Sandite Boys' Soccer season comes to an end at Deer Creek

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Charles Page High School Boys' Soccer Team (3-12) saw their season come to a close in Edmond Thursday night as they were handily defeated 7-0 by the defending State Champions, No.18 nationally ranked Deer Creek (12-1). 

The boys finished the season with the same number of wins as last year, plus two more losses. In 2015 the boys started 0-4 before they found their first win, but this year they pulled off an impressive 4-0 shutout of Muskogee in the second game of the season.

They lost five straight from there, but placed sixth in the Edison Green and White Tournament after freshman Ethan Baxter scored a hat trick in a 4-1 defeat of Regent Prep. The third win this season is the most important game to win for a Sandite. The Highway 97 Rivalry went to Sand Springs in a 2-1 overtime victory Tuesday night. 

The Antlers wasted no time in getting on the board as sophomore Chris Smirlis notched a goal less than three minutes into the game. The game was a shooting melee, but Sandite keeper Edgar Soberano was all over it, picking up seven saves on thirteen shots before allowing a goal with 13 minutes remaining in the half. The Sandites finally got off their first shot of the game in the 32nd minute, but it was no where close.

The Antlers added another goal for the 3-0 lead with a little over five minutes in the half, then scored a fourth with only 0:50 seconds left. With moments left, Alex Hernandez fired off the second shot of the half for the Sandites from thirty yards out, but sent it wide left as the clock expired. Deer Creek added a PK 16 minutes into the second half for the 5-0 advantage. Tucker Brown added the sixth goal of the evening with 21 minutes to play, and from there Deer Creek sent in the backups to finish the night. The Antlers scored on a free kick with 16 minutes left and the rest of the night consisted of driving back and forth with neither team making any really close runs.

Redistricting really hurt the boys this season, who actually played better than last season in many ways. The tough district included two nationally ranked teams in Deer Creek and Union. The boys' season opener was also to a nationally ranked team, though East Central wasn't a district game. The boys were far better than their record indicated, as demonstrated by the fact Union and East Central each only beat the Sandites by two goals. Seven of the losses this season were decided by two goals or less.

Baxter led the team in scoring with 5 goals, followed by Andrew Morrison with 3, Kaleb Brooks with 2, Alex Hernandez with 2, Cade Loomin with 1, Cody Gurley with 1, and Ignacio Garcia with 1. 

The team will be graduating seven this year: Brooks, Lazaro Franco, Dylan Lambert, Simon Hollekve, Dalton Lane, and Hunter Jacob.

This season's photo galleries can be found at https://sanditepride.smugmug.com/2016-Soccer

Ethan Baxter Golden Goal seals Highway 97 victory for Sandites

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By: Virgil Noah, Marketing Director
Photo: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Neither the Charles Page High School boys soccer team (3-11) or the Sapulpa High School boys (2-10) are having season to brag about, but when the two face each other the Highway 97 Rivals are always playing for something to brag about.  

Sapulpa came storming out of the gates as Senior Paige McCracken raced up the right line and took a shot that bent straight across the front of the goal. Sand Springs came right back with a chance of their own as Logan Jeffus sent a ball high over the defense and into the box. Sapulpa Goalkeeper Ethan Tanton came out in an attempt to grab the ball but Ignacio Garcia was able to get his head on the ball and chip it over Tanton to give the Sandites the first goal of the game. Moments later Garcia took a shot from well outside the box that dipped at the last moment and struck the crossbar and was cleared by the Sapulpa defense. 

Sapulpa was able to equalize the game when a cross was sent into the Sandite box and a cluster of players blocked Sand Springs goalie Edgar Soberano's vision and allowed Colten Broughton to tap in the goal. Sapulpa would have a couple more chances to score but both shots went just high over the bar. 

The second half started out slow but picked up about halfway through, when a Chieftain corner found the head of Jesse Evans but his shot hit the crossbar and Soberano blocked away the shot attempt that followed. Soberano made another save right after that to keep the game level.  

The Sandites then took back control of the momentum as Cade Loomin dribbled all the way down the left line and into the box but Tanton made an impressive save on the shot. Ignacio Garcia then made a run of his own but crossed the ball back post to Simon Hollekve who first timed a shot that went barely wide. Then Loomin found himself wide open for another shot opportunity but his attempt hit the post and bounced away. 

Neither team was able to score before the end of regulation and the game was sent into extra time tied 1-1. The first few minutes were uneventful but then a Chieftain defender played the ball back to Tanton whose clear went directly to Ignacio Garcia. Garcia took a shot that Tanton was able to dive and save, but it ricocheted straight to Ethan Baxter who stroked the ball to back post for the game-winning golden goal. 

The Sandites will end the regular season Thursday night in Edmond against Deer Creek (11-1) while Sapulpa will take on Westmoore (1-12) Friday night on the road. 

Sandite Soccer celebrates 19 on Senior Night

STAFF REPORTS

Charles Page High School celebrated its senior soccer players and trainers Friday night at Memorial Stadium. The girls lost their game 2-1 in overtime to Westmoore and the boys lost 2-1 in double overtime.

