Sydney Pennington scores 22 as No. 3 Lady Sandites fall 61-57 to No. 9 Owasso

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The No. 3 ranked Charles Page High School girls basketball team (14-1) traveled to No. 9 Owasso (12-5) Friday night in a battle for the top spot in the Frontier Valley Conference, and the home team toppled the previously undefeated Lady Sandites 61-57 in a down-to-the-wire shootout.

Owasso 61 CPHS 57

1Q CPHS 18-11
2Q Owasso 17-8
3Q Owasso 14-12
4Q All 19-19

Scoring: (Sand Springs) Pennington 22, Regalado 11, Johnson 11, Kersgieter 8, McGee 5. (Owasso) Milton 29, Bhinhar 11, Williams 11, Culley 10.

Free Throws:
(Sand Springs) 13-of-17
(Owasso) 15-of-18
2PTs:
(Sand Springs) 17-of-30
(Owasso) 17-of-34
3PTs:
(Sand Springs) 3-of-16
(Owasso) 4-of-11
Fouls: (Sand Springs) 14 (Owasso) 14

(Sand Springs only)
Offensive Rebounds: Pennington 2, Regalado 2, Johnson 1, Kersgieter 1.
Defensive Rebounds: McGee 8, Pennington 4, Regalado 3, Taber 2, Johnson 1, Kersgieter 1.
Steals: Johnson 2, Kersgieter 2, Pennington 1, Regalado 1.
Assists: McGee 2, Kersgieter 2, Pennington 1.
Blocks: Regalado 1.
Fouls: McGee 4, Johnson 4, Kersgieter 3, Pennington 2, Regalado 1.

The Sandites were lacking starting junior Gloria Mutiri, sitting out with a sprained ankle, and it showed. The Ohio State University-committed volleyballer averages 10.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. The 6'1" center was replaced by 5'9" sophomore Isabella Regalado. Regalado pulled in 5 rebounds for the night, but her size left her with only one block, while Mutiri is notorious for spiking several throughout the night. 

Sand Springs rolled to an 18-11 first period lead with Sydney Pennington scoring 6 to lead all scorers.

The second period was an entirely different story, however, as the Rams came from behind for a 28-26 lead, guided by Terryn Milton with ten points. Sand Springs gave up three free throws to Milton early in the period and she didn't miss a shot. Owasso benefited from a pair of late turnovers for three-straight field goals from Milton, Mya Bhinhar, and Sierra Williams.

The Lady Sandites average a 24-17 halftime lead and hadn't trailed all season till that point.

Things didn't start out much better in the second half as Leiloni Culley scored the opening basket and built a 34-28 lead with a pair of free throws. It was back and forth from there, but Williams ended the period with a layup for a 42-38 advantage.

Kierra McGee hit a three point basket to start the final stanza. Bhinhar hit a pair from the charity stripe, Regalado did the same, then Pennington hit a layup for the 45-44 lead.

Culley took the lead right back, however, and the Rams wouldn't relinquish it till there was less than thirty seconds left. Pennington was a beast for the Lady Sandites in the fourth quarter with twelve points, the most scored by any player on either team in a single period. 

The last two minutes felt like a whole quarter. Milton hit a pair of ones to make it 57-53. Pennington added a pair of her own. The teams exchanged steals, then Owasso burned a timeout with 47 seconds left. A traveling call gave Sand Springs the ball. Destiny Johnson took the first shot, missed, Pennington rebounded, missed, rebounded again and sent it home to tie it up with 30 seconds remaining.

Then Johnson fouled Milton. The Lady Ram hit a pair with 22 seconds left, then Nylia Finch picked off a steal to seal the deal. Culley put the final points on the board and the Rams had toppled a giant.

Both teams are now 7-1 in conference standings.

The Lady Sandites will return to action next Tuesday at Jenks (5-10), then will host 5A No. 17 Bishop Kelley (5-9) that Friday. Owasso will travel to No. 19 Sapulpa (6-8) next Tuesday and will host Muskogee (6-8) next Friday.

No. 3 Lady Sandites throttle Union 78-58, Kersgieter and Johnson score 17 apiece

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

CPHS 78 Union 58

1Q CPHS 28-13
2Q CPHS 19-14
3Q CPHS 23-10
4Q Union 21-8

Scoring: (Sand Springs) Kersgieter 17, Johnson 17, Pennington 14, Mutiri 13, McGee 7, Regalado 7, Collins 2, Taber 1. (Union) Malham 14, Thomas 8, Knapp 7, Choice 5, Moyer 5, Miller 4, Collins 4, Benson 4, Majidi 3, Burgess 2, Banks 1, Carr 1.

