Big House Dreams Part 2: Stretch Run PGs to Watch

It's the final and special year for Jim Norick Arena at the State Fairgrounds, aka “The Big House”. All seven classifications will be playing at the iconic arena in a stretch of 11 days of basketball in a 12 day span. But the Big House will always be associated with small school basketball excellence. From the southeastern Oklahoma squads, to the northwestern Oklahoma panhandle teams, players all over Oklahoma dream of hearing the iconic “Congratulations! It is Championship Saturday and you have made it to the Big House”. From players who have reached that dream, to players looking to blaze a new path for themselves, here's a group of point guards to keep an eye as we begin the stretch run.    The Class 4A playoff picture was shaken up by the return of Richardson from GRIND Prep to Ada. She instantly makes them a threat. As just about anytime she steps on the court in 4A, she'll be the best player on the floor. Earlier this month, Ada won the Jones tournament with a "light work" 37 points from Richardson in the title game over Heritage Hall. The future SMU Mustang is lightning quick and should have more 30 pieces in this final month of the season. While trying to push Ada to their first State Tournament appearance since 2017.     Hartsock was a star in last year's Class 3A quarterfinals win over Roland, which was Community Christian's first ever State Tournament appearance. The senior is another small school guard who is a blur with the ball in her hands. With exceptional finishing ability at the rim thanks to her body control and athleticism. The lefty has added more reliable three point shooting to her game as a senior and is a complete threat as a scorer or creator.   Hartsock has filled the statsheet this year with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals. Her production has the Lady Royals undefeated and ranked 2nd in Class 3A. And on a potential collision course with top ranked Washington, who is located just a few miles south of CCS's Norman based campus.     After back to back Class A appearances for the Enid based private school, the Trojans have been bumped up to Class 2A. So far, it's been little problem for the skilled lead guard and her teammates. They're 20-0 and Walden is a big reason why. She impressed in January in two wins against top 20 ranked Class 2A foe Cashion. Along with setting the table, she's an impressive scorer. Especially in the mid-range and at the rim. Controlled and plays at her own pace. Either snaking all the way to the rim, where her long arms aid her finshing ability. Or hitting tough shots in the mid-range. Is signed with Bethany (KS, NAIA)     Switch pushes the tempo and creates for her Lady Panthers teammates like an upperclassman. Has an eye and the arm to make great outlet passes in transition. Good touch and feel in the halfcourt as well with nice tight window dimes. In last weekend's Route 66 Conference title game she also let if fly from deep on the way 18 points. Which included a 25+ footer three pointer in end the third quarter. The Lady Panthers are 19-0 and ranked fourth in a deep Class 2A. A March trip west on I-40 to OKC would be their second straight Class 2A State Tournament appearance and only third in school history.     This list of small town lead guards would also do well in any track meet in the spring, and that's especially true for Gaddy. The track and field star caught the eye during Alva's impressive run at the Mustang Holiday Classic where they finished 5th in a field filled with bigger schools. They pushed 6A contender Bixby in the opening match up, then took down 6A Owasso the next day. The speedy guard is averaging nearly 17 a game for the 7th ranked in 3A squad. She's an ankle breaker with a smooth stepback jumper from deep.   Gaddy and the Lady Gold Bugs are looking for their third straight Class 3A State Tournament appearance. While also searching for their first win at the Big House since they won it all in 2016.     Quick lead guard, who can be a terror on the defensive end. Picks up and applies tough on the ball pressure, while also having equally quick hands to force turnovers and jump balls. In a recent game watched, Mapira was also McLoud's most reliable three point weapon. Hitting big shots throughout the game. Combines with her twin sister Claire to create a gritty and quick defensive minded backcourt. Class 4A is loaded, but McLoud is currently ranked 16th and looking for the first State Tournament appearance in school history.     First year at Kiefer and already making a big impact for the 8th ranked Class 3A team. Brings flair to the game with her passing and dribbling, but also has the overall substance to back it up. Can snatch a defender's ankles, then fire a pass right by their head to an open teammate. Along with the highlight worthy plays, routinely fills the stat sheets up with steals and good rebounding for a guard.   Hill is averaging 15.4 points on the season, while grabbing 4.6 boards and handing out 3.8 assists. With playoff seeding drawing closer, Kiefer is in need of a strong finish. As they need to bounce back after a couple of close losses.

It's the final and special year for Jim Norick Arena at the State Fairgrounds, aka “The Big House”. All seven classifications will be playing at the iconic arena in a stretch of 11 days of basketball in a 12 day span. But the Big House will always be associated with small school basketball excellence. From the southeastern Oklahoma squads, to the northwestern Oklahoma panhandle teams, players all over Oklahoma dream of hearing the iconic “Congratulations! It is Championship Saturday and you have made it to the Big House”. From players who have reached that dream, to players looking to blaze a new path for themselves, here's a group of point guards to keep an eye as we begin the stretch run.