Jenks-Union Tourney: Championship Game

Jason Green

January 24, 2021 @ 05:17 AM

Anybody who knows Oklahoma high school girls basketball knows that a game between a Pete Papahronis coached team and a Joe Redmond coached team is going to be a blockbuster. I imagine anyone in attendance felt lucky to have a ticket. The players executed to perfection and the game was an absolute barn-burner. The No. 3 Huskies ended up defeating No. 2 Union – the first time any team has done so this season – by a score of 51-43.

Quick Hits – Union

T.K. Pitts (6-0 F) – Pitts is possibly one of the best athletes in the girls’ game in Oklahoma. She can score from every level and is extremely long and strong. A future D-I star.

Kaylen Nelson Kaylen Nelson 5'11" | SG Union | 2021 State OK (5-10 G) – Nelson shined all tournament long and finished with 15 in the championship. She is tough and smart and has come so far in four short years.

Makenzie Malham (5-9 G) – The Arkansas soccer commit could definitely play D-I basketball were she to so chose. She runs an offense better than most point guards in the state.

Jordynn Conner (5-10 G) – Conner got the start in the championship game and did a very good job of working in Redmond’s offense. She has great size for a guard and is a tough defender.

Sydni Smith (6-2 F) – It still amazes me that Smith is a junior. Not only does she have tremendous size, she knows how to use it. She is a vocal leader and an absolute force inside.

Germari Harris (5-7 G) – I spoke with several media members during the tournament who agreed that without Harris coming off the bench, Union could not possibly be as good as they are.

Aubrey Hishaw (5-9 G) – Hishaw is a guard who has the size and strength to bang down-low. A Joe Redmond offense always dominates inside and Hishaw is a big part of that.

Janiyah Hendricks Janiyah Hendricks 5'2" | PG Tulsa Union | 2021 State OK (5-3 G) – Hendricks has several offers and for good reason. She is a lock-down defender with very good vision at the point and the ability to drain the three as needed.

Edmond North

Ataya Casaus Ataya Casaus 5'6" | CG Edmond North | 2022 State OK (5-6 G) – As Edmond North held onto it’s lead and tried to eat clock, it was Ataya’s handles handles that helped them secure the victory as she deftly avoided defenders.

Elle Papahronis Elle Papahronis 5'11" | SF Edmond North | 2023 State OK (5-11 G/F) – The younger of the coach’s kids, Elle is a great ball handler with very good size. She scored 10 in the championship with five boards. The sophomore is still uncommitted.

Allison Heathcock Allison Heathcock 6'0" | SG Edmond North | 2024 State OK (5-10 G) – Heathcock is a freshman starting on one of the best teams in the state. She is long and quick and is only just beginning to really figure out what she can do.

Toni Papahronis Toni Papahronis 6'0" | CG Edmond North | 2022 State OK (6-0 G) – The older sister is a Navy commit and – as one would expect – is a great leader on the floor. Even when not scoring, she does everything needed to get her teammates involved.

Laci Steele Laci Steele 5'10" | SF Edmond North | 2023 State OK (5-10 G/F) – Steele was the best player on the court in every game her team played this weekend. She has an unbelievable scoring touch and is an absolute superstar.

Kate Melton Kate Melton 5'7" | CG Edmond North | 2024 State OK (5-6 G) – Another freshman getting big minutes on a potential state championship team, Melton is a very good defender with good scoring touch from long range.

DaeJaneah Robinson (5-8 F) – Robinson is a defensive presence off the bench who does a good job fighting for position on the block. She is tough and strong and a true asset for the Huskies.