Putting the pieces back together
BAHS Lewis rebounding from
compound fracture, knee surgery
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 7:42 AM CDT
There was nothing between Hannah Lewis and the basket.
She sailed gracefully for a layup in an AAU game June 11,
only eight days before she turned 16 years old.
Suddenly, her world turned upside down when the defensive
player under-cut her.
Lewis slammed into the floor at Tulsa Webster High School
where she sprawled – face down – with her left arm twisted
behind her.
When she landed, Lewis shattered her left forearm. It was a
near compound fracture, which required a six-inch plate and
six screws.
As she writhed in pain, emergency personnel tended to her
mangled left arm.
“I was screaming, I was in so much pain,” Lewis said. “And,
all I could think ‘I am through with sports.’”
Her mother, Amy Lewis, watched in horror as the episode
unfolded.
“I couldn’t believe it, I was scared. And, I was scared for Hannah, too,” she said.
Amy Lewis weaved her way through a maze of players and coaches, who had surrounded the
fallen Hannah.
“Somebody asked if I wanted them to call an ambulance,” she said. “When I saw Hannah on the
floor and crying, I told them ‘Yes!’”
A junior-to-be at BAHS, Lewis was expected to start for the Lady Tigers in volleyball and play a
pivotal role in basketball.
“Hannah had talked a lot about volleyball and basketball this year,” Amy Lewis said. “She had a
lot to look forward too.”
Her dilemma only worsened after she was released from the hospital.
One day, as she got out of bed, her left knee began throbbing as the joint absorbed her weight.
A doctor’s examination revealed ACL damage. Corrective surgery on July 16 followed.
“It hurt, too,” she said. “I remember my knee popping when I hit the floor.”
Had it only been her arm, Lewis probably would have played both sports this season.
“I couldn’t stand the thought of never getting to play again,” she said. “God, my church, my
friends and teammates have really helped me get through this.”
Lewis is making the best of her situation. She hasn’t missed a volleyball practice and was on the
bench for BAHS’s first two games.
“These are my teammates,” she said. “I couldn’t leave them.”
Her player’s fortitude impresses BAHS coach Kari Smith.
“Hannah is a very special young lady,” Smith said. “The strength she has show is inspiring to all
of us.”
BAHS Lewis rebounding from
compound fracture, knee surgery
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 7:42 AM CDT
There was nothing between Hannah Lewis and the basket.
She sailed gracefully for a layup in an AAU game June 11,
only eight days before she turned 16 years old.
Suddenly, her world turned upside down when the defensive
player under-cut her.
Lewis slammed into the floor at Tulsa Webster High School
where she sprawled – face down – with her left arm twisted
behind her.
When she landed, Lewis shattered her left forearm. It was a
near compound fracture, which required a six-inch plate and
six screws.
As she writhed in pain, emergency personnel tended to her
mangled left arm.
“I was screaming, I was in so much pain,” Lewis said. “And,
all I could think ‘I am through with sports.’”
Her mother, Amy Lewis, watched in horror as the episode
unfolded.
“I couldn’t believe it, I was scared. And, I was scared for Hannah, too,” she said.
Amy Lewis weaved her way through a maze of players and coaches, who had surrounded the
fallen Hannah.
“Somebody asked if I wanted them to call an ambulance,” she said. “When I saw Hannah on the
floor and crying, I told them ‘Yes!’”
A junior-to-be at BAHS, Lewis was expected to start for the Lady Tigers in volleyball and play a
pivotal role in basketball.
“Hannah had talked a lot about volleyball and basketball this year,” Amy Lewis said. “She had a
lot to look forward too.”
Her dilemma only worsened after she was released from the hospital.
One day, as she got out of bed, her left knee began throbbing as the joint absorbed her weight.
A doctor’s examination revealed ACL damage. Corrective surgery on July 16 followed.
“It hurt, too,” she said. “I remember my knee popping when I hit the floor.”
Had it only been her arm, Lewis probably would have played both sports this season.
“I couldn’t stand the thought of never getting to play again,” she said. “God, my church, my
friends and teammates have really helped me get through this.”
Lewis is making the best of her situation. She hasn’t missed a volleyball practice and was on the
bench for BAHS’s first two games.
“These are my teammates,” she said. “I couldn’t leave them.”
Her player’s fortitude impresses BAHS coach Kari Smith.
“Hannah is a very special young lady,” Smith said. “The strength she has show is inspiring to all
of us.”
ON THE MEND — Hannah Lewis
can smile know has the Broken
Arrow High School junior recovers
from two surgeries this summer.
DOUG QUINN/BA LEDGER
can smile know has the Broken
Arrow High School junior recovers
from two surgeries this summer.
DOUG QUINN/BA LEDGER
Tigers look to make U-turn
BAHS opens Tuesday hosting Lawton
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 10:13 AM CST
A year older. A year wiser. A year more experienced.
With those factors, Broken Arrow High School coach Rusty Stecker
expects his Tigers to employ those attributes.
BAHS returns four starters – and a fifth, who was a part-time starter
– and looks to make a U-turn from a 16-7 finish last year.
After winning their first 15 games, the Tigers lost seven of their last
eight and did not advance past the first round of the playoffs.
Once opponents figured out the Tigers were “one-dimensional,”
Stecker said, they made defensive adjustments.
“It took them (opponents) 16 games to do that,” Stecker said. “They stepped out and took away
us shooting the 3-pointer.”
Beginning in off-season drills, BAHS emphasized being more versatile.
“We struggled with dribble penetration and getting the ball inside, especially against the bigger
teams,” Stecker said. “We’ve gotten better and we’ve changed some things to help.”
The Tigers return a solid corps of four seasoned seniors. Three of them – Jake Toupal (6-3),
Seth Dennis (6-4) and Drew Howerton (6-2) – are two-year starters. Manard Grant (5-10) is
considered the fourth returning regular.
Toupal led BAHS in scoring with a 15.2 average followed by Grant (6.5), Howerton (5.5) and
Dennis (4.9).
They might be more experienced but these Tigers aren’t the biggest.
“Basically,” Stecker said, “we’ll be playing five guards.”
Senior Tyson Reed started early last season but appeared in all 23 games and will play a vital
role. Senior John Gaynor will see playing time.
Stecker, beginning his 11th season, has another concern – depth.
“Right now, our bench is a worry,” Stecker said. “We’re hoping some of those guys will step up.”
Junior Chase Williams is the tallest on the Tiger roster at 6-5 and senior Jacob Shacklett (6-3)
has limited varsity experience.
Juniors Evan Drake (5-11), Aaron Kirkpatrick (6-1) and Cameron Terry (5-11) are in the
equation.
TIGERS SCHEDULE
2009-10
December: 1- Lawton High, 7:30 p.m.; 3 - vs. Fort Scott, Kan, 9 p.m.;* 4 - vs. Rogers Heritage,
Ark, 9 p.m.;* 5 - vs. Willard, Mo., 5:45 p.m.;* 10 - at Bartlesville Classic, TBA; 11 - at Bartlesville
Classic, TBA; 12 - at Bartlesville Classic, TBA; 15 - at Muskogee, 8 p.m.
January: 5 - vs. Checotah, 9 p.m.;# 8 - at Shrine Classic, 9 p.m.; 9 - at Shrine Classic, TBA; 12 -
Jenks, 8 p.m.; 15 - at Sapulpa, 8 p.m.; 26 - at Owasso, 8 p.m.; 29 - Union, 8 p.m.
February: 2 - Owasso, 8 p.m.; 5 - Muskogee, 8 p.m.; 9 - at Jenks, 8 p.m.; 12 - Sapulpa, 8 p.m.;
16 - at Union, 8 p.m.; 19 - at Lawton High, 6:30 p.m.; 20 - at Lawton Eisenhower, 3 p.m.
*Four-State Classic at Willard, Mo.
#Shrine Classic at Muskogee
BAHS opens Tuesday hosting Lawton
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 10:13 AM CST
A year older. A year wiser. A year more experienced.
With those factors, Broken Arrow High School coach Rusty Stecker
expects his Tigers to employ those attributes.
BAHS returns four starters – and a fifth, who was a part-time starter
– and looks to make a U-turn from a 16-7 finish last year.
After winning their first 15 games, the Tigers lost seven of their last
eight and did not advance past the first round of the playoffs.
Once opponents figured out the Tigers were “one-dimensional,”
Stecker said, they made defensive adjustments.
“It took them (opponents) 16 games to do that,” Stecker said. “They stepped out and took away
us shooting the 3-pointer.”
Beginning in off-season drills, BAHS emphasized being more versatile.
“We struggled with dribble penetration and getting the ball inside, especially against the bigger
teams,” Stecker said. “We’ve gotten better and we’ve changed some things to help.”
The Tigers return a solid corps of four seasoned seniors. Three of them – Jake Toupal (6-3),
Seth Dennis (6-4) and Drew Howerton (6-2) – are two-year starters. Manard Grant (5-10) is
considered the fourth returning regular.
Toupal led BAHS in scoring with a 15.2 average followed by Grant (6.5), Howerton (5.5) and
Dennis (4.9).
They might be more experienced but these Tigers aren’t the biggest.
“Basically,” Stecker said, “we’ll be playing five guards.”
Senior Tyson Reed started early last season but appeared in all 23 games and will play a vital
role. Senior John Gaynor will see playing time.
Stecker, beginning his 11th season, has another concern – depth.
“Right now, our bench is a worry,” Stecker said. “We’re hoping some of those guys will step up.”
Junior Chase Williams is the tallest on the Tiger roster at 6-5 and senior Jacob Shacklett (6-3)
has limited varsity experience.
Juniors Evan Drake (5-11), Aaron Kirkpatrick (6-1) and Cameron Terry (5-11) are in the
equation.
TIGERS SCHEDULE
2009-10
December: 1- Lawton High, 7:30 p.m.; 3 - vs. Fort Scott, Kan, 9 p.m.;* 4 - vs. Rogers Heritage,
Ark, 9 p.m.;* 5 - vs. Willard, Mo., 5:45 p.m.;* 10 - at Bartlesville Classic, TBA; 11 - at Bartlesville
Classic, TBA; 12 - at Bartlesville Classic, TBA; 15 - at Muskogee, 8 p.m.
January: 5 - vs. Checotah, 9 p.m.;# 8 - at Shrine Classic, 9 p.m.; 9 - at Shrine Classic, TBA; 12 -
Jenks, 8 p.m.; 15 - at Sapulpa, 8 p.m.; 26 - at Owasso, 8 p.m.; 29 - Union, 8 p.m.
February: 2 - Owasso, 8 p.m.; 5 - Muskogee, 8 p.m.; 9 - at Jenks, 8 p.m.; 12 - Sapulpa, 8 p.m.;
16 - at Union, 8 p.m.; 19 - at Lawton High, 6:30 p.m.; 20 - at Lawton Eisenhower, 3 p.m.
*Four-State Classic at Willard, Mo.
#Shrine Classic at Muskogee
STECKER
************************************************************
Higher expectations for Lady Tigers
Girls basketball program continues growth
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 9:55 AM CST
If Ed Calhoon was building a house, the foundation would be in place.
Calhoon, however, is not in the construction business but he is erecting
the Broken Arrow High School girls basketball program.
Now, in his fourth year, the Lady Tigers are adding walls.
Coming off a 20-7 finish last season – missing the Class 6A state
tournament by one game – the Lady Tigers have entered a higher realm.
“Our program now has expectations,” Calhoon said. “From here on, we
expect to make the state tournament every year.
“Last year, getting to state was only a strong hope. There is different feel
about this team.”
The Lady Tigers open Tuesday hosting Lawton High at 6 p.m. at Tiger Fieldhouse.
Calhoon’s heightened enthusiasm is anchored by junior Chelsi Dennis and senior Valerie
Santiago, who blossomed last year and played integral roles in BAHS reaching the regional final.
Dennis, at 5-8, averaged 11.7 points while playing all five positions and was a rebounding force.
Santiago scored 10.2 a game as a guard.
“Chelsi can be as good as she’s willing to work,” Calhoon said. “She is hard to guard one-on-
one. Valerie has a lot of skills. She can dribble, penetrate and shoot.”
Shanna Johnson, a 5-4 junior, will be the point guard. The two remaining starting jobs are up for
grabs.
Calhoon has numbers “and size, too,” he said, smiling.
Junior Sam Smith (6-0), senior Jessica Sprung (5-10), senior Rochelle Kraft (5-9), junior
Mannessah Miller (6-0) and sophomore Courtney Hawley (5-10) could provide muscle as
forwards.
A force at center will be 5-6 sophomore Kiera Keys, who is nicknamed “Bulldog.”
More comes when junior Hannah Lewis (5-9) gets a doctor’s release from arm and knee injuries.
“We have a lot in place,” Calhoon said. “What we need is chemistry.”
LADY TIGERS SCHEDULE
2009-10
December: 1 - Lawton, 6 p.m.; 3 - vs. Fort Scott, Kan.;* 4 - vs. Rogers Heritage, Ark.;* 5 - vs.
Willard, Mo., 2:30 p.m.;* 15 - at Muskogee, 6:30 p.m.
January: 4 - vs. Astec, 4:30 p.m.;# 8 - at Shrine Classic, 7:30 p.m.; 9 - at Shrine Classic, TBA;
12 - Jenks, 6:30 p.m.; 15 - at Sapulpa, 6:30 p.m.; 21 - at John Nobles Classic, TBA;** at John
Nobles Classic, TBA;** 23 - at John Nobles Classic, TBA;** 26 - at Owasso, 6:30 p.m.; 29 -
Union, 6:30 p.m.
February: 2 - Owasso, 6:30 p.m.; 5 - Muskogee, 6:30 p.m.; 9 - at Jenks, 6:30 p.m.; 12 - Sapulpa,
6:30 p.m.; 16 - at Union, 6:30 p.m.; 19 - at Lawton High, 7:30 p.m.; 20 - at Lawton Eisenhower,
noon.
*Four State Classic at Willard, Mo.
#Shrine Classic at Muskogee
**at Moore
Girls basketball program continues growth
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 9:55 AM CST
If Ed Calhoon was building a house, the foundation would be in place.
Calhoon, however, is not in the construction business but he is erecting
the Broken Arrow High School girls basketball program.
Now, in his fourth year, the Lady Tigers are adding walls.
Coming off a 20-7 finish last season – missing the Class 6A state
tournament by one game – the Lady Tigers have entered a higher realm.
“Our program now has expectations,” Calhoon said. “From here on, we
expect to make the state tournament every year.
“Last year, getting to state was only a strong hope. There is different feel
about this team.”
The Lady Tigers open Tuesday hosting Lawton High at 6 p.m. at Tiger Fieldhouse.
Calhoon’s heightened enthusiasm is anchored by junior Chelsi Dennis and senior Valerie
Santiago, who blossomed last year and played integral roles in BAHS reaching the regional final.
Dennis, at 5-8, averaged 11.7 points while playing all five positions and was a rebounding force.
Santiago scored 10.2 a game as a guard.
“Chelsi can be as good as she’s willing to work,” Calhoon said. “She is hard to guard one-on-
one. Valerie has a lot of skills. She can dribble, penetrate and shoot.”
Shanna Johnson, a 5-4 junior, will be the point guard. The two remaining starting jobs are up for
grabs.
Calhoon has numbers “and size, too,” he said, smiling.
Junior Sam Smith (6-0), senior Jessica Sprung (5-10), senior Rochelle Kraft (5-9), junior
Mannessah Miller (6-0) and sophomore Courtney Hawley (5-10) could provide muscle as
forwards.
A force at center will be 5-6 sophomore Kiera Keys, who is nicknamed “Bulldog.”
More comes when junior Hannah Lewis (5-9) gets a doctor’s release from arm and knee injuries.
“We have a lot in place,” Calhoon said. “What we need is chemistry.”
LADY TIGERS SCHEDULE
2009-10
December: 1 - Lawton, 6 p.m.; 3 - vs. Fort Scott, Kan.;* 4 - vs. Rogers Heritage, Ark.;* 5 - vs.
Willard, Mo., 2:30 p.m.;* 15 - at Muskogee, 6:30 p.m.
January: 4 - vs. Astec, 4:30 p.m.;# 8 - at Shrine Classic, 7:30 p.m.; 9 - at Shrine Classic, TBA;
12 - Jenks, 6:30 p.m.; 15 - at Sapulpa, 6:30 p.m.; 21 - at John Nobles Classic, TBA;** at John
Nobles Classic, TBA;** 23 - at John Nobles Classic, TBA;** 26 - at Owasso, 6:30 p.m.; 29 -
Union, 6:30 p.m.
February: 2 - Owasso, 6:30 p.m.; 5 - Muskogee, 6:30 p.m.; 9 - at Jenks, 6:30 p.m.; 12 - Sapulpa,
6:30 p.m.; 16 - at Union, 6:30 p.m.; 19 - at Lawton High, 7:30 p.m.; 20 - at Lawton Eisenhower,
noon.
*Four State Classic at Willard, Mo.
#Shrine Classic at Muskogee
**at Moore
CALHOON
************************************************************
Reed's 'a tough little cookie'
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Thursday, November 26, 2009 9:34 AM CST
At first glance, Tyson Reed won’t impress many folks.
He’ll be the smallest player on the floor for Broken Arrow
High School.
“When you see Tyson, you’ll wonder if the guy can play,”
Tiger coach Rusty Stecker said of the 145-pound senior.
