with Kenzie Mize of Hilldale High School to answer questions for Triple Play. After getting her answers, we posed the same questions to her Lady Hornets teammates Morgan Gaddy and Haley Olson. Which of the two best-matched Kenzie’s answers?

Kenzie Mize Hilldale Lady Hornets

Morgan Gaddy #35 – Homecoming Queen

Kenzie’s favorite subject?

Math

Science

Math

Kenzie’s favorite place to eat?

Olive Garden

Olive Garden

Olive Garden

Something Kenzie will NEVER eat?

Spaghetti

Spaghetti

Spaghetti

Kenzie’s locker (aka bedroom) is clean & neat, organized chaos or Hornets nest?

Organized Chaos

“Total Chaos”

Clean as a Whistle?

(NOT- LOL!)

Twitter, Snapchat or Instagram?

Twitter @KenzieRae3411

Snapchat

Twitter

If Kenzie could invite anyone to dinner it would be? (Dream Date)

Dylan O’Brien

Dylan O’Brien

Steph Curry

Favorite TV Show?

Vampire Diaries

One Tree Hill

Vampire Diaries

Funniest player on the Lady Hornets team?

“ME”

Riley Hamm

Kenzie Aka ”Goofy”

Smartest player on the team?

Tyler McMillan “Tootie”

Tyler McMillan

Tyler McMillan

Which player on the team can best imitate coach Hensley?

Morgan Gaddy

Riley Hamm

Morgan Gaddy

5 out of 10 (Good Job Morgan!)

8 out of 10 (Hall of Fame Effort!)

Haley Olson #5 – Guard

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A four-year starter on the basketball court, Kenzie Mize has been a key figure in the Lady Hornets making back-to-back trips to the Class 4A state tournament for the first time in school history. A 5-8 senior, Mize is also a four-year starter in right field for Hilldale’s fastpitch softball teams. In addition to her love for sports including an admiration riding go-carts and four-wheeler competition, Mize has a compassionate heart for helping others including taking part in Project Dream Seeds, a three week mission trip to Mexico.

Wherever she attends college, it will be the next step in her career path to begin a career in nursing where she longs for the opportunities to make life better for others.

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OKMULGEE COUNTY

Caprice G raham Dustin Cr Charee G awford raham Henryetta

Tack Murray - Okemah

Okmulgee Area Update SWIMMING FOR GOLD With only a three-member squad, Henryetta swimmers earned positions in the Class 5A Swimming state championship competition as twin sisters Charee and Caprice Graham compete in two events. Charee claimed gold in the 200IM and 100 Backstroke at regionals to qualify while Caprice touched the wall for silver in the 100 Butterfly and third in the 100 Breaststroke to advance. The Knights swim team also includes junior Dustin Crawford.

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SIGNING DAY SUCCESS

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February signing day opened the doors for four more Okmulgee area athletes for continuing their football careers. Tack Murray of Okemah will join the football program at Oklahoma Baptist University while Rhett Williams of Henryetta inked a Letter of Intent with Ottawa College.

Beggs duo Tyler Murry (Evangel) and Chris Waltman (NEO) raised the number to seven Golden Demons headed to the next level including Cade Furer and Garrett Pendergrass in baseball at Carl Albert along with Natalie Phelps (Seminole) and Lindsi Spring (Northern) in fastpitch softball plus McKenzie McCoy (OC) in golf. Also signing a golf scholarship offer was Nicole Robertson of Henryetta (Seminole St.). Early signing period also included KiKi Shields of Preston signing to play basketball at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock.

Pirates reached the consolation final round with victories over Crossings Christian and Silo to claim a third place finish. Team members include Koby Love, Gavin Allen, Bryce Watson, Josh Thompson, Emma Long, Abbie Long and Gage Allen coached by Jon M. Robertson and Jonathan Watkins.

DESTINATION – BIG HOUSE

With high school basketball playoffs underway, four area teams with Top 10 rankings try to punch a ticket to the OSSAA state championship tournament. The Preston girls and boys look to join the Class 2A field in the final eight teams in Class 2A while Beggs girls seek a repeat to the Class 3A girls tournament while the Okmulgee Bulldogs appear on track to reach the Class 3A boys field looking for a chance to play on Saturday at the Big House in Oklahoma City.

Tylar Murry - Beggs

Chris Waltman - Beggs

Devion Nelson - Okmulgee

Rhett Williams-Henryetta

Bastien Lallemand - Morris

Preston Academic

ACADEMIC BOWL

Preston High School displayed its excellence in the classroom advancing from the Area tournament with a 243.33 average to compete in the Class 3A classification of the OSSAA Academic Bowl championships. The

PRESENTED BY

IRONHEAD STRONG Eufaula powerlifting continues to prove its talents with two strong showings in recent meets as the Ironheads took home second place at the Hilldale meet followed with a third place team total in the competition at Checotah. Colton Roberts, who finished third in last year’s state championships, and Jesse Walker, a 2016 state qualifier have powered their way to a pair of first place finishes. Bullet Burns, last year’s Oklahoma 9th grade state champion, collected the overall second place finish at Hilldale in the 132 pound division along with Michael Hollar, another state qualifier in 2016, in the 275 pound class.

Hollar also earned a third place medal at Checotah in addition to Gunner Ford claiming second place at Checotah where the Ironhead senior claimed the gold medal in the 220 pound division bench press competition. Also earning points at Hilldale was Garrison Morgan (157lbs) while Dakota Adams scored a runner-up finish in the squat lift 242-pound division at Checotah.

