Bishop Kelley Volleyball wins 36th consecutive Regional Championship

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A version of this story was originally written for the Tulsa World.

It’s hard to stop a freight train, and it’s hard to stop Bishop Kelley from reaching the State Tournament. The Class 6A No. 1 Comets (28-5) streaked their way to a 36th consecutive Regional Championship Tuesday night at the Eusebius S. Beltran Activities Center.

Moving up from 5A in 2020 has done little to slow down the powerhouse volleyball program, which won its 19th gold ball last year and appears to be on a collision course for another State Finals appearance.

The Comets swept past Ponca City (5-13) and Booker T. Washington (15-21) in straight sets, winning 25-4, 25-10, and 25-7 against the Wildcats, and 25-15, 25-11, and 25-14 against the Hornets. 

“We’re really proud to get to play Booker T.,” said head coach Jerri Berna. “They’re a fine team and we really enjoyed competing with them and the way they pushed us to have to overcome. We couldn’t be more excited to go to State.”

Bishop Kelley was led offensively by sophomore star Curry Kendall, who racked up 12 kills and two aces against the Hornets, with seven kills in the first set alone. 

“Curry is absolutely one of the best outside hitters in the state,” said Berna. “We’re really proud of the work that she does and the balls she puts away, but I know she would also give a big shoutout to her team.”

There was no shortage of offensive firepower from the team. Brooke Goen scored nine kills, and Madeline Barton added six. Kate Schneeberg recorded 30 assists, while Milee Jackson and Jessica Shildt led the team on defense. 

“This is probably the most parity there’s ever been in 6A,” said Berna. “We’re really proud of the way we played tonight. We’re really quite honored to be part of such a legacy of 36 years in a row and we’re just going to do the best we can to keep working up until the State Tournament, see what the draw looks like and give it our best shot.”

Joining the Comets at State will be Edmond Santa Fe, Jenks, Edmond Deer Creek, Norman North, Edmond Memorial, Broken Arrow, and Owasso.

The Hornets defeated No. 16 Sand Springs (14-20) in straight sets to reach the finals, with sets of 25-12, 25-18, and 26-24. Taryn McIntosh scored eight kills, Makenzie Johns had seven kills, and Sydney Thompson scored six. Brenna Weaver and Bridget Johnson recorded 11 kills apiece.

Leading the Sandites was Kasidy Holland with seven kills, Teyha Johnson with 18 assists, and Charley Fahland with 15 digs. 

Sports Roundup: Softball ends season at Owasso Regional

A version of this story was originally written for the Sand Springs Leader.

The Sandite fast-pitch softball team wrapped up the season with an 18-15 record, going 2-2 at the 6A Regional playoffs at Owasso last weekend. 

The Sandites beat Muskogee 8-5 in the first round and again 6-1 in the loser’s bracket, but dropped games of 6-1 and 11-1 to the host team and returning State finalists.

In the first game the Sandites made the most of three walks, three errors, and four singles in the top of the first to take an 8-0 lead and held on for the win behind Kelsi Hilton’s pitching.

Avery Tanner scored the only Sandite run of the first game against Owasso on an error, but the Sandites only trailed 3-1 till the fifth when the Rams began to pull ahead.

In the Muskogee rematch Hilton held the Roughers to only one run with three strikeouts, while Lauren Hammock led the offense with two hits, one run, and two RBI.

The host Rams rolled to a six-inning run-rule win in the elimination match, however, with Tanner’s RBI double scoring Kaylei Rake for the lone Sandite run.

Volleyball

The Class 6A No. 16 Sandite volleyball team (14-19) picked up a 3-0 non-conference sweep of 5A No. 12 Glenpool (13-18) on Senior Night, October 5th, with sets of 25-18, 25-16, and 25-12.

Layla Lenex scored 14 kills, Payton Robbins scored 11, and Jacelyn Smith and Kasidy Holland scored 7 apiece. Tehya Johnson recorded 38 assists, Charley Fahland made 13 digs, and Olivia Dewitt served three aces.

On Thursday they fell 3-0 at No. 10 Union (23-9) to wrap up conference action with a 2-6 record. Robbins scored 8 kills with 17 digs, Johnson had 9 digs and 19 assists, and Fahland had 14 digs.

The Sandites will travel to No. 1 Bishop Kelley (26-5) Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. for Regionals with a first-round match against Booker T. Washington (14-20).

Chieftains take down Sandites 3-1 in Highway 97 Rivalry

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A version of this story was originally published in the Sapulpa Times.

Just four days after the Sapulpa football team suffered a 53-26 defeat at the hands of their archrivals, the volleyball team found themselves in a similar position Tuesday night. 

