Team Preview: Sapulpa

There’s still a Heard at Sapulpa and this one is a Division-I player. Tyla is committed to Abilene Christian and she is a big-time scorer for this team. It’s been a joy to watch her through the years as she has ascended from “Stailee’s younger sister” to “just” being Tyla. I have a feeling that “just” being Tyla is going to be plenty. Heard is extremely bouncy, very athletic, and works very, very hard in all aspects of her game. She has a great shot from deep and midrange and is a tremendous rebounder, due in large part to her hops and willingness to battle inside. Tyla will be a huge part of what Sapulpa does this season and it will be great to see her be a focal point for this team.

Taylor is another senior who is going to be a big part of what Sapulpa does out there on the floor this season. She is an outstanding scorer who is able to get the ball in the basket from pretty much any angle. I can see how she can be really frustrating for defenders who think they have her covered, then give her and inch of space, only to have her throw up a shot that looks like it has no chance and it goes in. Then she does it again. And again. Bilby also plays outstanding defense. It’s why she’s started for Coach Calip for two years now and is returning for the defending state champions. It’s also why numerous schools are interested and yours should be too.

Wrigley is another player who will bring a championship pedigree and a lot of school and club experience to the Chieftains this season. Her size makes her stand out, but it is the different things she does with her over six-foot frame that make her stand out. First of all, she can shoot it. She isn’t relegated to “just” playing the boards. But, if you need a rebound, she can definitely get you one. She is quick and versatile, so Wrigley can guard just about anyone. Though I didn’t get to see her against BA, she is a known commodity and I’ve seen her plenty this summer and throughout her career. She is a genuine college prospect and I would expect big, big things from her this season under the continued tutelage of Coach Calip.

There’s another McQuarters involved in the Oklahoma Girls Basketball scene and this one won a state championship as a freshman. Now she’s back for more! She looked really good in the scrimmage. Riki is a confident ball-handler who can score in a lot of different ways. She is a strong player who, despite “only” being 5’8″, goes into the paint and will battle just about anyone for a rebound or a loose ball. She is very fun to watch because of her work ethic and heart and was known to put up some big time numbers last season. Riki is most definitely a prospect!

Another player with great height, size, strength, and shooting ability for Sapulpa is Nylia Reed. Her effort at the scrimmage I went to was top-notch and I really look forward to seeing her play again soon. She has a nice jump shot and made a good amount of long range shots. She seemed like a smart player and was very coachable. She worked hard on the defensive end and did a good job of staying in front of her opponent. Reed is still young, but I could see her being a big part of this Chieftains squad this season.