Coach Larry Newton anticipates added points to come from Zac Anderson, Gage Burns, Logan Krietmeyer, Daniel Atwood, Levi Jackson, Noah Drake, Eli Adams, Rome McDonald, Garrison Morgan, Jacob Shotwell, Shane Walkers, Kole Poindexter, Tristan McDonald, Anthony Friday, Nick McQuire and Gabe Friday. Eufaula powerlifters will compete in the regional championships on March 3rd at Valliant to qualify for the OFBCA championships at McLoud on March 10th.

eight new members to the EHS National Honor Society on February 27th. Jordyn Dobbs, a sophomore will join seven freshmen including Kiaya Burns, Jaci Combs, Journi James, Ashley Mills, Jack Nixon, Alex Parker and Caton Skaggs in membership a result of their academic achievements.

The eight new members will join 34 current members including 2017 seniors Sean Aday, Amy Gunner Ford Armendariz, Kenley Flinn, Baylee Heflin, Jacob Rippy, Palmer Scott, Laura VanCleave, Jesse Walker, Matt Whelan and Natash Wiedel along with juniors Rylee Battles, Kiauna Burns, Payton Combs, Jonah Davis, Julia Hawkins, Josh Hunn, Sarah Ingram, Garrison Morgan, Morgan Parish, LeDarrien Perkins, Colton Roberts, Sierra Robertson, Hannah Sullivan, Geoffrey Willis and Makenna Wilkinson. Sophomores currently members of NHS include Cy Curtis, Brittany Daniel, Payton Lawson, Kylie Depue, Cheyenne Ellis, Jase Pippenger, Tevin Rittenhouse, David Salters and Samantha Stevenson.

GOING GREEN The spirit of the Ironheads grows stronger everyday thanks to the tireless efforts of Ryan and Courtney Green. Coach Green, who is the Lady Ironheads head softball coach as well teaching math was selected as the Eufaula High School Teacher of the Year while Courtney, the high school secretary and assistant student council sponsor was chosen as EHS Support Person of the Year. Keeping the tradition of the Ironheads growing this outstanding duo are parents to Leah and Kylie, who are students at Eufaula Elementary. Thanks Ryan and Courtney for all you do!

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT Excellence through education is one of the pillars of membership for the National Honor Society and Eufaula High School will induct

Colton Roberts

Ryan and Courtney Green

WA R N E R E AG L E S

Warner A c

ademics

Warner Homecoming

Warner Eagles “Flyin’ High” ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Warner proved again to be among the best in Oklahoma as the 10-member Academic Pursuit team advanced to the OSSAA Academic Bowl finals. After claiming the district championship, the Eagles qualified for state with the runnerup finish at Area held in Wilburton. With an opening round win over Preston and quarterfinal victory against Silo, Warner students vaulted into the finals with a semifinal win over Wilburton, but then would drop backto-back scores to Wilburton to claim the Class 3A state runner-up trophy and medals. Team members include Andy Hayes, Jake Perryman, Alisha Rothrock, Whitney Nelson, Summer Lee, Wyatt French, Mickey Hayes, Izabella Szabo and Eli Terrell. Crystal Bliss coaches the Warner Academic team.

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BASKETBALL ROYALTY

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Warner celebrated its 2017 Homecoming with the coronation of Chelsea Anderson and Clayton Kilpatrick as Queen and King in front of the home crowd as Warner won the girls game (57-38) and boys contest (60-46) over Hulbert. Jayce McPeak escorted Queen Chelsea to center court while King Clayton escorted one of the senior attendants, Kailey

Kilpatrick. Senior attendant Courtney Smith was escorted by Stevie Ray Carter and Carson Foreman escorted Britney Hammans. Nathan Ohl escorted the junior attendant Callie Glisson while sophomore attendant Summer Lee was escorted by Wryan Daniels. The freshman attendant Madison McElyea was escorted by Trenton Sanders. Also joining the celebration and fun were flower girl Tarryn Trennepohl and crown bearer Heath Kusler.

SPELLING BEE CHAMPIONS

Jace Jac k

son - Ada m Th Ty Vinson ompson -

grade competition.

TAKING TALENTS TO THE MAT Warner youth wrestlers were among the winners at the Oklahoma Kids Wrestling Association championships in Tulsa. Preston Cannon, a fourth grader competing in the 10-under division, won the second place silver medal against the 80 pound weight class competitors. Merci Swimmer, an eighth grader, captured the fourth place finish in the 15-under 106 pound division while Ty Vinson, a Warner fifth grader claimed a fourth place finish in the 85 pound weight limit while sixth grader Xander Torix, finished in seventh place.

Warner junior high and elementary school recently held the annual Spelling Bee as a qualifier for the regional championships to be held in Muskogee. Adam Thompson, a Warner sixth grader won the elementary school competition edging out fifth graders Ty Vinson and Jace Jackson, who claimed the runner-up and first alternate honors. On the junior high level, Lakota Sales and Merci Swimmer - Ty Vinson Haden Torix won the Preston Cannon - Zander Torix seventh and eighth

Lakota Sales - Haden Torix

V I A N WO LV E R I N E S

Jake Ada m

s - Nick H

Vian FCCLA

ughes

Vian: Striving For Excellence and Emma Gann competed in the Northeast 5 District STAR events, the group has turned its efforts toward preparing for an all-school assembly along with Mitchell Garrett with Oklahoma Challenge in March focusing on the dangers of “D-D Distracted Driving.” The group also takes part in helping with the local Special Olympics before attending the FCCLA State Convention in April.

OKLAHOMA’S BEST Vian football continues its longstanding tradition of success as three members of this past season’s 2A-5 district champion football team were name to the Oklahoma Football Coaches Association All-Star by Class team.

