Path to State: 6A West Area Previews (Norman North vs Putnam City West)

<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>*Photograph courtesy of the Norman Transcript</em></span> (2/28/19 @ Western Heights-6:30 PM) This will be the first match up between the two teams. One team being the top dog and the other team being the underdog majority of the season, this will be an interesting matchup! Putnam City West is a team that often exhaust their opponents due to their pressure, making it harder for their opponents to persevere. Nonetheless, Norman North has great team composure and tenacity in the game. perseverance is what helps the Lady Timberwolves to be able to thrive. It’s also worth mentioning that girls from both teams have played on the same travel program together, which also makes this game an exciting and interesting matchup! &nbsp; <h2><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Putnam City West</span></h2> Through majority of the season, Putnam City West remained in the #1 ranked position in 6A. Their solid #1 ranking in class 6A in Oklahoma came after winning the Junior Orange Bowl Classic in Miami, Florida. Putnam City West gained more national notoriety and became #17 ranked in the nation and a few weeks later moved to #15.  Although they’ve had a few close battles and even a double overtime game, they’ve easily remained the #1 contender for the top spot in Oklahoma. Players to Watch: <ul> <li><strong>Zaniya Nelson: </strong>High energy, great rebounder, quick defender and likes to drive to the basket</li> <li><strong>Sharonica Hartsfield: </strong>Quick first step, strong drives to basket, can shoot the 3, great ball handler</li> <li><strong>Mekayla Furman: </strong>Great finsher, crafty to the basket, ability to shoot 3’s off the dribble</li> <li><strong>Megan McCaplin:</strong>Outside shooter, solid body frame, and good ball-handler</li> <li><strong>Talin Nolan:</strong>Great at the high post drive, intense defender, finishes well around the basket</li> <li><strong>Brooklyn Fisher: </strong>Great defender and handles pressure well</li> <li><strong>Alyssa Parmer: </strong>Smooth driver, can shoot the outside shot, good ball protection, nice defender</li> </ul> &nbsp; <h2><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Norman North</span></h2> Creeping their way up the rankings ladder, Norman North gained the respect of their peers over time moving from top 15 to top 10 and back throughout season. Ending the regular season ranked top 5 in 6A at the #4 position, the Lady Timberwolves are one of the most silent deadly teams in Oklahoma. Often playing from behind because their opponent is a run or beginning with a slow start, a few minutes later they turn it all around get the job done by grabbing a win! This is a team that never lets down even when they’re down. Players to Watch: <ul> <li><strong>Jacie Evans: </strong>Great in transition, creative with moves, good finisher, and high tempo player the entire game</li> <li><strong>Kennedy Cummins: </strong>High energy, aggressive with drives to the basket</li> <li><strong>Jessika Evans: </strong>Scores off the drive, great outside shooter, and scores in the low post</li> <li><strong>Kayton Kite: </strong>Consistent shooter from 3</li> </ul>