At 5-10 and topped with a slick, stylish hairdo, Reed will
get opponents’ attention.
He will sacrifice his body to set a screen or chase down
a loose ball.
“It doesn’t matter if the guy is 6-9, Tyson won’t back down,” Stecker said, grinning. “He’s one
tough, little cookie.”
Reed smiled and shrugged his shoulders.
“It only hurts for a couple of days,” he said, smiling. “You practice hard and you play hard.”
Reed’s intensity could land him a starting role when the Tigers open Dec. 1 hosting Lawton.
“If anybody has ever elevated his game, it would be Tyson,” Stecker said. “He’s worked hard in
the weightroom and has become a better player.”
Again, Reed politely smiled and nodded his head.
“I guess it’s heart and desire,” said Reed, whose grandfather, Jerry Waymire, coached the BAHS
to a state championship in 1983.
Reed has displayed another trait. This soft-spoken youngster doesn’t need to talk much.
“But,” Stecker said, “he’ll speak out when somebody is out of line. He doesn’t mind saying what’s
on his mind.”
Once more, Reed took his coach’s compliments in stride.
“I just try to be a leader,” he said. “It’s about the team.”
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Thursday, November 26, 2009 9:34 AM CST
At first glance, Tyson Reed won’t impress many folks.
He’ll be the smallest player on the floor for Broken Arrow
High School.
“When you see Tyson, you’ll wonder if the guy can play,”
Tiger coach Rusty Stecker said of the 145-pound senior.
At 5-10 and topped with a slick, stylish hairdo, Reed will
get opponents’ attention.
He will sacrifice his body to set a screen or chase down
a loose ball.
“It doesn’t matter if the guy is 6-9, Tyson won’t back down,” Stecker said, grinning. “He’s one
tough, little cookie.”
Reed smiled and shrugged his shoulders.
“It only hurts for a couple of days,” he said, smiling. “You practice hard and you play hard.”
Reed’s intensity could land him a starting role when the Tigers open Dec. 1 hosting Lawton.
“If anybody has ever elevated his game, it would be Tyson,” Stecker said. “He’s worked hard in
the weightroom and has become a better player.”
Again, Reed politely smiled and nodded his head.
“I guess it’s heart and desire,” said Reed, whose grandfather, Jerry Waymire, coached the BAHS
to a state championship in 1983.
Reed has displayed another trait. This soft-spoken youngster doesn’t need to talk much.
“But,” Stecker said, “he’ll speak out when somebody is out of line. He doesn’t mind saying what’s
on his mind.”
Once more, Reed took his coach’s compliments in stride.
“I just try to be a leader,” he said. “It’s about the team.”
REED
Her actions do Santiago's talking
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Thursday, November 26, 2009 9:35 AM CST
Valerie Santiago doesn’t talk much around Broken
Arrow High School coach Ed Calhoon.
But, the senior doesn’t need words to impress him.
The senior’s play the last three years is enough for
Calhoon.
Now, in her final season, Calhoon is banking on
Santiago to make a lot of noise.
The most experienced player back from last year’s
20-7 team, Santiago is a key figure in BAHS’s plans.
It’s Santiago’s turn to step out of the shadows – of
graduated All-Stater Taylor Lewis – and into the limelight.
“Leadership,” she said, softly. “It’s something I have to do and it’s my turn. It’s a team thing, yes,
but girls look up to me now. My attitude will be a reflection of me.”
Santiago averaged 10.2 points a game and is a consistent scoring threat from the perimeter.
There was one game when Santiago had a breakout party.
“We were playing in Lawton and I scored something like 28 or 30 points. I don’t remember
exactly,” she said. “But that gave me so much confidence in my shooting.”
The self-assurance has helped Santiago test her capabilities.
“In practice, I’ve worked on the spin-pivot,” she said. “It’s something I’ve never really tried before.
Not sure if I will use it in a game, though.”
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Thursday, November 26, 2009 9:35 AM CST
Valerie Santiago doesn’t talk much around Broken
Arrow High School coach Ed Calhoon.
But, the senior doesn’t need words to impress him.
The senior’s play the last three years is enough for
Calhoon.
Now, in her final season, Calhoon is banking on
Santiago to make a lot of noise.
The most experienced player back from last year’s
20-7 team, Santiago is a key figure in BAHS’s plans.
It’s Santiago’s turn to step out of the shadows – of
graduated All-Stater Taylor Lewis – and into the limelight.
“Leadership,” she said, softly. “It’s something I have to do and it’s my turn. It’s a team thing, yes,
but girls look up to me now. My attitude will be a reflection of me.”
Santiago averaged 10.2 points a game and is a consistent scoring threat from the perimeter.
There was one game when Santiago had a breakout party.
“We were playing in Lawton and I scored something like 28 or 30 points. I don’t remember
exactly,” she said. “But that gave me so much confidence in my shooting.”
The self-assurance has helped Santiago test her capabilities.
“In practice, I’ve worked on the spin-pivot,” she said. “It’s something I’ve never really tried before.
Not sure if I will use it in a game, though.”
SANTIAGO
************************************************************
************************************************************
************************************************************
Basketball opens Tuesday
BAHS hosts Lawton High
Published:
Monday, November 30, 2009 11:11 AM CST
Basketball seasons at Broken Arrow High School open Tuesday and both teams face
a hectic week.
BAHS entertains Lawton High Tuesday at 6 p.m. for the girls and 7:30 p.m. for the
boys. The starting times are a half-hour earlier than usual.
Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students.
Both BAHS teams play the Four-State Classic Thursday through Saturday at Williard,
Mo.
FOUR STATE CLASSIC
at Willard, Mo.
Thursday Games
4:30 p.m. - Broken Arrow girls vs. Fort Scott, Kan.
6 p.m. - Willard girls vs. Rogers Heritage, Ark.
7:30 p.m. - Willard boys vs. Rogers Heritage, Ark.
9 p.m. - Broken Arrow boys vs. Fort Scott, Kan.
Friday Games
4:30 p.m. - Broken Arrow girls vs. Rogers Heritage, Ark.
6 p.m. - Willard girls vs. Fort Scott
7:30 p.m. - Willard boys vs. Fort Scott
9 p.m. - Broken Arrow boys vs. Rogers Heritage, Ark.
Saturday Games
1 p.m. - Rogers Heritage, Ark. girls vs. Fort Scott
2:30 p.m. - Broken Arrow girls vs. Willard
4:15 p.m. - Rogers Heritage, Ark. boys vs. Fort Scott
5:45 p.m. - Broken Arrow boys vs. Willard
BAHS hosts Lawton High
Published:
Monday, November 30, 2009 11:11 AM CST
Basketball seasons at Broken Arrow High School open Tuesday and both teams face
a hectic week.
BAHS entertains Lawton High Tuesday at 6 p.m. for the girls and 7:30 p.m. for the
boys. The starting times are a half-hour earlier than usual.
Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students.
Both BAHS teams play the Four-State Classic Thursday through Saturday at Williard,
Mo.
FOUR STATE CLASSIC
at Willard, Mo.
Thursday Games
4:30 p.m. - Broken Arrow girls vs. Fort Scott, Kan.
6 p.m. - Willard girls vs. Rogers Heritage, Ark.
7:30 p.m. - Willard boys vs. Rogers Heritage, Ark.
9 p.m. - Broken Arrow boys vs. Fort Scott, Kan.
Friday Games
4:30 p.m. - Broken Arrow girls vs. Rogers Heritage, Ark.
6 p.m. - Willard girls vs. Fort Scott
7:30 p.m. - Willard boys vs. Fort Scott
9 p.m. - Broken Arrow boys vs. Rogers Heritage, Ark.
Saturday Games
1 p.m. - Rogers Heritage, Ark. girls vs. Fort Scott
2:30 p.m. - Broken Arrow girls vs. Willard
4:15 p.m. - Rogers Heritage, Ark. boys vs. Fort Scott
5:45 p.m. - Broken Arrow boys vs. Willard
Howerton, Tigers thrash Lawton, 62-30
Broken Arrow cruises in season opener
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 10:13 PM CST
Broken Arrow High School has a rebounding contest in practice called “the war game.”
Each rebound is worth a point and the first team to seven wins. The loser have to run.
Senior Drew Howerton put that drill into good use Tuesday night.
With a team-high five rebounds and 15 points, Howerton sparked the Tigers to
convincing 62-30 victory over Lawton in the BAHS season opener at Tiger Field.
Howerton’s effort was born in that rebounding practice.
“My team never lost and I never had to run,” Howerton said, grinning. “All that work
paid off tonight.”
Howerton had three of his boards in the first half as the Tigers built a 28-17 lead at
the intermission.
“Drew went got those rebounds,” BAHS coach Rusty Stecker said. “Those were
rebounds nobody else could get.”
It was a crisp performance by the Tigers, who don’t play at home again until Jan. 17,
with a balanced attack.
Jake Toupal shared scoring honors with Howerton with 15 points and Tyson Reed
followed with a dozen, including 3-for-3 from 3-point range.
“I liked how we were unselfish and passed the ball around,” Stecker said. “We had
good intensity, too.”
The Tigers scored the game’s first eight points but Stecker wasn’t comfortable with
the 11-point lead at halftime.
“We talked about keeping a team down when you’ve got them down,” Stecker said.
“That’s something we struggled with last year.”
Not this game.
In the third quarter, BAHS outscored the Wolverines, 20-2, not allowing Lawton a field
goal for almost six minutes and forcing six turnovers.
“That might have been as good a quarter we’ve played in five or six years,” Stecker
said. “We got the momentum and they (Lawton) had a hard time getting anything
going.”
BAHS was 7-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-6 treys, in the third quarter and committed
only two turnovers.
The Tigers were 11-of-16 shooting 3-pointers and were 23-of-44 in total field goals in
the game.
Lawton, which made 17 turnovers, was 10-of-34 shooting and only 6-of-23 from inside
the arc.
BAHS plays three games in the Four State Classic beginning Thursday in Willard, Mo.
BROKEN ARROW 62, LAWTON 30
Lawton 9 8 2 11-30
Broken Arrow 17 11 20 14-62
LHS - Delvonte Pierre 8, Kendall Suttles 5, Craig Foster 4, Tevin Foster 4, Jalen
Jackson 3, Marcus Johnson 2, Howard Hughes 2, Mark Davis 2.
BA - Drew Howerton 15, Jake Toupal 15, Tyson Reed 10, Marnard Grant 5, Seth
Dennis 5, Chase Williams 5, John Gaynor 3, Cameron Terry 2.
Broken Arrow cruises in season opener
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 10:13 PM CST
Broken Arrow High School has a rebounding contest in practice called “the war game.”
Each rebound is worth a point and the first team to seven wins. The loser have to run.
Senior Drew Howerton put that drill into good use Tuesday night.
With a team-high five rebounds and 15 points, Howerton sparked the Tigers to
convincing 62-30 victory over Lawton in the BAHS season opener at Tiger Field.
Howerton’s effort was born in that rebounding practice.
“My team never lost and I never had to run,” Howerton said, grinning. “All that work
paid off tonight.”
Howerton had three of his boards in the first half as the Tigers built a 28-17 lead at
the intermission.
“Drew went got those rebounds,” BAHS coach Rusty Stecker said. “Those were
rebounds nobody else could get.”
It was a crisp performance by the Tigers, who don’t play at home again until Jan. 17,
with a balanced attack.
Jake Toupal shared scoring honors with Howerton with 15 points and Tyson Reed
followed with a dozen, including 3-for-3 from 3-point range.
“I liked how we were unselfish and passed the ball around,” Stecker said. “We had
good intensity, too.”
The Tigers scored the game’s first eight points but Stecker wasn’t comfortable with
the 11-point lead at halftime.
“We talked about keeping a team down when you’ve got them down,” Stecker said.
“That’s something we struggled with last year.”
Not this game.
In the third quarter, BAHS outscored the Wolverines, 20-2, not allowing Lawton a field
goal for almost six minutes and forcing six turnovers.
“That might have been as good a quarter we’ve played in five or six years,” Stecker
said. “We got the momentum and they (Lawton) had a hard time getting anything
going.”
BAHS was 7-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-6 treys, in the third quarter and committed
only two turnovers.
The Tigers were 11-of-16 shooting 3-pointers and were 23-of-44 in total field goals in
the game.
Lawton, which made 17 turnovers, was 10-of-34 shooting and only 6-of-23 from inside
the arc.
BAHS plays three games in the Four State Classic beginning Thursday in Willard, Mo.
BROKEN ARROW 62, LAWTON 30
Lawton 9 8 2 11-30
Broken Arrow 17 11 20 14-62
LHS - Delvonte Pierre 8, Kendall Suttles 5, Craig Foster 4, Tevin Foster 4, Jalen
Jackson 3, Marcus Johnson 2, Howard Hughes 2, Mark Davis 2.
BA - Drew Howerton 15, Jake Toupal 15, Tyson Reed 10, Marnard Grant 5, Seth
Dennis 5, Chase Williams 5, John Gaynor 3, Cameron Terry 2.
Lawton roars past Lady Tigers
Third quarter slump dooms BAHS, 54-38
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 10:16 PM CST
A good beginning to Broken Arrow High School’s season went sour Tuesday night.
The Lady Tigers raced to a nine-point against taller and more talented Lawton in the
girls basketball season opener.
Then, the wheels on BAHS’s chariot fell off.
Lawton went on a 15-2 flurry in the third quarter and pulled away for a 54-38 non-
conference victory at Tiger Fieldhouse.
“We got outplayed in the second half,” BAHS coach Ed Calhoon said. “They are a
good team. Hopefully we learned you can’t take a defensive play off against these
kind of teams.”
Broken Arrow was cruising in the second. A 3-pointer by Valerie Santiago capped a
10-4 spree that pushed the Lady Tigers in front, 25-16, with 2:54 before halftime.
“Then,” Calhoon said, shrugging his shoulders, “we got lax. Then we got sloppy (five
turnovers) and then we got in a panic mode.”
Lawton crept within 25-22 at halftime but by then the Lady Wolverines had momentum.
Santiago nailed a 3-pointer 90 seconds into the third quarter to give BAHS a 30-24
advantage. A layup by Chelsi Dennis three minutes later were the only points BAHS
scored.
Lawton parlayed two Lady Tiger mistakes in the buckets. One of those by Lacy
Reinke put LHS in front to stay, 31-30, and Lawton was just warming up.
In a six-minute stretch, after Dennis’ bucket, Lawton outscored BAHS, 9-0, and led 44-
32 with five minutes to play.
“We’ve got to learn defense is a 32-minute commitment,” Calhoon said.
Santiago led BAHS with 16 points and Dennis had 11. The Lady Tigers were 13-of-39
from the floor, including a meager 4-of-20 from 3-point range.
Lawton’s Kendra Suttles led all scorers with 23 points and the 6-2 post had nine
rebounds.
The Lady Tigers play in the Four State Classic Thursday through Saturday at Willard,
Mo.
LAWTON 54, BROKEN ARROW 38
Lawton 12 10 14 15-54
Broken Arrow 13 12 7 4-38
LHS - Kendra Suttles 23, Lacy Reinke 12, Christina Caddy 11, Kamika Austin 7,
Aleighya Love 2, Bree Meredith 2.
BA - Valerie Santiago 16, Chelsi Dennis 11, Sam Smith 9, Alexis Sanders 1.
Third quarter slump dooms BAHS, 54-38
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 10:16 PM CST
A good beginning to Broken Arrow High School’s season went sour Tuesday night.
The Lady Tigers raced to a nine-point against taller and more talented Lawton in the
girls basketball season opener.
Then, the wheels on BAHS’s chariot fell off.
Lawton went on a 15-2 flurry in the third quarter and pulled away for a 54-38 non-
conference victory at Tiger Fieldhouse.
“We got outplayed in the second half,” BAHS coach Ed Calhoon said. “They are a
good team. Hopefully we learned you can’t take a defensive play off against these
kind of teams.”
Broken Arrow was cruising in the second. A 3-pointer by Valerie Santiago capped a
10-4 spree that pushed the Lady Tigers in front, 25-16, with 2:54 before halftime.
“Then,” Calhoon said, shrugging his shoulders, “we got lax. Then we got sloppy (five
turnovers) and then we got in a panic mode.”
Lawton crept within 25-22 at halftime but by then the Lady Wolverines had momentum.
Santiago nailed a 3-pointer 90 seconds into the third quarter to give BAHS a 30-24
advantage. A layup by Chelsi Dennis three minutes later were the only points BAHS
scored.
Lawton parlayed two Lady Tiger mistakes in the buckets. One of those by Lacy
Reinke put LHS in front to stay, 31-30, and Lawton was just warming up.
In a six-minute stretch, after Dennis’ bucket, Lawton outscored BAHS, 9-0, and led 44-
32 with five minutes to play.
“We’ve got to learn defense is a 32-minute commitment,” Calhoon said.
Santiago led BAHS with 16 points and Dennis had 11. The Lady Tigers were 13-of-39
from the floor, including a meager 4-of-20 from 3-point range.
Lawton’s Kendra Suttles led all scorers with 23 points and the 6-2 post had nine
rebounds.
The Lady Tigers play in the Four State Classic Thursday through Saturday at Willard,
Mo.
LAWTON 54, BROKEN ARROW 38
Lawton 12 10 14 15-54
Broken Arrow 13 12 7 4-38
LHS - Kendra Suttles 23, Lacy Reinke 12, Christina Caddy 11, Kamika Austin 7,
Aleighya Love 2, Bree Meredith 2.