(Sand Springs only)
Offensive Rebounds: Mutiri 4, Johnson 2, Kersgieter 1, Regalado 1.
Defensive Rebounds: Mutiri 5, Kersgieter 4, Johnson 3, Taber 3, Pennington 1, McGee 1, Regalado 1, Grant 1, Solis 1. 
Steals: Pennington 3, Kersgieter 3, Mutiri 2, Taber 2, Johnson 1, McGee 1, Collins 1, Solis 1.
Assists: Kersgieter 5, Taber 2, Pennington 1, Johnson 1, McGee 1.
Blocks: Mutiri 1, Kersgieter 1, Johnson 1.
Fouls: Kersgieter 3, Johnson 3, Pennington 2, McGee 2, Regalado 2, Taber 2, Mutiri 1, Collins 1.

The No. 3 ranked Charles Page High School girls basketball team (14-0) continued their incredible season with a 78-58 victory over the No. 13 Union Redskins (9-6) Tuesday evening at the Ed Dubie Field-house. The Lady Sandites are one of only two undefeated teams left in Class 6A and they don't show any signs of dropping a game any time soon. The girls led by as much as 35-points before running the bench in the final stanza. Head Coach Dustin Morrow didn't play a single starter for the final six minutes and still rolled to a double-digit victory.

The Lady Sandites missed their first couple of shots and let Sadie Moyer draw first blood with a three-point field goal, but then they opened the floodgates. Gloria Mutiri and Sydney Pennington both posted two and Destiny Johnson scored five to make it 9-3 before DeAsia Thomas hit two from the charity stripe. From there the Sandites went on yet another nine-point run with three-straight goals by Kierra McGee before Thomas broke it up with a two to make it 18-7.

Holly Kersgieter scored five and Isabella Regalado sank her first three-pointer of the night to make it 27-9 before letting the Redskins back into contention. Union scored six-straight, but Mutiri got in the last word, 28-13. The second quarter was a tad closer, though still in the Sandites' favor and the home team carried a 47-27 advantage into half time, led by Kersgieter with 12 points and 7 assists and Mutiri with 11 points and 8 rebounds.

Johnson stole the show in the third quarter, scoring eight points in the first two minutes. Mutiri scored another basket but left the game with a hurt ankle three minutes into the half. By the end of the third quarter the Sandites were up 70-37. Johnson added two more baskets early in the fourth quarter, but by the 6:00 minute mark the last of the starters were retired for the evening. The Redskins won the fourth quarter 21-8, but were too far gone to make a comeback. 

Kersgieter and Johnson led all scorers with 17 points apiece, followed by Pennington with 14 and Taylor Malham with 14 for the Redskins. Eight Sandites got in the scorebook and twelve saw action, while twelve players posted points for the Redskins. Sand Springs will return to action Friday night at No. 9 Owasso (11-5), who just topped No. 14 Broken Arrow (9-7) 48-41 tonight. Union will host No. 19 Sapulpa (6-9) Friday night. 

Oklahoma Girls High School Basketball: Week Ten Rankings and Predictions

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The official week-ten rankings have been released by the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association and there's still three teams vying for the top spot. Three teams received first-place votes, two are undefeated overall, and five are undefeated in Class 6A. Last week we were 15-3 with our picks and sit at 82% this season.

No. 1 Edmond Santa Fe (Previously No. 1)

Edmond Santa Fe (15-0) retained the top spot for the third-straight week and received their highest number of first-place votes to-date, with 26. The Wolves went undefeated at the John Nobles Tournament this weekend, defeating Southmoore (3-13) 59-28, No. 20 Ponca City (7-5) 64-47, and No. 6 Norman North (9-4) 55-42. 

Santa Fe holds the No. 6 offense, No. 3 defense, and No. 3 margin of victory in Class 6A and will return to action Tuesday when they host No. 11 Norman (11-4) and Thursday when they host No. 17 Edmond North (9-6).

The picks:
ESF 50 Norman 44.
ESF 50 EDN 44.

No. 2 Choctaw (2)

Choctaw (12-1) is still undefeated in Class 6A and pulled in four first-place votes after hammering Putnam City (7-9) 71-43. The Yellowjackets hold the No. 1 offense, No. 2 defense, and No. 1 margin of victory in 6A and will play three games this week. They will host No. 12 Midwest City (10-6) Tuesday and Lawton (3-8) Thursday, then will travel to Putnam City North (2-13) on Friday.

