First United Bank Classic – Preview (Bethel HS)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>First United Basketball Classic held at Bethel High School has always been among the toughest early December tournaments. This year is no different with a handful of highly ranked teams in their respected classes. The games this weekend will also have future college players as some have already committed while others are on the watch list of many coaches. Good luck to all teams</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bethel 3A #6</strong> The number six team enters the tournament, seeded number 2 behind Mcloud who is ranked #10 in Class 4a. Even after a late start due to Softball state the Lady Wildcats looked impressive early going 3-0 headed into the tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='574245' first='Lexi' last='Tucker'] Senior combo guard that can score at all 3 levels on the offensive end. On defense she understands how to rotate and protect the rim with either a block or satisficing the body to take the charge. [player_tooltip player_id='574244' first='Ava' last='Gascon'] A combo guard that is ranked among the tops in Class 2026. The Cameron University signee is a dangerous 3-point shooter with unlimited range. Her basketball IQ and strong ball handling gives Lady Wildcat an experience point guard as Ava has been a 4 year starter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McLoud 4A #10</strong> The Lady Redskins enters the tournament as the #1 seed and ranked #10 in Class 4a. Off to a great start with a 2-0 record with decisive wins over their opponents which is no surprise as the Mcloud has a very experience Junior Class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1058782' first='Claire' last='Mapira'] lighting quick guard that can get the paint making things happen. Good decisions in reading the defense when driving scoring a bucket or finding the open shooter on the kick out. A much-improved shooter over the summer making her overall game even stronger. [player_tooltip player_id='1054461' first='Creighton' last='Conley'] Great size combo guard/small forward that has a very effective mid-range game. Shooting ablitity does extend to the 3-point shot. A tough scraper that will clean up misses on the offensive board scoring putbacks. High post shooter that can wear out the 15ft against a zone. [player_tooltip player_id='1266311' first='Daycie' last='Nemecek'] Great size post that I had the opportunity to watch seeral times this summer. A much-improved player that will give the Lady Redskins an inside presence this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Eufaula 4A #16</strong> Enters the tournament with a 3-0 record and ranked #16 in Class 4a. All three wins have been very decisive as the closest game this season is a 18-point victory over Beggs. Coach Jason Radomski is in his second season at the helm and has his young team bought in. A possible second round match up with Mcloud looms but they first must take care of Blanchard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johna Bumgarner a 2026 shooting guard comes in red hot from beyond the arch. In the first 3 games of the season Johna has knocked down 12 from deep. You must find a shooter on defense. Sophomore Olivia Hamby is another player to keep an eye on for the Lady Iron heads</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blanchard 4A UR</strong> Blanchard enters the tournament, with a 1-1 record. The Lady Lions look to get back in the win column after suffering their first loss of the season against Class 4a #13.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior guard Kylann Dobbs returns as the Lady Lions leading scorer from last season. Combo guard that is a do it all type player. Sophomore Finley Lockwood is an outstanding athlete that will have no problem getting on the court for a 50/50 ball. The lefty shooter had a great first game of the season scoring 17 points while grabbing 7 boards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pauls Valley 4A UR</strong> Enters the tournament with a 3-0 record but will have to face a tough Sallisaw team in the first round. Coach Denton style is strong aggressive defensive teams. Expect Pauls Valley to bring a full court type pressure and up-tempo offense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1263979' first='Kate' last='Taylor'] A shooting guard that scored 13 points in their win against Lindsay including knock down 3 from beyond the arch. Moves without the ball finding the open gaps for the kick out [player_tooltip player_id='1259960' first='Mati' last='Fishback'] power forward that has some versality to her game. Strong inside presence on both ends of the floor. Showed outside shooting ability that drew the opposing team post away from the hoop. Good rotation on defense that protected the rim on drives recording several blocks this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tecumseh 4A UR</strong> Tecumseh enters the tournament with a1-2 record dropping the last two games after winning their season opener. They will have a tough challenge as they face host and Class 3a ranked Bethel</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sallisas 4A #18</strong> Sallisaw enters the tournament with a 1-1 record with that lost coming to Class 3a #7 Keys.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Perkins 4A UR</strong> Enters the tournament with a 0-1 record with a lost to Class 4a Ranked #20 Berryhill. Perkins will have a tough challenge against as they face Class 4a ranked Mcould in first round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->