Week Three Men's Basketball Rankings and Predictions

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The week three rankings have been posted the OSSAA and only three teams remained unaffected. The top-ten saw a lot of shuffling around, but only one team dropped out all together. Sand Springs (0-1) and Southmoore (0-3) both dropped out of the rankings and were replaced by Mustang (1-0) and Bartlesville (2-0). Last week Sandite Pride was 12-4 picking games. 

No. 1 Midwest City (Last week tied No. 1) 

The Bombers (2-0) received nine first-place votes to bump them ahead of Edmond North in overall points after dominating their first two opponents. They took down No. 15 Putnam City (0-1) 86-63 and 5A No. 18 Del City (1-2) 89-51. Keyshawn Embery posted an outstanding 33 points in the onslaught and two other Bombers also doubled against Putnam. They will return to action this weekend at the Edmond Open.

No. 2 Edmond North (1)

Edmond North (1-0) still received the majority of first place votes, twelve, after a 49-40 win over No. 10 Edmond Memorial (0-2), but dipped slightly to second place in overall points. The Huskies will return to action Tuesday against unranked Moore (1-1), then will play the Edmond Open this weekend.

The pick: Edmond 61 Moore 48.

No. 3 Union (3)

The Redskins (0-0) brought in five first-place votes after starting the season a week behind the rest of the State and will begin the year Tuesday at No. 11 Bartlesville (2-0). The Bruins are on a roll, starting off unranked and dropping No. 13 Owasso and No. 14 Sand Springs last week. Union returns four of their top-five scorers from last year.

The pick: Union 50 Bartlesville 40.

No. 4 Putnam City North (9)

Putnam North (2-0) started things off with a bang, doubling 5A No. 6 Bishop McGuinness (0-1) 75-36 and edging out in-town rival No. 4 Putnam West (3-1) 68-65. They'll get a break from top-ten matchups when they travel to unranked Enid (0-2) Tuesday. They will play at the Edmond Open this weekend. The Panthers received one first-place vote.

The pick: Putnam 75 Enid 46

No. 5 Putnam City West (4)

The Patriots (3-1) started the season off hot with a pair of road wins at the Duncanville Thanksgiving Hoopfest, then trounced unranked Enid 83-66 before falling to in-town rival No. 9 Putnam North. They will have another Putnam v Putnam matchup Tuesday when they battle the No. 20 Putnam City Pirates (0-1). The Patriots received two first-place votes.

The pick: West 77 City 68. 

No. 6 Norman North (5)

Last year's State Runners-Up (0-1) retained one first-place vote despite a 65-55 loss to Dallas Skyline. Their in-state season will begin at unranked Stillwater (0-2) on Tuesday. 

The pick: NN 80 Stillwater 60.

No. 7 Edmond Santa Fe (7)

The Wolves (2-0) returned four of their top-six scorers from last year and picked up a pair of dominating wins to start the season under first-year head coach Josh Williams. They shut down No. 10 Edmond Memorial (0-2) 55-38, then hammered unranked Moore (1-1) 76-43. They'll travel to unranked Southmoore (0-3) Tuesday, then will compete in the Edmond Open this weekend.

The pick: ESF 60 Southmoore 38. 

No. 8 Westmoore (8)

Westmoore (2-0) graduated only one of their top-six scorers from last season and started off the new year with a pair of ranked wins, topping No. 20 Southmoore (0-3) 66-59 and No. 17 Norman (1-1) 62-59. They return to action Tuesday against unranked Deer Creek (1-1), then will compete at the Durant Tournament this weekend.

The pick: Westmoore 73 Deer Creek 63

No. 9 Booker T. Washington (6)

The Hornets (1-1) picked up a 79-73 win over 5A No. 7 Edison (0-1) to start the season, then fell 63-58 to 5A No. 5 East Central (2-1). They'll host Ozark, Missouri and Columbia Rock Bridge this weekend. 

No. 10 Broken Arrow (11)

The Tigers (1-0) got off to a good start, defeating conference foe Bishop Kelley (0-1) 44-41 and will return to action Tuesday when they host unranked Bixby (0-0). ESPN SportsCenter top-ten playmaker Caleb Huffman led the team in their debut with 20 points.

The pick: BA 48 Bixby 46.

No. 11 Bartlesville (unranked)

The Bruins (2-0) showed the preseason polls wrong, scoring upsets over two top-fifteen teams to start the year. They topped No. 14 Sand Springs (0-1) 53-39, then edged out No. 13 Owasso (0-1) 47-42. They'll have their toughest opponent yet when they travel to No. 3 Union. AJ Archambo averaged 13 points over the first two games and Andrew Gronigan averaged 15.

No. 12 Norman (17)

Norman (1-1) split their first two games, scoring a 60-55 win over unranked Stillwater (0-2), but falling 62-59 to No. 8 Westmoore (2-0). They will host No. 19 Yukon (0-1) Tuesday, then will travel to the Duncan Tournament this weekend. 