The picks:
Choctaw 54 MWC 41
Choctaw 70 Lawton 40
Choctaw 62 PCN 39

No. 3 Sand Springs (3)

Charles Page High School (13-0) pulled in a first-place vote for the sixth-straight week after going undefeated at the Coffeyville Interstate Classic. Kierra McGee led with 12 in a 67-15 win over Field Kindley and 14 in a 68-21 victory over Nathan Hale, while Destiny Johnson topped the team with 16 in the 53-39 Championship victory over Life Prep Academy. 

The Lady Sandites hold the No. 4 offense, No. 1 defense, and No. 2 margin of victory in 6A and will host No. 13 Union (9-5) Tuesday before traveling to No. 9 Owasso (10-5) on Friday. 

The picks:
CPHS 54 Union 44
CPHS 54 Owasso 42

No. 4 Deer Creek (5)

Deer Creek (14-1) is still undefeated in Class 6A and swept their home tournament this past weekend. They defeated No. 6 Norman North (9-4) 44-41 earlier in the week, then topped Putnam City North (2-13) 73-33, Putnam City (7-9) 56-52, and No. 14 Mustang (8-6) 70-48 at the Bruce Gray Invitational. 

The Antlers hold the No. 7 offense, No. 8 defense, and No. 7 margin of victory in Class 6A. They will travel to Southmoore this Friday. 

The pick: DC 54 Southmoore 40

No. 5 Putnam City West (4)

Putnam City West (14-2) is still undefeated in Class 6A, but suffered their second loss of the season at the Jenks/Union Invitational this weekend. Earlier in the week they topped No. 12 Midwest City (10-6), then they overcame Jenks (3-10) 62-52 before falling 59-49 to 3A No. 3 Holland Hall (16-0). In the consolation finals they topped the OKC Storm 62-46. Ce'Nara Skanes led the Patriots throughout the week with an average of 22 points per game.

The Lady Pats hold the No. 2 offense, No. 16 defense, and No. 4 margin of victory in Class 6A. They will travel to Putnam City North (2-13) this Friday. 

The pick: PCW 80 PCN 43

No. 6 Booker T. Washington (7)

Booker T. Washington (13-4) came in runner-up this weekend at the Union/Jenks Tournament, defeating No. 15 Broken Arrow (9-6) 33-29 and the OKC Storm 59-30 before falling 50-38 to 3A No. 3 Holland Hall (16-0). 

The Hornets hold the No. 5 offense, No. 4 defense, and No. 5 margin of victory in Class 6A and will host Daniel Webster (2-13) this Friday.

The pick: BTW 75 Webster 21.

No. 7 Norman North (6)

Norman North (9-4) fell 44-41 to No. 5 Deer Creek (14-1) and came in runner-up at the John Nobles Tournament, topping Lawton (3-8) 63-23 and Moore (8-7) 58-54, but falling 55-42 to No. 1 Edmond Santa Fe (15-0). The Timberwolves hold the No. 10 offense, No. 10 defense, and No. 9 margin of victory in Class 6A and will travel to No. 10 Edmond Memorial (11-5) Friday and No. 18 Yukon (10-5) Saturday.

The picks:
NN 48 EDM 44
NN 50 Yukon 47

No. 8 Westmoore (9)

Westmoore (13-4) went undefeated last week with several quality wins. They defeated Stillwater (4-12) 62-39, then won the Carl Albert Titan Classic. They topped 5A No. 11 host Carl Albert (9-6) 86-42, 5A No. 14 Del City (6-10) 73-56, and No. 12 Midwest City (10-6) 51-39.

The Jaguars hold the No. 3 offense, No. 14 defense, and No. 6 margin of victory in Class 6A. They will host No. 15 Mustang (8-6) Friday.

The pick: Westmoore 55 Mustang 46

No. 9 Owasso (10)

Owasso (10-5) picked up a 51-43 victory over Bixby (4-10) last week, led by Terryn Milton with 22 points. The Rams hold the No. 18 offense and No. 19 margin of victory in Class 6A and will host No. 14 Broken Arrow (9-6) Tuesday and No. 3 Sand Springs (13-0) Friday. 

The pick: Owasso 44 Broken Arrow 43.

No. 10 Edmond Memorial (11)

Edmond Memorial (11-5) topped Moore (8-7) 52-48 last week before competing in the Bruce Grey Tournament at Deer Creek. They topped the Deer Creek JV 39-24, fell 48-37 to No. 14 Mustang (8-6), then topped Putnam City (7-9) 56-37. 

The Bulldogs hold the No. 11 defense and No. 18 margin of victory in Class 6A and will host No. 7 Norman North (9-4) on Friday.