Down 10-1 in the first set of a Highway 97 rivalry matchup at Sand Springs, the Chieftains could have counted themselves out, but instead they surged back with a seven-point streak to make it competitive. And even when the Sandites ultimately won the first set 25-20, the Chieftains didn’t let it get them down. They stayed focused and rallied to win the next three.

“I think Sapulpa and Corey (Harp) just did a really good job,” said Sandite head coach Derek Jackon after the game. “The Heard sisters played really well, both offensively and defensively.”

Stailee Heard, a 5’11” junior, led the Chieftains offensively with 13 kills, as well as three blocks and three aces, while 6’0” sophomore Tyla Heard added eight kills and two blocks.

Even with all that firepower, it was a close match and the Chieftains trailed late in each of the last three sets

Down 24-23 in game two, they scored three straight points for the win on Sandite errors.

In game three Amauri Pratt served two aces and Hoey scored a block and a kill en route to a 5-0 start, and the Chieftains held that margin till 19-14 when the Sandites’ Kasidy Holland kicked off a six-point run for the lead. Down 22-20, Tyla Heard scored a kill to get the visitors back on track, and Sapulpa won 25-23. 

It looked like Sand Springs might tie things up in game four after a pair of Chieftain errors put them up 23-21, but this time it was Stailee Heard’s time to shine, scoring a kill to launch a 4-0 run, and capping the 25-23 win with an ace.

5’10” uncommitted senior Ryann Hoey was the heart and soul of the Chieftains, scoring 11 kills with two blocks, two aces, and countless impressive digs while firing up her team at every opportunity with energetic cheers and unbridled passion.

Sapulpa, ranked No. 5 in Class 5A is 12-9 on the season after falling 3-0 to 6A No. 5 Jenks (8-1) on Thursday. They are 2-2 in Frontier Valley Conference action, having beaten Muskogee 3-0 last week to snap a 15-game conference losing streak dating back to 2019. 

Last season saw a successful 18-15 outing that was one win shy of matching their win total for the previous five seasons combined. They even won a Regional Championship and made a State Tournament appearance, despite not winning any conference matches. With two conference wins already under their belts this year, it’s safe to say the Chieftains are aiming for even greater heights.

Sandite Roundup: Shelli Brown celebrates 600th win in 25th season

25th-year Sandite Softball Head Coach Shelli Brown is presented with a commemorative ball for her 600th win by the Class of 2022 seniors.

A version of this story was originally published in the Sand Springs Leader.

Shelli Brown has been the head softball coach at Charles Page High School since before her current class of seniors was even born. In fact, she’s been the head coach since before some of her assistant coaches were born.

Now in her 25th season as a Sandite, Coach Brown is a pillar in the community. 

“Shelli’s an icon in women’s softball at the high school level,” says Sand Springs Athletic Director Rod Sitton. “She started her career here, hopefully she ends her career here. She’s not only a great coach, but a great leader and a great example for the young ladies that go through here. It’s been a real privilege to have her here and work with her, and also be her boss. She’s just a great person all around.”

On Tuesday, August 24th, the team celebrated Brown’s 600th career win in fast pitch. The milestone came in a 14-6 rout of Adair on Thursday, August 19th at the Rogers State festival in Claremore. They also beat Lincoln Christian 11-2 in the first game of the festival.

Owning a 603-326 record with 10 regional championships, two academic state championships, two district championships, and one conference championship, Brown has been one of the most successful coaches in school history in any sport. Under her guidance, 32 sandites have received All-State accolades and at least 60 have signed to play at the next level.

“It’s not about excellence just in softball itself, but it’s also about academic excellence,” added District Superintendent Sherry Durkee. “Personally, I’m super proud of the two academic state championships.” 

Prior to the Tuesday-night doubleheader against Enid, Brown’s senior class presented her with a commemorative game ball signed by the entire team, along with flowers and balloons. Then they gave her a 601st and 602nd win by drubbing the Pacers 20-3 and 3-1.

Raegan Rector went 3-for-3 at the plate with five RBI and two doubles in the first game, Mikenna Stephens was 3-of-4 with four RBI, and Kelsi Hilton was 3-of-4 with four runs. 

With temperatures nearing 100℉, the bats slowed down in game two, and the Sandites actually needed a fifth-inning comeback. Trailing 1-0, Taylor Skipper tied it up with a single to score Ashlyn Clark, then Skipper and Jolee McNally scored on an error for the lead.

Nataley Crawford pitched eight strikeouts and only three hits in the first game, and Hilton got the win in game two. 

