Preview Bertha Frank Teague Classic Dec 29-31

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's preview one of Oklahoma's premier and oldest Girl's Holiday Tournament. Bertha Frank Teague Classic is tractional known for having some of the best teams in the state classes 4a and below. This year is no different as there are several teams in this year's event that could be holding that Gold Ball come March. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game 1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kingfisher 5-2 Class 4a Ranked #5</strong> Kingfisher enter tournament with a 5-2 record. Losses to Merritt who is ranked #3in Class 2a and Class 3a powerhouse #1 ranked Washington. 4 of the 5 wins have been against ranked teams. Coach Young teams are always scrappy on defense applying pressure in the full court or at some time a smutting half court zone. You can expect guards that can shoot and make good decisions. Key Players: Mattie Slezickey is a solid point guard that does an excellent job in getting the team in the flow. Good 3-pointer shooter as well. [player_tooltip player_id='1550182' first='Reese' last='Roof'] veteran guard that knows how to win games. A must find in half-court defense as she moves very well off the ball spotting up for the kick out or reversal. A shooter that can change when she gets hot. [player_tooltip player_id='643471' first='Abbie' last='Myers'] versatile guard that can also have an impact as a small forward. Good shooter from 3 that has a very smooth mid-range game.[player_tooltip player_id='1111400' first='Ela' last='Hartman'] Small forward that is having a breakout sophomore season. A scorer that is becoming one of those players who can score at all 3 levels. Great size with a long wingspan gives the Lady Jackets a rim protector.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Howe 8-2 Class 2a Ranked #2</strong> Howe enters winners 8 out of their last 9 games the only loss coming to Class 4a Ranked #4 Broken Bow Howe is going to bring the pressure either in the full court with a chaser or in a smothering half-court trap. Coach Brown always has his groups ready to play during the holiday seasons. Playing against higher Class teams is nothing new for the Howe program. It is their DNA that helps them reach State year after year. Slatey Jo Free returns as starter from last season. Combo guard that can get to the rim or knock down the 3-point shot. [player_tooltip player_id='1096456' first='Kadynce' last='Delt'] power forward that has great presence in paint area with good hands and soft touch around the glass. [player_tooltip player_id='1096478' first='Josey' last='Peterson'] scrappy defender that creates points off turnovers with her pressure defense. Josey is a guard that can knock down the 3-pointer as well. Brilee Scarberry is another guard that can knock down the 3 and create havoc in the press. I have not seen Howe play this season, but I assure you Coach Brown team has players and are well coached.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game 2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Merritt 4-0 Class 2a Ranked #3</strong> Enter tournament having only played 4 games this season. Do not let the record fool you though. 3 of those wins have been against Top 6 ranked teams from different classes including a #1 ranked Canute. A team that I am very unfamiliar with except for fact that they hook up on defense. Zone or man defense you will feel the pressure. I did watch film and against a zone they move the ball well looking for a shooting and have a nice inside out game for the shot. Key Players [player_tooltip player_id='921894' first='Marlie' last='Mong'] versatile guard that does just about everything on the court. A must find shooter on transition and in half court sets. On defense she is quick on jumping the passing lanes for the steals. Myleigh Flowers returning guard off last year's team. Gracie Winston</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Keys 5-3 Class 3a Ranked #8</strong> Picked up a big win before break defeating Kingston Class 3a #5. All Keys loses have been to ranked teams. Keys finished Runner Up in the Haskell Tournament earlier this season. Keys have tough guard play and scrappy defense that makes them a team to keep an eye on this tournament. Key Players [player_tooltip player_id='992466' first='Paizlee' last='Zodrow'] a guard that has the complete package. Outside shooter that is a must find on defense. Moves great without the ball finding the open gaps for the shot. Hustler on defense steals with quick hands and jumping the passing lanes. Adali Welker hard nose player in the paint that rotates to be in good help position. Good shooter from the 3-point area. Kenlee Comer is a player that when watching film kept showing up on the defensive end of the floor. Consistently making plays that led to points of turnovers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game 3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Washington 6-1 Class 3a Ranked #1</strong> enters tournament with a 6-1 record and possibility the most tested team so in this event so far this season. 