No. 11 Norman (8)

Norman (11-4) split wins last week, topping Southmoore (3-13) 57-38 and 5A No. 14 Del City (6-10) 38-33, but falling 36-35 to No. 12 Midwest City (10-6) and 54-50 to 5A No. 11 Carl Albert (9-6) in overtime. Bethany Franks led the Tigers against Carl Albert with 19 points.

The Tigers hold the No. 12 offense, No. 9 defense, and No. 10 margin of victory in Class 6A. They will return to action Tuesday when they travel to No. 1 Edmond Santa Fe (15-0) and No. 19 Moore (8-7) on Friday.

The pick: Norman 49 Moore 44.

No. 12 Midwest City (12)

Midwest City (10-6) split wins last week, topping Millwood (9-7) 41-38 and No. 8 Norman (11-4) 36-35, but falling 52-40 to No. 4 Putnam City West (14-2) and 51-39 to No. 9 Westmoore (13-4). The Bombers hold the No. 13 defense and No. 16 margin of victory in Class 6A and will travel to No. 2 Choctaw (12-1) Tuesday and will host Enid (5-10) Friday and 5A No. 14 Del City (6-10) Saturday. 

The picks:
MWC 55 Enid 25.
MWC 50 Del City 43.

No. 13 Union (13)

Union (9-5) topped Muskogee (5-8) 57-45 early last week, but had a rough time at their home tournament. They fell 53-49 to OKC Storm, and 39-32 to No. 15 Broken Arrow (9-6) before overcoming Jenks (3-10) 55-42. Taylor Malham averaged 16 points per game and posted 28 against Muskogee.

The Redskins hold the No. 14 offense, No. 20 defense, and No. 14 margin of victory in Class 6A. They will travel to No. 3 Sand Springs (13-0)  and will host No. 19 Sapulpa (6-8) Friday. 

The pick: Union 52 Sapulpa 46.

No. 14 Broken Arrow (15)

Broken Arrow (9-6) topped three conference foes last week. They defeated Jenks (3-10) 45-34, then competed at the Union/Jenks Tournament where they fell 33-29 to No. 7 Booker T. Washington (13-4) but topped No. 13 Union (9-5) 39-32 and No. 19 Sapulpa (6-8) 49-46. Jalise Smallwood averaged 11 points per game including 22 against Jenks.

The Tigers hold the No. 6 defense in Class 6A and will travel to No. 9 Owasso (10-5) Tuesday before hosting Muskogee (5-8) on Friday. 

The pick: Broken Arrow 49 Muskogee 48.

No. 15 Mustang (14)

Mustang (8-6) topped No. 18 Edmond North (9-6) 55-52 earlier in the week, then came in second at the Deer Creek Tournament. They defeated 5A No. 20 Bishop McGuinness (8-6) 63-41 and No. 11 Edmond Memorial (11-5) 48-37 but fell 70-48 to the host team.

The Broncos hold the No. 17 offense, No. 18 defense, and No. 15 margin of victory in Class 6A. They will return to action Tuesday at No. 19 Moore (8-7), then will travel to No. 8 Westmoore (13-4) on Friday. 

The pick: Mustang 47 Moore 46.

No. 16 Bartlesville (16)

Bartlesville (8-6) topped 5A No. 15 Bishop Kelley (5-8) 52-22 and took second in the Fort Gibson Tournament. They defeated Okay (13-7) 58-15 and 4A No. 5 Broken Bow (11-4) 47-43 before falling 43-29 to 4A No. 1 Ft. Gibson (14-0). Jena Williams averaged 14 points per game and Lauren Richter had 11.

The Bruins hold the No. 5 defense and No. 12 margin of victory in Class 6A and will travel to Muskogee (5-8) Tuesday before hosting Jenks (3-10) on Friday.

The picks:
Bartlesville 48 Muskogee 44.
Bartlesville 52 Jenks 41.

No. 17 Edmond North (18)

Edmond North (9-6) fell 55-52 to No. 14 Mustang (8-6) last week, but swept the NEO Tournament. They blew out Miami (1-11) 80-28, topped 4A No. 11 Roland (13-3) 49-37, and edged out Coweta (6-9) 45-44. 

The Huskies hold the No. 11 offense, No. 12 defense, and No. 11 margin of victory in 6A. They will travel to No. 1 Edmond Santa Fe (15-0) Friday. 

No. 18 Yukon (17)

Yukon (10-5) fell 59-32 to No. 1 Edmond Santa Fe (15-0) early last week, but swept the Jones Tournament. They topped John Marshall (5-9) 68-45, Bethel (8-8) 62-34, and 3A No. 17 Jones (10-2) 47-42. 