BA - Valerie Santiago 16, Chelsi Dennis 11, Sam Smith 9, Alexis Sanders 1.
************************************************************
************************************************************
Howerton, Tigers rain 3s on Missouri
Howerton has 7 of BAHS's 19 treys against Rogers Heritage
Published:
Saturday, December 5, 2009 5:00 PM CST
Ledger Staff Reports
WILLARD, Mo. — If air raid sirens here didn’t sound Friday
night, they should have.
Broken Arrow High School was raining 3-pointers on Four
State Classic and it was Rogers Heritage, Ark., that took
the shelling.
The Tigers set a tournament record with 19 treys and
buried the War Eagles, 84-42, to stay unbeaten in the
round robin.
Senior Drew Howerton had seven of the 3-pointers and led
all scorers with 26 points.
Meanwhile, five other Tigers had 3-pointers, shattering the
previous mark of 14 set 11 years ago.
“It was incredible,” BAHS assistant coach Roger Roth said. “We shot lights out. And,
everything we hit was straight twine. They might need new nets.”
Howerton capped his remarkable performance with his final 3-pointer Roth estimated
“to be at least a 30-footer.”
Howerton’s effort was akin to a pitcher during a no-hitter when nobody in the dugout
talks to the hurler.
“During timeouts, we just left Drew alone,” Roth said, laughing.
Roth said it was a group effort.
“Our guys were unselfish and did a good job finding the open guy,” Roth said.
BAHS head coach Rusty Stecker called it “pretty basketball and fun to watch.”
BAHS first seven field goals to start the game were 3-pointers. It wasn’t until the final
minute of the opening period when Marnard Grant had the first traditional basket for
the Tigers.
By half, Broken Arrow had 13 treys and a 51-17 lead.
The War Eagles were down 23-19 after the first quarter but couldn’t keep pace after
Broken Arrow began its trapping defense.
Jake Toupal had 15 points and John Gaynor 14 for the Tigers, now 3-0 on the season.
Broken Arrow plays host Willard at 5:45 p.m. Saturday.
BROKEN ARROW 85, ROGERS HERITAGE, Ark., 42
Broken Arrow 23 28 28 6-85
Rogers Heritage 19 8 11 4-42
BA - Drew Howerton 26, Jake Toupal 15, John Gaynor 14, Marnard Grant 12, Seth
Dennis 9, Tyson Reed 5, Chase Williams 2, Cameron Terry 1.
RH - Brozewkicwic 9, Olinger 6, Johnson 6, Warner 4, Stewart 4, Kimbrow 3, Lovecase
3, Jordan 2.
Howerton has 7 of BAHS's 19 treys against Rogers Heritage
Published:
Saturday, December 5, 2009 5:00 PM CST
Ledger Staff Reports
WILLARD, Mo. — If air raid sirens here didn’t sound Friday
night, they should have.
Broken Arrow High School was raining 3-pointers on Four
State Classic and it was Rogers Heritage, Ark., that took
the shelling.
The Tigers set a tournament record with 19 treys and
buried the War Eagles, 84-42, to stay unbeaten in the
round robin.
Senior Drew Howerton had seven of the 3-pointers and led
all scorers with 26 points.
Meanwhile, five other Tigers had 3-pointers, shattering the
previous mark of 14 set 11 years ago.
“It was incredible,” BAHS assistant coach Roger Roth said. “We shot lights out. And,
everything we hit was straight twine. They might need new nets.”
Howerton capped his remarkable performance with his final 3-pointer Roth estimated
“to be at least a 30-footer.”
Howerton’s effort was akin to a pitcher during a no-hitter when nobody in the dugout
talks to the hurler.
“During timeouts, we just left Drew alone,” Roth said, laughing.
Roth said it was a group effort.
“Our guys were unselfish and did a good job finding the open guy,” Roth said.
BAHS head coach Rusty Stecker called it “pretty basketball and fun to watch.”
BAHS first seven field goals to start the game were 3-pointers. It wasn’t until the final
minute of the opening period when Marnard Grant had the first traditional basket for
the Tigers.
By half, Broken Arrow had 13 treys and a 51-17 lead.
The War Eagles were down 23-19 after the first quarter but couldn’t keep pace after
Broken Arrow began its trapping defense.
Jake Toupal had 15 points and John Gaynor 14 for the Tigers, now 3-0 on the season.
Broken Arrow plays host Willard at 5:45 p.m. Saturday.
BROKEN ARROW 85, ROGERS HERITAGE, Ark., 42
Broken Arrow 23 28 28 6-85
Rogers Heritage 19 8 11 4-42
BA - Drew Howerton 26, Jake Toupal 15, John Gaynor 14, Marnard Grant 12, Seth
Dennis 9, Tyson Reed 5, Chase Williams 2, Cameron Terry 1.
RH - Brozewkicwic 9, Olinger 6, Johnson 6, Warner 4, Stewart 4, Kimbrow 3, Lovecase
3, Jordan 2.
DREW HOWERTON
************************************************************
Lady Tigers win again at classic
BAHS rolls by Rogers Heritage, 47-32
Published:
Friday, December 4, 2009 11:00 PM CST
Ledger Staff Reports
WILLARD, Mo. — First-year assistant coach Christi Martin played a game with the
Broken Arrow High School girls basketball team Friday afternoon.
During the shoot around, Martin did a team bonding exercise.
That evening, the Lady Tigers didn’t play games with Rogers Heritage in the second
round of the Four State Classic.
Broken Arrow dominated the War Eagles, 47-32, for their second victory in as many
days.
“The girls went out and played well as a team,” Martin said. “They were fun to watch.”
BAHS never trailed behind the quick start by junior Chelsi Dennis, who scored a team-
high 18 points.
Dennis had eight of her total in the first quarter and 14 by halftime when the Lady
Tigers established a commanding 31-12 lead on the Arkansas school.
Though Dennis was the only Lady Tiger in double figures, seven others got into the
scoring act as BAHS emptied its bench.
Broken Arrow led 14-10 after the first quarter but missed chances to break the game
open.
That happened in the second quarter when BAHS outscored the War Eagles, 17-2,
behind 3-pointers by Shanna Johnson, Valerie Santiago and Brooke Scott.
Scott, a junior, had a team-best seven rebounds while Dennis had five assists.
BAHS shuffled its defensive strategy and it paid dividends.
Instead of the all-out pressure, which BAHS head coach Ed Calhoon preaches, the
Lady Tigers altered the tempo.
“We pulled back, sagged and clogged the middle. If they were going to beat us, it was
going to be from the outside,” Martin said. “Sometimes, these things are beneficial.”
Heritage’s Danielle Schillinger led all scorers with 19 points but five other War Eagles
accounted for the other 13 points.
BAHS plays hosts Willard Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and is idle until traveling to Muskogee
Dec. 15.
BROKEN ARROW 47, ROGERS HERITAGE, Ark., 32
Broken Arrow 14 17 11 5-47
Rogers Heritage 10 2 4 16-32
BA - Chelsi Dennis 18, Valerie Santiago 9, Shanna Johnson 6, Brooke Scott 5, Sam
Smith 3, Ashleigh Boone 2, Jessica Sprung 2, Mannessah Miller 2.
RH - Danielle Schllinger 19, Hannah Hickman 3, Kelsey Layton 3, Chloe Zedlitz 3,
Larissa Portillo 2, Yalile Johnson 2.
BAHS rolls by Rogers Heritage, 47-32
Published:
Friday, December 4, 2009 11:00 PM CST
Ledger Staff Reports
WILLARD, Mo. — First-year assistant coach Christi Martin played a game with the
Broken Arrow High School girls basketball team Friday afternoon.
During the shoot around, Martin did a team bonding exercise.
That evening, the Lady Tigers didn’t play games with Rogers Heritage in the second
round of the Four State Classic.
Broken Arrow dominated the War Eagles, 47-32, for their second victory in as many
days.
“The girls went out and played well as a team,” Martin said. “They were fun to watch.”
BAHS never trailed behind the quick start by junior Chelsi Dennis, who scored a team-
high 18 points.
Dennis had eight of her total in the first quarter and 14 by halftime when the Lady
Tigers established a commanding 31-12 lead on the Arkansas school.
Though Dennis was the only Lady Tiger in double figures, seven others got into the
scoring act as BAHS emptied its bench.
Broken Arrow led 14-10 after the first quarter but missed chances to break the game
open.
That happened in the second quarter when BAHS outscored the War Eagles, 17-2,
behind 3-pointers by Shanna Johnson, Valerie Santiago and Brooke Scott.
Scott, a junior, had a team-best seven rebounds while Dennis had five assists.
BAHS shuffled its defensive strategy and it paid dividends.
Instead of the all-out pressure, which BAHS head coach Ed Calhoon preaches, the
Lady Tigers altered the tempo.
“We pulled back, sagged and clogged the middle. If they were going to beat us, it was
going to be from the outside,” Martin said. “Sometimes, these things are beneficial.”
Heritage’s Danielle Schillinger led all scorers with 19 points but five other War Eagles
accounted for the other 13 points.
BAHS plays hosts Willard Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and is idle until traveling to Muskogee
Dec. 15.
BROKEN ARROW 47, ROGERS HERITAGE, Ark., 32
Broken Arrow 14 17 11 5-47
Rogers Heritage 10 2 4 16-32
BA - Chelsi Dennis 18, Valerie Santiago 9, Shanna Johnson 6, Brooke Scott 5, Sam
Smith 3, Ashleigh Boone 2, Jessica Sprung 2, Mannessah Miller 2.
RH - Danielle Schllinger 19, Hannah Hickman 3, Kelsey Layton 3, Chloe Zedlitz 3,
Larissa Portillo 2, Yalile Johnson 2.
************************************************************
************************************************************
BAHS completes sweep at classic
Tigers improve to 4-0
Published:
Sunday, December 6, 2009 5:26 PM CST
Ledger Staff Reports
WILLARD, Mo. - Drew Howerton nor Broken Arrow High School enjoyed spectacular
3-point shooting Saturday at the Four State Classic.
A day earlier, Howerton canned seven of the Tigers' 19 treys in a romp over Rogers
Heritage, Ark.
Against host Willard Saturday, Howerton had just one 3-pointer and Broken Arrow
finished with five long-range buckets. It was a far cry from the record-setting
performance.
Yet, more important, the outcome was the same - a BAHS victory.
Jake Toupal, Manard Grant and Seth Dennis picked up the slack, teaming for 53
points to power the unbeaten Tigers to a 76-46 conquest of host Willard to complete
a three-game sweep in this round robin.
Howerton, who had 26 points against Rogers Heritage, finished with seven points as
BAHS improved to 4-0 on the season.
"I had a lot go in-and-out," Howerton said after the Willard game. "I couldn't get them
to go down."
Toupal, a senior, led all scorers with 25 points while Grant followed with 17 and
Dennis 11.
Like in the first two games this weekend, opponents played the Tigers even through
the first quarter before Broken Arrow got untracked.
"There seemed to be a trend," BAHS assistant Roger Roth said. "Once we'd get to the
second quarter, we'd get after it."
BAHS turned to its defense to change the tide. Against Willard, BAHS outscored the
Missourians, 44-18, over the next two quarters.
Howerton and Toupal received all-tournament honors while Broken Arrow now is 6-0
in this tournament over the last two years.
BAHS enters the Bartlesville Invitational Thursday against Tulsa Rogers at 8:30 p.m.
After the three-day tournament, the Tigers complete their first semester schedule
Dec. 15 at Muskogee in a Frontier Valley Conference game.
BROKEN ARROW 76, WILLARD, Mo., 46
Broken Arrow 15 21 23 17-76
Willard 16 9 9 12-46
BA - Jake Toupal 25, Manard Grant 17, Seth Dennis 11, Drew Howerton 7, Cameron
Terry 6, Tyson Reed 4, Jacob Shacklett 4, Evan Drake 2, John Gaynor 2.
WHS - Tim Huskisson 11, Skyler Frazier 9, Bobby Hampton 6, Brock Baker 5, Marc
Propst 4, Kyle Raby 4, Spencer Blacksher 3, Nik Dodson 2, Corey Weiland 2.
Tigers improve to 4-0
Published:
Sunday, December 6, 2009 5:26 PM CST
Ledger Staff Reports
WILLARD, Mo. - Drew Howerton nor Broken Arrow High School enjoyed spectacular
3-point shooting Saturday at the Four State Classic.
A day earlier, Howerton canned seven of the Tigers' 19 treys in a romp over Rogers
Heritage, Ark.
Against host Willard Saturday, Howerton had just one 3-pointer and Broken Arrow
finished with five long-range buckets. It was a far cry from the record-setting
performance.
Yet, more important, the outcome was the same - a BAHS victory.
Jake Toupal, Manard Grant and Seth Dennis picked up the slack, teaming for 53
points to power the unbeaten Tigers to a 76-46 conquest of host Willard to complete
a three-game sweep in this round robin.
Howerton, who had 26 points against Rogers Heritage, finished with seven points as
BAHS improved to 4-0 on the season.
"I had a lot go in-and-out," Howerton said after the Willard game. "I couldn't get them
to go down."
Toupal, a senior, led all scorers with 25 points while Grant followed with 17 and
Dennis 11.
Like in the first two games this weekend, opponents played the Tigers even through
the first quarter before Broken Arrow got untracked.
"There seemed to be a trend," BAHS assistant Roger Roth said. "Once we'd get to the
second quarter, we'd get after it."
BAHS turned to its defense to change the tide. Against Willard, BAHS outscored the
Missourians, 44-18, over the next two quarters.
Howerton and Toupal received all-tournament honors while Broken Arrow now is 6-0
in this tournament over the last two years.
BAHS enters the Bartlesville Invitational Thursday against Tulsa Rogers at 8:30 p.m.
After the three-day tournament, the Tigers complete their first semester schedule
Dec. 15 at Muskogee in a Frontier Valley Conference game.
BROKEN ARROW 76, WILLARD, Mo., 46
Broken Arrow 15 21 23 17-76
Willard 16 9 9 12-46
BA - Jake Toupal 25, Manard Grant 17, Seth Dennis 11, Drew Howerton 7, Cameron
Terry 6, Tyson Reed 4, Jacob Shacklett 4, Evan Drake 2, John Gaynor 2.
WHS - Tim Huskisson 11, Skyler Frazier 9, Bobby Hampton 6, Brock Baker 5, Marc
Propst 4, Kyle Raby 4, Spencer Blacksher 3, Nik Dodson 2, Corey Weiland 2.
Lady Tigers fall short, 59-56
On final day to host Willard, Mo.
Published:
Sunday, December 6, 2009 5:25 PM CST
Ledger Staff Reports
WILLARD, Mo. - Like a prize fight, Broken Arrow and Willard high schools went back
and forth Saturday afternoon.
In the end, Willard got in three more punches for a 59-56 victory over the Lady Tigers
on the last day of the Four State Classic.
"We could run with them," BAHS assistant coach Christi Martin said. "Willard just
out-executed us."
The Lady Tigers, who were 2-1 in this three-day round robin and now 2-2 on the
season, had a four point lead early in the fourth quarter but WHS put together a
surge in the last two minutes.
Martin, in her first season with the Lady Tigers, wasn't disappointed in Broken Arrow's
performance.
"Being the third game in three days, both teams were a little winded," Martin said.
"Still, 56 points is a pretty good showing.
"We're still looking for that chemistry."
Junior Chelsi Dennis led BAHS with 24 points and Valerie Santiago followed with 16.
Dennis was limited to four points in the first half but rallied for 10 points in each of the
last two quarters.
However, Willard's Brooke Duncan matched Dennis' points and had half of her total in
the fourth quarter.
Dennis and Santiago were voted to the all-tournament team.
The Lady Tigers received the Sportsmanship Award, voted by the tournament officials.
BAHS is idle until Dec. 15 when the Lady Tigers open Frontier Valley Conference play
at Muskogee.
WILLARD, Mo., 59, BROKEN ARROW 56
Broken Arrow 15 11 14 16-56
Willard 14 12 16 17-59
BA - Chelsi Dennis 24, Valerie Santiago 16, Shanna Johnson 9, Ashleigh Boone 4,
Brooke Scott 3.
WHS - Duncan 24, Cathercole 11, Wilcos 10, Creed 5, Willams 5, Allen 3, Scott 1.
On final day to host Willard, Mo.
Published:
Sunday, December 6, 2009 5:25 PM CST
Ledger Staff Reports
WILLARD, Mo. - Like a prize fight, Broken Arrow and Willard high schools went back
and forth Saturday afternoon.
In the end, Willard got in three more punches for a 59-56 victory over the Lady Tigers
on the last day of the Four State Classic.
"We could run with them," BAHS assistant coach Christi Martin said. "Willard just
out-executed us."
The Lady Tigers, who were 2-1 in this three-day round robin and now 2-2 on the
season, had a four point lead early in the fourth quarter but WHS put together a
surge in the last two minutes.
Martin, in her first season with the Lady Tigers, wasn't disappointed in Broken Arrow's
performance.
"Being the third game in three days, both teams were a little winded," Martin said.
"Still, 56 points is a pretty good showing.
"We're still looking for that chemistry."
Junior Chelsi Dennis led BAHS with 24 points and Valerie Santiago followed with 16.
Dennis was limited to four points in the first half but rallied for 10 points in each of the
last two quarters.
However, Willard's Brooke Duncan matched Dennis' points and had half of her total in
the fourth quarter.