Taylor Coyle is the daughter of Kary and Mike Stephens and James Coyle. She's been a player for the Sandite soccer team for three years. Throughout high school, she's been a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) secretary, a counselor at Make Promises Happen special needs camp, and a Peer Tutor in Ms. Harper's Special Ed class. After graduation she plans to attend Tulsa Community College (TCC) where she will major in Mild/Moderate Special Education.

Jacob Dixon is the son of Mike and Tammy Dixon. He's been a player for the Sandite soccer team for four years. During his high school career he's been involved in NHS and Future Farmers of America (FFA). After graduation he plans on enlisting in the United States Navy. 

Kylee Cramer is the daughter of Jill and Barrett Cramer and has played for the Sandite soccer team for four years. Throughout high school she's been involved in NHS, the Fellowship of Christian Students, the Native American Student Association (NASA), Calvary Baptist Youth Group, and the Oklahoma Indian National Honor Society. She's played competitive soccer with the West Side Alliance (WSA) 97 Girls for two years and Blitz United 98 Girls for one year. After graduation she plans to attend Oklahoma Baptist University where she will major in Nursing.

Lazaro Franco is the son of Lazaro and Elisabeth Franco and has played for the Sandites for three years. After graduation he plans on attending TCC where he will major in Electronics and Electrical Engineering Technology. 

Marissa Doll is the daughter of Russell and Elfi Doll and has played for the Sandites for three years. She's been a four-year member of Student Council and a three-year member of NHS, where she served as Vice President her senior year. She's a member of Youth and Government, has played soccer since she was five and has played competitive soccer with WSA for seven years. After graduation she plans to attend the University of Oklahoma (OU) where she will major in biochemistry with the goal of becoming a dentist.

Hunter Jacob is the son of Dawna Maron and Randy Jacob. He has played for the Sandites for one year, has played with the Sand Springs Soccer Club for eight years, and the WSA for one year. After graduation, he plans to attend OU where he will major in Biomedical Engineering. 

Madison "Hoot" Dye is the daughter of Erik and Nina Dye. She's played for the Sandites for one year. Throughout high school she has participated in NHS, FCCLA, and made the TCC President's Honor Roll. She's played for WSA for twelve years and has been the captain of her competitive team for the last six years. After graduation she will be attending Northeastern State University on a soccer scholarship. 

Dylan Lambert is the son of Robert and Jennifer Lambert and has played for the Sandites for four years. During his high school career he has been involved in NHS, FFA, Boy Scouts, Venturing Crew, Soccer, and Spanish Club. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 2015 and is graduating with honors. He has played recreational soccer with the Sand Springs Soccer Club for eight years. After graduating he plans to attend Oklahoma State University where he will major in Architecture and minor in Paleontology, Archaeology, and Horticulture.

Brooklyn Nicole Davis Eardley is the daughter of Sunnie and Josh Eardley and the late Marques Davis. She has been a player for the Sandites for four years. During her high school career she has been involved in NHS, NASA, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Competition, as well as CPHS Volleyball. She has played competitive soccer with the WSA 98 Girls Red for twelve years. She is signed to play soccer for Oral Roberts University where she will major in Pre-Sports Medicine. Eardley is fourth on her team in scoring this season with 9 goals.

Twin brothers Austin and Andrew Morrison are the sons of Steve and Leslie Morrison and have both played for the Sandites for four years. Austin has played soccer for six years. Both plan on attending TCC where Austin will major in Aviation and Andrew will major in Nursing. Andrew is one of the leading scorers for the Sandites with four goals this season. 

Kayla Foster is the daughter of Mark and Melissa Foster and has played for the Sandites for four years. Throughout high school she has participated in NJHS, NHS, Spanish Club, and played volleyball her freshman and sophomore years. She has played competitive soccer with WSA 98 Girls Red for nine years. She is signed to play for Missouri University of Science and Technology and plans to major in Petroleum Engineering. Foster is third in the team for scoring this season with 10 goals over six games after sitting out more than half the season with a leg injury. She's scored two hat tricks in wins over East Central and Enid.

McKinzie Horton is the daughter of Kassi and Colin Horton and has played for the Sandites for four years. Throughout high school she has participated in WSA, Ultimate Youth, FCS, and FCCLA. She has played recreational and competitive soccer with WSA for eleven years. After graduating she plans to attend TCC and major in Sonography. 

Dalton Lane is the son of Shannon Dobson and Kevin Smith and has played for the Sandites for one year. He's been a four year member of NHS and has played recreation and competitive soccer with SSSC and WSA for nine years. After graduating he plans to attend the University of Tulsa where he will major in Petroleum Engineering. 

Courtney Langley is the daughter of Dana and Gene Langley and has been a trainer for the Sandites for three years. Throughout high school she has served as the President of Student Council, Secretary of NHS, and has participated in Youth and Government, Fellowship of Christian Students, Horizons, and Key Club. After graduating she plans on attending NSU to major in Biology and Business. 

