<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Tournament of Champions is headed into its 60th year and every year it gives us great match ups that we may not see every during the regular season. This year is no different we could have matchups of teams that could be holding that Gold Ball come March. Get out and support these young ladies and you will see what the nation knows Oklahoma girls basketball is strong. Follow me at X @coachjvick1 or IG @coach_jvick</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Game 1</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Union Class 6a 6-2 Overall 3-0 District 4</strong> Union enters the tournament with a 6-2. Two of those losses have come from different states. The last one coming in the Finals of the Champions event at Clear Beach. Union has a great mixture of experience and youth on their roster. According to the latest post they are the scoring leaders at 69 ppg in Class 6-5a (OK Preps) An athletic group that can get up and down the floor with any team in Class 6a makes them a group to watch for come March. Key Players [player_tooltip player_id='579551' first='Whitney' last='Smith'] combo guard has signed with Lincoln University always moving without the ball great finding open gaps for knock down 3. Yonae Edward is that physical combo guard that can shoot the outside but if give a bad close she is going to get to the rim finishing through contact. Edwards has signed to play at JUCO powerhouse Seward in Kansas. [player_tooltip player_id='606267' first='Jhazmyn' last='Herron'] quick point guard that pushes the tempo and is lock down on defense. She brings the energy to both ends of the court. Davis Twins if you have not read about checkout previous articles. I am going to try and do my best telling their game apart. [player_tooltip player_id='882125' first='Jada' last='Davis'] 2028 that is a force shooting a very high percentage in the paint area whether is off back cuts or drives to the basket. Strong rebounder that when she gets her hands on it is hers. [player_tooltip player_id='882117' first='Mika' last='Davis'] is a very smooth guard that can shoot the 3 or take you off the bounce, Great up the floor vision that makes good things happen with ball in hand.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Quinton Ranked #7 Class A 8-3</strong> Quinton enters the tournament with a tough draw in Union Class 6a. It will not be the first time they have played a ranked opponent in a higher class. 2 of Quinton losses came to ranked 6a teams in the TOC in Arkansas earlier this season. They did pick up a win over ranked 6a Ft Smith Southside. The other lost came to a tough Kiowa team that will be making a serious run in their class for the gold ball. Quinton finished with a big win over Class 3a ranked Silo before heading into break. Team won Consolation las season in the same event. I am not very familiar with their roster. Key Player [player_tooltip player_id='1121505' first='Alexis' last='Purdom'] scoring guard that is ranked in the PGH Top 100. Player that can get hot from the 3 and change the outcome of the game. Alexis took over last season in the final minutes scoring 9 points as Quinton captured the Consolation Championship in this same event last season. Watching what film, I could find I can say that these young ladies understand of making the other pass for a 3. Quinton on film looks like a team that gets paint touches and makes good decisions on the drive or kick out for an open teammate.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Game 2</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Carl Albert Class 5a 5-2 Overall 4-0 District 2 </strong> Carl Albert enters tournament with a 5-2 record. 2 of those losses coming to Texas power Argyle and the other lose to an extremally athletic North Little Rock team in the TOC in Arkansas. Dale will be the first test for the Lady Titans against a ranked Oklahoma team. Lady Titans have athletic guards that can apply tough pressure creating scoring opportunities for their team. They possess enough outside shooting to be dangerous meaning open driving lanes should be available. Lady Titans do have young depth and if that depth can continue to improve keep an eye on this team come playoffs. Key Players [player_tooltip player_id='578039' first='Audrey' last='Plunkett'] great size for a small forward that can score inside or with a nice mid-range jumper. Plunkett committed to play at Washburn [player_tooltip player_id='574166' first='Jakary' last='Brown'] a dynamic scorer that can shoot the 3 or take you off the dribble getting to the rim. [player_tooltip player_id='1161380' first='Hadyn' last='Harrell'] quick guard that can push the tempo and play tough on the ball defense. [player_tooltip player_id='1247730' first='Zoie' last='Johnson'] freshman guard that is having an impact on the offensive and defensive end of the court. Scored 18 points coming off the bench in earlier action. [player_tooltip player_id='1247007' first='Annabel' last='Crawford'] stepped in and has provided an inside presence that the Lady Titans need. [player_tooltip player_id='1246936' first='Brynli' last='Crawford'] forward that is coming back from pre-season injury that could be additional force inside come second half of season.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Dale Ranked #1 Class 2a 7-1</strong> Dale enters the tournament with a 7-1 record. 4 of those wins come against Top 10 teams including big wins over Alva and Class 3a #1 Washington. Only loss of the season is on the road against an upcoming coming Millwood team. Event that came down to a fantastic finish. Key. Coach Smith teams are always well coached and prepared to play tough no matter what class of team is on the floor. Players [player_tooltip player_id='572456' first='Skylar' last='Anderson'] high level scoring guard. [player_tooltip player_id='897488' first='Danika' last='Pendley'] 5'11 power forward that has solid footwork in the paint that shoots at a high percentage. [player_tooltip player_id='1097683' first='Peyton' last='Bays'] leading scorer for Tecumseh transferred back to Dale this season. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1233971' first='Addison' last='Hill'], [player_tooltip player_id='1222414' first='Shelby' last='Haysmer'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1214176' first='Allena' last='Chastain'] give the Lady Pirates depth.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Game 3</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Bixby Class 6a 6-2 Overall 2-0 District 4</strong> Bixby returns from Florida where they finished 2-1 in holiday tournament. Bixby has key wins over Owasso and Choctaw both teams are mentioned when talking about possible 6a State tournament teams. Bixby losses have come to 2 out of state teams. The Lady Spartans are known for tall guards that can shoot the 3 and move without the ball. Add the pressure zone 3/4 press and they are a team you need to be prepared for on both sides of the ball. Key players [player_tooltip player_id='606268' first='Kourtney' last='Wright'] that I am glad to see back on the court. The shooting guard has several D1 offers. [player_tooltip player_id='572438' first='Kate' last='Wernli'] is one of those shooters that is hard defend as she can shoot at all 3 levels. Great size for a shooting guard that does not mind getting physical as well. Kate has signed with Lindenwood University of Missouri. [player_tooltip player_id='331835' first='Brooklynn' last='Scarborough'] Tall forward combo provides the Lady Spartans with another shooter that can also defend inside if needed. Brooklynn has signed to play at Connors State. [player_tooltip player_id='992456' first='Kerrington' last='Campbell'] sophomore guard is having a get to know me type season. Athlete on both ends of the court, she is a player to watch.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Locust Grove Ranked #2 Class 4a 7-0</strong> Locust Grove enters tournament with a perfect record. 2 of those wins against powerhouse rivals Adair Class 3a #4 and rival Ft. Gibson Class 4a #11 Locust Grove is led by [player_tooltip player_id='593784' first='Olivia' last='Stokes'] 6'1 do it all guard that can score at all 3 levels. [player_tooltip player_id='574241' first='Claire' last='Hooker'] a must find shooter on defense. The Oklahoma Baptist signee can change the myometrium of a game with her outside shooting. Cmabree Hooker is as well a shooting threat from deep. [player_tooltip player_id='1231532' first='Tatum' last='Stokes'] combo guard that has a nice mid-range game and makes positive things happen with her hustle on the court. Locust Grove is among the top teams in Class 4a. Lady Pirates have the size and scorers to be a tough oppoent for any team no matter what class.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Game 4</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Lincoln Christian Ranked #1 Class 4a 7-0</strong> Lincoln Christian enters tournament possibly the hottest team in the state no matter what class. 3 of those wins come against Top 20 ranked teams. 2 of the 7 wins come against Class 6a contenders Bixby and Choctaw. The other 2 wins come against out of state powers Staley of Kansas and Ft Smith Northside. Lincoln is well coached and loaded with players that can go no matter what class level the opponent is. They have depth at all positions with players who could start for many teams in the state. That alone says what type of culture Coach Stewart and staff have at Lincoln. Key Players [player_tooltip player_id='572965' first='Maddi' last='Stewart'] the outstanding guard has signed to play at Nebraska. [player_tooltip player_id='572964' first='Alexis' last='Leyva'] tall athletic guard has signed to play at Wichita State. [player_tooltip player_id='413627' first='Kayli' last='Atkinson'] a shooting guard that you must locate as she can get hot and change a game. [player_tooltip player_id='913597' first='Azariah' last='Woodruff'] guard that is very versatile and athletic Lincoln Christian has possibly the most depth of any team in the tournament.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Tahlequah Sequoyah Ranked #2 Class 3a 7-1</strong> Sequoyah enters the tournament with a 7-1 record. 3 of those wins are against Class 3a Top 10 teams. Only loss of the season coming to Class 6a Sapulpa If you have not seen this team, make sure you catch a game. Up tempo on defense that creates lot of turnovers for points and every young lady on this team can knock down the 3 pointers. Among the top scoring teams in Class 3a they will be in the hunt for a gold ball this season. Key players [player_tooltip player_id='899951' first='Juliana' last='Davenport'] skilled scorer that can hit the 3 but possess a strong downhill game finishing with a spin move or baby hook. Impressive player that creates offense through tough defense. [player_tooltip player_id='992448' first='Brenly' last='Lamb'] is an elite scoring guard that can knock down the spot up 3 or hit you with a crossover step back for the 3. Great finisher at the rim with either hand. Layney Smith is another outstanding shooter that is also a tough defender at the top of zone pressure. [player_tooltip player_id='1215799' first='Prairie' last='Holmes'] is a defensive stopper in the front court that has great instincts on when to go for the steal.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
Tournament of Champions is headed into its 60th year and every year it gives us great match ups that we may not see every during the regular season. This year is no different we could have matchups of teams that could be holding that Gold Ball come March. Get out and support these young ladies and you will see what the nation knows Oklahoma girls basketball is strong. Follow me at X @coachjvick1 or IG @coach_jvick
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading
Already a subscriber?
Log in