Dennis and Santiago were voted to the all-tournament team.
The Lady Tigers received the Sportsmanship Award, voted by the tournament officials.
BAHS is idle until Dec. 15 when the Lady Tigers open Frontier Valley Conference play
at Muskogee.
WILLARD, Mo., 59, BROKEN ARROW 56
Broken Arrow 15 11 14 16-56
Willard 14 12 16 17-59
BA - Chelsi Dennis 24, Valerie Santiago 16, Shanna Johnson 9, Ashleigh Boone 4,
Brooke Scott 3.
WHS - Duncan 24, Cathercole 11, Wilcos 10, Creed 5, Willams 5, Allen 3, Scott 1.
Unbeaten Tigers enter B'ville tournament
Bench has given BAHS early-season boost
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 2:15 PM CST
Rusty Stecker couldn’t be happier with his Broken Arrow High School basketball team.
The unbeaten Tigers have outscored their first four opponents by 286-149.
BAHS is coming off an impressive first week with victories over Lawton (62-30) and
three more at the Four State Classic at Willard, Mo. – Fort Scott, Kan. (63-31),
Rogers Heritage, Ark., (85-42) and Willard (76-46).
Armed with that momentum, the Tigers might get a reality check this weekend at the
ConocoPhillips-Arvest Invitational at Bartlesville High School.
BAHS plays Tulsa Rogers at 8:30 p.m. Thursday in its first round game and a victory
pits the Tigers against the Bartlesville-Ardmore winner.
Also in the field are Putnam City West, Bentonville, Ark., Enid and Shawnee.
“We haven’t played a bad team,” Stecker said. “But, we haven’t played the likes of a
Putnam West, Bartlesville or Ardmore.”
Disregarding the margins of victory, Stecker liked what he saw in Missouri.
“We played really well and we played good defense,” Stecker said.
The Tigers have shown an early-season trend.
So far, in the first quarters, the Tigers have outscored opponents, 68-58.
But, in the second quarters, Broken Arrow has an 80-29 advantage.
“Our guys don’t letup in the first quarter,” Stecker said. “We are in pretty good
condition and able to keep pressure and wear them down.”
Much of the early-season success can be attributed to the bench, which was a
question mark, and Stecker praised Cameron Terry, John Gaynor, Chase Williams
and John Shacklett.
“Our bench as accepted their roles and that’s a big plus,” Stecker said.
Terry, a junior, may be the biggest surprise in the first week after he didn’t see varsity
playing time a year ago.
“Every time, Cameron has given us a lift when he goes onto the floor,” Stecker said.
“He’s got so much quickness and plays as hard as anyone.”
The 11th-year coach spotted an improvement from a year ago, when the Tigers won
their first 15 games.
“We are showing maturity and that’s something we struggled with last year,” Stecker
said.
Stecker cited the 30-point whipping of Willard in the final round of the Four State
Classic.
“A year ago, we had a 12-point lead in the second half and couldn’t handle it,”
Stecker said. “We let Willard back in the game and it was dogfight at the end (BAHS
won). This year, we didn’t let that happen.”
Following this weekend’s tournament, the Tigers close the first semester Dec. 15 at
Muskogee in a Frontier Valley Conference game.
CONOCOPHILLIPS-ARVEST INVITATIONAL
(Boys Tournament)
Bartlesville High School
Thursday: 4 p.m. - Putnam City West vs. Bentonville, Ark.; 5:30 p.m. - Enid vs.
Shawnee; 7 p.m. - Bartlesville vs. Ardmore; 8:30 p.m. - Broken Arrow vs. Tulsa
Rogers.
Friday: 4 p.m. - Putnam City West-Bentonville loser vs. Enid-Putnam City West loser;
5:30 p.m. - Bartlesville-Ardmore loser vs. Broken Arrow-Rogers loser; 7 p.m. - Putnam
City West-Bentonville winner vs. Enid-Shawnee winner; 8:30 p.m. - Bartlesville-
Ardmore winner vs. Broken Arrow-Rogers winner.
Saturday: Seventh place - noon; Fifth place - 1:30 p.m.; Third place - 3 p.m.;
Championship - 4:30 p.m.
Bench has given BAHS early-season boost
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 2:15 PM CST
Rusty Stecker couldn’t be happier with his Broken Arrow High School basketball team.
The unbeaten Tigers have outscored their first four opponents by 286-149.
BAHS is coming off an impressive first week with victories over Lawton (62-30) and
three more at the Four State Classic at Willard, Mo. – Fort Scott, Kan. (63-31),
Rogers Heritage, Ark., (85-42) and Willard (76-46).
Armed with that momentum, the Tigers might get a reality check this weekend at the
ConocoPhillips-Arvest Invitational at Bartlesville High School.
BAHS plays Tulsa Rogers at 8:30 p.m. Thursday in its first round game and a victory
pits the Tigers against the Bartlesville-Ardmore winner.
Also in the field are Putnam City West, Bentonville, Ark., Enid and Shawnee.
“We haven’t played a bad team,” Stecker said. “But, we haven’t played the likes of a
Putnam West, Bartlesville or Ardmore.”
Disregarding the margins of victory, Stecker liked what he saw in Missouri.
“We played really well and we played good defense,” Stecker said.
The Tigers have shown an early-season trend.
So far, in the first quarters, the Tigers have outscored opponents, 68-58.
But, in the second quarters, Broken Arrow has an 80-29 advantage.
“Our guys don’t letup in the first quarter,” Stecker said. “We are in pretty good
condition and able to keep pressure and wear them down.”
Much of the early-season success can be attributed to the bench, which was a
question mark, and Stecker praised Cameron Terry, John Gaynor, Chase Williams
and John Shacklett.
“Our bench as accepted their roles and that’s a big plus,” Stecker said.
Terry, a junior, may be the biggest surprise in the first week after he didn’t see varsity
playing time a year ago.
“Every time, Cameron has given us a lift when he goes onto the floor,” Stecker said.
“He’s got so much quickness and plays as hard as anyone.”
The 11th-year coach spotted an improvement from a year ago, when the Tigers won
their first 15 games.
“We are showing maturity and that’s something we struggled with last year,” Stecker
said.
Stecker cited the 30-point whipping of Willard in the final round of the Four State
Classic.
“A year ago, we had a 12-point lead in the second half and couldn’t handle it,”
Stecker said. “We let Willard back in the game and it was dogfight at the end (BAHS
won). This year, we didn’t let that happen.”
Following this weekend’s tournament, the Tigers close the first semester Dec. 15 at
Muskogee in a Frontier Valley Conference game.
CONOCOPHILLIPS-ARVEST INVITATIONAL
(Boys Tournament)
Bartlesville High School
Thursday: 4 p.m. - Putnam City West vs. Bentonville, Ark.; 5:30 p.m. - Enid vs.
Shawnee; 7 p.m. - Bartlesville vs. Ardmore; 8:30 p.m. - Broken Arrow vs. Tulsa
Rogers.
Friday: 4 p.m. - Putnam City West-Bentonville loser vs. Enid-Putnam City West loser;
5:30 p.m. - Bartlesville-Ardmore loser vs. Broken Arrow-Rogers loser; 7 p.m. - Putnam
City West-Bentonville winner vs. Enid-Shawnee winner; 8:30 p.m. - Bartlesville-
Ardmore winner vs. Broken Arrow-Rogers winner.
Saturday: Seventh place - noon; Fifth place - 1:30 p.m.; Third place - 3 p.m.;
Championship - 4:30 p.m.
************************************************************
Tigers advance to semifinals, 59-29
At tournament in Bartlesville
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Thursday, December 10, 2009 11:57 PM CST
BARTLESVILLE — It wasn’t spectacular and it wasn’t necessarily pretty.
Coach Rusty Stecker admitted it “was sloppy at times.”
But, the Broken Arrow High School coach couldn’t complain Thursday night.
“We accomplished what we wanted,” Stecker said after the Tigers’ 59-29 victory over
Tulsa Rogers at the ConocoPhillips and Arvest Bank Invitational.
The Tigers (5-0) got by with what they needed to advance to Friday’s 8:30 p.m.
semifinal against Ardmore at Bartlesville High School.
Ardmore (2-2) is ranked No. 4 in Class 5A and knocked off the host Bruins, 58-41.
The other semifinal pits top-seeded Putnam City West against Enid at 7 p.m.
PCW waxed Bentonville, Ark., 72-35, while Enid dumped Shawnee, 49-38.
Broken Arrow slugged its way past the winless Ropers shooting just 38 percent from
the field.
“There were a lot of times when we didn’t have a lot of focus,” Stecker said. “Yet,
there’s no reason to complain. We won by 30.”
The Ropers (0-5) managed one tie, that at 4-4, two minutes into the contest on a
bucket by Cornell Richardson.
But BAHS guard Tyson Reed popped his only 3-pointer and the Tigers never looked
back.
Reed, a senior, registered 10 of his game-high 18 points in the first quarter.
Reed was 3-for-3 from the floor and hit his only free throw attempt in the opening
eight minutes.
The grandson of Jerry Waymire, former BAHS girls basketball coach, Reed finished
the game by hitting 6-of-11 from the floor (5-of-7 from inside the arc) and perfect on
five free throws.
“Tyson did a lot of good things,” Stecker said. “He brought some energy.”
By half, the Tiger advantage had blossomed to 32-8 as Stecker emptied his four-man
bench in the second quarter.
Guard Evan Drake missed the game because of choir concert at BAHS but will be with
the club for the Ardmore game, Stecker said.
The Tigers were 20-of-53 from the field, including 5-of-23 from 3-point range.
In its last two games, BAHS has scored only 10 treys after nailing 19 in a victory last
Friday against Rogers, Ark., Heritage at the Four State Classic in Willard, Mo.
Jake Toupal had 15 points and Seth Dennis 10 to round out balanced scoring for the
Tigers.
Rogers was 14-of-41 (34 percent) from the field and didn’t get to shoot a free throw.
The Ropers, though, outrebounded BAHS, 29-27, but committed 16 turnovers while
the Tigers had four mechanical errors.
Drew Howerton and Dennis each had six rebounds for the Tigers. Richardson had
game rebounding honors with seven.
BROKEN ARROW 59, TULSA ROGERS 29
Tulsa Rogers 8 2 11 8-29
Broken Arrow 19 13 17 10-59
TR - Cornell Richardson 12, Trenton Thompson 7, Zach Carson 4, Keith Doyle 4,
Clayton Marshall 2.
BA - Tyson Reed 18, Jake Toupal 14, Seth Dennis 10, Chase Williams 5, Cameron
Terry 4, Manard Grant 4, Drew Howerton 3.
•
CONOCOPHILLIPS-ARVEST INVITATIONAL
First Round Scores
Putnam City West 72, Bentonville, Ark. 35
Enid 49, Shawnee 38
Ardmore 58, Bartlesville 41
Broken Arrow 59, Tulsa Rogers 29
Friday’s Games
4 p.m. - Bentonville vs. Shawnee
5:30 p.m. - Bartlesville vs. Tulsa Rogers.
7 p.m. - Putnam City West vs. Enid
8:30 p.m. - Broken Arrow vs. Ardmore.
Saturday’s Games: Seventh place - noon; Fifth place - 1:30 p.m.; Third place - 3 p.m.;
Championship - 4:30 p.m.
At tournament in Bartlesville
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Thursday, December 10, 2009 11:57 PM CST
BARTLESVILLE — It wasn’t spectacular and it wasn’t necessarily pretty.
Coach Rusty Stecker admitted it “was sloppy at times.”
But, the Broken Arrow High School coach couldn’t complain Thursday night.
“We accomplished what we wanted,” Stecker said after the Tigers’ 59-29 victory over
Tulsa Rogers at the ConocoPhillips and Arvest Bank Invitational.
The Tigers (5-0) got by with what they needed to advance to Friday’s 8:30 p.m.
semifinal against Ardmore at Bartlesville High School.
Ardmore (2-2) is ranked No. 4 in Class 5A and knocked off the host Bruins, 58-41.
The other semifinal pits top-seeded Putnam City West against Enid at 7 p.m.
PCW waxed Bentonville, Ark., 72-35, while Enid dumped Shawnee, 49-38.
Broken Arrow slugged its way past the winless Ropers shooting just 38 percent from
the field.
“There were a lot of times when we didn’t have a lot of focus,” Stecker said. “Yet,
there’s no reason to complain. We won by 30.”
The Ropers (0-5) managed one tie, that at 4-4, two minutes into the contest on a
bucket by Cornell Richardson.
But BAHS guard Tyson Reed popped his only 3-pointer and the Tigers never looked
back.
Reed, a senior, registered 10 of his game-high 18 points in the first quarter.
Reed was 3-for-3 from the floor and hit his only free throw attempt in the opening
eight minutes.
The grandson of Jerry Waymire, former BAHS girls basketball coach, Reed finished
the game by hitting 6-of-11 from the floor (5-of-7 from inside the arc) and perfect on
five free throws.
“Tyson did a lot of good things,” Stecker said. “He brought some energy.”
By half, the Tiger advantage had blossomed to 32-8 as Stecker emptied his four-man
bench in the second quarter.
Guard Evan Drake missed the game because of choir concert at BAHS but will be with
the club for the Ardmore game, Stecker said.
The Tigers were 20-of-53 from the field, including 5-of-23 from 3-point range.
In its last two games, BAHS has scored only 10 treys after nailing 19 in a victory last
Friday against Rogers, Ark., Heritage at the Four State Classic in Willard, Mo.
Jake Toupal had 15 points and Seth Dennis 10 to round out balanced scoring for the
Tigers.
Rogers was 14-of-41 (34 percent) from the field and didn’t get to shoot a free throw.
The Ropers, though, outrebounded BAHS, 29-27, but committed 16 turnovers while
the Tigers had four mechanical errors.
Drew Howerton and Dennis each had six rebounds for the Tigers. Richardson had
game rebounding honors with seven.
BROKEN ARROW 59, TULSA ROGERS 29
Tulsa Rogers 8 2 11 8-29
Broken Arrow 19 13 17 10-59
TR - Cornell Richardson 12, Trenton Thompson 7, Zach Carson 4, Keith Doyle 4,
Clayton Marshall 2.
BA - Tyson Reed 18, Jake Toupal 14, Seth Dennis 10, Chase Williams 5, Cameron
Terry 4, Manard Grant 4, Drew Howerton 3.
•
CONOCOPHILLIPS-ARVEST INVITATIONAL
First Round Scores
Putnam City West 72, Bentonville, Ark. 35
Enid 49, Shawnee 38
Ardmore 58, Bartlesville 41
Broken Arrow 59, Tulsa Rogers 29
Friday’s Games
4 p.m. - Bentonville vs. Shawnee
5:30 p.m. - Bartlesville vs. Tulsa Rogers.
7 p.m. - Putnam City West vs. Enid
8:30 p.m. - Broken Arrow vs. Ardmore.
Saturday’s Games: Seventh place - noon; Fifth place - 1:30 p.m.; Third place - 3 p.m.;
Championship - 4:30 p.m.
************************************************************
************************************************************
Tigers roar in Bartlesville
Hot-shooting BAHS reaches tournament final
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Saturday, December 12, 2009 12:32 AM CST
BARTLESVILLE - When Broken Arrow High School is hot, the Tigers are hard to stop.
Ardmore - like five other opponents - found out Friday night in the semifinals of the
ConocoPhillips and Arvest Invitational.
BAHS buried a dozen 3-pointers and knocked down Ardmore, 77-41, to advance to
Saturday's 4:30 p.m. championship against Putnam City West at Bartlesville High
School.
The Tigers (6-0) were 12-of-23 shooting 3 pointers and were 28-of-62 in total field
goals.
"We shot well but we were taking good shots," BAHS coach Rusty Stecker said. "Our
guys were unselfish with the ball."
Broken Arrow put on a shooting clinic for 3-pointers in the second half by downing
8-of-15 attempts, including 5-of-8 in the third quarter.
Junior Cameron Terry said the Tigers have named themselves "The Bomb Squad" for
BAHS's ability to shoot from behind the arc.
"The Bomb Squad definitely arrived in the third quarter," said Terry, who came off the
bench to score eight points without a trey.
Only 24 hours earlier, the Tigers beat Tulsa Rogers, 59-29, in the first in a lethargic
effort.
Stecker noted his club's intensity level was higher for Ardmore. Terry seconded that
notion.
"We should have played a lot better against Rogers," Terry said. "Tonight, we played
better against a better team."
Stecker praised Terry's performance.
"Cameron did a lot of positive things," Stecker said. "He brought a lot of energy to the
floor and made things happen."
Terry, in his first season with the varsity, defined his role.
"My job really isn't to score because we have plenty of guys who can do that," Terry
said. "I am supposed to play defense and get a few steals."
The Tiger defense forced Ardmore into 19 turnovers, 13 of those in the first half when
BAHS built a 37-18 lead at the intermission.
Senior Jake Toupal paved the way for the Tigers with a game-high 20 points which
included 4-of-6 3-point shooting.
Forward Seth Dennis, often matched against Ardmore's 6-7 post Cody Nall, had 15
points. Drew Howerton finished with 10 points, getting the last bucket of the first half
off an assist from Dennis.
BROKEN ARROW 77, ARDMORE 41
Broken Arrow 21 16 20 14-71
Ardmore 8 10 10 13-41
BAHS - Jake Toupal 20, Seth Dennis 15, Drew Howerton 10, Manard Grant 8, Chase
Williams 8, Cameron Terry 8, John Gaynor 5, Evan Drake 3.