From an offensive unit that averaged 41.5 points per game amidst a 10-2 record, running back Terron Moses, quarterback Rayne Cloud and offensive lineman Shelton Skaggs Terron Moses were chosen for the OCA elite squad.

Shelton Skaggs

Jaden Clapton Emma Gann

THREE RIVERS OKLAHOMA

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Members of the Vian chapter of FCCLA continue to make a positive difference at school and the Vian community. After two members Jaden Clapton

Rayne Cloud

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“TUK TO THE NEXT LEVEL” Vian senior Terron Moses gained the reward for his talents and contribution to the continued winning ways of Vian football signing a Division-I football college letter of intent with Montana University. The 5-foot-9 165 pound

speedster,“Tuk” totaled 71 touchdowns the past two seasons including rushing for 4,156 yards.

Moses was recently named to the East squad to play in the Oklahoma Coaches Association AllState football game.

VYPE OKLAHOMA

WOLVERINES GRIND IT OUT ON THE MAT Competing against a field of teams from classes 5A, 4A and 3A, Vian wrestlers proved tough claiming a third place team total in the high school and junior high divisions at the Maverick Conference tournament. Five members of the Vian wrestling programs claimed gold medals including Jake Adams (106) and Nick Hughes (HWT) earning the Most Outstanding Wrestler award in the 18 junior high field. Also winning gold were River Simon (170) and Whitt Fletcher (145) in the 21 team high school team competiton plus Braylen Rodgers (80) on the junior high mat.

Among the Vian wrestlers also picking up honors were Bodhi Vann (3rd-132), Kade Cato (4th-182) and Christian Jones (4th-126) on the high school mats while Jake Coffee (2nd113), Dil’n Murchinson (3rd-140), Isaiah Tehee (3rd-126), Gunnar Griffith (4th-162) and Josh Karnes (4th-126) among the junior high wrestlers.

Jake Adams and Nick Hughes also carried the banner of Vian wrestlers competing on the USA Oklahoma Nationals team with Adams winning All-American honors at the Virginia Duals meet.

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ST IGLER PAN T H ER S

Shauntey

Hays

“We Are Stigler Panthers” “ALL FOR ONE” With the rally cry of together we can accomplish anything, the Lady Panthers continue to climb toward the top of the Class 3A basketball ladder. In addition to reach the Top 15 for the first time in more than a decade to road to success has been a construction effort fostered by team chemistry. The Lady Panthers’ unity and determination has been rewarded with a 20-3 record entering the postseason including winning the Black Diamond Conference with an unbeaten 10-0 campaign.

With an overwhelming majority vote of support, Stigler junior Shauntey Hays won the February Athlete of the Month poll conducted online at VYPE.COM/ThreeRivers. The Lady Panthers scoring leader who dropped in five three-point baskets to total 24 points as Stigler clinched the Black Diamond Conference with a perfect 10-0 season.

“Shauntey continues to take her game to a higher level,” remarked coach Jeff Walker. “Not only does she attack the rim to score off the bounce, she can consistently score from the perimeter. Her length and athleticism makes her a tough defender too.”

Hays leads the Stigler scoring for a third straight year (15.1ppg) that includes 38% from three point territory as well as creating scoring chances for her teammates with over 100 deflections leading to points off turnovers for the Lady Panthers.

SHINING STARS

Three members of this past season’s 3A-8 district championship football team were selected to the Oklahoma Football Coaches Association All-Star by Class team.

Representing the Panthers are offensive linemen Steven Mosely, Justin Geralds and wide receiver Dawson Barger. The Panthers reached the 3A quarterfinal round with a 10-3 mark.

Homecoming Photo courtesy Sherri Risenhoover Photography, Action photo courtesy Vickie Tincher - @vypelady

FEBRUARY 2017

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Queen Madison Gilmore

VYPEOK.COM

With just two seniors, Gilmore and Pacek, many would consider this a young team. But in the minds of the Lady Panthers, who start their trek to the Big House with an eight game winning streak, anything is possible in trying to

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“Cali’s return from injury has been a big plus.

She drives the bus for us at point guard,” admits Walker. “Shauntey and Madison create challenges for our opponents to defend. With Sadie and Mattie getting the job done inside we’re able to do so much more.

THREE RIVERS OKLAHOMA

Add the post play of Sadie Quick and freshman Mattie Self, coach Walker’s lineup has the ability to score inside and out. Bolstered by the contributions of Adi Pacek plus point guard Cali Parker and Riley Calhoun, Stigler’s versatility has been successful.

HAYS GETS THE VOTE

With a total team effort, Stigler girls basketball put the gleam in the Queen’s eye with a 5837 Homecoming victory over Wilburton as the Panthers crowned Madison Gilmore as basketball queen for 2017. Surrounded by members of the Stigler girls and boys basketball teams, Gilmore was escorted

by Jackson McAlvain and Brandon Ebling.

Homecoming attendants include senior Adi Pacek escorted by Nathaniel Shaffer and Peyton Henson, junior Sadie Quick escorted by Caden Cloud and Parker McAlvain while Kelby Self and Lake McClary escorted sophomore attendant Macie Hare. Also taking part in the celebration were flower girl Paizley McConnell and crown bearer Sawyer Upton.

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Stigler has limited opponents to just 35 points per game while averaging 51.4 points per contest entering the playoffs including a combined 41% team shooting average. Three year starter Shauntey Hays leads the scoring with 15.2 points while Madison Gilmore anchors the rebound totals with 6-plus rebounds while adding 11.5 points each night.