The pick: Norman 60 Yukon 58.

No. 13 Jenks (18)

The Trojans (0-0) are coming off a 12-11 season with a 72-63 loss to Edmond Santa Fe at Regionals. They graduated three of their top-five scorers and will kick off the season Tuesday against No. 17 Sapulpa (0-0) 

No. 14 Mustang (unranked)

The Broncos (1-0) jumped into the rankings after a close 56-54 win over unranked Deer Creek (1-1). They travel to No. 15 Edmond Memorial (0-2) Tuesday, then play the Harrah Panther Classic this weekend. 

No. 15 Edmond Memorial (10)

The Bulldogs (0-2) got off to a rough start with a pair of top-ten matchups and lost 55-38 to No. 7 Edmond Santa Fe (2-0) and only 49-40 to No. 1 Edmond North (1-0). They return to action against No. 14 Mustang (1-0) on Tuesday, then play the Edmond Open this weekend.

The pick: EDM 72 Mustang 68.

No. 16 Owasso (13)

The Rams (0-1) were upset 47-42 by unranked Bartlesville (2-0) in week one and will take on No. 18 Muskogee (0-0) Tuesday before competing at the Tahlequah Tournament this weekend.

The pick: Owasso 74 Muskogee 62.

No. 17 Sapulpa (15)

The Chieftains (0-0) had a solid season last year, finishing 19-7 after a 68-59 loss to Edmond Santa Fe at Area. They lost three big scorers from last season, but return their top-two in Keenan Balance and Julian Smith. Their season begins Tuesday against No. 13 Jenks (0-0) and will play the Bishop Kelley Tournament this weekend.

The pick: Sapulpa 48 Jenks 46.

No. 18 Muskogee (19)

The Roughers (0-0) are coming off a 14-9 season that ended in a 71-69 overtime loss to Booker T. at Regionals. Their team received a solid addition this year in the Sandites' top-scoring transfer Brooks Haddock. Their season begins December 6th against No. 16 Owasso (0-1), and they will play the Tahlequah Tournament this weekend.

No. 19 Yukon (12)

The Millers (0-1) got off to a rough start in a 62-58 loss to unranked Moore (1-1) and will look to upset No. 12 Norman this Tuesday before competing at the Durant Tournament this weekend. 

No. 20 Putnam City (15)

Putnam City (0-1) couldn't have picked a tougher target to start the year with, and fell 86-63 to No. 1 Midwest City (2-0) at home. They showed off depth in the game with eleven players making it on the board, three of whom doubled. They return to action Tuesday with another top-tier matchup against No. 5 Putnam West (3-1).

Colt Savage scores 21 in 45-42 nail-bitter loss to Bishop Kelley

1Q Sand Springs 12-7
2Q Sand Springs 11-10
3Q Bishop Kelley 19-10
4Q 9-all

Scoring: (Sand Springs) Colt Savage 21, Keener 10, Garbey 6, Cale Savage 5. (Bishop K) Gendron 15, Jeffries 10, Woodruff 5, Edmonds 4, Coffman 3, Garrett 3, Roy 3, Alonso 2.

Penalties: Kelley 16, CPHS 14
Turnovers: CPHS 11, Kelley 6
Free Throws: CPHS 14 of 19, Kelley 8 of 11.

(Sand Springs Only)
Offensive Rebounds: Keener 3, Golightly 2.
Defensive Rebounds: Colt Savage 6, Keener 4, Garbey 1, Durkee 1, Wash 1, Golightly 1.
Assists: Colt Savage 2, Taber 1, Durkee 1.
Steals: Taber 3, Keener 2, Durkee 1.
Blocks: Keener 1, Colt Savage 1.
Fouls: Garbey 5, Taber 3, Durkee 2, Keener 1, Colt Savage 1, Cale Savage 1, Bogans 1.

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Charles Page High School varsity basketball team (0-2 overall, 0-2 conference) is still looking for a win after a trip to Bishop Kelley (1-1, 1-1) came up short. The Sandites led their Frontier Valley Conference foes 23-17 going into halftime, but the Comets outscored the Sandites 19-10 in the third quarter and the visitors were unable to recover.

The Sandites lost their first game of the season 53-39 last week to unranked Bartlesville (2-1), who quickly jumped up No. 11 this week. Kelley, who is unranked in 5A, will also likely make the top-twenty next week after their defeat of the Sandites and a close 44-41 loss to No. 10 Broken Arrow (2-0) last week. 

The Sandites won the first quarter 12-7, starting off with a pair of free throws by 6'1" sophomore Cale Savage. University of Central Oklahoma signed senior Kyle Keener added another pair from the charity stripe, then Savage hit a three to make it 7-4. The Sandites would hold their lead till the last shot of the third quarter. Senior Jacob Garbey closed out the period with a buzzer-beater three.