AHS - Cody Nall 12, Trey Cohee 6, Treyon Grant 4, Rueben Tiller 4, Jarrod Halstead
4, Dre Johnson 3, Patrick Olden 3, Tylen Hulbert 3, Demontre Wright 2.
Hot-shooting BAHS reaches tournament final
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Saturday, December 12, 2009 12:32 AM CST
BARTLESVILLE - When Broken Arrow High School is hot, the Tigers are hard to stop.
Ardmore - like five other opponents - found out Friday night in the semifinals of the
ConocoPhillips and Arvest Invitational.
BAHS buried a dozen 3-pointers and knocked down Ardmore, 77-41, to advance to
Saturday's 4:30 p.m. championship against Putnam City West at Bartlesville High
School.
The Tigers (6-0) were 12-of-23 shooting 3 pointers and were 28-of-62 in total field
goals.
"We shot well but we were taking good shots," BAHS coach Rusty Stecker said. "Our
guys were unselfish with the ball."
Broken Arrow put on a shooting clinic for 3-pointers in the second half by downing
8-of-15 attempts, including 5-of-8 in the third quarter.
Junior Cameron Terry said the Tigers have named themselves "The Bomb Squad" for
BAHS's ability to shoot from behind the arc.
"The Bomb Squad definitely arrived in the third quarter," said Terry, who came off the
bench to score eight points without a trey.
Only 24 hours earlier, the Tigers beat Tulsa Rogers, 59-29, in the first in a lethargic
effort.
Stecker noted his club's intensity level was higher for Ardmore. Terry seconded that
notion.
"We should have played a lot better against Rogers," Terry said. "Tonight, we played
better against a better team."
Stecker praised Terry's performance.
"Cameron did a lot of positive things," Stecker said. "He brought a lot of energy to the
floor and made things happen."
Terry, in his first season with the varsity, defined his role.
"My job really isn't to score because we have plenty of guys who can do that," Terry
said. "I am supposed to play defense and get a few steals."
The Tiger defense forced Ardmore into 19 turnovers, 13 of those in the first half when
BAHS built a 37-18 lead at the intermission.
Senior Jake Toupal paved the way for the Tigers with a game-high 20 points which
included 4-of-6 3-point shooting.
Forward Seth Dennis, often matched against Ardmore's 6-7 post Cody Nall, had 15
points. Drew Howerton finished with 10 points, getting the last bucket of the first half
off an assist from Dennis.
BROKEN ARROW 77, ARDMORE 41
Broken Arrow 21 16 20 14-71
Ardmore 8 10 10 13-41
BAHS - Jake Toupal 20, Seth Dennis 15, Drew Howerton 10, Manard Grant 8, Chase
Williams 8, Cameron Terry 8, John Gaynor 5, Evan Drake 3.
AHS - Cody Nall 12, Trey Cohee 6, Treyon Grant 4, Rueben Tiller 4, Jarrod Halstead
4, Dre Johnson 3, Patrick Olden 3, Tylen Hulbert 3, Demontre Wright 2.
************************************************************
TIGERS CORRAL BARTLESVILLE CROWN
BAHS holds of Putnam City West, 74-70
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Saturday, December 12, 2009 7:13 PM CST
BARTLESVILLE - Broken Arrow High School passed a test Saturday afternoon and it
was a big challenge.
The Tigers, putting on a 3-point shooting clinic for the second straight game, turned
back highly-regarded Putnam City West, 74-70, to win the Conoco and Arvest
Invitational.
BAHS, now 7-0, downed 16 treys - 11 of those in first half - and knocked off its first
quality opponent.
The Tigers get another chance Tuesday with a Frontier Valley Conference game at
Muskogee.
But, there were some anxious moments down the stretch after PCW - ranked No. 1 or
No. 2 in Class 6A by various polls - nearly erased a 19-point deficit in the second half.
BAHS raced to that advantage by hitting 11-of-16 3-pointers in the first half and
finished the game by downing 16-of-26 from behind the arc.
"I've said from Day 1, we're going to live or die by the 3-pointer," Tiger coach Rusty
Stecker said. "When we shot like that, we have a chance to beat anybody. Believe, we
beat a very good team today."
In the last two games of this three-day tournament at Bartlesville High School, Broken
Arrow was 28-of-46 from 3-point range.
BAHS senior Jake Toupal, who led all scorers with 22 points, was 4-of-5 shooting
3-pointers and named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.
Teammate Seth Dennis, who had a team-best seven rebounds against the taller
Patriots, was named to the All-Tournament team.
The Tigers, who averaged 25-point victories in their first six games, watched PCW
(4-1) creep within 72-68 with less than 30 seconds remaining by forcing BAHS into
four fourth quarter turnovers with a fullcourt press.
Guard Manard Grant stemmed that tide for the Tigers by hitting two free throws with
24 seconds left to give the Tigers a 74-70 lead.
The Patriots, who got all but four points from the starting five, missed three shots - two
of those 3-point attempts - on their last possession.
"It showed our maturity," Toupal said, referring to BAHS hanging on. "It got tense but
we'll learn from this and do a better job taking care of the ball."
Stecker, in his 11th season, said his club will get stronger from this experience.
"We'll get better in our decision making," Stecker said. "We'll know when to shoot and
what shots we don't need to be taking."
Grant, who had 15 points, said he didn't get nervous.
"When you're in the game, it doesn't really bother you," Grant said, smiling. "You get
nervous on the bench. From there, you can't control things."
PC West stormed to a 10-0 lead in less than three minutes and it appeared Broken
Arrow was in trouble after missing its first four field goal tries.
Then suddenly, Toupal erupted with three straight 3-pointers to get the Tigers
untracked.
BAHS got its first lead at 28-27 late in the second quarter on a steal and layup by
Dennis. The teams traded the lead twice before Tyson Reed canned a trey for a
37-31 Tiger advantage.
With a 37-33 score at halftime, PCW's Tyler Neal hit a quick jumper but Grant and
Toupal countered with seven uncontested points to give BAHS its largest lead at
44-35 with 5:17 showing in the third quarter.
All five BAHS starters got into the 3-point act. Dennis was 4-for-7 while Howerton and
Grant each had three. Cameron Terry came off bench for a 3-pointer in the first half.
PCW's Amric Fields had a game-high 24 points and rebounding honors with eight for
the Patriots while Neal finished with 20.
Neal led PCW with 20 points while 6-9 Amric Fields had game-rebounding honors with
eight.
BROKEN ARROW 74, PUTNAM CITY WEST
Broken Arrow 18 19 21 16-74
Putnam City West 21 12 15 22-70
BA - Jake Toupal 2, Manard Grant 15, Seth Dennis 14, Tyson Reed 5, Cameron
Terry 5, Drew Howerton 4, Chase Williams 2.
PCW - Amric Fields 24, Tyler Neal 20, Kyndall Dudley 9, Joe Johnson 6, Kevin House
2, Johnny Smith 2.
BAHS holds of Putnam City West, 74-70
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Saturday, December 12, 2009 7:13 PM CST
BARTLESVILLE - Broken Arrow High School passed a test Saturday afternoon and it
was a big challenge.
The Tigers, putting on a 3-point shooting clinic for the second straight game, turned
back highly-regarded Putnam City West, 74-70, to win the Conoco and Arvest
Invitational.
BAHS, now 7-0, downed 16 treys - 11 of those in first half - and knocked off its first
quality opponent.
The Tigers get another chance Tuesday with a Frontier Valley Conference game at
Muskogee.
But, there were some anxious moments down the stretch after PCW - ranked No. 1 or
No. 2 in Class 6A by various polls - nearly erased a 19-point deficit in the second half.
BAHS raced to that advantage by hitting 11-of-16 3-pointers in the first half and
finished the game by downing 16-of-26 from behind the arc.
"I've said from Day 1, we're going to live or die by the 3-pointer," Tiger coach Rusty
Stecker said. "When we shot like that, we have a chance to beat anybody. Believe, we
beat a very good team today."
In the last two games of this three-day tournament at Bartlesville High School, Broken
Arrow was 28-of-46 from 3-point range.
BAHS senior Jake Toupal, who led all scorers with 22 points, was 4-of-5 shooting
3-pointers and named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.
Teammate Seth Dennis, who had a team-best seven rebounds against the taller
Patriots, was named to the All-Tournament team.
The Tigers, who averaged 25-point victories in their first six games, watched PCW
(4-1) creep within 72-68 with less than 30 seconds remaining by forcing BAHS into
four fourth quarter turnovers with a fullcourt press.
Guard Manard Grant stemmed that tide for the Tigers by hitting two free throws with
24 seconds left to give the Tigers a 74-70 lead.
The Patriots, who got all but four points from the starting five, missed three shots - two
of those 3-point attempts - on their last possession.
"It showed our maturity," Toupal said, referring to BAHS hanging on. "It got tense but
we'll learn from this and do a better job taking care of the ball."
Stecker, in his 11th season, said his club will get stronger from this experience.
"We'll get better in our decision making," Stecker said. "We'll know when to shoot and
what shots we don't need to be taking."
Grant, who had 15 points, said he didn't get nervous.
"When you're in the game, it doesn't really bother you," Grant said, smiling. "You get
nervous on the bench. From there, you can't control things."
PC West stormed to a 10-0 lead in less than three minutes and it appeared Broken
Arrow was in trouble after missing its first four field goal tries.
Then suddenly, Toupal erupted with three straight 3-pointers to get the Tigers
untracked.
BAHS got its first lead at 28-27 late in the second quarter on a steal and layup by
Dennis. The teams traded the lead twice before Tyson Reed canned a trey for a
37-31 Tiger advantage.
With a 37-33 score at halftime, PCW's Tyler Neal hit a quick jumper but Grant and
Toupal countered with seven uncontested points to give BAHS its largest lead at
44-35 with 5:17 showing in the third quarter.
All five BAHS starters got into the 3-point act. Dennis was 4-for-7 while Howerton and
Grant each had three. Cameron Terry came off bench for a 3-pointer in the first half.
PCW's Amric Fields had a game-high 24 points and rebounding honors with eight for
the Patriots while Neal finished with 20.
Neal led PCW with 20 points while 6-9 Amric Fields had game-rebounding honors with
eight.
BROKEN ARROW 74, PUTNAM CITY WEST
Broken Arrow 18 19 21 16-74
Putnam City West 21 12 15 22-70
BA - Jake Toupal 2, Manard Grant 15, Seth Dennis 14, Tyson Reed 5, Cameron
Terry 5, Drew Howerton 4, Chase Williams 2.
PCW - Amric Fields 24, Tyler Neal 20, Kyndall Dudley 9, Joe Johnson 6, Kevin House
2, Johnny Smith 2.
************************************************************
************************************************************
Tigers knock off Muskogee, 67-52
BAHS 8-0 going into Christmas break
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 11:54 PM CST
MUSKOGEE - As Jake Toupal put the finishing
touches on Broken Arrow High School's 67-52
victory over Muskogee Tuesday night, Tyson
Reed did a fist pump in the direction of the
small, but vocal Tiger following.
"Oh, yeah!" Reed yelled.
The BAHS students, standing along the rail,
replied in unison, "Oh, yeah!"
There was reason for a celebration because
BAHS had knocked off its second highly
regarded team in four days and improved
to 8-0 going into the Christmas holidays.
In was billed a battle of No. 1 vs. No. 2 -
whether it be the Tigers or the Roughers in
the top spot - Broken Arrow quieted a near-
capacity crowd at Milam Gymnasium in an
un-Tigerlike manner.
Known as 3-point shooting wizards, the Tigers
dismantled previously No. 1 Muskogee from
the inside.
BAHS scored only five 3-pointers but
shredded the Roughers by hitting 22-of-29
shots from inside the arc, many of those
layups.
On Saturday, the Tigers knocked down 16
treys in a 74-70 victory over Putnam City
West in the Bartlesville Invitational final.
Two of Broken Arrow's leading scorers, Toupal and Drew Howerton, didn't have a
3-pointer between them. That hadn't happened to either in at least a year.
Howerton - who was shadowed by Muskogee's 6-7 Oren Faulk - had a puzzled looked
when given that fact.
"That has to be the first time since last year," said Howerton, who had only six points
but was the Tigers' top rebounder with seven boards. "They (Muskogee) gave us
other stuff."
"But," said Toupal, who had 19 points by hitting 8-of-8 from inside the circle, "we took
what they gave us."
BAHS coach Rusty Stecker said his club was ready.
"We knew they were going to do defensively," Stecker said. "We played a different
style. We can play a lot of different styles. That something we couldn't do last year.
We did a good job with ball control and getting layups."
The Tigers had a 39-32 lead midway through the third quarter when Broken Arrow
went on an 11-0 flurry for a 50-32 lead going into the fourth quarter.
Toupal accounted for six of those points. Reed chipped in a tradition three-point and
Howerton had a short jumper, which started an exodus of Rougher fans to the parking
lot.
"We had so many different guys step up in so many ways," Stecker said. "It seemed
like it kept coming in waves."
Muskogee didn't get closer than 58-46 with just four minutes left but Tigers answered.
Seth Dennis, who had 19 points to share team scoring honors with Toupal, and
Manard Grant each had free throws to get BAHS back on track.
Dennis had three of Broken Arrow's five 3-pointers, all in the first half, and Reed had
the other two.
Reed, the Tiger point guard, finished 16 points, eight in each half.
Muskogee, which was 20-of-41 shooting, was led by Dante Wartson with a game-high
21 points and he was the only Rougher in double-digits. The 6-5 junior was the
game's top rebounder with 10.
When Broken Arrow plays again, it will be Jan. 5 against Checotah in the Shrine
Classic - at Milam Gymnasium.
BROKEN ARROW 67, MUSKOGEE 52
Broken Arrow 15 19 16 17-67
Muskogee 9 17 6 20-52
BA - Jake Toupal 19, Seth Dennis 19, Tyson Reed 16, Manard Grant 5, John Gaynor
2.
MHS - Dante Wartson 21, Adrion Webber 9, Devante Wilson 8, Oren Faulk 6, Jerome
Beasley 6, Breon Powell 2.
BAHS 8-0 going into Christmas break
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 11:54 PM CST
MUSKOGEE - As Jake Toupal put the finishing
touches on Broken Arrow High School's 67-52
victory over Muskogee Tuesday night, Tyson
Reed did a fist pump in the direction of the
small, but vocal Tiger following.
"Oh, yeah!" Reed yelled.
The BAHS students, standing along the rail,
replied in unison, "Oh, yeah!"
There was reason for a celebration because
BAHS had knocked off its second highly
regarded team in four days and improved
to 8-0 going into the Christmas holidays.
In was billed a battle of No. 1 vs. No. 2 -
whether it be the Tigers or the Roughers in
the top spot - Broken Arrow quieted a near-
capacity crowd at Milam Gymnasium in an
un-Tigerlike manner.
Known as 3-point shooting wizards, the Tigers
dismantled previously No. 1 Muskogee from
the inside.
BAHS scored only five 3-pointers but
shredded the Roughers by hitting 22-of-29
shots from inside the arc, many of those
layups.
On Saturday, the Tigers knocked down 16
treys in a 74-70 victory over Putnam City
West in the Bartlesville Invitational final.
Two of Broken Arrow's leading scorers, Toupal and Drew Howerton, didn't have a
3-pointer between them. That hadn't happened to either in at least a year.
Howerton - who was shadowed by Muskogee's 6-7 Oren Faulk - had a puzzled looked
when given that fact.
"That has to be the first time since last year," said Howerton, who had only six points
but was the Tigers' top rebounder with seven boards. "They (Muskogee) gave us
other stuff."
"But," said Toupal, who had 19 points by hitting 8-of-8 from inside the circle, "we took
what they gave us."
BAHS coach Rusty Stecker said his club was ready.
"We knew they were going to do defensively," Stecker said. "We played a different
style. We can play a lot of different styles. That something we couldn't do last year.
We did a good job with ball control and getting layups."
The Tigers had a 39-32 lead midway through the third quarter when Broken Arrow
went on an 11-0 flurry for a 50-32 lead going into the fourth quarter.
Toupal accounted for six of those points. Reed chipped in a tradition three-point and
Howerton had a short jumper, which started an exodus of Rougher fans to the parking
lot.
"We had so many different guys step up in so many ways," Stecker said. "It seemed
like it kept coming in waves."
Muskogee didn't get closer than 58-46 with just four minutes left but Tigers answered.
Seth Dennis, who had 19 points to share team scoring honors with Toupal, and
Manard Grant each had free throws to get BAHS back on track.
Dennis had three of Broken Arrow's five 3-pointers, all in the first half, and Reed had
the other two.
Reed, the Tiger point guard, finished 16 points, eight in each half.
Muskogee, which was 20-of-41 shooting, was led by Dante Wartson with a game-high
21 points and he was the only Rougher in double-digits. The 6-5 junior was the
game's top rebounder with 10.
When Broken Arrow plays again, it will be Jan. 5 against Checotah in the Shrine
Classic - at Milam Gymnasium.
BROKEN ARROW 67, MUSKOGEE 52
Broken Arrow 15 19 16 17-67
Muskogee 9 17 6 20-52
BA - Jake Toupal 19, Seth Dennis 19, Tyson Reed 16, Manard Grant 5, John Gaynor
2.
