‘Twas the Night Before Christmas – PGH OK Edition
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when from far and near
it was time to look back, to reminisce on the year;
The gyms were now empty as everyone went home for a break,
as the coaches began to ponder if they’d had all they could take;
The players were nestled all snug in their beds;
While visions of championships danced in their heads;
Undefeated Norman got their sixth, Tuttle has one now,
so do Lomega, Hydro-Eakly, so do Jones and Howe,
That was twenty twenty and twenty-one, so are they still the best?
When teams like Edmond North and Carl Albert seem to be better than the rest.
I’m merely a scout, not a prophet, I don’t make predictions about who will top it,
Instead, I will say that we are a very lucky lot, to be able to witness a group who in the country is tops,
our Oklahoma players I’d put against them all,
they are queens of the hardwood, these ladies can ball,
we’ve got coaches who know better than most,
how to teach and persuade, how to coerce and coax.
The Sooner state’s high schools are loaded with college stars,
too many ballers of all ages, here a few of them are:
Littlepage-Buggs, Perry, both Parks, and both Heards,
Steele and Allen, Lofton, Mathurin, and Bert.
From the courts of OKC to the ones in the panhandle out west,
back over to Tulsa, no matter where, they’re the best,
In any of the seven classes, our teams are elite,
faced with talent from anywhere, they won’t be beat;
None of us know if the undefeated will stay that way again
We look forward to watching how this season will end–
Whether it be Choctaw, Union, or Tahlequah in 6A,
which teams will rise above the fray?
In this brief ode to Oklahoma basketball stars,
my Christmas wish is that you realize how special you are.
To grace the hardwood with purpose and so much poise,
and knock down your free throws in the face of hostile noise;
Whether you play at the next level or not,
the experience and friendships are what you’ve always got.
Only one team leaves with the golden ball,
if I could I would mold one and make one for all!
You all are stars in my eyes, that’s why I do what I do,
just keep working hard, just keep being you;
The hours in the gym will always shine through to the coaches and scouts,
your hard work and preparation will always make you stand out;
There’s a place in college ball for all who work hard,
whether it be as a role player, a trainer or even a star.
I hope you get everything you want for Christmas, maybe even that ‘ship,
but if Santa decides different, if that just isn’t it;
Let these words of wisdom, ring true in your head
face every game and practice with hope and not dread;
good things come to those who put in the work,
and treat their opponents, coaches, and refs, not like a jerk,
you get what you put in, sometimes you lose and sometimes you win,
Enjoy your time off, sorry to get all preachy in this post,
my true hope for you is that you live out all of your hopes,
Now that I’m done, head out and get that mid-range jumper just right,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!