“Our approach is just win the next game,” said Walker. “Our playoff bracket is going to be tough but if you can make the Area tournament, anything can happen.

“A NIGHT FIT FOR A QUEEN”

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“Most of the players are either starters or players with three years experience,” said head coach Jeff Walker. “Our rotation of players allows us to go inside as well as score off the dribble. Because of the athleticism, length and quickness, our defense has been a calling card for our ability to win close games.”

claim one of the eight tickets to play in the Class 3A state tournament.

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S A L LI S AW BLACK DI A M ONDS

Clay Glas

s

Sallisaw Black Diamonds:“Nothin’ Brighter... Nothin’ Finer “#36 – RELENTLESS”

“Because of your example of life and courage, Clay Glass…you made us all better for knowing you.”

ALL STARS

Relentless The reality of life’s occurrences often brings heartbreak and sadness yet for the Black Diamond family the celebration of memories shared with 2017 senior Clay Glass shall remain forever strong.

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An example of hard work and determination, Clay Glass leaves a legacy for young and old alike to follow.

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“There are not enough words that can be said about Clay. He was the backbone of our team,” said head football coach Scott Bethel. “Clay always had a smile on his face and everyone in school was his friend. As a team captain, Clay was the leader on our team. He was always the first one at the stadium and the last one to leave. Everything he did, on and off the field, Clay completed his efforts with a passion of a champion and for helping everyone around him become a success.”

During his high school career, Glass established several school records on the football field including most tackles in a game (22), most tackles in a single season (156) and most tackles for loss in a season (18). His relentless love and approach on every play earned Glass earned the district 4A-4 Defensive Player of the Year honors as well as being named to the OCA All-Stars by Class football team.

“DIAMONDS TO THE NEXT LEVEL”

National signing day brought about the move to the next level for Sallisaw running back Hunter Capehart who inked a letter-of-intent with the Bronchos of the University of Central Oklahoma. Add the early signing of wrestler Jet Taylor (Oklahoma State) along with softball heroes Taten Hyde (Butler County KS) and Megan Green (Hutchinson KS), this year’s seniors continue the tradition of success of Black Diamonds athletics.

Hunter Capehart

Three members of this past season’s Sallisaw football team were selected to the Oklahoma Football Coaches Association All-Star by Class team. Representing the Black Diamonds are running back Hunter Capehart, who ran for 1,572 yards and 17 touchdowns, linebacker Clay Glass who totaled 156 tackles including 11 stops for loss and four sacks while defensive back Brad Bell 70 tackle plus three interceptions and two fumble recoveries in addition to picking up 2,404 total offense with 1,578 yards rushing and combining for 31 touchdowns at quarterback.

Brad Bell

700 E. Choctaw Ave. Sallisaw, OK

918-775-9180

Careers Start Here ICTC ATHLETE

Full Time | Short Term | Online | Business & Industry Services

Indian Capital Technology Center

Careers Start Here: Muskogee: 800-375-8324 Sallisaw: 800-340-9119

Stilwell: 866-696-3111

Tahlequah: 800-340-2594

www.ictctech.com

The Future Is Her “Destany” Information Technology Opens The Doors to Career Success In a world where the demand to send and receive information immediately is as basic the need as another heartbeat, the endless value for Information Technology continues grow in all walks of life. For Destany Walston, a senior at Midway High School, the learning opportunities of IT available through Indian Capital Technology Center not only provide another credit for graduation but also the keys to unlocking doors for success in a career of heartfelt passion.

While a heart condition restricts Walston’s involvement in rigorous sporting activities, the energy of the Midway cheerleader abounds as she nears completion of the two-year program at ICTC that empowers students to design and troubleshoot computers as well as configure networks empowering them for future job opportunities.

“My lifelong desire has always been to help people and this program is a perfect match for me,” smiled Watson who aspires to combine her IT training with a career path in the medical field. “I’m captivated by how and why computers and cellphones work. My curiosity drives my desire to learn in a hands-on environment.”

“People ask me, aren’t you scared to take apart someone else’s computer? I smile and explain

Destany Walston’s achievements in the IT program model the energy she displays as a cheerleader at Midway.

“She loves to learn. Destany is like a sponge that soaks it up and then squeezes it right back out,” said Pouncil. “It’s her energy that’s allowing her to complete the requirements and then go above and beyond. In our group projects, everyone wants Destany on their team because she can insure they’re always going to achieve more.”

Pouncil also agrees with Walston that the IT essentials curriculum is much more than a traditional classroom that cements the traditional 3-Rs of reading, writing and arithmetic.

Students also gain training and skills in routing, cabling, networking along with understanding of different operating systems in addition to the computer building and repair abilities.

Upon completion of the program, students like Walston earn their degree as an Enterprise Network Associate and more.

“They also gain industry certifications that provides endless job opportunities,” said Pouncil. “The advantage of on-the-job training and internships insure their value to future employers.”

For the many students like Destany Walston, who last year won the Skills USA state championship competition, the experiences through hands-on learning at ICTC is what keeps her energy level peaking at the top of charts and a smile on her face everyday.

“It’s learning by doing and having fun at the same time,” smiled Walston. “Doors at ICTC are open both ways. The classes and instructors here open doors to learning whatever your heart desires and then swing the doors open wide with job opportunities as well as avenues for continued learning.”

Sallisaw: 800-340-9119

Stilwell: 866-696-3111

Tahlequah: 800-340-2594

www.ictctech.com

VYPEOK.COM

Muskogee: 800-375-8324

Full Time | Short Term | Online | Business & Industry Services

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“We call it Rigor, Relevance and Relationships.