The second period was even closer as 6'4" senior Jacob Jeffries went to work, scoring the first two goals of the quarter to cut the deficit to 12-11. 6'5" junior Colt Savage hit his second basket of the night, followed by a two from 6'4" junior Ryan Gendron, then a three from Garbey. The elder Savage closed out the half with a two-pointer and four free throws to maintain the 23-17 advantage.

The Sandites continued to run the game throughout the third quarter, owning a 33-27 advantage late in the period until the Comets went on a nine-point run, capped by a three from Alex Woodruff. 

Keener scored the first two baskets of the fourth period to tie things up at 36-36, then hit another to take the 38-37 lead. Joe Edmonds scored a pair from the charity stripe and Gendron sank a  three to make it a two-score game. Colt Savage stepped up with back-to-back baskets to tie it at 42-42 with 55 seconds remaining, but fouled Gendron and sent him to the line.

Gendron made his first shot, missed the second, rebounded it, and was fouled by Garbey and went right back to the line. In an instant replay of the previous play, he once again made the first and missed the second, rebounded his own shot, and was once again fouled by Garbey. The foul was Garbey's fifth and this time Gendron sank both shots to make it 42-45. With seconds to play, Colt Savage took a pair of three-point shots. The first was blocked back to him, and the second sailed wide as the clock expired and the Comets picked up their first win under first-year head coach Jeff Renegar. 

Colt Savage led the Sandites in scoring for the second-straight game with 21 points and is averaging more than 20 points per game this season. Gendron led the Comets for the second-straight game. He scored 15 against the Sandites and is averaging 18 points per game. 

Sand Springs will return to action next Tuesday when they host No. 10 Broken Arrow (2-0) in their home opener. Bishop Kelley will be hosting a tournament this weekend and will start play Thursday at 9:00 p.m. against 5A No. 15 Shawnee (1-1), and will play Friday at 11:30 a.m. or 8:30 p.m. depending on if they win or lose their first game. 

Regalado scores 18, four Lady Sandites double in 71-36 rout of No. 14 Bishop Kelley

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Correction: This article originally attributed Regalado with 20 and Pennington with 11. The correct totals are 18 and 13, respectively. 

The No. 5 ranked Charles Page High School varsity girls basketball team (2-0) traveled to 5A No. 14 Bishop Kelley (0-2) for a Frontier Valley Conference matchup Tuesday evening and nearly doubled their opponents for a final score of 71-36. Sophomore Isabella Regalado led in the scoring melee with 20 points, but three other Lady Sandites also doubled in the 35-point victory. 

1Q Sand Springs 17-6
2Q Sand Springs 12-8
3Q Sand Springs 20-17
4Q Sand Springs 22-5

Scoring: (Sand Springs) Regalado 18, Pennington 13, Johnson 12, McGee 10, Mutiri 7, Kersgieter 6, Grant 5. (Bishop K) Craig 9, Martin 7, Harrel 5, Wilson 5, Stecker 4, Washington 2, Easterling 2, Davie 1, Poleman 1.

Penalties: CPHS 23, Kelley 17.
Turnovers: CPHS 12, Kelley 8.
Free Throws: SS 9 of 22, Kelley 18 of 31.

(Sand Springs Only)
Offensive Rebounds: Regalado 1.
Defensive Rebounds: Mutiri 4, Taber 3, Johnson 3, Kersgieter 2, Regalado 2, Pennington 1.
Assists: Kersgieter 3, McGee 3, Regalado 2, Johnson 1.
Steals: Pennington 3, McGee 3, Regalado 2, Taber 2, Kersgieter 2, Johnson 2, Grant 2, Boaz 1. 
Blocks: Mutiri 1
Fouls: Taber 5, Kersgieter 5, Johnson 4, Pennington 3, Mutiri 2, McGee 2, Regalado 1, Grant 1.

The Lady Sandites were like a tsunami, building momentum as the game progressed, posting their highest numbers in the second half and outscoring the home team 22-5 in the fourth quarter. 

Bishop Kelley was competitive from the start, but the visitors played hard and aggressive, making off with eight steals for a 17-6 first period advantage. The teams were physical from the very beginning. Sophomore Holly Kersgieter picked off an early pass and sent it to Senior Kierra McGee, who was immediately blocked on a reverse and four girls went down in a scrum that the Comets came out of to tie it up 5-5.

Regalado snagged a steal on the next possession and launched it to Kersgieter for an undefended layup and the Sandites never look back. The Comets scored only one field goal in the second quarter, but the Sandites gave up six points on free throws in a penalty heavy period that ended 29-14.

The home team had their biggest output in the third quarter, scoring nearly half of their total offense. Sophomore Destiny Johnson scored all twelve of her points in the second half, including the first two Sandite field goals of the third quarter. Oklahoma State University softball signed senior Sydney Pennington got in on the action with back-to-back layups, one coming on a steal. Kelley's Micaela Martin followed it up with a pair of her own, and the two teams exchanged blows from there.

Kelley went on a six-point run to cut it to 46-31 shortly before the fourth, but a buzzer-beater three by McGee gave the Sandites momentum for the final period. 