MHS - Dante Wartson 21, Adrion Webber 9, Devante Wilson 8, Oren Faulk 6, Jerome
Beasley 6, Breon Powell 2.
REBOUND TUSSLE — Broken Arrow
High School's Drew Howerton (20) and
Chase Williams (40) each try to grab
this missed Muskogee shot Tuesday
night in the Tigers' 67-52 road victory.
PHOTO COURTESY JOHN
HASLER/HASLERPRODUCTIONS.COM
High School's Drew Howerton (20) and
Chase Williams (40) each try to grab
this missed Muskogee shot Tuesday
night in the Tigers' 67-52 road victory.
PHOTO COURTESY JOHN
HASLER/HASLERPRODUCTIONS.COM
************************************************************
BA Black takes tourney title
Freshmen hold off Ponca City, 39-35
Published:
Thursday, December 17, 2009 12:12 PM CST
Ledger Staff Reports
SAND SPRINGS — Broken Arrow Black used offensive rebounding as its launching
pad to win the ninth-grade boys Sand Springs Invitational.
The Tigers scored numerous times on put-backs after missed shots and turned back
Ponca City, 39-35, in the title game.
Jordan Huffman, Kevin Barnett and Mitch Rovang teamed for 33 Tiger points, most of
those from offensive rebounds.
Huffman led Black in scoring with 13 points and Barnett had 10.
But, the biggest points were from Jordan Phelps, whose only three points were free
throws in the final minute.
The Tigers reached the final by knocking off Union Red, 50-45, behind 24 points from
Huffman.
Sand Springs Invitational
Championship
BROKEN ARROW BLACK 39, PONCA CITY 35
Broken Arrow Black 12 6 7 14-39
Ponca City 6 8 12 9-35
BA - Jordan Huffman 13, Kevin Barnett 10, Mitch Rovang 9, Frankie Davis 4, Jordan
Phelps 3.
Semifinal
BROKEN ARROW BLACK 50, UNION RED 45
Broken Arrow Black 13 7 13 17-50
Union Red 10 11 10 14-45
BA - Jordan Huffman 24, Mitch Rovang 8, Frankie Davis 7, Jordan Phelps 6, Kevin
Barnett 3, Caleb Monigold 2.
Freshmen hold off Ponca City, 39-35
Published:
Thursday, December 17, 2009 12:12 PM CST
Ledger Staff Reports
SAND SPRINGS — Broken Arrow Black used offensive rebounding as its launching
pad to win the ninth-grade boys Sand Springs Invitational.
The Tigers scored numerous times on put-backs after missed shots and turned back
Ponca City, 39-35, in the title game.
Jordan Huffman, Kevin Barnett and Mitch Rovang teamed for 33 Tiger points, most of
those from offensive rebounds.
Huffman led Black in scoring with 13 points and Barnett had 10.
But, the biggest points were from Jordan Phelps, whose only three points were free
throws in the final minute.
The Tigers reached the final by knocking off Union Red, 50-45, behind 24 points from
Huffman.
Sand Springs Invitational
Championship
BROKEN ARROW BLACK 39, PONCA CITY 35
Broken Arrow Black 12 6 7 14-39
Ponca City 6 8 12 9-35
BA - Jordan Huffman 13, Kevin Barnett 10, Mitch Rovang 9, Frankie Davis 4, Jordan
Phelps 3.
Semifinal
BROKEN ARROW BLACK 50, UNION RED 45
Broken Arrow Black 13 7 13 17-50
Union Red 10 11 10 14-45
BA - Jordan Huffman 24, Mitch Rovang 8, Frankie Davis 7, Jordan Phelps 6, Kevin
Barnett 3, Caleb Monigold 2.
CHAMPIONS — Broken Arrow Black won the freshmen boys championship at the Sand Springs
Invitational. Team members are, front row, from left, Jordan Huffman, managers Jasmine
Thompson and Alexis Mansker, Sterling Thompson, Caleb Monigold, Gabe Johnson, Jordan
Phelps, Caleb Howerton, Kevin Barnett, Tyler Meadows, Mitch Rovang, Frankie Davis, Evan Jones
and Coach Clifton Thompson.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Invitational. Team members are, front row, from left, Jordan Huffman, managers Jasmine
Thompson and Alexis Mansker, Sterling Thompson, Caleb Monigold, Gabe Johnson, Jordan
Phelps, Caleb Howerton, Kevin Barnett, Tyler Meadows, Mitch Rovang, Frankie Davis, Evan Jones
and Coach Clifton Thompson.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
************************************************************
Cold touch dooms Lady Tigers
Muskogee downs BAHS, 56-48
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 10:13 PM CST
MUSKOGEE - One statistic stood out to
Broken Arrow High School coach Ed
Calhoon - 17 missed free throws - in a
56-48 loss to Muskogee Tuesday.
The only thing colder than the Lady
Tigers' touch at the free throw line was
the temperature outside Milam
Gymnasium. BAHS was 22-of-39 from
the line and dropped to 2-3 on the
season.
Muskogee - which answers to
Rougherettes or Lady Roughers - was
worse shooting free throws (13-of-32)
but it got the Frontier Valley Conference
victory.
Broken Arrow, which hadn't played since
Dec. 5, had a 33-24 lead midway
through the third quarter but MHS began
to grab the momentum.
"We played hard but we panicked,"
Calhoon said.
Muskogee had overcome a 33-24
deficit in the third quarter but didn't
take the lead until Saleece Davis
canned a short jumper for a 46-44
edge with 4:51 left. Muskogee never
trailed after that.
BAHS was down 50-46 with four minutes
to play but missed on four straight free throws. Muskogee converted twice for buckets
and pushed its advantage to 54-46.
"This team is looking for its identity," Calhoon said. "It's not there yet."
The Lady Tigers were a meager 9-of-35 from inside the arc and 12-of-47 for the
game.
In an entertaining but erratic first half, the Lady Tigers forged to a 27-21 lead at the
break thanks to hitting 11-of-18 free throws.
BAHS trailed only once, after a quick bucket by Deanna Moore of Muskogee to open
the game and led by 24-14 midway through the second quarter.
While the Lady Tigers seemed in control, BAHS never had full control, letting MHS get
back into the contest by intermission.
Each team was charged with 11 turnovers and neither had a good shooting first half.
BAHS was 7-of-21 from the floor (2-of-5 3-pointers), led by Dennis with 12.
Junior Alexis Sanders came off the bench to grab five rebounds to help BAHS have an
18-11 edge on the boards.
Muskogee was 3-of-11 shooting 3-pointers and 8-of-25 overall.
Dennis led BAHS with 21 points and 11 rebounds for the Lady Tigers while Valerie
Santiago had 18 points.
Muskogee, led by Hy-Stancle with 13 points, got 35 points from its bench.
BAHS is idle until Jan. 4 at the Muskogee Shrine Classic.
MUSKOGEE 56, BROKEN ARROW 48
Broken Arrow 10 17 13 8-48
Muskogee 8 13 16 19-56
BA - Valerie Santiago 21, Chelsi Dennis 18, Shanna Johnson 5, Sam Smith 2, Alexis
Sanders 1, Sierra Keys 1.
MHS - Hy-C Stancle 13, Saleece Davis 9, Alexus Wilson 7, Kelsey McClure 7, Deanna
Moore 6, Chelsie Keys 4, Katherine Wood 3, Morgan Walker 3, Melanie Perryman 2,
Melanie Walker 2.
Muskogee downs BAHS, 56-48
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 10:13 PM CST
MUSKOGEE - One statistic stood out to
Broken Arrow High School coach Ed
Calhoon - 17 missed free throws - in a
56-48 loss to Muskogee Tuesday.
The only thing colder than the Lady
Tigers' touch at the free throw line was
the temperature outside Milam
Gymnasium. BAHS was 22-of-39 from
the line and dropped to 2-3 on the
season.
Muskogee - which answers to
Rougherettes or Lady Roughers - was
worse shooting free throws (13-of-32)
but it got the Frontier Valley Conference
victory.
Broken Arrow, which hadn't played since
Dec. 5, had a 33-24 lead midway
through the third quarter but MHS began
to grab the momentum.
"We played hard but we panicked,"
Calhoon said.
Muskogee had overcome a 33-24
deficit in the third quarter but didn't
take the lead until Saleece Davis
canned a short jumper for a 46-44
edge with 4:51 left. Muskogee never
trailed after that.
BAHS was down 50-46 with four minutes
to play but missed on four straight free throws. Muskogee converted twice for buckets
and pushed its advantage to 54-46.
"This team is looking for its identity," Calhoon said. "It's not there yet."
The Lady Tigers were a meager 9-of-35 from inside the arc and 12-of-47 for the
game.
In an entertaining but erratic first half, the Lady Tigers forged to a 27-21 lead at the
break thanks to hitting 11-of-18 free throws.
BAHS trailed only once, after a quick bucket by Deanna Moore of Muskogee to open
the game and led by 24-14 midway through the second quarter.
While the Lady Tigers seemed in control, BAHS never had full control, letting MHS get
back into the contest by intermission.
Each team was charged with 11 turnovers and neither had a good shooting first half.
BAHS was 7-of-21 from the floor (2-of-5 3-pointers), led by Dennis with 12.
Junior Alexis Sanders came off the bench to grab five rebounds to help BAHS have an
18-11 edge on the boards.
Muskogee was 3-of-11 shooting 3-pointers and 8-of-25 overall.
Dennis led BAHS with 21 points and 11 rebounds for the Lady Tigers while Valerie
Santiago had 18 points.
Muskogee, led by Hy-Stancle with 13 points, got 35 points from its bench.
BAHS is idle until Jan. 4 at the Muskogee Shrine Classic.
MUSKOGEE 56, BROKEN ARROW 48
Broken Arrow 10 17 13 8-48
Muskogee 8 13 16 19-56
BA - Valerie Santiago 21, Chelsi Dennis 18, Shanna Johnson 5, Sam Smith 2, Alexis
Sanders 1, Sierra Keys 1.
MHS - Hy-C Stancle 13, Saleece Davis 9, Alexus Wilson 7, Kelsey McClure 7, Deanna
Moore 6, Chelsie Keys 4, Katherine Wood 3, Morgan Walker 3, Melanie Perryman 2,
Melanie Walker 2.
STUFFED — Broken Arrow High School's
Shanna Johnson (10) blocks this lay-up
attempt by Muskogee's Morgan Walker
(14) Tuesday night. Muskogee won the
Frontier Valley Conference contest, 56-48,
in Muskogee.
PHOTO COURTESY JOHN
HASLER/HASLERPRODUCTIONS.COM
Shanna Johnson (10) blocks this lay-up
attempt by Muskogee's Morgan Walker
(14) Tuesday night. Muskogee won the
Frontier Valley Conference contest, 56-48,
in Muskogee.
PHOTO COURTESY JOHN
HASLER/HASLERPRODUCTIONS.COM
Gaynor making noise for Tigers
Senior helps BAHS to 8-0 start
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, December 23, 2009 8:50 AM CST
If Broken Arrow High School basketball coach Rusty Stecker
only knew the real John Gaynor.
“John,” Stecker said, “is one of the quietest guys on our
team. He doesn’t say very much.”
Gaynor, a senior, chuckled. That’s hardly the case.
A key reserve for the unbeaten Tigers, Gaynor isn’t
boisterous and his performance – in practice and games –
speak volumes.
Gaynor, who didn’t play basketball two years ago because
of a hand injury – isn’t quiet, though, especially in practice
against the BAHS starters.
“Oh,” Gaynor said, his eyes lighting up, “I do a lot of talking
while I am guarding those guys. I just do it softly so coach Stecker doesn’t hear me.”
Gaynor’s prime target is classmate Jake Toupal.
“I am all over him, everyday, because Jake wants everything to be so perfect,” Gaynor
said, laughing. “My job is to push and make him better. In practice, I can get away with
a few fouls. I get to him sometimes but not all the time.”
Gaynor, who didn’t a get stitch of varsity time a year ago, takes personal pride in
gouging point guard Tyson Reed.
“Tyson is my favorite because he’s my best friend,” Gaynor said. “I do lot of talking to
Tyson but I don’t get to guard him all that much.”
Don’t believe for a second Stecker doesn’t know Gaynor.
“He’s an outstanding young man, who will carry on a conversation,” Stecker said.
“John isn’t that vocal kind of player. But, he’ll do what you ask and give you everything
he has.”
He is one of the first bench players Stecker calls upon in a game.
Gaynor accepts that role “even if it’s just for a minute,” Stecker said. “And, he always
seems happy do it.”
“However I can fit and whatever I can do for the team is important,” Gaynor said. “If I
can contribute, I will do whatever it takes.”
Gaynor couldn’t play basketball in 10th grade after playing his entire freshman
season with a fractured hand.
“It hurt but I didn’t tell anybody because we had a good team,” Gaynor said. “I figured I
would play through it. I’d played through pain before.”
X-rays proved a bone fracture in his right hand, which he used for shooting, writing
and eating.
Since he delayed the doctor’s visit, Gaynor was forced to wear a cast up to his elbow
– which included a bone stimulator – for the next 11 months.
“The bone had grown back wrong,” said Gaynor, who adjusted his lifestyle. “I should
have gone to the doctor when I first hurt my hand. I’d love to have that (sophomore)
year back.”
As a 10th grader, Gaynor began writing left-handed, eating left-handed and shooting
the basketball as a southpaw.
“Actually, I got pretty good at all three,” Gaynor said. “Guess I don’t need those skills
anymore.”
Senior helps BAHS to 8-0 start
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, December 23, 2009 8:50 AM CST
If Broken Arrow High School basketball coach Rusty Stecker
only knew the real John Gaynor.
“John,” Stecker said, “is one of the quietest guys on our
team. He doesn’t say very much.”
Gaynor, a senior, chuckled. That’s hardly the case.
A key reserve for the unbeaten Tigers, Gaynor isn’t
boisterous and his performance – in practice and games –
speak volumes.
Gaynor, who didn’t play basketball two years ago because
of a hand injury – isn’t quiet, though, especially in practice
against the BAHS starters.
“Oh,” Gaynor said, his eyes lighting up, “I do a lot of talking
while I am guarding those guys. I just do it softly so coach Stecker doesn’t hear me.”
Gaynor’s prime target is classmate Jake Toupal.
“I am all over him, everyday, because Jake wants everything to be so perfect,” Gaynor
said, laughing. “My job is to push and make him better. In practice, I can get away with
a few fouls. I get to him sometimes but not all the time.”
Gaynor, who didn’t a get stitch of varsity time a year ago, takes personal pride in
gouging point guard Tyson Reed.
“Tyson is my favorite because he’s my best friend,” Gaynor said. “I do lot of talking to
Tyson but I don’t get to guard him all that much.”
Don’t believe for a second Stecker doesn’t know Gaynor.
“He’s an outstanding young man, who will carry on a conversation,” Stecker said.
“John isn’t that vocal kind of player. But, he’ll do what you ask and give you everything
he has.”
He is one of the first bench players Stecker calls upon in a game.
Gaynor accepts that role “even if it’s just for a minute,” Stecker said. “And, he always
seems happy do it.”
“However I can fit and whatever I can do for the team is important,” Gaynor said. “If I
can contribute, I will do whatever it takes.”
Gaynor couldn’t play basketball in 10th grade after playing his entire freshman
season with a fractured hand.
“It hurt but I didn’t tell anybody because we had a good team,” Gaynor said. “I figured I
would play through it. I’d played through pain before.”
X-rays proved a bone fracture in his right hand, which he used for shooting, writing
and eating.
Since he delayed the doctor’s visit, Gaynor was forced to wear a cast up to his elbow
– which included a bone stimulator – for the next 11 months.
“The bone had grown back wrong,” said Gaynor, who adjusted his lifestyle. “I should
have gone to the doctor when I first hurt my hand. I’d love to have that (sophomore)
year back.”
As a 10th grader, Gaynor began writing left-handed, eating left-handed and shooting
the basketball as a southpaw.
“Actually, I got pretty good at all three,” Gaynor said. “Guess I don’t need those skills
anymore.”
JOHN GAYNOR
************************************************************
Shrine Classic awaits BAHS basketball
Wrestlers resume Jan. 7
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 9:01 AM CST
Who could blame the Bedouin Shrine Classic officials for keeping watch on Old Man
Winter and keeping their fingers crossed.
Broken Arrow High School basketball coaches Rusty Stecker and Ed Calhoon have
joined the vigil.
Two years ago, a major ice storm ravaged Muskogee and cancelled the annual
tournament.
That was 2008, the first time in almost a decade Broken Arrow High School had been
invited to that tournament.
Just 12 months ago, BAHS created another storm when the Tigers and Lady Tigers
swept the tournament championships.
In five days, the Broken Arrow teams begin defense of those tournament titles.
The top-seeded Lady Tigers face Astec Charter School from Oklahoma City at 4:30 p.
m. Monday at the Muskogee Civic Assembly Center.
A year ago, Calhoon’s club came of age in this tournament and finished the season
20-7.
Tigers, now 8-0 and ranked No. 1 in several polls, play Checotah at 9 p.m. Tuesday
at Muskogee High School in a first round game.
Both BAHS teams are favored and are expected to play Jan. 8 in the semifinals.
There is a different twist for Stecker’s club, which was favored last year.
This time, the Tigers are the No. 2 seed and expected to meet favored Muskogee Jan.
9 in a finals rematch.
The seedings were determined in November before the Tigers knocked off coach
Terry Scott’s team, 67-52, in a regular season game at MHS.