The multitude of tasks that must be learned in a project-based environment challenge students to troubleshoot in order to uncover the solution as well as the problem through trial and error,” said Pouncil.

“IT is forever evolving, what we do the first week on a project may not be in existence in the very near future,” admits Pouncil. “That’s why the problem-solving skills and research are so invaluable to our students. Through problem solving and handling tasks by thinking quickly on the feet, our students are prepared to handle emerging technologies in the future.”

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The non-traditional classroom where students build, upgrade, diagnose and repair computers creates an energy of enthusiasm and desire to learn more.

“You have to be able to add and subtract in order to decode the computer language, the binary code,” Walston said in explanation. “Reading and comprehension of instructions is part of it too in order to not just build and rebuild devices but also to understand the grouping of numbers and IP addresses to empower computers to work efficiently. It’s all that and a lot more. That’s why it’s so exciting.”

A huge skills gap with unlimited avenues for jobs continues to abound, Pouncil smiles while recalling that IT is changing minute-byminute keeping learning fresh, challenging and rewarding.

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“IT is all about connecting people and keeping everyone in communication,” said Pouncil.

“Whether they’re a beginner, novice or expert, the IT program develops every students’ problem solving skills and abilities to tackle any situation through hands-on exposure that gives them the confidence to succeed.”

The Midway senior admits the IT program has solidified her appreciation for learning the basics.

Destany Walston

VYPE OKLAHOMA

Tracye Pouncil, now in her 10th year as an instructor at ICTC, offers a simplified explanation for the interests of students like Walston to pursue the curriculum and training.

my excitement that I learn best through hands on situations. I’m excited to take them apart, discover what’s happening and put them back together,” said Walston. “It’s hard to imagine the thousands of components inside a computer or cellphone that talk to each other that allow me and you to talk, text, send pictures and all kinds of things everyday.”

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SEQUOYAH COUNTY ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

Taten Hyd

e

Sequoyah County Athlete of the Month TATEN HYDE Sallisaw Black Diamonds Almost without warning, Sallisaw senior Taten Hyde continues to raise the bar of excellence in whatever she does. A four-year starter on the basketball court, Hyde rewritten the record books to become the school’s all-time leading scorer.

Since her first start as a freshman, Hyde’s approach to every game has been “just win the next game by leaving it all on the court.” As the playoffs begin, Hyde has totaled 1,469 points to date to eclipse the Sallisaw basketball scoring records previously held by Angela Hill during the six-on-six play form 1980-1983. While breaking the single game scoring mark of 40 points, Hyde delivered her own “double-double” as on the same night surpassing the five-on-five scoring mark previously held Athena McCoy, who ironically was Hyde’s coach for three seasons.

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“It was kinda crazy that I broke both records in the same game,” Hyde said recalling the 40-point effort against Spiro to set the five-on-five mark, “and the fact that coach McCoy had set the marks was a motivation for me too.”

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A soft-spoken with a compassionate heart shares the credit with her teammates. “It’s all about the team. We feed off each other. Any records I have accomplished are the result of hard work from all

of us,” said Hyde.

Sallisaw head coach Robert Brunk praised Hyde for her accomplishments that include far more than just scoring points. “Taten is just an effective rebounder as a scorer. If we had records available, there’s not a doubt in my mind she’d own that mark as well,” said Brunk. “More than her statistics, Taten is a natural leader who leads by example, on and off the court. She draws a crowd of attention from our opponents on the floor as well as a always being surrounded by a big group of friends. I guess you could say she’s Sallisaw’s version of Will Rogers, there’s never been a person she didn’t like…or that doesn’t like her.”

Another driving force for Hyde is the motherdaughter bond with her mom, LaCosta Oberste, who was a member of the girls state championship basketball team at Sallisaw in 1996.

“We talk about the games, about practice and what it takes to be a winner. She’s that voice I can always hear…when I want to,” Hyde said with a chuckle.

Undeniably, Taten Hyde competes with the heartbeat of a champion. Her talents on the softball diamond have earned the ever-smiling athlete a scholarship to play at Butler County Community College, the defending National Junior College Athletic Association national champions.

Records are made to be set and are made to be broken. And for Taten Hyde, the will to succeed and her passion for being a Black Diamond will no doubt leave a legacy for others to follow.

“Leaving a legacy isn’t about just holding records,” admits Hyde. “I hope that my efforts and those of my teams will make things better for those who follow in our footsteps because being a Black Diamond is more than just a tradition. It’s a family thing where we together we can accomplish anything we’re willing to work for to achieve.”

TATEN HYDE Sallisaw High School Senior – 2017 Favorite Subject: Math Favorite Food: Mexican (Maria’s) Favorite Movie: Anchorman Favorite Music: Country Favorite Artist: Chris Young Pre-game Ritual: Dancing to music in the locker room with a Dr. Pepper in my hand!

Funniest Thing on the Court: Hearing my mom “trying” to yell at me!

Career Choice: Dental Hygenist – I’ve always loved going to the dentist.