Johnson started the final period with a pair of free throws and a pair of goals, one of which came on a steal and reverse from McGee. Martin interjected with a free throw as Kersgieter fouled out, but Pennington hit a two and Regalado added a three in retaliation. The Sandites lost another player when Jacie Taber fouled out, but it didn't slow them down a bit. Mutiri hit a two, followed by McGee, followed by back-to-back baskets from senior Amari Grant almost immediately after she joined the game. Mutiri sealed the game with a free throw to remain undefeated.

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The Lady Sandites will return to Bishop Kelley this Thursday for a tournament. They will play 3A unranked Cascia Hall (0-1) at 1:30 p.m. Their next game will be played Friday at either 7:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. depending on if they win or lose.

Week three rankings and predictions: Lady Sandites move up to fifth

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The second week of Oklahoma High School basketball came to a close this past weekend with several upsets and significant shuffling of the rankings. Last week we picked 19 games and were 15-4 for 79% accuracy.

No. 1 Choctaw (Last week No. 1)

The favorites for this season's State Championship decimated their last week's opponents and solidified their place at the top with 22 first-place votes. The Yellowjackets (2-0) doubled 5A No. 8 Del City (1-2) 83-41 and trounced unranked Enid (0-2) 68-24. University of Oklahoma signee Ana Llanusa led the scoring against Del City with 21 points, trailed by sister Aliyah with 18 and Bailey Golden with 17. The elder Llanusa added another 25 in the win over Enid. The Jackets will taken on unranked Lawton (1-0) Tuesday before traveling to the Harrah Tournament this weekend. Lawton started their season against the fifth-worst defense in the Class and steamrolled U.S. Grant (0-3) 69-8 in their opener.

The pick: Choctaw 70 Lawton 45

No. 2 Edmond Santa Fe (2)

The Lady Wolves (2-0) retained their number-two ranking with a pair of solid wins over ranked opponents, but retained only two of their four first-place votes. They defeated No. 12 Edmond Memorial (0-2) 43-32 and No. 16 Moore (0-2) 56-46. The Wolves will take on Southmoore before competing at the Edmond Open this weekend.

The pick: ESF 54 Southmoore 35

No. 3 Putnam City West (5)

The Patriots (2-0) picked up a second first-place vote after brutalizing their first two opponents, one of whom was ranked. Putnam West took down unranked Enid (0-2) 86-34 and No. 20 Putnam North (0-2) 79-22. 

The pick: Putnam West 76 Putnam City 36

No. 4 Deer Creek (3)

The Antlers (2-0) handily won their first two games of the season, but not significantly enough to hold on to their number three ranking, though they did still pull two first-place votes. They put away No. 15 Mustang (0-1) 60-42, then traveled to unranked Stillwater (0-2) for a 57-38 victory. 

The pick: Deer Creek 50 Westmoore 49

No. 5 Sand Springs (8)

The Charles Page Lady Sandites (1-0) dominated No. 7 Bartlesville (1-1) 51-34 and they barely even scratched the surface of their deep and talented bench. Both the Sandites' freshman and sophomore classes were undefeated Frontier Valley Conference Champions as eighth graders. They also picked up a talented senior transfer from Union. Sydney Pennington scored 21, Gloria Mutiri added 13, and newcomer Kierra McGee hit 11.  The Sandites picked up one first-place vote. After a conference matchup against 5A No. 14 Bishop Kelley (0-1) on Tuesday, they will return to Kelley over the weekend for the BK Tournament.

The pick: Sand Springs 60 Bishop Kelley 43

No. 6 Westmoore (6)

The Lady Jaguars (2-0) picked up a pair of wins over unranked opponents to start the season, topping Southmoore (0-3) 61-42 and Norman (1-1) 53-44. Jessi Murcer led her team with an incredible 35 points against Southmoore. After a marquee matchup with Deer Creek, the Jags will travel to Durant for the Lion Classic this weekend.

No. 7 Midwest City (10)

The defending State Champions (2-0) put away unranked Putnam City (0-1) 64-51 and 5A No. 8 Del City (1-2) 50-40 and picked up one first-place vote to improve a few spots in the rankings. The Bombers will compete at the Edmond Open this weekend.

No. 8 Bartlesville (7)

The Lady Bruins (1-1) were defeated 51-34 in their home opener against No. 8 Sand Springs, but snapped back with a 52-39 victory over No. 3 Owasso (0-1). Jenna Williams scored 14 against Owasso and 4 against Sand Springs, Lauren Richter scored 10 against the Rams and 6 against Sand Springs. None of the Bruins doubled against the Sandites. They will take on No. 20 Union (0-0) on the road Tuesday, then will travel to the Bixby Tournament this weekend.

The pick: Bartlesville 50 Union 33.

No. 9 Booker T. Washington (11)

The Hornets (3-0) got off to a good start in their mostly 5A conference, dropping unranked Edison (0-1) 49-42, then scoring major credit in a 63-55 victory over 5A No. 1 East Central (2-1) before absolutely devastating unranked Nathan Hale (0-3) 81-9. They will take a bye week before returning to action with No. 18 Memorial (1-3) next Tuesday.