The recent winter onslaught may have tournament officials on edge. That white
Christmas stuff took an edge off BAHS, when Monday practices were scrubbed
because of road conditions.
•
Wrestlers resume Jan. 7 at Ponca City
When BAHS wrestling returns to action, it will be a rapid fire road trip for coach Shawn
Jones’ Tigers with five events in a five-day stretch.
Beginning with a Jan. 5 dual at Ponca City, the Tigers have District 6A-8 duals with
Norman and Midwest City Jan. 7. On that same day, BAHS has a match with Norman
North.
BAHS caps that flurry with the Geary Invitational Jan. 8-9.
The Tigers split their season opening duals, beating Claremore and losing to
Muskogee in successive nights.
Broken Arrow closed the first semester with five placers at the nationally acclaimed
Walsh Ironman in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
— — —
BEDUOIN SHRINE CLASSIC
Jan. 4-9, 2010 • Muskogee
Large School Boys
Monday, Jan. 4: Muskogee vs. Astec (Civic Center), 6 p.m.; McAlester vs. Hilldale
(Muskogee High), 9 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 5: Wagoner vs. Tahlequah (Civic Center), 9 p.m.; Broken Arrow vs.
Checotah (Muskogee High), 9 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 7: Muskogee-Astec loser vs. Wagoner-Tahlequah loser (Muskogee
High), 9 p.m.; McAlester-Hilldale loser vs. Checotah-Broken Arrow loser (Civic
Center), 9 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 8: Muskogee-Astec winner vs. Wagoner-Tahlequah winner (Muskogee
High), 9 p.m.; McAlester-Hilldale winner vs. Checotah-Broken Arrow winner (Civic
Center), 9 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 9: Seventh place - Hilldale High, 1:30 p.m.; Fifth place - Muskogee
High, 1:30 p.m.; Third place - Civic Center, 1:30 p.m.; Championship - Civic Center, 9
p.m.
LARGE SCHOOL GIRLS
Monday, Jan. 4: Broken Arrow vs. Astec (Civic Center), 4:30 p.m.; Hilldale vs.
McAlester (Muskogee High), 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 5: Muskogee vs. Tahlequah (Civic Center), 7:30 p.m.; Wagoner vs.
Checotah (Muskogee High), 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 7: Broken Arrow-Astec loser vs. Muskogee-Tahlequah loser
(Muskogee High), 7:30 p.m.; Wagoner-Checotah loser vs. Hilldale-Wagoner loser
(Civic Center), 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 8: Broken Arrow-Astec winner vs. Muskogee-Tahlequah winner
(Muskogee High), 7:30 p.m.; Wagoner-Checotah winner vs. Hilldale-McAlester winner
(Civic Center), 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 9: Seventh place - Hilldale High, noon; Fifth place - Muskogee High,
noon; Third place - Civic Center, noon; Championship - Civic Center, 7:30 p.m.
•
SMALL SCHOOL BOYS
Monday, Jan. 4: Preston vs. Warner (Muskogee High School), 6 p.m.; Chouteau vs.
Oktaha (Civic Center), 9 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 5: Porter vs. Haskell (Civic Center), 6 p.m.; Hulbert vs. Spiro
(Muskogee High School), 6 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 7: Preston-Warner loser vs. Porter-Haskell loser (Civic Center), 6 p.
m.; Hulbert-Spiro loser vs. Chouteau-Oktaha loser (Muskogee High School), 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 8: Preston-Warner winner vs. Porter-Haskell winner (Civic Center), 6 p.
m.; Hulbert-Spiro winner vs. Chouteau-Oktaha winner (Muskogee High School), 6 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 9: Seventh place - Hilldale High School, 10:30 a.m.; Fifth place -
Muskogee High School, 10:30 a.m.; Third place - Civic Center, 10:30 a.m.;
Championship - Civic Center, 6 p.m.
SMALL SCHOOL GIRLS
Monday, Jan. 4: Warner vs. Preston (Muskogee High School), 4:30 p.m.; Oktaha vs.
Porter (Civic Center), 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 5: Haskell vs. Chouteau (Civic Center), 4:30 p.m.; Hulbert-Spiro
(Muskogee High School), 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 7: Oktaha-Porter loser vs. Haskell-Chouteau loser (Muskogee High
School), 4:30 p.m.; Hulbert-Spiro loser vs. Warner-Preston loser (Civic Center), 4:30
p.m.
Friday: Jan. 8: Oktaha-Porter winner vs. Haskell-Chouteau winner (Muskogee High
School), 4:30 p.m.; Hulbert-Spiro winner vs. Warner-Preston winner (Civic Center),
4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 9: Seventh place- Hilldale High School, 9 a.m.; Fifth place - Muskogee
High School, 9 a.m.; Third place - Civic Center, 9 a.m.; Championship - Civic Center,
4:30 p.m.
Wrestlers resume Jan. 7
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 9:01 AM CST
Who could blame the Bedouin Shrine Classic officials for keeping watch on Old Man
Winter and keeping their fingers crossed.
Broken Arrow High School basketball coaches Rusty Stecker and Ed Calhoon have
joined the vigil.
Two years ago, a major ice storm ravaged Muskogee and cancelled the annual
tournament.
That was 2008, the first time in almost a decade Broken Arrow High School had been
invited to that tournament.
Just 12 months ago, BAHS created another storm when the Tigers and Lady Tigers
swept the tournament championships.
In five days, the Broken Arrow teams begin defense of those tournament titles.
The top-seeded Lady Tigers face Astec Charter School from Oklahoma City at 4:30 p.
m. Monday at the Muskogee Civic Assembly Center.
A year ago, Calhoon’s club came of age in this tournament and finished the season
20-7.
Tigers, now 8-0 and ranked No. 1 in several polls, play Checotah at 9 p.m. Tuesday
at Muskogee High School in a first round game.
Both BAHS teams are favored and are expected to play Jan. 8 in the semifinals.
There is a different twist for Stecker’s club, which was favored last year.
This time, the Tigers are the No. 2 seed and expected to meet favored Muskogee Jan.
9 in a finals rematch.
The seedings were determined in November before the Tigers knocked off coach
Terry Scott’s team, 67-52, in a regular season game at MHS.
The recent winter onslaught may have tournament officials on edge. That white
Christmas stuff took an edge off BAHS, when Monday practices were scrubbed
because of road conditions.
•
Wrestlers resume Jan. 7 at Ponca City
When BAHS wrestling returns to action, it will be a rapid fire road trip for coach Shawn
Jones’ Tigers with five events in a five-day stretch.
Beginning with a Jan. 5 dual at Ponca City, the Tigers have District 6A-8 duals with
Norman and Midwest City Jan. 7. On that same day, BAHS has a match with Norman
North.
BAHS caps that flurry with the Geary Invitational Jan. 8-9.
The Tigers split their season opening duals, beating Claremore and losing to
Muskogee in successive nights.
Broken Arrow closed the first semester with five placers at the nationally acclaimed
Walsh Ironman in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
— — —
BEDUOIN SHRINE CLASSIC
Jan. 4-9, 2010 • Muskogee
Large School Boys
Monday, Jan. 4: Muskogee vs. Astec (Civic Center), 6 p.m.; McAlester vs. Hilldale
(Muskogee High), 9 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 5: Wagoner vs. Tahlequah (Civic Center), 9 p.m.; Broken Arrow vs.
Checotah (Muskogee High), 9 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 7: Muskogee-Astec loser vs. Wagoner-Tahlequah loser (Muskogee
High), 9 p.m.; McAlester-Hilldale loser vs. Checotah-Broken Arrow loser (Civic
Center), 9 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 8: Muskogee-Astec winner vs. Wagoner-Tahlequah winner (Muskogee
High), 9 p.m.; McAlester-Hilldale winner vs. Checotah-Broken Arrow winner (Civic
Center), 9 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 9: Seventh place - Hilldale High, 1:30 p.m.; Fifth place - Muskogee
High, 1:30 p.m.; Third place - Civic Center, 1:30 p.m.; Championship - Civic Center, 9
p.m.
LARGE SCHOOL GIRLS
Monday, Jan. 4: Broken Arrow vs. Astec (Civic Center), 4:30 p.m.; Hilldale vs.
McAlester (Muskogee High), 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 5: Muskogee vs. Tahlequah (Civic Center), 7:30 p.m.; Wagoner vs.
Checotah (Muskogee High), 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 7: Broken Arrow-Astec loser vs. Muskogee-Tahlequah loser
(Muskogee High), 7:30 p.m.; Wagoner-Checotah loser vs. Hilldale-Wagoner loser
(Civic Center), 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 8: Broken Arrow-Astec winner vs. Muskogee-Tahlequah winner
(Muskogee High), 7:30 p.m.; Wagoner-Checotah winner vs. Hilldale-McAlester winner
(Civic Center), 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 9: Seventh place - Hilldale High, noon; Fifth place - Muskogee High,
noon; Third place - Civic Center, noon; Championship - Civic Center, 7:30 p.m.
•
SMALL SCHOOL BOYS
Monday, Jan. 4: Preston vs. Warner (Muskogee High School), 6 p.m.; Chouteau vs.
Oktaha (Civic Center), 9 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 5: Porter vs. Haskell (Civic Center), 6 p.m.; Hulbert vs. Spiro
(Muskogee High School), 6 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 7: Preston-Warner loser vs. Porter-Haskell loser (Civic Center), 6 p.
m.; Hulbert-Spiro loser vs. Chouteau-Oktaha loser (Muskogee High School), 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 8: Preston-Warner winner vs. Porter-Haskell winner (Civic Center), 6 p.
m.; Hulbert-Spiro winner vs. Chouteau-Oktaha winner (Muskogee High School), 6 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 9: Seventh place - Hilldale High School, 10:30 a.m.; Fifth place -
Muskogee High School, 10:30 a.m.; Third place - Civic Center, 10:30 a.m.;
Championship - Civic Center, 6 p.m.
SMALL SCHOOL GIRLS
Monday, Jan. 4: Warner vs. Preston (Muskogee High School), 4:30 p.m.; Oktaha vs.
Porter (Civic Center), 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 5: Haskell vs. Chouteau (Civic Center), 4:30 p.m.; Hulbert-Spiro
(Muskogee High School), 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 7: Oktaha-Porter loser vs. Haskell-Chouteau loser (Muskogee High
School), 4:30 p.m.; Hulbert-Spiro loser vs. Warner-Preston loser (Civic Center), 4:30
p.m.
Friday: Jan. 8: Oktaha-Porter winner vs. Haskell-Chouteau winner (Muskogee High
School), 4:30 p.m.; Hulbert-Spiro winner vs. Warner-Preston winner (Civic Center),
4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 9: Seventh place- Hilldale High School, 9 a.m.; Fifth place - Muskogee
High School, 9 a.m.; Third place - Civic Center, 9 a.m.; Championship - Civic Center,
4:30 p.m.
************************************************************
Easy victory for Lady Tigers
BAHS advances to Shrine Classic semifinal
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Monday, January 4, 2010 6:11 PM CST
MUSKOGEE - Ed Calhoon is credited with the only drama surrounding Broken High
School's first round victory Monday at the Bedouin Shrine Classic.
When the Lady Tigers hadn't arrived 40 minutes before tipoff against Astec Charter
School, tournament director Leonard Branan was getting nervous.
At about that time, the BAHS coach and his team arrived at the Muskogee Civic
Center.
The Lady Tigers didn't need much time to prepare for Astec Charter School. That was
evident in a 72-5 victory over the out-manned Class 2A club from Oklahoma City.
With the victory, BAHS - the defending tournament champion - advanced to Friday's
7:30 p.m. semifinal at Muskogee High School against the Muskogee-Tahlequah
winner, which will be played Tuesday.
Broken Arrow's boys begin defense of their Shrine title Tuesday at 9 p.m. against
Checotah at Muskogee High School.
The Lady Tigers could have drubbed Astec - just a second-year program - by a much
more lopsided score. Calhoon wouldn't let that happen.
"You never want to humiliate an opponent," Calhoon said. "You've got to respect them
(Astec) for lacing up their shoes and getting out there."
Astec (5-9) didn't get its first point until 26 seconds left in the third quarter when Kiery
Lopez hit a free throw. The Lady Comets had only two fields in the game and were
just 2-of-14 from the floor.
The Lady Comets self destructed from the start, committing 50 turnovers, 31 of those
in the first half when BAHS led 43-0 at the break.
Astec was charged with 16 turnovers in the first quarter to help BAHS stake a 21-0 but
the Lady Tigers had their sluggish moments in the beginning. BAHS was only 10-of-25
shooting field goals in the first quarter. For the game, BAHS was 28-of-68, including
2-of-12 from 3-point range.
"If there was a good thing, we got to play a lot of girls," Calhoon said. "And, I hope we
learned to respect an opponent, no matter who we play."
Calhoon played all 12 Lady Tigers in uniform with 10 of them getting into the scoring
act.
Valerie Santiago led BAHS with 15 points and Sam Smith with a dozen were the only
Lady Tigers in double digits.
BROKEN ARROW 72, ASTEC CHARTER 5
Astec Charter 0 0 3 2 - 5
Broken Arrow 21 22 17 12 - 72
AC - Ester de la Cruz 2, Kwuaina Lewis 2, Kiery Lopez 1.
BA - Valerie Santiago 15, Sam Smith 12, Shanna Johnson 8, Chelsi Dennis 8, Kierra
Keys 8, Brooke Scott 6, Courtney Hawley 6, Manessah Miller 4, Ashleigh Boone 2,
Jessica Sprung 2.
BAHS advances to Shrine Classic semifinal
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Monday, January 4, 2010 6:11 PM CST
MUSKOGEE - Ed Calhoon is credited with the only drama surrounding Broken High
School's first round victory Monday at the Bedouin Shrine Classic.
When the Lady Tigers hadn't arrived 40 minutes before tipoff against Astec Charter
School, tournament director Leonard Branan was getting nervous.
At about that time, the BAHS coach and his team arrived at the Muskogee Civic
Center.
The Lady Tigers didn't need much time to prepare for Astec Charter School. That was
evident in a 72-5 victory over the out-manned Class 2A club from Oklahoma City.
With the victory, BAHS - the defending tournament champion - advanced to Friday's
7:30 p.m. semifinal at Muskogee High School against the Muskogee-Tahlequah
winner, which will be played Tuesday.
Broken Arrow's boys begin defense of their Shrine title Tuesday at 9 p.m. against
Checotah at Muskogee High School.
The Lady Tigers could have drubbed Astec - just a second-year program - by a much
more lopsided score. Calhoon wouldn't let that happen.
"You never want to humiliate an opponent," Calhoon said. "You've got to respect them
(Astec) for lacing up their shoes and getting out there."
Astec (5-9) didn't get its first point until 26 seconds left in the third quarter when Kiery
Lopez hit a free throw. The Lady Comets had only two fields in the game and were
just 2-of-14 from the floor.
The Lady Comets self destructed from the start, committing 50 turnovers, 31 of those
in the first half when BAHS led 43-0 at the break.
Astec was charged with 16 turnovers in the first quarter to help BAHS stake a 21-0 but
the Lady Tigers had their sluggish moments in the beginning. BAHS was only 10-of-25
shooting field goals in the first quarter. For the game, BAHS was 28-of-68, including
2-of-12 from 3-point range.
"If there was a good thing, we got to play a lot of girls," Calhoon said. "And, I hope we
learned to respect an opponent, no matter who we play."
Calhoon played all 12 Lady Tigers in uniform with 10 of them getting into the scoring
act.
Valerie Santiago led BAHS with 15 points and Sam Smith with a dozen were the only
Lady Tigers in double digits.
BROKEN ARROW 72, ASTEC CHARTER 5
Astec Charter 0 0 3 2 - 5
Broken Arrow 21 22 17 12 - 72
AC - Ester de la Cruz 2, Kwuaina Lewis 2, Kiery Lopez 1.
BA - Valerie Santiago 15, Sam Smith 12, Shanna Johnson 8, Chelsi Dennis 8, Kierra
Keys 8, Brooke Scott 6, Courtney Hawley 6, Manessah Miller 4, Ashleigh Boone 2,
Jessica Sprung 2.
************************************************************
Late nights good again for BAHS
Tigers win in Shrine Classic
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Tuesday, January 5, 2010 11:34 PM CST
MUSKOGEE - Late Night with Broken Arrow High School Basketball has a high rating
with coach Rusty Stecker.
Seven times this season BAHS has played the late games in three tournaments. And,
seven times the Tigers have won.
The latest was Tuesday when the Tigers rolled Checotah, 72-63, at the Bedouin
Shrine Classic.
It was the final game at Muskogee High School's Milam Gym that concluded the first
round of the large school bracket.
Now 9-0, the Tigers - the Shrine Classic defending champions - play McAlester at 9
p.m. - another late game - Friday at the Muskogee Civic Center in the semifinals.
Stecker certainly isn't complaining.
"If you're playing these late games in tournaments, that means you're winning and
doing things right," Stecker said. "I just need to find coffee to keep me awake."
BAHS got a combined 39 points from starters Marnard Grant, Jake Toupal and Tyson
Reed while five Tiger backups - Chase Williams, Evan Drake, Todd Naftzger, Taylor
Reed and Aaron Kirkpatrick - accounted for 21 points.