William Pelfrey is the son of Benjawan Sanka and William and Duangpon Pelfrey. He's played for the Sandites for four years, and has played soccer for twelve years. After graduation he plans on enlisting in the US Army.

Bryn Lewis is the daughter of Jim and Sharon Lewis and has played for the Sandites for four years. She's played in the Gold Pride Marching Band for four years, including two years as Drum Major. She's participated in the Sandite Concert Band for seven years, FCS, President of Youth and Government, and President of NHS. She also plays for Sandite Volleyball and is a volleyball partner with the Sandite Special Olympics. She's played competitive soccer with WSA for thirteen years. After graduation she plans on attending the University of Tulsa where she will major in Engineering. 

Ashley Marino is the daughter of Juan and Maria Marino and has played for the Sandites for four years. During her high school career, she's also been involved in Masa Club and Sandite Track. After graduation she plans on majoring in Criminal Justice at NSU. 

Alexis Slabby is the daughter of Kristina Slabby and Shane Morgan and has played for the Sandites for the past two years. During her high school career she has also participated in FCCLA and Make Promises Happen. After graduating she plans on attending the University of Central Oklahoma to obtain a liberal arts degree, then enlisting in the Marine Corp. 

Full photo galleries from both games and Senior Night festivities can be viewed and purchased at https://sanditepride.smugmug.com/2016-Soccer/41516-Sand-Springs-vs/

CPHS grad Nick Tate wins NAIA National Championship in 100-99 OT upset

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Photo by: Brian Beard, Creative Images Photography

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Charles Page High School Class of 2011 graduate Nick Tate is a basketball National Champion after scoring 14 points for No.4 Mid-American Christian University in a 100-99 overtime nail-biter upset against No.1 Georgetown, Kentucky.

Things never came together for Tate's class in high school. The Sandites went 14-46 over the three years that Tate was at Charles Page, but that didn't stop the talented player from averaging 22.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game his senior year. He was the leading 6A scorer on the East side of the state and made the Frontier Valley All-Conference First Team, Tulsa All-Metro Second Team, and was an honorable mention on the Oklahoma All-State Team. 

In April of 2011, Tate signed to play with Oklahoma Christian University and was one of the top outside shooters in the entire Heartland Conference. He played in 28 games as a true freshman, started two, and averaged 8.6 points per game. He had the second-best shooting percentage on the team at 48.6% and scored a season-high 22 points with 13 rebounds in a win over Crowley's Ridge. He recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds in a NAIA playoff loss to eventual National Champion Concordia, California. 

His sophomore year he scored 13 points in a single period in a season-opening win over Central Bible College and went on to play in all 31 games and averaged 10.2 points and 4.3 rebounds with a 41.9% three-point shooting percentage. He hit a game-winning 18-foot turnaround buzzer-beater jump shot in overtime for a win over Arkansas-Ft. Smith and scored a career-high 23 points in a loss at St. Mary's, Texas, then led his team with 17 points in a win over Spring Arbor, Michigan in the NCCAA Championship quarterfinals in his team's first year in the league. That year he played in his first National Championship Title game, but lost to Shorter, Georgia in overtime. 

In his junior year he started 24 games and increased his scoring average to 14.4 points per game and was the second-leading scorer on the team. From there he transferred to Southwestern Oklahoma State University and redshirted due to NCAA Division II transfer rules. Instead of playing his senior year at SWOSU, he transferred again to Mid-American Christian University for his final year of eligibility.

This season he started 32 games and played in 35 for the Evangels and averaged 26 points and 6.7 rebounds per game to help his team post a 28-9 record. In January he was named the Sooner Athletic Conference Player of the Week and in February he scored a career-high 33 against Southwestern Christian University.

The Evangels worked their way through the NAIA Division I Championship bracket this past week. Tate scored 10 points against Park and Biola, 3 in the quarterfinals against Cumberlands, 11 in the semis against Campbellsville, and 14 in the Championship game against Georgetown. 

Georgetown led for the entire game, once by as much as 14, till MACU ran 19-5 to tie the game up at 60 with 13:11 left. From there Georgetown was fighting to keep minor leads as the two teams exchanged baskets for the next 11 minutes. 

With 0:21 left, Chris Runnels hit a field goal to force overtime at 82-82. Georgetown hit four from the charity stripe to start the extra period, but MACU responded quickly, taking an 87-86 lead. The two teams exchanged the lead three more times before the Evangels finally won it. Trent Gilbert hit a three from the corner with less than five seconds to play for the Georgetown advantage, but Malcom Mann drove the distance and got off the buzzer-beater with a tenth-second left and the Evangels took home the first NAIA National Title in school history. Not only that, but it was the team's first ever National Title appearance in school history. 

Tate was a valuable piece of the puzzle in his team's Championship game, grabbing 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block, in addition to his 14 points. He was also named NAIA Player of the Year. Not a half-bad senior year, if you ask me.