No. 10 Owasso (3)

The Lady Rams (0-1) didn't get off to the start they were looking for against No. 7 Bartlesville, falling 52-39 on the road, but will have a good shot at getting in the win column Tuesday against No. 17 Muskogee (0-0). Terryn Milton scored 16 against the Lady Bruins and Sierra Williams added 11.

The pick: Owasso 49 Muskogee 42.

No. 11 Broken Arrow (9)

Last year's State Semi-Finalists (1-0) picked up a 43-37 win over 5A No. 12 Bishop Kelley to start the season, but it wasn't decisive enough to maintain their top-ten ranking. The Tigers retained only one starter from the last season, and have a new head coach in Tiffany Jones. Angelica Cuellar led the girls with 15 points and was the lone Lady Tiger to double. They return to action Tuesday against unranked Bixby (0-0).

The pick: Broken Arrow 43 Bixby 40.

No. 12 Edmond North (17)

The Lady Huskies (1-0) picked up a solid 50-37 victory to start the season against in-town rival No. 12 Edmond Memorial (0-2). They return to action at unranked Moore (0-2), then will compete at the Edmond Open this weekend.

The pick: Edmond 50, Moore 40.

No. 13 Norman North (14)

The Timberwolves (0-0) dipped a spot due to their late start for the season, but will begin the year Tuesday when they host unranked Stillwater (0-2).

The pick: Norman 59, Stillwater 37.

No. 14 Sapulpa (13)

The Chieftains have yet to play their first game of the year, but will travel to unranked Jenks (0-0) this Tuesday.

The pick: Sapulpa 65, Jenks 49. 

No. 15 Yukon (unranked)

The Millers (1-0) made a statement in their 45-39 defeat of No. 16 Moore (0-2) and will look to build momentum at No. 18 Norman (1-1) before this weekend's Tahlequah Tournament. 

No. 16 Edmond Memorial (12)

The Lady Bulldogs (0-2) started the season off with tough competition and dropped back-to-back games against in-town rivals No. 2 Edmond Santa Fe (2-0) and No. 17 Edmond North (1-0). Santa Fe prevailed 43-32 and North won 50-37 in the first rounds of the Edlam series. They return to action with No. 19 Mustang (0-1). 

The pick: Memorial 45, Mustang 40.

No. 17 Muskogee (15)

The Lady Roughers (0-0) dipped a few spots due to a late start for the season, and will have their work cut out for them against No. 10 Owasso (0-1). 

No. 18 Norman (unranked)

The Lady Tigers (1-1) dominated 61-36 their opener against unranked Stillwater (0-2), but fell 53-44 to No. 6 Westmoore (2-0). Turner Mattingly, Jandra Levi, and Skye Watts all doubled against Stillwater while Bethany Franks had a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds. 

The pick: Norman 46, Yukon 45.

No. 19 Mustang (15)

The Broncos (0-1) have a tough start to the season and fell 60-42 to No. 4 Deer Creek (2-0) in their opener. Abby Neaves led in scoring with 17 points while Mia Brown added 10. They will have another tough opponent Tuesday when they take on Edmond Memorial, then will travel to the Plainview Tournament this weekend.

No. 20 Union (19)

Union (0-0)'s season will begin Tuesday against No. 8 Bartlesville (1-1). They have a tough opponent to start with, but they also have strong bones, returning four of their top five scorers from last season. 

Kaden Glass and Sand Springs Junior High take first place at home tournament

Freshman Caleb Phillips works on his fourth pin of the tournament. Photo: Scott Emigh

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Clyde Boyd Middle School hosted the Sand Springs Junior High Wrestling Tournament this past weekend and the Sandites put forward three teams to compete. The Sand Springs Gold team took first in the tournament by an overwhelming margin while Sand Springs Black took 12th and Sand Springs White took 14th. Twelve other schools also turned out for the event.

Click HERE for the photo gallery.

Kaden Glass (11-0) competed at 200 pounds for team Gold and was the lone Sandite to take first place at the event. He won his first four matches by pin, taking down Gabe King (Claremore) in 1:10, Tucker Wheatley (Perry) in 0:51, Black teammate Alan Becerra in 0:26, and Scott Ghavami (Owasso) in 0:38. In the finals he scored a 9-0 major decision over Caleb Phillips (Coweta). 

Carter Young (11-2) competed at 89 pounds for team Gold and came in Runner-Up. He defeated Calvin Buddy (Perry) by 20-3 tech fall in only 3:00, then scored four straight pins. He took down teammate Sammy Naugle in 0:28, Jaxson Ward (Skiatook) in 1:13, Kai Schultz (Claremore) in 2:14, and Kolby Phipps (Coweta) in 0:37. He defeated Garett Strickland (Collinsville) 10-4 in the semifinals, but fell 5-1 to Jordan Williams (Collinsville) in the finals. 