The Millerettes hold the No. 16 offense, No. 17 defense, and No. 15 margin of victory in 6A and will host Stillwater (4-12) Friday.

The pick: Yukon 59 Stillwater 43.

No. 19 (tied) Moore (unranked)

Moore (8-7) fell 52-48 to No. 11 Edmond Memorial (11-5) and 58-53 to No. 6 Norman North (9-4), but topped Durant (4-10) 56-37 and No. 20 Ponca City (7-5) 52-51. The Lions hold the No. 20 offense and No. 19 defense in 6A and will host No. 15 Mustang (8-6) Tuesday and No. 11 Norman (11-4) Friday. 

No. 19 (tied) Sapulpa (19)

Sapulpa (6-8) had a rough go over the last week, falling 61-36 to No. 3 Sand Springs (13-0), 55-44 to 3A No. 3 Holland Hall (16-0), and 49-46 to No. 15 Broken Arrow (9-6), but picked up a 64-50 win over Jenks (3-10). Kiarra Brooks averaged 11 points per game, followed by Taylor Dement and Ray Osborn with 9 apiece.

The Chieftains hold the No. 19 offense in 6A and will host Bixby (4-10) Tuesday before traveling to No. 13 Union (9-5) Friday. 

Dropped Out: Ponca City (20)

Lady Sandites win Highway 97 rivalry 61-36 over No. 19 Sapulpa; Johnson scores 20

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

CPHS 61 Sapulpa 36

1Q Sand Springs 18-5
2Q Sand Springs 14-5
3Q Sand Springs 19-3
4Q Sapulpa 23-10

Fouls: Sand Springs 16, Sapulpa, 11.
Free Throws: Sand Springs 4-of-9, Sapulpa 8-of-21.

Scoring: (Sand Springs) Johnson 20, Mutiri 14, McGee 9, Pennington 8, Taber 6, Kersgieter 4. (Sapulpa) Bethel 10, Dement 9, Brooks 9, Osborn 4, Belveal 2, Hall 2.

(Sand Springs only)
Offensive Rebounds: Johnson 3, Mutiri 3, Pennington 2, Kersgieter 2, McGee 1, Regalado 1, Taber 1.
Defensive Rebounds: Mutiri 11, Pennington 6, Kersgieter 4, McGee 3, Regalado 3, Boaz 1.
Steals: Pennington 4, Kersgieter 1, Regalado 1.
Assists: Johnson 3, McGee 3, Kersgieter 2, Pennington 1, Taber 1.
Blocks: Johnson 2, Mutiri 2.
Fouls: Regalado 5, Kersgieter 3, Mutiri 2, Taber 2, Grant 2, Pennington 1, Boaz 1.

The No. 3 ranked Charles Page High School girls' basketball team (10-0) continued their undefeated start to the season with a blowout win over Highway 97 rival No. 19 Sapulpa (5-6) Tuesday evening at the Ed Dubie Field House.

The Lady Sandites jumped on Sapulpa hard and fast, and at times it looked like the Sapulpans were trying to get past a brick wall. Sand Springs has one of the top-rated defenses in the state and it showed as they absolutely smothered their rivals.  

The home team led 12-0 before letting their foes on the board with a two-point basket by Michaela Bethel. Senior Oklahoma State Softball-commit Sydney Pennington snagged four steals in the first period and junior Ohio State Volleyball-commit Gloria Mutiri led with seven points to finish the quarter 18-5.

Despite their lead, the Sandites only slightly let off the gas in the second quarter and once again smothered their rivals defensively for a 32-10 halftime advantage.  

Mutiri kicked off the third quarter with a defensive rebound that she returned for two points to complete her first double-double of the season. Another basket by Mutiri and sophomore Holly Kersgieter added two more before Taylor Dement put up points for Sapulpa. Destiny Johnson and Kierra McGee both hit back-to-back field goals, Dement tacked on a free throw, and Mutiri and Jacie Taber closed out the quarter 51-13. 

Sand Springs finally let off the throttle in the fourth quarter and ran the bench on their foes. Sapulpa won the fourth quarter 23-10 but it wasn't enough to challenge the undefeated Sandites who ultimately prevailed 61-36.  

Johnson led the Sandites for the second time this season and scored a career-high 20 points. Mutiri scored 14 to bump her season average into double digits. Bethel was the only Lady Chieftain to break double digits with 10 points. 

Both teams struggled from three-point range with the Sandites shooting 3-of-15 while Sapulpa didn't make a single shot. The Chieftains also had a rough time at the charity stripe, making only 8 of 21 free throws. 