Mr. & Miss Basketball

Cenia Hayes

Trena Mims

Jimell Tate

Three Rivers Area Mr. & Miss Basketball Semifinalists Keyshawn Embry – Midwest City Bombers Cameron Hines – Fort Cobb-Broxton Mustangs Cameron Martin – Yukon Millers Callen Haydon – El Reno Indians Jace Pratt – Sperry Pirates Champ Bridges – Chouteau-Mazie Wildcats Brewster Peacock – Verdigris Cardinals Tylor Arnold – Pryor Tigers Cole Jones – Pond Creek Hunter Panthers

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Zoe Shieldnight

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Terryn Milton – Owasso Lady Rams Gabby Gregory – Holland Hall Dutch Kara Speer – Metro Christian Lady Patriots Taylor Roberts – Classen SAS Lady Comets Katie Mayo – Newcastle Lady Racers Chelsea Lazenby – Glencoe Lady Panthers BOYS Three Rivers Area Jimell Tate – Okmulgee Bulldogs Darius Riggs – Okay Mustangs Rest of Oklahoma Trae Young – Norman North Carlos Coppage II – Edmond North Huskies Grayson Nix - Red Oak Eagles Taylor Cox – Durant Lions Trey’Von Hopkins – Carl Albert Titans Ben Pruitt – Ada Cougars Tanner Hunt – Depew Hornets Trey Lazenby – Glencoe Panthers Caleb Nero – Memorial Chargers Elijah Landrum – Central Braves Ethan Chargois – Union Redskins Brady Manek – Harrah Panthers RJ Fuqua II – Booker T. Washington Hornets David Ward – Webster Warriors Adrian Rodriguez – Union Redskins

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GIRLS Three Rivers Area Trena Mims – Muskogee Lady Roughers KiKi Shields – Preston Lady Pirates Erin Gray – Eufaula Lady Ironheads Zoe Shieldnight – Fort Gibson Lady Tigers Cenia Hayes – Sequoyah Tahlequah Lady Indians Rest of Oklahoma Mallory Vaughn – Collinsville Lady Cardinals Clare Chastain – Dale Lady Pirates Jo’Nah Johnson – Edmond Santa Fe Lady Wolves Jessi Murcer – Westmoore Lady Jags Abbie Winchester – Heritage Hall Lady Chargers Presley Payahsape – Cashion Lady Wildcats Bailey Vogt – Okarche Lady Warriors Michaela Richbourg – Broken Bow Lady Savages Ja’Mee Asberry – East Central Lady Cardinals Mya Binhar – Owasso Lady Rams Jena Williams – Bartlesville Lady Bruins Madison Factor – Sasakwa Lady Vikings Misty Dossey – Comanche Lady Indians Ana Llanusa – Choctaw Lady Yellowjackets Keni Jo Lippe – Adair Lady Warriors

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Erin Gray

Kiki Shields

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Darius Riggs

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# GO LD B A L L

Raven Blackbear & Chiawna Johnson - Beggs

#GOLDBALL:Teams Chase State Titles The road to winning a state championship is filled with plenty of challenges as high school basketball teams race into the final weeks of the 2017 season. Every team’s dream is to hoist the gold ball on Saturday afternoon but to get there often requires navigating detours and sometimes having Lady Luck smile your way.

Class 4A boys will have a new champion with OC Douglass dropping to Class 3A this season.

The Tigers will have plenty of tough teams to beat to complete their unfinished business from last year including the Roland Rangers.

Still spewing the bad taste of a first round exit in last year’s Class 4A girls state tournament, the Fort Gibson Lady Tigers returned their

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ie

entire roster from 2016 including all five starters plus added depth from the bench to earn the nod as the favorite to win the coveted title for the fourth time this decade.

After claiming three tournament titles including wins over top-ranked teams in Class 6A, 5A and 3A, Fort Gibson undeniably ranks as the team to beat.

Porum draw long shot attention to make the final group of teams playing the first weekend in March.

The road to winning the Class 3A girls crown will be a survivor of the road under construction. The Sequoyah-Tahlequah Lady Indians, who last won a state title in 2015, appear ready to play on Saturday afternoon in Oklahoma City along with the Beggs Lady Demons who seek a return trip. Other teams with potential of making the championship tournament include Stigler and Eufaula.

Among the big schools chasing gold, the Muskogee Roughers of coach Josh Berry have talent pieces to make another Class 6A tournament run while Tahlequah boys earn a long shot tag in Class 5A. The Lady Tigers are out to prove the preseason predictions were blind to the talents wearing the Tahlequah uniforms and hold a strong possibility reaching the Mabee Center and the Class 5A crown.

Standing in the way in Class 4A girls is a talented field of competition including Muldrow along with Roland with Hilldale seeking a third straight trip to the Big House.

Sequoyah-Tahlequah boys, who have a welldocumented history of making reservations to play in the state tournament, have the playmakers to return but have a winding road in the playoffs. One of the strongest challenges will come from the Okmulgee Bulldogs who have earned and held on to a top five ranking all year.

Class B boys will also crown a new champion this season with Red Oak moving to Class A competition. Proving worth of consideration are the Warriors of Webbers Falls along with LeFlore who reached the tournament semifinals a year ago. Albeit a long shot, LeFlore has the potential of getting both teams to the Big House if the Lady Savages can keep the fires hot.

Action photos courtesy of Von Castor Photography – Stephanie Hair Priceless Poses – Holly Cooper – Larry Owen-Okmulgee Times – Vickie Tincher -Jared Porter-Tahlequah Daily Press – Tiffany Herrell

The Class 2A tournament field traditionally includes Preston girls and boys. Jeff Weedn’s Lady Pirates have the needed playmakers to reach the state tournament as well as Dirk Walden’s boys team. Another solid choice to reach the Class 2A girls tournament are the Lady Lions of Howe, who after making the final eight team field a year ago are in search of the school’s fifth state title. Most may call it a longshot, but the Porter Pirates have the potential to play the second weekend in March as well.