Brendon Wisely (5-1) competed at 98 pounds for team Gold and came in Runner-Up. He pinned Levi Rodgers (Claremore) in 0:23, Tanner Kernan (Coweta) in 0:58, Jace Woodrow (Skiatook) in 1:38, and Parker Lecoq (Sapulpa) in 0:33. In the semifinals he won a close 4-2 decision over Cameron Steed (Collinsville), but fell 6-3 to Ryan Smith (Perry) in the finals.

Caleb Phillips (8-1) competed at 126 pounds for team Gold and came in Runner-Up. He pinned Anthony Garrett (Bartlesville) in 0:58, Terrance Golden (Nathan Hale) in 0:36, Wesley Spohn (Coweta) in 2:31, and Jacksen Vogt (Ponca City) in 2:36. He majored Jacob Peixotto (Owasso) 9-1, but fell in 1:55 to Chris Dugger (Union) in the finals.

CJ Kirby (6-1) competed at 140 pounds for team Gold and took third place. He pinned Blake Seward (Ponca City) in 2:33, Riley Hoke (Claremore) in 1:15, and Braden Beckham (Skiatook) in 1:32 before being majored 13-2 by Bayden Blocker (Perry). He won out from there with a series of pins. He took down Jace Hightower (Claremore) in 3:09, Bayden Gilkey (Collinsville) in 3:59, and Braden Beckham (Skiatook) in 0:38. 

Seth Jones (5-1) competed at 120 pounds for team Gold and took third place. He pinned Brandon White (Nathan Hale) in 1:50, Ethan Calhoon (Perry) in 3:52, and Carson Young (Claremore) in 1:37 before falling 4-2 to Cody Francis (Collinsville) in sudden victory overtime. He won out from there with an 0:35 pin of Isaiah Walker (Owasso) and a 2:55 pin of Josh Jones (Union).

Josh Fincannon (2-2) competed at 175 pounds for team Gold and came in third place. He won his opening match with an 8-0 major decision over Brandon Russell (Sapulpa), then lost 6-4 in overtime to Herubey Magallon (Owasso). After a 7-1 decision to Bryan Pollard (Skiatook), he finished with a 13-4 major decision over K'Den Stepp (Sapulpa).

Blake Jones (3-3) competed at 106 pounds for team Gold and came in fourth place. He won his opening match with a 1:44 pin of Trevaughn Huber (Nathan Hale), but lost a close 1-0 decision to Kaden Stanley (Claremore) in the next round. After an 11-2 major decision to Jordan Cullors (Collinsville), Jones rebounded with a 2:18 pin of Luke Young (Sapulpa) and a 5-3 decision over Kristopher Humble (Ponca City). He was pitted against Cullors once again in the consolation finals and fell 2-0. 

Braden Dahl (4-5) competed at 150 pounds for team Gold and came in fifth place. He pinned Joshua Norris (Stillwater) in 1:40 before giving up a 9-0 major decision to Cole Mallory (Claremore). He pinned Peyton Williams (Sapulpa) in 3:46, but was pinned in-turn by Aaron Amador (Ponca City) in 2:24 and Laken Clowdus (Bartlesville) in 3:32. He closed out the tournament with a close 12-11 decision over Xavier Forbes (Union). 

Colton Luker (3-3) competed at 80 pounds for team Gold and took seventh place. He was pinned in the opening round of pool play by Caidan Poff (Sapulpa), but he rebounded with pins of Zeke Wheeler (Owasso) and teammate Kaleb Eckfeldt in 1:03 and 3:28, respectively. In the quarterfinals he was pinned in 1:39 by Brody Gee (Coweta) and he gave up a 9-1 major decision to Sam Smith (Stillwater) before pinning Dwayne Lucas (Union) in 1:04.

Caden Vaughn (6-4) competed at 113 pounds on team Gold and took seventh place. He pinned Zach Poff (Sapulpa) in 1:08 and Braxton Tempest (Union) in 0:19 before falling 10-1 to Josh Taylor (Skiatook). He was teched 15-0 in 3:55 by Eli Benham (Collinsville) and decisioned 4-2 by Jesse Collinsworth (Coweta), but finished strong with a pin of Keranie Johnson (Claremore) in 3:39.

Robert Parrish (3-5) competed at heavyweight for team Gold and took seventh place. He was pinned in 1:22 by Kaden Jones (Collinsville), 1:59 by Ryan Cochran (Claremore), and 3:14 by Chaz Polifika (Perry). In his final match he pinned Christopher Watkins (Coweta) in 3:11.

Brooks Dudley (2-2) competed at 162 pounds on team Gold and took ninth place. He was defeated 7-0 by Camron Kirkes (Stillwater) and pinned in 0:54 by Coleman Lecoq (Sapulpa), but rebounded with a 2:44 pin of Logan Mohr (Union) and an 0:45 pin of Black teammate Bryson Pippin.