The Sandites followed it up with a 12-4 district beatdown of Bartlesville on Thursday that saw Hilton go 3-of-4 at the plate with a triple, two runs, and four RBI, while also striking out four batters in four innings from the circle. Lauren Hammock was also 3-of-4 with three runs and two RBI.

Sandite Softball is now 5-3 on the season and will continue district action on the road with a Thursday game at Bixby (9-2, 5-0).

CPHS Volleyball

The Class 6A No. 13 ranked Sandite Volleyball team (7-4) suffered a 3-1 conference loss to No. 3 Broken Arrow (10-3) Tuesday, August 24th at the Ed Dubie Field House.

The Sandites lost sets of 25-15, 25-22, and 25-9, but stole the third set 25-20 for their first game win against the Tigers since 2018.

Payton Robbins scored nine kills with three blocks, 16 digs, and three aces in the loss. Layla Lenex had three kills and five blocks. Tehya Johnson had two kills, two aces, and 23 assists. Jacelyn Smith scored seven kills and two blocks. Charley Fahland had two aces and 17 digs, and Kasidy Holland had seven kills and three digs.

Sandite Volleyball will travel to Regent Prep Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

CPHS Cross Country

The Lady Sandite varsity cross country team placed 11th in a 5K run at Edmond Deer Creek, August 21st, led by Jazmin Lopez in fifth place out of 105 runners with a time of 23:13.98. 

The boys team didn’t have enough runners to place as a team, but Noah Hanlon finished in 26th with a time of 19:13.58.

The elementary girls placed third at Kiefer Saturday, August 28th. Chloe Grona won the one-mile run in 5:52.45, Josie Grona placed third in 6:19.71, and Sophie Grona placed 15th in 7:06.99.

Lady Sandite Volleyball wins 2021 Sandite Invitational

Sand Springs Sandite Volleyball team wins first place at the 2021 Sandite Invitational.

A version of this story was originally published in the Sand Springs Leader.

For the second time in the tournament’s three-year history, the Sandite Invitational was won by the home team, but it didn’t come easy.

Bixby wrapped up the round-robin tournament with a 6-1 record - their only defeat being a 2-1 match against Sand Springs. Despite the loss, they still had a shot at the tournament title if Southeast could knock the Sandites down to 5-2 after Lincoln Christian dealt the home team a 2-0 loss earlier in the day.

The Spartans tried their best, and rebounded from a lopsided 25-10 defeat in the first set to storm back and win the second 25-22. After taking a 7-1 lead in the final game, it looked like they would succeed in stymying the home team’s hopes for gold, but Layla Lenex and Payton Robbins combined for four-straight kills to tip the momentum.

Charley Fahland scored an ace to tie it at 10-10, Jacelyn Smith knocked down a pair of kills for the 14-12 lead, and Olivia Dewitt secured the team trophy with an ace that was almost a service error. The hard-hit ball connected with the top of the net and just barely dropped over on the Spartans’ court, who were playing deep and couldn’t get there in time.

“I just told them to stay up and stay together,” said third-year Head Coach Derek Jackson. “One person ain’t going to win it, it’s going to be one team that’ll win it. They did a phenomenal job of believing in me, believing in themselves and their teammates, and that belief that the next ball will be better got them to where they wanted to be.”

The Sandites cleaned up in individual accolades as well, and Kasidy Holland, Tehya Johnson, and Fahland were all voted to the All-Tournament team.

“One of our team goals for the year is to win 70% of our home games and defend the home court,” said Jackson, whose teams are 31-12 at the Ed Dubie Field House. “Winning as many games as we did tonight, yesterday really helps push our goals. We’re pretty goal-driven. As far as the program, winning your home tournament always gives you a little extra juice.”

The Sandites (7-2) won’t be resting on their laurels after the tournament victory, however. They will launch right into another busy tournament weekend at Holland Hall on Friday and Saturday before hosting Broken Arrow in conference action Tuesday, August 24th, and they have some work to do before then.

“I think we could be a little more disciplined up front, get a couple more touches, a couple more blocks,” says Jackson. “I think our serve is aggressive, it’s tough, but statistically it’s a really good serve. We just need to be a little more consistent. And then just talking. I think we can always talk more, which I don’t know a coach who wouldn’t say that.”

On Tuesday the Sandites fell 3-1 to Owasso in sets of 25-21, 20-25, 25-20, and 25-20 in the season opener. Payton Robbins scored 11 kills and four blocks as the Sandites won their first set against the Rams since 2017. The girls were down 20-17 in the second game before rattling off eight straight points, capped by an ace from Fahland.

