Game Report: Metro Christian vs. Oklahoma Flame
I got the chance to watch two very good teams battle it out last night in Tulsa and came away very impressed with a lot of the players on the floor. In a back and forth game that stayed close…
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Continue ReadingI got the chance to watch two very good teams battle it out last night in Tulsa and came away very impressed with a lot of the players on the floor. In a back and forth game that stayed close all the way through, the Flame used a 14 point fourth quarter to pull away in crunch time and take home a 46-36 win. Take a look at the players that caught my eye.
Player of the Game:
The new 2026 rankings came out last week and Sami once again makes an appearance in the top-10. In case PGH needed to be reminded, or she was making a case to be higher up next time around, Sami had 22 to lead all scorers and did it in a variety of ways. For most of the game, when the Flame needed a bucket, it was Sami bringing the ball up court. She uses her smooth handles to weave her way to the basket, often picking up the “and-1” in the process. She has a beautiful, easy shot from long range. She also didn’t miss a free throw all night, going 6-for-6 from the line. Defensively, Sami swatted shots all over the place on top of forcing several turnovers with her on-ball defense. Her length, quickness, and extremely high basketball IQ are a deadly combination for opponents.
Other Standouts:
Natalie Powell
Natalie Powell
Speaking of the 2026 rankings, it never fails that if you go watch a game the week after they are released, you will see a player that should have been included in them. Natalie is that player, and boy, did she show me why she should have been included! It wasn’t just her 17 points, but the way that she did it, that turned this scout’s head. She battled hard all night in the paint with players that were often taller than her. She never backed down. She outrebounded players that she probably shouldn’t have based on size and potential athleticism. As clutch time moved in, she stepped out and hit a three, then didn’t miss any free throws down the stretch, ending the night with 17. It was an all-around astounding performance for the hardest working player on the court and her name has already been added to the draft of the next 2026 player rankings.
Jenna Hay
Jenna Hay
Another sophomore who has been added to the rankings list for the next time around, Jenna was an incredibly hard worker last night, both on the boards and defensively. She ended the night with 10 points and showed great hands for receiving passes into the paint, but where she really earned her money was snagging boards. She essentially shut down the paint on the defensive end and forced Metro out to the perimeter where their shooting needed to be virtually perfect to keep up. Jenna is a smart player and her chemistry with Sami Sheaffer Sami Sheaffer 6’0″ | SG Oklahoma Union | 2026 State OK is going to be hard for most teams to beat. She is a strong and tough player who works hard from tip to whistle. She is definitely a prospect to keep an eye on.
Ayrin Ethridge
Ayrin Ethridge
Ayrin is a senior this season and the type of player that all teams need at the next level. She is dedicated on the defensive end and used her tremendous on-ball D and quick hands to force several timely turnovers. She also has a very quick shot that seemingly comes out of nowhere. She totaled eight with two three-pointers against OK Flame. She gets up and down the floor quickly and was never out of position. She is a player who is involved in everything because of her heart and hustle and has got to be a pleasure to have on a team simply because of her work ethic. Her shooting is a bonus!
Kyla Reed
Kyla Reed
Speaking of seniors who need to be on your radar, Kyla Reed didn’t have the best game I’ve seen her play, but she was impressive, nonetheless. Every time I see her play, I come away impressed at how much of a floor general Kyla is. She runs things for the Patriots, without a doubt. She is in charge out there. On top of that, she is so silky with the handles, it is incredibly fun to watch. Usually she lights it up from long range, though last night they just weren’t falling like they usually do. She didn’t get down and kept defending, kept running the offense to precision, and from what I can remember, really didn’t turn the ball over at all.