Tyler Rush (7-4) competed at 132 pounds on team Gold and took ninth place. He was pinned in 1:49 by Antonio Garcia (Ponca City), decisioned 7-2 by Kameron Parra (Bartlesville), and pinned in 1:12 by Demetrice Coronado (Claremore). He won out from there with a series of pins. He took down Rusty Treat (Coweta) in 0:26, teammate Thomas Naugle in 2:58, and Isaac Wilson (Stillwater) in 0:25. 

Kaleb Eckfeldt (2-5) competed at 80 pounds on Team Black and took tenth place. He won his first match with a 1:31 pin of Zeke Wheeler (Owasso), but was in-turn pinned by Caidan Poff (Sapulpa) in 1:03. He fell in 3:28 to Gold teammate Colton Luker, then pinned Hunter Coldiron (Perry) in 0:48. In his placement match he was defeated 4-0 by Wheeler. 

Sand Springs Elementary places fourth at Sperry Open with 8 Champions

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Thirty Sand Springs elementary and middle school wrestlers competed at the USA Wrestling Sperry Open this past weekend and eight took first place in their divisions. Overall the Sandites took fourth place out of the fifty teams represented.

Grady Mittasch (14-1) competed in Division 3 at 70 pounds and won his fourth tournament of the season. He pinned Treshaun Tecson (Tulsa WC) in 1:09, teched Elijah Green (Broken Arrow) 17-1, shut out Jaxson Humphries (Catoosa) 6-0, and edged Blade Walden (Muskogee) 8-7. 

Owen Martin (9-0) competed in Division 4 at 70 pounds and won his third-straight tournament to remain undefeated on the season. He pinned Isaac Valencia (Collinsville) in 0:49 and Blade Walden (Muskogee) in 1:27, teched Hudson Henslick (Collinsville) 18-2, then pinned Conner Earwood (Division Bell) in 0:58.

Bentley Cole (5-1) competed in Division 1 at 37 pounds and took first place with an incredible performance. He pinned his first opponent, Pistol Autrey (Sperry) in 0:15, then took down Bentlee Starks (Sperry) in 0:13. In the finals he scored a 12-2 major decision over John Farmer (Cleveland) for his first tournament win of the season.

Clayton Giddens (12-1) competed in Division 4 at 67 pounds and took first place for the third time this season. He pinned Matthew Patton (Sperry) in 1:17, Andrew Havens (Sperry) in 1:30, and Canyon Curtis (Collinsville) in 1:22. 

Luke Burdette (10-1) competed in Division 4 at 130 pounds and took first place for the second time this season. He pinned Nathan Deatherage (Bartlesville) in 1:53, Lyric Wheeler (Owasso) in 1:59, and Micco Jones (Sapulpa) in 0:39.

Will Meredith (8-2) competed in Division 2 at 46 pounds and took first place for his second-straight tournament. He pinned Santos Valencia (Collinsville) in 0:21 and scored 6-0 decisions over both Aberic Scott (Threestyle) and Alden Rockacy (Rogers). 

Jackson Martin (7-2) competed in Division 3 at 52 pounds and took first place with a pair of pins. He drew only one competitor and pinned Parker Warren (Collinsville) in 0:56 and 1:30.

Rhett Peak (11-3) competed in Division 4 at 80 pounds and took third place. He pinned Isaac Grant (Division Bell) in 2:28 and received a forfeit from Peyton Trotter (Oologah) before falling 11-2 to Cole Brooks (Collinsville). He rebounded with a 2-1 decision over Josey Jernegan (Sperry), then took down Jayce Caviness (Stilwell) 6-4. 

Carter Wood (5-4) competed in Division 2 at 67 pounds and took third place. He was pinned in 1:20 in his opening match against Legend Ellis (Glenpool), but rebounded with three-straight victories. He pinned Havoc Crenshaw (Rogers) in 0:58, scored a 6-4 decision over Jake Wassom (Pryor), and pinned Garrett Williams (Division Bell) in 1:48.

Hunter Spencer (4-2) competed in Division 2 at 61 pounds and took second place. He scored an 11-4 decision over Ayden Carlile (Catoosa) and majored Kingston Sikes (Division Bell) 16-6 before falling 6-2 to Gunner Murray (Claremore).

Robert Burke (9-3) competed in Division 3 at 64 pounds and took second place. He pinned DJ Asberry (Team Neo) in 2:28 and scored a 2-0 decision over Dakota Seawright (Collinsville) before falling in 2:19 to Bryson Humphries (Catoosa).

Abraham Flores (9-2) competed in Division 4 at 100 pounds and took second place. He defeated Eli Hynes (Broken Arrow) 5-3 and pinned Chad Herbert (Owasso) in 2:28 before falling 6-4 to Isaiah Matanane (Division Bell) in a sudden victory round.