Head Coach Dustin Morrow is in his fifth year leading the program and before this year he had never defeated Muskogee, Broken Arrow, or Sapulpa. After Tuesday's game he had effectively toppled all three powerhouse programs by double digits. 

The Lady Sandites will look to continue their undefeated streak this Thursday when they travel to the Interstate Classic in Coffeyville, Kansas. Sapulpa will have a week to recover before hosting unranked Bixby (4-9) next Tuesday. The next conference game on the horizon for the Sandites is next Tuesday when they host No. 13 Union (8-4). 

Oklahoma Girls High School Basketball: Week Nine Rankings and Predictions

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The official week nine rankings have been released from the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association and there's still four teams left vying for the top spot. Four schools received first-place votes, two are still undefeated overall, and five are undefeated in Class 6A.

No. 1 Edmond Santa Fe (Last week No. 1)

Edmond Santa Fe (10-0) received nineteen first-place votes after a bye week. They had a big match-up against No. 5 Deer Creek (9-1) that was canceled due to weather. The Wolves hold the No. 6 offense, No. 2 defense, and No. 5  margin of victory in Class 6A and will return to action Tuesday at No. 17 Yukon (7-4) before competing at the John Nobles Tournament this weekend.

The pick: ESF 51 Yukon 43.

No. 2 Choctaw (2)

Choctaw (11-1) received five first-place votes after a 75-65 win over 5A No. 13 Del City (4-8). The Yellowjackets are still undefeated in the class with their only loss being to 4A No. 1 Ft. Gibson (11-0). They hold the No. 2 offense, No. 1 defense, and No. 1 margin of victory in 6A and will return to action Tuesday at Putnam City (6-6). They also had a game scheduled last Friday against Putnam City North (1-10) that was canceled for weather. 

The pick: Choctaw 63, Putnam City 46.

No. 3 Sand Springs (3)

Sand Springs (9-0) received two first-place votes after a pair of double-digit conference wins. They defeated Muskogee (3-6) 62-43 and Bixby (4-9) 67-51. Sophomore Holly Kersgieter scored 14 in each game, Gloria Mutiri scored 13 in each game, Sydney Pennington scored 11.5 per game, and Kierra McGee scored 16 against Bixby to average 11.5.

The Sandites hold the No. 3 offense, No. 4 defense, and No. 4 margin of victory in 6A and will return to action Tuesday when they host Highway 97 rival No. 19 Sapulpa (5-5) before traveling to the Coffeyville Tournament this weekend.

The pick: CPHS 56 Sapulpa 42.

No. 4 Putnam City West (4)

Putnam City West (11-1) received one first-place vote after dominating Lawton (3-6) 82-52. They are still undefeated in the state of Oklahoma with their only loss being to Campbell County, Wisconsin. The Patriots hold the No. 1 offense, No. 13 defense, and No. 2 margin of victory in 6A and will return to action Tuesday at No. 12 Midwest City (8-4) before competing at the Jenks/Union Invitational this weekend.

The pick: PCW 57 MWC 46.

No. 5 Deer Creek (5)

Deer Creek (9-1) is coming off a bye week after their game against No. 2 Edmond Santa Fe (10-0) was canceled due to weather. The Antlers are still undefeated in 6A with their only loss coming to 5A No. 1 Collinsville (10-1). The hold the No. 7 offense, No. 6 defense, and No. 6 margin of victory in 6A and will return to action Tuesday at No. 6 Norman North (7-2).

The pick: DC 50 NN 48. 

No. 6 Norman North (8)

Norman North (7-2) moved up a couple of spots after a bye week and will have the opportunity to crack the top-five if they can upset No. 5 Deer Creek (9-1) Tuesday at home. The Timberwolves hold the No. 9 offense, No. 8 defense, and No. 8 margin of victory in 6A. 

No. 7 Booker T. Washington (7)

Booker T. Washington (11-3) rolled to some dominating wins over unranked opponents last week, 53-25 over Will Rogers (8-6) and 84-11 over Tulsa Central (2-8). Megan Jackson led the team with 22 points against Tulsa Central and ten other girls also got in the scorebook.

The Hornets hold the No. 4 offense, No. 3 defense, and No. 3 margin of victory in 6A and will return to action this weekend at the Union/Jenks Tournament. 

No. 8 Norman (9)

Norman (9-2) snagged a pair of close ones last week, edging out No. 14 Mustang (5-5) 48-46 and No. 17 Edmond North (6-5) 61-59 in overtime. Curtiera Haywood scored 21 against Mustang. The Tigers hold the No. 10 offense, No. 12 defense, and No. 9 margin of victory in 6A and will return to action Tuesday when they host Southmoore (2-9), then will take on 5A No. 14 Del City (4-8), 5A No. 11 Carl Albert (7-5), and No. 12 Midwest City (8-4) at the Carl Albert Tournament. 

