Class B-1 Early Standouts

Here is what the landscape is looking like after a new class split made waves across Oklahoma. With many Class A Favorites moving to this class, the competition is deep in B-1. Red Oak is looking like the team to beat at the start of the season, with a head-to-head win over #2 ranked Kiowa. I hope to get to see Kiowa play after the Winter Break at the Bertha Teague Classic. A state football championship meant that Seiling's basketball season has just gotten underway, as the Wildcats have only played 2 games at time of writing.    One of the most highly touted small school freshman in recent memory, Mayfield is even better than advertised. Averaging 26.1 points per game for a 6-1 Calumet team that is looking like a State Tournament contender. Scored a season high 36 against Hinton. I was able to see a game in person where the other team running a Triangle-and-2 (Two girls exclusively guarding Hayden) still resulted in her scoring 6 straight points. Elite body control and strength for her size makes her impossible to stop going downhill. Prolific scorer from 3 that can shoot from a step behind the arc and needs very little space to get the shot off. Step back from elbow area might be her best offensive weapon. Terrific passer that sees out of double teams well, Calumet guard Lila Winegeart is lightning fast and her speed + Hayden's rebounding and passing makes them a deadly fast break team as well.     Red Oak girls are looking like the team to beat in Class B-1, starting the season with big wins over Kiowa and Howe, and then winning their next five with ease. Sharpshooter [player_tooltip player_id='1505648' first='Jaylee' last='Branscum'] is currently averaging 16 a game, and lighting it up from downtown. Hit 6 three's in the game against Oktaha, and was good for 9 triples and a game high 32 points.     When I talked to Coach Fields this week he said that his new point guard was a "coach's dream". Controls the game and sees the floor, seeing things before they even develop. Was high scorer against Kiowa, leading the charge in the fourth quarter. Had a game high 19 against a very good Stringtown team.     I think some people are discounting the winning pedigree at Seiling, as well as the fact that even if they don't have as strong of a starting lineup as in previous years, two studs can go a long way. Nichols and Kaydence Griffin are going to have to do a lot every night, but that's what I expect them to do. Nichols uses her length at the top of Seiling's press to cause disruptions, and I doubt many players in Oklahoma have the amount of Stocks (steals + blocks) that she gets on a nightly basis. Long shooter that can punish you in many ways, I think if Seiling's spot shooters are knocking down shots they are still a favorite until proven otherwise.     Sam Duren wrote about both Lilly and Kiowa's Emma Roberts recently, but I just wanted to say how impressed with every bit of film I see on Lilly. Do-it-all guard that has Earlsboro rolling and opposing coaches trying to figure out what to do.     When you can add a stud guard with State Tournament experience to a team like Red Oak it's going to lead to great things on the court. The former Quinton standout has fit right in and left a mark early. Leading scorer against Oktaha, putting in 13 points a game. Hard nosed player that sets the tone with her tenacity.

Here is what the landscape is looking like after a new class split made waves across Oklahoma. With many Class A Favorites moving to this class, the competition is deep in B-1. Red Oak is looking like the team to beat at the start of the season, with a head-to-head win over #2 ranked Kiowa. I hope to get to see Kiowa play after the Winter Break at the Bertha Teague Classic. A state football championship meant that Seiling's basketball season has just gotten underway, as the Wildcats have only played 2 games at time of writing.