Jayden Bussell (6-2) competed in Division 1 at 55 pounds and took first place with a pair of pins. He took down Cade Orourke (Sperry) in 0:14 and Keller Murphy (Division Bell) in 0:24. He also competed up to Division 2 and took fourth place. He pinned Mateo Sanchez (Collinsville) in 2:30 and was in turn pinned in 1:00 by Jagen Jones (Sperry). He scored a 6-0 decision over teammate Ty Burdge, but was pinned in 3:35 by Cole Stevens (Division Bell).

Asher Giddens (3-4) competed in Division 1 at 40 pounds and took third place. He was pinned in 1:35 by Maddox Masters (Pryors) and in 1:57 by Jayden Beard (Sperry), but took down Lynette Mullin (Stilwell) in 1:12 and teched Corbin Thomas (Collinsville) 19-2.

London McGinnis (6-3) competed in Division 1 at 46 pounds and took fourth place. He pinned Jonathan Valadez (Sperry) in 1:00 and Santos Valencia (Collinsville) in 0:31 before falling in 0:57 to Carson Voss (Berryhill) 2:41 to Luke Boren (Claremore). 

Jaxon Trotter (10-7) competed in Division 3 at 85 pounds and took fourth place. He teched Frankie Esparza (Cleveland) 17-2 and pinned Noah Hayden (Division Bell) in 2:29, but was decisioned 5-0 by Jake Miller (Threestyle) and pinned in 1:51 by Boomer Lovins (Catoosa).

Mitchell Smith (4-6) competed in Division 4 at 73 pounds and took third place. He was pinned in 3:45 by Corban Zugelder (Catoosa) in the opening round, but rebounded with a 1:26 pin of Drew Auwen (Division Bell) and teched Trey Martin (Sapulpa) 17-2 before falling 4-0 to Zane Helmers (Kansas). 

Ethan White (4-3) competed in Division 4 at 120 pounds and took fourth place. He was pinned in 2:17 by Corey Chilcoat (Catoosa) but rebounded with a 20-5 tech fall over Chandler Ellis (Pryor). He pinned Max Becker (Oologah) in 0:38, but was in-turn pinned in 3:37 by Chilcoat. 

Braxton McGinnis (1-6) competed in Division 2 at 52 pounds. He pinned Tripp Gaches (Cleveland) in 2:39 for his first win of the season, but was defeated 9-3 by Kale Shult (Pryor) and 14-0 by Cash Wiley (Division Bell).

Ty Burdge (2-4) competed in Division 2 at 55 pounds. He was pinned in 2:52 by Braxton Maggard (Sperry) and lost 6-0 to teammate Jayden Bussell, but picked up a 10-0 major decision over Sorenson Crenshaw (Rogers). 

Blake Stewart (1-4) competed in Division 3 at 67 pounds. He scored a 10-8 decision over Easton Olenberger (Bartlesville), but was pinned in 0:44 by Dylan Abbott (Sperry) and 0:35 by Cache Pierson (Bristow). 

Adrian Flores (8-7) competed in Division 3 at 100 pounds and took third place. He majored Adyn Peugh (Collinsville) 9-1, but was pinned in 2:17 by Kole Lamont (Broken Arrow) and majored 13-2 by Jacob Cook (Sperry).

Tyler Smith (1-2) competed in Division 3 at heavyweight and took third place. He pinned Jared Young (Collinsville) in 1:05, but was pinned in 4:05 by Sean Mahoney (Threestyle) and 1:13 by Gunner Wilson (Catoosa). 

David Ritchey (3-7) competed in both Division 3 and Division 4 at 64 pounds. In Division 3 he scored a 9-4 decision over James Shelton (Sperry), but was majored 12-0 by Bryson Humphries (Catoosa) and edged out 2-1 by Keegan Herring (Sperry). In Division 4 he was defeated 15-4 by Canon Acklin (Collinsville), 2-1 by James Shelton (Sperry), and 2-0 by Jacob Caviness (Stilwell).

Colt Cothran (2-7) competed in Division 3 at 58 pounds. He was pinned in 2:37 by Ashton Davis (Muskogee) and 0:40 by Camden Whitby (Collinsville). 

Landyn Barnes (5-2) competed in Division 3 at 67 pounds. He was pinned in 0:18 by Jake Wassom (Pryor) and decisioned 8-4 by Cache Pierson (Bristow). 

Zane Swafford (0-2) competed in Division 3 at 70 pounds. He gave up an 8-0 major decision to Blade Walden (Muskogee) and was pinned in 0:56 by Treshaun Tecson (Tulsa WC). 

Joey Marris (0-2) competed in Division 4 at 80 pounds. He was pinned in 1:10 by Jayce Caviness (Stilwell) and 1:34 by Case Carlile (Catoosa).

Sean Preas (0-2) competed in Division 5 at 76 pounds. He was pinned in 1:50 by Nakaylen Shabazz (Flores) and 2:18 by Ethan Peterson (Sapulpa).

Jacob Burdette (2-4) competed in Division 5 at 113 pounds. He was pinned in 4:29 by Rowdy Waits (Sperry), 2:12 by Cooper Park (Sperry), and 0:41 by Seth Jackson (Sperry).