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Fort Gibson basketball continues to hold on to the favorite’s role in the Class 4A girls and boys basketball playoffs. Gary Hendrix’ boys squad left the State Fairgrounds Arena with a state runner-up trophy vowing to return to exchange silver for gold in 2017. With four starters returning plus a surrounding cast of playmakers, the Tigers have created pick your poison challenges for their regular season opponents to draw the top seed in quest of winning the Class 4A boys title.

Ali Christ

Kyle Dortch - Fort Gibson

The Okay Mustangs, last year’s Class A finalist want to trade the silver ball from 2016 for gold and strengthened its schedule to prepare for the battles sure to follow in the Class A title chase. On the girls side, Dewar and

Taylen Collins

#GOLDB A L L

Mason Wiggins - Roland STATE TOURNAMENT “ODDS ON FAVORITES” Best Chances To Reach the State Basketball Tournament Class 6A Boys Muskogee 15-1 Class 5A Boys Tahlequah 25-1 Class 5A Girls Tahlequah 6-1

Class 4A Boys Fort Gibson 8-5 Roland 15-1 Muldrow 20-1

Class 3A Girls Sequoyah-Tahlequah 8-5 Beggs 2-1 Stigler 15-1 Eufaula 20-1 Heavener 25-1 Class 2A Boys Preston 12-1

Class 2A Girls Howe 8-5 Preston 2-1 Porter 20-1

Morgan Hillebrand - Howe

Class A Boys Okay 8-5

Class A Girls Dewar 20-1 Porum 20-1

Class B Boys Webbers Falls 3-1 LeFlore 5-1

Austin Maxwell -Webbers Falls

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Class B Girls LeFlore 20-1

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Class 3A Boys Okmulgee 3-1 Sequoyah Tahlequah 4-1

Tyeus Daugherty Sequoyah Tahlequah

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Class 4A Girls Fort Gibson 8-5 Muldrow 10-1 Roland 15-1 Hilldale 20-1

Delaney Nix - Tahlequah

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CONGRATULATIONS! Caleb Riggs Okay Mustangs

2001 N York St, Muskogee, OK 74403 • (918) 687-6569

www.yorkstreettire.com

The District Debate

The District Debate Pairings for Oklahoma high school basketball playoffs currently include every team with playoff assignments determined by the teams win/loss records plus weekly statewide voting by coaches on OSSAARankings.com. Their football counterparts compete in a district format to determine postseason participants.

The contrast continues to provoke the question…is their a more equitable way to seed the playoffs and team assignments. VYPE asked area basketball coaches to weigh in on the debate. Here’s what we got.

Jeff Oliver – Wagoner Girls (4A)

We could also have an East West split vote that would help some parity issues also.

Dustin Gist – Spiro Boys (3A)

Shane Amos – Arkoma Boys (B) I like it the way it is.

Jerry Walker – Fort Gibson Girls (4A)

“My preference would be to establish districts because it would be settled on the court and you’re not voting for your buddies. “ -Bunyan Johnson

I don’t think that there is a perfect solution but personally I would like to see us in districts like football. You can still have everyone go to the play offs but if we seed it based on our district play as opposed to how the coaches rank the teams then I think it makes the matter more objective rather than subjective. The crux of the issue is, how do I fairly judge the competitiveness of a team 3 hours away when I have never seen them or any of their opponents play?

Darian Dickson – Oktaha Boys (2A)

Laura Gragg – Eufaula Girls (3A)

Chester Pittman – Oktaha Girls (2A) Coaches’ rankings!

Zach Ross – Porter Girls (2A)

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For more coaches’ comments go to VYPEThreRiversOK.com

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District play like football. For sure. No question.

There would be no buddy systems.

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That’s a tough call. I like the way playoffs are set now with basketball but the rankings system is not the best. It’s very hard to be fair with teams out northwest or southwest that we don’t get to see and the same for them about seeing us. I feel if the rankings system was broke into an east and west division it would be more accurate. If you go to the way football is set up that would change schools being in a conference and playing schools that are not is your class. The whole system would have to be realigned. But at least you would know who you were matching up in playoffs year to year and it wouldn’t be left a guessing game until the week before districts.

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I don’t think there is a question that the system is flawed in some aspects of the coaches ranking in order to get a playoff pairing. It is flawed in the fact that east and west try to take care of one another. It maybe flawed that in some classes that one side of the state has favorable position based on the number of teams in a particular class. In my many years in 2A, I have seen teams make it that were unranked and teams that were not in the top 8. Yet, when they got to the state tournament everyone in the building knew that they were legitimately supposed to be there. The coaches OSSAA ranking is flawed, better than OKRANKINGS, however. I think that it is the best possible scenario for getting the best teams to the state tournament during that part of the year. I don’t think district play is

Leave it like it is...coaches have a vote, we worked hard to get that.

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I would like district play, but I do not know how it could work. The travel to find enough 3A teams would be very difficult especially considering the fact that we play at least twice a week instead of only on Friday night like they do in football. I am not sure that another system could truly work. I definitely do not know of any solutions. I just see some problems with both options.

I think that the OSSAA has a tough job because no matter what system you use someone is not going to be happy. I believe given the circumstances they do an extraordinary job each year setting up our playoff brackets. With the coaches rankings people worry about coaches’ bias and with districts people might complain if they get geographically placed in a tougher district than another area of the state.

the answer due to the fact that some districts teams can be stacked or loaded while other districts could have one solid team with the others not as good. We saw that in football this year where the Cashion district was tough and yet others were very weak. In 2A, we have 30 teams that could go compete for a state birth and yet we have 4-5 that actually have the potential to win it.

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I think that the most accurate and fair way would be district play same/similar to football.