4 of their wins have been against ranked opponents and the only loss coming to Class 2a #1 Dale at Dale in an early December tournament. A team that returned almost everyone off last year's team that made a great run. Washington has experience with guards to go along with some very talented young players. Expect hard no defense and will apply pressure the entire 32 minutes within full court or half court. Washington is well coached and plays with a intense vibe about them. Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='578004' first='Kelby' last='Beller'] an expereince guard that has competed at a high level all 4 years in high school. A true leader is the extension of the coach on the floor. When the game is on the line Beller is that type of player that wants the ball in her hands. [player_tooltip player_id='572989' first='Preslee' last='Johnson'] a player that may have flown under the radar due to not being on the summer circuit but folks this girl can flat out hoop. Excellent 3-point shooter that went off in a game during last year's playoffs. That great height brings the energy on both ends of the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='1542324' first='Bentli' last='Brantley'] lefty guard that has a very smooth game. Tough shooter off the dribble that is a fight over the screen type of player. On the drive she gets low and drops, turning the corner getting to the rim for the finish. Washington may have the most depth of any team in the tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kiowa 8-2 Class B1 Ranked #2</strong> Kiowa picked up a big win heading into break with a victory over Class A ranked #7 Quinton. Kiowa also picked up wins over two higher class ranked teams in their 8 wins. Athletic guards and a solid post player make Kiowa a team that you must focus on when preparing for the game. A team that will be in the hunt for a Gold Ball come state tournament time. Key players: [player_tooltip player_id='574234' first='Maccie' last='Bain'] Power forward that holds down the portection in the paint with a block shot or changing a shot. Nice touch off the glass with a smooth turn around hook shot. Paige Igou guard that can knock down the 3 and creates turnovers on defense leading to transition buckets. Paige is one of those players that can get hot and the team will feed off her energy. Ryleigh Hutson freshman that has a smooth outside shot from beyond the arch and very active on the defensive end.. player_tooltip player_id='751294' first='Ella' last='Roberts'] and guard Kinley Jenson contribute with outside shooting and hustle plays on defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Game 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Latta 9-2 Class 2a Ranked #7</strong> Latta enters tournament with a 9-2 record. Both losses coming to Dale ranked #1 in 2a and Vanoss ranked #4 in Class 2a. Since their last lost Latta has rolled off 7 straight wins. Latta is a physical team that relies on strong defense and discipline that will wear you down. Coach Plunk will have his team ready to go as usual. [player_tooltip player_id='876710' first='Jayse' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1234993' first='Kelby' last='Parnacher'] give Latta a great 1-2 punch in 3-point shooting as both move great without the ball finding the open gaps for the knock down 3. On defense the pair are great in the half court defensive pressure. Paislee Anderson another guard that can shoot the 3 ball. Callie Holmes brings scrappy hustle of defense creating turnovers for Latta. Expect some form of pressure either full court or half court from Latta</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lomega 11-0 Class B2 Ranked #1</strong> When you speak of traditional girls' basketball programs in the state of Oklahoma Lomega will always be brought up. This year Lomega enter with a perfect 11-0 record and #1 ranking in Class B2. Five of those wins come against ranked teams. Expect a defensive team that will push turnovers into easy scoring opportunities. Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='1208963' first='Reagan' last='Snowden'] 2028 guard that brings a complete game on both ends of the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='1171081' first='Aliana' last='Lawson'] combo guard that moves great without the ball and can knock down the 3-pointer. Kinsley Fischer gives Lomega an inside presence on offense with good hands and finishes around the rim. Kinsley also provides a shot blocker at the rim Hadley Ott is another shooter you must find on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->