The picks:
Norman 53 Southmoore 40
Norman 55 Del City 47
Norman 52 Carl Albert 45
Norman 48 MWC 46

No. 9 Westmoore (6)

Westmoore (8-4) suffered a 57-51 upset loss to No. 13 Edmond Memorial (8-4) last week and slipped a few spots in the rankings. The Jags hold the No. 5 offense, No. 19 defense, and No. 7 margin of victory in 6A and will return to action Tuesday at Stillwater (2-10), then will compete at the Carl Albert Titan Classic this weekend. 

The picks: 
Westmoore 56 Stillwater 42
Westmoore 55 Carl Albert 46

No. 10 Owasso (10)

Owasso (9-5) scored a pair of quality wins last week, 56-45 over Jenks (3-6) and 45-42 over No. 12 Union (7-4). Terryn Milton scored 21 against Jenks and 10 against Union. Mya Bhinhar scored 15 against Jenks and 10 against Union. Sierra Williams scored 12 against Union and 10 against Jenks. 

The Rams hold the No. 18 offense and No. 18 margin of victory in 6A and will return to action Tuesday at Bixby (4-9). 

The pick: Owasso 48 Bixby 44.

No. 11 Edmond Memorial (13)

Edmond Memorial (8-4) picked up a pair of notable wins last week, 50-31 over Stillwater (2-10) and 57-51 over No. 6 Westmoore (8-4). The Bulldogs hold the No. 16 defense and No. 19 margin of victory in 6A and will return to action Tuesday at Moore (6-5) before competing in the Deer Creek Blue Grey Tournament this weekend. 

The pick: EDM 44 Moore 43.

No. 12 Midwest City (11)

Midwest City (8-4) topped an unranked Eisenhower (2-9) team 52-36 last week and will return to action Tuesday when they host No. 4 Putnam City West (11-1). They will also compete at the Carl Albert Tournament this weekend. The Bombers hold the No. 16 offense, No. 11 defense, and No. 14 margin of victory in 6A. 

No. 13 Union (12)

Union (7-4) split wins last week, topping 5A No. 15 Bishop Kelley (5-5) 62-39, but falling 45-42 to No. 10 Owasso (9-5). Taylor Malham led in scoring in both games with 15 against Owasso and 12 against Bishop Kelley. The Redskins hold the No. 17 offense, No. 9 defense, and No. 13 margin of victory in 6A and will return to action Tuesday at Muskogee (3-6) before hosting the Jenks/Union Invitational this weekend. 

The pick: Union 50 Muskogee 46.

No. 14 Mustang (14)

Mustang (5-5) split wins last week, falling 48-46 to No. 9 Norman (9-2), but topping Southmoore (2-9) 58-34. The Broncos hold the No. 20 offense, No. 15 defense, and No. 17 margin of victory in 6A and will return to action Tuesday at No. 18 Edmond North (6-5).

The pick: Ed North 48 Mustang 45.

No. 15 Broken Arrow (16)

Broken Arrow (6-5) picked up a 43-40 victory over No. 19 Sapulpa (5-5) thanks to 23 points from Jalise Smallwood. The Tigers hold the No. 7 defense in 6A and will return to action Tuesday when they host Jenks (3-6), then they'll compete at the Jenks/Union Invitational this weekend. 

The pick: BA 48 Jenks 43.

No. 16 Bartlesville (15)

Bartlesville (5-5) pulled out a big 56-27 victory over Bixby (4-9) led by Erin Shoemaker with 20. The Bruins hold the No. 5 defense and No. 15 margin of victory in 6A and will return to action Tuesday at 5A No. 15 Bishop Kelley (5-5). 

The pick: Bartlesville 47 Kelley 40.

No. 17 Yukon (18)

Yukon (7-4) is coming off a bye week and will return to action Tuesday when they host No. 1 Edmond Santa Fe (10-0). They will also take on John Marshall (5-5) in the first round of the Jones Tournament this weekend. The Millerettes hold the No. 15 offense, No. 20 defense, and No. 16 margin of victory. 

The pick: Yukon 50 Marshall 47.

No. 18 Edmond North (17)

Edmond North (6-5) picked up a 42-29 win over Southmoore (2-9) but fell 61-59 to No. 9 Norman (9-2) in overtime. The Huskies hold the No. 13 offense, No. 15 defense, and No. 12 margin of victory in 6A and will return to action Tuesday when they host No. 14 Mustang (5-5), then will compete at the Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Tournament this weekend.