Smith added nine kills, Holland had eight, and Johnson recorded 25 assists. Defensively they were paced by Fahland with 16 digs and Johnson with 12. 

On Thursday they rebounded with a 3-0 non-conference sweep of Collinsville (25-21, 25-12, 25-12) behind a balanced team effort offensively. Robbins scored three aces, four kills, and a block, with seven digs. Lenex scored six blocks and five kills, and Dewitt scored four aces. 

Over the course of the tournament, Robbins had 12 aces, 55 kills, and 43 digs. Lenex had 46 kills and five blocks. Smith had 25 kills, six blocks, and six aces. Fahland had 78 digs, 14 assists, and nine aces. Johnson had 141 assists, two blocks, nine kills, and six aces. Dewitt scored five aces and made 34 digs. 

Officially, Smith set the school record for career aces at 86, beating Madison Blaylock’s 78. Robbins set the school record for career kills with 280, beating Devree Youngblood’s 260. However, those numbers only go back to 2019, as previous year’s statistics were never preserved.

Tournament Results

CPHS 2-0 Lawton (25-12, 25-12)
CPHS 2-0 Choctaw (25-15, 25-21)
CPHS 2-0 Enid (25-14, 25-20)
CPHS 2-1 Bixby (21-25, 25-21, 15-7)
CPHS 2-0 Southwest Covenant (25-11, 25-14)
Lincoln Christian 2-0 CPHS (25-22, 25-16)
CPHS 2-1 Southeast (25-10, 22-25, 15-12)

High expectations for Sandite Volleyball in new season

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Sandite Volleyball Camp, grades 7-9. Courtesy of Lisa Wright.

A version of this story was originally published in the Sand Springs Leader.

After two of the winningest seasons in school history, expectations are high for the Charles Page High School volleyball team as the 2021 fall season approaches. The girls recently wrapped up Catoosa summer league and youth camp, and are poised for success as they return the bulk of their roster from last season.

“I think we have a veteran group this year,” said Head Coach Derek Jackson. “Last year we were a little bit younger, lot of sophomores, quite a few juniors, a couple of seniors. This year it’s going to be a lot more senior and junior-type kids with maybe a couple of sophomores or freshmen tossed in. So I think it may be the most seasoned team I’ve had since I’ve been here.”

Jackson is entering his third season as coach and owns a 37-29 record. The team’s 19 wins last season are the second-most in school history, and marked the first time that the program had back-to-back winning records.

“Obviously these first two years you’re going to have some bumpiness in terms of a new coach, a new system, and learning that culture. And we’ve had success along the route with that, which is good. Now it’s time to see some of that start to pay off. Summer league was pretty beneficial and showed we could compete with a lot of people.”

“They have been with me for a couple of years, they understand what we’re trying to do, the culture we’re trying to build. I think that’s going to be the difference between here and the very first year. I had a group of seniors that first year, but they hadn’t been with me, they were still learning the ins and outs, and this group kind of already has that under their belt.”

A big part of the team’s recent success has been building out the middle school and junior varsity programs. Last season they added a third middle-school team, and the 7th Grade-only team finished with a winning record in their first year. Jackson has also focused on introducing the sport to younger grade levels, offering a camp for grades 3-9.

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Volleyball youth camp, grades 3-6. Courtesy of Lisa Wright.

“Last year we didn’t get to do the little kids’ camp (due to COVID-19). We were able to do it this year and it went really well. We had about 50 kids between two age groups. A lot of kids had a ton of fun and got a little bit better. That was our motto for the entire camp, ‘lots of fun, little bit better,’ so it was awesome.”

Jackson will have a big talent pool to draw from next season. “We had a really big freshman class last year, 18 kids. A lot of them played club, a lot of them went to clinics and camps. I think honestly that’s one of the biggest things I’m looking forward to is that JV is going to be so much stronger and can push varsity in practices every day.”

Evyn Morrow, Jayden Smith, Hannah McKelvey, and Averi Tippit are expected to make an impact as rising young players, while the team will be anchored by upperclassmen Tehya Johnson, Kasidy Holland, Jacelyn Smith, Olivia DeWitt, Payton Robbins, Charley Fahland, and Layla Lenex.

“I really think this year we really have an opportunity to be the most successful in school history. We’ve had the second and third-winningest seasons. I think this year if big players play big, younger ones step up, we stay together and stay healthy, we have a chance to upset some people that we maybe haven’t ever beat.”

Sandite Volleyball will start the season with a conference home game against Owasso, August 10th at 6:30 p.m. and will host the third annual Sandite Invitational that weekend. They will also compete at the Holland Hall, Edmond Santa Fe, and Glenpool tournaments this year.