In the current conference play with coaches’ rankings, I am a 3A school playing in a 4A conference. Our record is almost always not as good as it could be. The better competition makes us better but the poorer record hurts our playoff positioning. I am not a fan of the coaches’ rankings because I don’t truly know the quality of the teams that I am ranking and I most definitely don’t know the quality of their competition. No one takes into account that I play a 4A schedule. Why would they? They don’t know anything about those 4A teams either.

My choice would be Districts vs. conferences and coaches rankings.

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District play would probably be a more exact science. It may eventually go in that direction. I like having a say by our coaches’ vote currently but some people simply are not taking it seriously. You must do some homework to have a ballot that has merit. I try to be very diligent as I gather information but I am sure I make mistakes too.

Robert Brunk – Sallisaw Girls (4A)

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SIGNING DAY

Scottie Patton - KJ Lee - Malcolm Rodriguez Orlandis Robertson - Wagoner

Kamren C

url - Mus

kogee

Signing Day 2017: Athletes from Oklahoma Make it Official It’s an athlete’s dream (And their family’s dream). To sign on the line which is dotted. Committing themselves to a university for the foreseeable future. These athletes have worked so hard for so many years and we pay a special tribute to each and every one who has earned their way into college.

We congratulate you, your parents, and your families.

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**If you do not see the name of an athlete who has signed, please send to Bill.Huddleston@VYPE.COM

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Three Rivers Area Signees Baseball Zach Duncan, Okemah – Hesston Cade Furer, Beggs – Carl Albert R.J. Pearson, Tahlequah – ORU Garrett Pendergrass, Beggs – Carl Albert Basketball – Girls

Sammy Kuhns, Pocola – Eastern Stevee McMillin, Wister – OK Christian Natalie Phelps, Beggs – Seminole Ashlyn Riley, Hulbert – Neosho MO. Merissa Smith, Sequoyah Tahlequah – Rogers St. Lindsi Spring, Beggs – Northern Amye Warren, Wister – Carl Albert Elexis Watson, Muskogee – SEOSU Football Hunter Capehart, Sallisaw – UCO Joe Combs, Muskogee – NEO Kamren Curl, Muskogee – Arkansas Jamari Davis, Muskogee – Fort Hays State Keondre Davis, Muskogee – NEO Molijah Gilbert, Muskogee – Fort Hays State Josh Griffin, Fort Gibson – Fort Hays State Zach Henson, Checotah – NWOSU Chaz Jimerson, Tahlequah – NSU

Orlandis Roberson, Wagoner - NSU Trey Rodgers, Spiro - SWOSU Malcolm Rodriguez, Wagoner – Oklahoma State Braden Scheulen, Muldrow - Bacone Jimmy Joe Tyler, Inola – Bacone Chris Waltman, Beggs – NEO Mark Wheeland, Haskell – NSU Rhett Williams – Henryetta – Ottawa

Golf – Girls McKenzie McCoy, Beggs – OK Christian Shelby Phillips, Fort Gibson – OBU Nicole Robertson, Henryetta - Seminole

Soccer – Girls Taylor Duncan, Wagoner – OK Wesleyan Audrey Rozell, Muskogee – ORU Wrestling Jet Taylor, Sallisaw – Oklahoma State

We congratulate all athletes from the great state of Oklahoma, your parents, and your families.

Ali Christie, Fort Gibson – OK Christian Kabree Edgmon, Fort Gibson – NSU Cenia Hayes, Sequoyah Tahlequah – NSU Trena Mims, Muskogee – North Texas Kiki Shields, Preston – UALR Fastpitch Softball Addison Elbon, Vian – NSU Hunter Gibson, Wister – Carl Albert Megan Green, Sallisaw – Hutchinson KS Taten Hyde, Sallisaw – Butler County KS

K.J. Lee, Wagoner – Fort Scott Christian Maier, Muskogee – Arkansas Tech Xavier Milton, Hilldale – OBU Jordan Moses, Muldrow – Bacone Terron Moses, Vian - Montana Devan Murray, Fort Gibson – NSU Dylan Murray, Fort Gibson – NSU Tack Murray, Okemah – OBU Tylar Murry, Beggs - Evangel Scottie Patton, Wagoner – SW KS

Zach Henson - Checotah

FEATURES

Devan and Dylan Murray - Ft. Gibson

Elexis Watson - Muskogee

Hunter Capehart - Sallisaw

Kalli Jones-Carlee Boyd - Porter

Mark Wheeland - Haskell

Rhett Williams-Henryetta VYPE OKLAHOMA

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Tylar Murry - Chris Waltman - Beggs

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Tack Murray - Okemah

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Xavier MIlton - Hilldale

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Chaz Jimmerson - Tahlequah

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SEQUOYAH SANDERS - Poteau Pirates Back-to-Back…totaling 75 points in the action of the 2017 LeFlore County Tournament, Sequoyah Sanders led the Poteau Pirates to the tournament championship. A three-year starter, Sanders tops the team in scoring averaging 18.3 points per game plus grabbing 6.3 rebounds along with 2-plus steals and assists per contest. A solid scorer, Sanders averages 52% from the field including 42% from the 3-point line as well as connecting on 78% of his free throw attempts.

An honor roll student off the court, Sanders draws praise from his coach, Eric Hackler.

“He’s a natural scorer, a slasher that continuously gets to the rim to finish off the bounce plus can score from the corner,” said Hackler. “Sequoyah’s reach allows him to create points form turnovers forcing steals. He’s leads by example and lets his actions do all the talking.”

Photo courtesy of Nadine Graham

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Tahlequah