No. 19 Sapulpa (19)

Sapulpa (5-5) suffered a tough 43-40 loss to No. 16 Broken Arrow (6-5) despite a 15-point performance from Kiarra Brooks. The Chieftains will return to action Tuesday at No. 3 Sand Springs (9-0) in a rivalry matchup.

No. 20 Ponca City (20)

Ponca City (6-3) was topped 60-51 by 5A No. 9 El Reno (7-4) in spite of a 19-point performance by Baylee Fincher. The Wildcats hold the No. 12 offense, No. 10 defense, and No. 10 margin of victory in 6A and will return to action this weekend at the John Nobles Tournament. 

Conference Strength:

1. Central Oklahoma (56)
2. Frontier Valley (38.9)
3. Big Ten (36.7)
4. Green Country (25.8)
5. All-City (10.09)

Kierra McGee scores 16 as undefeated No. 3 Lady Sandites top Bixby 67-51

Senior Kierra McGee scored a team-high 16 points for the Sandites in a double-digit victory over Bixby. (Photo: Morgan Miller).

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The No. 3 ranked Charles Page High School girls basketball team (9-0 overall, 5-0 conference) continued their undefeated streak with a 67-51 victory over the Bixby Lady Spartans (4-9, 0-5) Friday night at the Ed Dubie Field House. 

The first and second quarters were both blowouts, but each was for a different team.

CPHS 67 Bixby 51

1Q Sand Springs 24-15
2Q Bixby 15-6
3Q Sand Springs 19-11
4Q Sand Springs 18-10

Fouls: Sand Springs 12, Bixby 15.
Free Throws: Sand Springs 9-of-13, Bixby 8-of-11.

Scoring: (Sand Springs) McGee 16, Kersgieter 14, Mutiri 13, Pennington 11, Regalado 9, Johnson 4. (Bixby) Bittle 17, Sloan 10, Pirtle 9, Stout 5, Tyree 5, Fuhr 3, Brown 2.

(Sand Springs only)
Offensive Rebounds: Mutiri 5, Kersgieter 3, Johnson 3, McGee 1, Collins 1.
Defensive Rebounds: Kersgieter 4, Mutiri 2, Pennington 2, McGee 2, Regalado 1, Johnson 1.
Steals: Pennington 5, Kersgieter 3, McGee 3, Johnson 2, Regalado 1.
Assists: Johnson 3, McGee 3, Kersgieter 3, Regalado 1.
Blocks: Mutiri 3
Fouls: Johnson 3, Pennington 3, Kersgieter 2, Mutiri 2, Regalado 1, McGee 1.

The Lady Sandites came out hot, building a 22-5 lead with back-to-back three-pointers from sophomore Isabella Regalado before letting the visitors back into the game.  Maddie Bittle was fouled on a layup and made her free throw, and officially took the lid off the basket for the Lady Spartans. Cassidy Sloan, Sarah Tyree, and Madison Fuhr all got in on the action and cut the lead to 24-15 to end the first. 

They ran away with it in the second. Regalado hit a three, Mutiri scored a two, and those were the only field goals the Sandites would score in the lopsided quarter, as the visitors outscored their foes 15-6. The Spartans nearly entered the half with the lead after Kenedy Brown sank a two for the go-ahead points with two seconds left. The Lady Spartans cleared the bench and stormed the court in excitement, but there were two seconds left on the clock and Holly Kersgieter got to shoot a free throw on a technical foul to tie it up 30-30.

The Lady Sandites made up for the second quarter in the second half, however, handily dominating both periods. Sophomore Destiny Johnson hit a basket to start the third in the Sandites' favor, but Kyndal Pirtle sank a three and Bittle shot a free throw to make it 34-32. That would be the last time the Spartans led. 

Kersgieter hit a three for the lead, added a pair from the charity stripe, and Sydney Pennington sank a two to make it 39-34. Bittle shot a three to try and slow the Sandites down, but Gloria Mutiri made a layup and a free throw immediately after. Sloan scored the last two Spartan baskets of the evening, but they were broken up by a seven-point run from the Sandites, who led 49-41 going into the final stanza. McGee scored nine in the fourth quarter, including a steal and layup to ice the cake at 67-51.

Bittle led all scorers with 17 points, followed by McGee with 16, Kersgieter with 14, Mutiri with 13, Pennington with 11, and Sloan with 10. 

The Lady Sandites will return to action next Tuesday when they host Highway 97 rival No. 19 Sapulpa (5-5), while Bixby will take on No. 10 Owasso (9-5) next Tuesday at home.