The Tigers never trailed as Toupal accounted for 11 of his game-high 15 points in the
first quarter by hitting 3-of-4 3-point attempts. Drew Howerton had all six of his points
in the first quarter on a pair of treys.
Yet, it had a suspicious start for the Tigers when Grant, the BAHS point guard, had
his game-opening layup blocked by Malcolm Warrior.
But a defensive lapse allowed Checotah (1-9) to stay in striking distance in the first
quarter. Warrior scored eights in the first quarter as CHS trailed 13-11 midway
through the period.
"We were giving up easy baskets," Stecker said. "We pride ourselves on not doing
that."
Once BAHS made the defensive adjustment, the Tigers began to pull away. In an
11-minute stretch, BAHS outscored the Wildcats, 24-10, for a 37-19 lead at halftime.
The Tigers hit 6-of-10 trey attempts in the first quarter but only 3-of-14 the balance of
the game. BAHS was 25-of-54 shooting from the field while Checotah was 10-of-35,
including 1-of-7 from behind the arc.
BROKEN ARROW 72, CHECOTAH 23
Broken Arrow 21 16 16 19-72
Checotah 13 6 2 2-23
BA - Jake Toupal 15, Manard Grant 14, Tyson Reed 10, Evan Drake 7, Drew
Howerton 6, Seth Dennis 6, Todd Naftzger 5, Taylor Reed 5, Chase Williams 2, Aaron
Kirkpatrick 2.
CHS - Malcolm Warrior 8, J.J. Woodard 6, Leland Walker 3, Demetri Martin 2, Marc
Pollard 2, DeAnte Warrior 2.
Tigers win in Shrine Classic
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Tuesday, January 5, 2010 11:34 PM CST
MUSKOGEE - Late Night with Broken Arrow High School Basketball has a high rating
with coach Rusty Stecker.
Seven times this season BAHS has played the late games in three tournaments. And,
seven times the Tigers have won.
The latest was Tuesday when the Tigers rolled Checotah, 72-63, at the Bedouin
Shrine Classic.
It was the final game at Muskogee High School's Milam Gym that concluded the first
round of the large school bracket.
Now 9-0, the Tigers - the Shrine Classic defending champions - play McAlester at 9
p.m. - another late game - Friday at the Muskogee Civic Center in the semifinals.
Stecker certainly isn't complaining.
"If you're playing these late games in tournaments, that means you're winning and
doing things right," Stecker said. "I just need to find coffee to keep me awake."
BAHS got a combined 39 points from starters Marnard Grant, Jake Toupal and Tyson
Reed while five Tiger backups - Chase Williams, Evan Drake, Todd Naftzger, Taylor
Reed and Aaron Kirkpatrick - accounted for 21 points.
The Tigers never trailed as Toupal accounted for 11 of his game-high 15 points in the
first quarter by hitting 3-of-4 3-point attempts. Drew Howerton had all six of his points
in the first quarter on a pair of treys.
Yet, it had a suspicious start for the Tigers when Grant, the BAHS point guard, had
his game-opening layup blocked by Malcolm Warrior.
But a defensive lapse allowed Checotah (1-9) to stay in striking distance in the first
quarter. Warrior scored eights in the first quarter as CHS trailed 13-11 midway
through the period.
"We were giving up easy baskets," Stecker said. "We pride ourselves on not doing
that."
Once BAHS made the defensive adjustment, the Tigers began to pull away. In an
11-minute stretch, BAHS outscored the Wildcats, 24-10, for a 37-19 lead at halftime.
The Tigers hit 6-of-10 trey attempts in the first quarter but only 3-of-14 the balance of
the game. BAHS was 25-of-54 shooting from the field while Checotah was 10-of-35,
including 1-of-7 from behind the arc.
BROKEN ARROW 72, CHECOTAH 23
Broken Arrow 21 16 16 19-72
Checotah 13 6 2 2-23
BA - Jake Toupal 15, Manard Grant 14, Tyson Reed 10, Evan Drake 7, Drew
Howerton 6, Seth Dennis 6, Todd Naftzger 5, Taylor Reed 5, Chase Williams 2, Aaron
Kirkpatrick 2.
CHS - Malcolm Warrior 8, J.J. Woodard 6, Leland Walker 3, Demetri Martin 2, Marc
Pollard 2, DeAnte Warrior 2.
************************************************************
Lady Tigers 'look to get better'
Against Muskogee in Shrine semi-final Friday
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Friday, January 8, 2010 11:13 AM CST
When Broken Arrow High School plays Muskogee Friday in the Bedouin Shrine
Classic semifinal, coach Ed Calhoon won’t be looking over his shoulder.
Calhoon said the Lady Tigers “won’t be looking for atonement” when the Frontier
Valley Conference sisters square off at 7:30 p.m. at Muskogee High School.
Muskogee knocked off BAHS, 56-48, Dec. 15 in a conference game at MHS’s Milam
Gymnasium.
“It won’t be a get-even game for us,” Calhoon said. “We are approaching this as a
chance to get better.”
If the defending tournament champion Lady Tigers win, BAHS plays at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday at the Civic Center in the title game.
Calhoon said the loss to Muskogee that night was an eye-opener.
“We learned how we needed to improve our depth,” Calhoon said. “Plus, we made too
many turnovers.”
BAHS committed 14 turnovers that night and hit only 22-of-39 free throws.
This could be the second of five potential BAHS-Muskogee meetings.
Both schools are in the John Nobles Classic Jan. 21-23 in Moore and “we could be on
the same side of the bracket,” Calhoon said.
Muskogee plays a return game at Broken Arrow Feb. 5 in an FVC game and Calhoon
doesn’t discount the possibility a post-season game.
Since that loss, the Lady Tigers have played just once.
Calhoon can’t measure his club’s progress just yet.
“You can have players step up in practice,” Calhoon said. “Being under fire in a game
is a different story.”
Against Muskogee in Shrine semi-final Friday
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Friday, January 8, 2010 11:13 AM CST
When Broken Arrow High School plays Muskogee Friday in the Bedouin Shrine
Classic semifinal, coach Ed Calhoon won’t be looking over his shoulder.
Calhoon said the Lady Tigers “won’t be looking for atonement” when the Frontier
Valley Conference sisters square off at 7:30 p.m. at Muskogee High School.
Muskogee knocked off BAHS, 56-48, Dec. 15 in a conference game at MHS’s Milam
Gymnasium.
“It won’t be a get-even game for us,” Calhoon said. “We are approaching this as a
chance to get better.”
If the defending tournament champion Lady Tigers win, BAHS plays at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday at the Civic Center in the title game.
Calhoon said the loss to Muskogee that night was an eye-opener.
“We learned how we needed to improve our depth,” Calhoon said. “Plus, we made too
many turnovers.”
BAHS committed 14 turnovers that night and hit only 22-of-39 free throws.
This could be the second of five potential BAHS-Muskogee meetings.
Both schools are in the John Nobles Classic Jan. 21-23 in Moore and “we could be on
the same side of the bracket,” Calhoon said.
Muskogee plays a return game at Broken Arrow Feb. 5 in an FVC game and Calhoon
doesn’t discount the possibility a post-season game.
Since that loss, the Lady Tigers have played just once.
Calhoon can’t measure his club’s progress just yet.
“You can have players step up in practice,” Calhoon said. “Being under fire in a game
is a different story.”
************************************************************
Honorary coach impacts Tigers
Stout a fixture on BAHS bench at Shrine Classic
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Friday, January 8, 2010 11:13 AM CST
Since Broken Arrow High School’s return
to the Bedouin Shrine Classic at
Muskogee, there has been one constant
– honorary coach Greg Stout.
In three tournaments with Stout on the
Tiger bench, BAHS has won two
championships and is two steps from
another title.
The 47-year-old, however, isn’t content
with the “honorary” title. He might as well
be on coach Rusty Stecker’s staff.
After each of the Tigers’ two tournament
championships, Stout has been included
in the team picture.
Stout, a Muskogee native, has become
attached to the Tigers.
“Greg’s all over the place,” Stecker said,
smiling. “Our kids look forward to him
and we’re glad he’s our ‘coach.’“
Stout, a pitcher in high school and college, made a lifelong impression on two Tigers
Tuesday after BAHS’s first round victory over Checotah.
Senior Tyson Reed and junior Cameron Terry received gold-plated Upper Deck cards
of Michael Jordan from Stout after the game.
Stout cited Reed for “his outstanding leadership” and Terry “for his all-out hustle.”
Both young men were moved.
“This,” Reed said, a second-year varsity player, “is something I will keep for the rest of
my life.”
Terry, who wasn’t on varsity in 2009, was caught off guard.
“I didn’t even know Greg and kept wondering about him,” Terry said, laughing. “This is
something I will remember.”
His mother, Teresa Terry, called it “a forever moment” for Cameron.”
Since that first game with BAHS two years ago, Stout has given players and coaches
various items.
“It’s never been the same thing,” Stout said. “It’s always something different.”
When the Tigers play McAlester Friday in the semifinals, Stout will dig into his bag of
gifts.
“Right now,” he said, “I don’t have any idea what that will be or what I will say. But, I will
come up with something.”
BAHS and McAlester play Friday at 9 p.m. at Muskogee High School while the other
semifinal pits Muskogee against Wagoner at 9 p.m. at the Civic Center.
The championship game is 9 p.m. Saturday at the Civic Center.
Stout a fixture on BAHS bench at Shrine Classic
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Friday, January 8, 2010 11:13 AM CST
Since Broken Arrow High School’s return
to the Bedouin Shrine Classic at
Muskogee, there has been one constant
– honorary coach Greg Stout.
In three tournaments with Stout on the
Tiger bench, BAHS has won two
championships and is two steps from
another title.
The 47-year-old, however, isn’t content
with the “honorary” title. He might as well
be on coach Rusty Stecker’s staff.
After each of the Tigers’ two tournament
championships, Stout has been included
in the team picture.
Stout, a Muskogee native, has become
attached to the Tigers.
“Greg’s all over the place,” Stecker said,
smiling. “Our kids look forward to him
and we’re glad he’s our ‘coach.’“
Stout, a pitcher in high school and college, made a lifelong impression on two Tigers
Tuesday after BAHS’s first round victory over Checotah.
Senior Tyson Reed and junior Cameron Terry received gold-plated Upper Deck cards
of Michael Jordan from Stout after the game.
Stout cited Reed for “his outstanding leadership” and Terry “for his all-out hustle.”
Both young men were moved.
“This,” Reed said, a second-year varsity player, “is something I will keep for the rest of
my life.”
Terry, who wasn’t on varsity in 2009, was caught off guard.
“I didn’t even know Greg and kept wondering about him,” Terry said, laughing. “This is
something I will remember.”
His mother, Teresa Terry, called it “a forever moment” for Cameron.”
Since that first game with BAHS two years ago, Stout has given players and coaches
various items.
“It’s never been the same thing,” Stout said. “It’s always something different.”
When the Tigers play McAlester Friday in the semifinals, Stout will dig into his bag of
gifts.
“Right now,” he said, “I don’t have any idea what that will be or what I will say. But, I will
come up with something.”
BAHS and McAlester play Friday at 9 p.m. at Muskogee High School while the other
semifinal pits Muskogee against Wagoner at 9 p.m. at the Civic Center.
The championship game is 9 p.m. Saturday at the Civic Center.
SOMETHING TO REMEMBER — Broken
Arrow High School basketball players,
Tyson Reed, left, and Cameron Terry,
show off Michael Jordan cards they
received from honorary coach Greg
Stout after the Tigers' victory Tuesday
at the Shrine Classic.
DOUG QUINN/BA LEDGER
Arrow High School basketball players,
Tyson Reed, left, and Cameron Terry,
show off Michael Jordan cards they
received from honorary coach Greg
Stout after the Tigers' victory Tuesday
at the Shrine Classic.
DOUG QUINN/BA LEDGER
************************************************************
Cold shooting dooms Lady Tigers
Muskogee knocks of BAHS in Shrine semifinal
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Friday, January 8, 2010 11:16 PM CST
MUSKOGEE - Broken Arrow High School
coach Ed Calhoon wanted his team to
show improvement Friday night against
Muskogee in the Bedouin Shrine Classic.
Calhoon said his Lady Tigers "got better"
but several statistics - including a 45-34
final score - didn't add up after the
semifinal loss at Muskogee High School.
BAHS (3-4) shot a chilling 29 percent from
the field (11-of-38), committed 25
turnovers and was out-rebounded, 38-23,
in the Lady Tigers' second loss in Milam
Gymnasium in less than a month.
The loss sends Broken Arrow - which won
this tournament a year ago - in Saturday's
third place game at noon at the Muskogee
Civic Center against McAlester, which lost
3-26 to Wagoner.
"We got better," Calhoon said. "We played hard for 32 minutes and never gave up.
Our effort was phenomenal."
The Lady Tigers, who lost to MHS, 56-48, on this floor on Dec. 15, was 0-for-11
shooting from the field in the first quarter and BAHS missed its first 14 field goal tries.
Broken Arrow had only two points in the first quarter on free throws by Shanna
Johnson with 2:36 remaining. Valerie Santiago sank two free throws early in the
second quarter to account for BAHS's early scoring.
That field goal drought wasn't broken until Santiago converted a Rougherette
turnover into a layup with 5:01 showing in the second quarter.
Surprisingly, Broken Arrow - which never had a lead - stayed in contention throughout
the contest aided by 26 Muskogee turnovers while the Rougherettes were only
18-of-57 shooting from the field.
Santiago scored all 13 Broken Arrow points in the second quarter as the Lady Tigers
trailed 20-15 at the break.
Muskogee built a 24-15 lead early in the second half and watched that advantage
dwindle to 38-34 in the fourth quarter on a 3-pointer by Santiago with 6:56 remaining.
Those would be Broken Arrow's last points.
"Valerie played tremendously," Calhoon said. "She carried us."
Santiago, the game's top scorer, was 9-of-26 shooting, including 3-of-8 from 3-point
range.
The Lady Tigers played the last two and a half quarters without junior Chelsi Dennis,
who was benched after drawing her third personal foul.
Sophomore Deanna Moore led Muskogee with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Moore had
eight of her boards in the first half while Melanie Perryman had rebounds for the
Rougherettes.
Brooke Scott was Broken Arrow's rebound leader with five while Kierra Keys and
Ashleigh Boone had four apiece.
In the eight-point to MHS last month in a Frontier Valley Conference game, the Lady
Tigers were 12-of-47 shooting from the frield and a miserable 22-of-39 from the free
throw line.
MUSKOGEE 45, BROKEN ARROW 34
Muskogee 9 11 15 10-45
Broken Arrow 2 13 15 4-34
MHS - Deanna Moore 10, Saleece Davis 8, Melanie Perryman 8, Hy-C Stancle 6,
Kelsey McClure 7, Kanessa Anderson 3.
BA - Valerie Santiago 24, Shanna Johnson 5, Kierra Keys 2, Ashleigh Boone 2, Sam
Smith 1.
Muskogee knocks of BAHS in Shrine semifinal
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Friday, January 8, 2010 11:16 PM CST
MUSKOGEE - Broken Arrow High School
coach Ed Calhoon wanted his team to
show improvement Friday night against
Muskogee in the Bedouin Shrine Classic.
Calhoon said his Lady Tigers "got better"
but several statistics - including a 45-34
final score - didn't add up after the
semifinal loss at Muskogee High School.
BAHS (3-4) shot a chilling 29 percent from
the field (11-of-38), committed 25
turnovers and was out-rebounded, 38-23,
in the Lady Tigers' second loss in Milam
Gymnasium in less than a month.
The loss sends Broken Arrow - which won
this tournament a year ago - in Saturday's
third place game at noon at the Muskogee
Civic Center against McAlester, which lost
3-26 to Wagoner.
"We got better," Calhoon said. "We played hard for 32 minutes and never gave up.
Our effort was phenomenal."
The Lady Tigers, who lost to MHS, 56-48, on this floor on Dec. 15, was 0-for-11
shooting from the field in the first quarter and BAHS missed its first 14 field goal tries.
Broken Arrow had only two points in the first quarter on free throws by Shanna
Johnson with 2:36 remaining. Valerie Santiago sank two free throws early in the
second quarter to account for BAHS's early scoring.
That field goal drought wasn't broken until Santiago converted a Rougherette
turnover into a layup with 5:01 showing in the second quarter.
Surprisingly, Broken Arrow - which never had a lead - stayed in contention throughout
the contest aided by 26 Muskogee turnovers while the Rougherettes were only
18-of-57 shooting from the field.
Santiago scored all 13 Broken Arrow points in the second quarter as the Lady Tigers
trailed 20-15 at the break.
Muskogee built a 24-15 lead early in the second half and watched that advantage
dwindle to 38-34 in the fourth quarter on a 3-pointer by Santiago with 6:56 remaining.
Those would be Broken Arrow's last points.
"Valerie played tremendously," Calhoon said. "She carried us."
Santiago, the game's top scorer, was 9-of-26 shooting, including 3-of-8 from 3-point
range.
The Lady Tigers played the last two and a half quarters without junior Chelsi Dennis,
who was benched after drawing her third personal foul.
Sophomore Deanna Moore led Muskogee with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Moore had
eight of her boards in the first half while Melanie Perryman had rebounds for the
Rougherettes.
Brooke Scott was Broken Arrow's rebound leader with five while Kierra Keys and
Ashleigh Boone had four apiece.
In the eight-point to MHS last month in a Frontier Valley Conference game, the Lady
Tigers were 12-of-47 shooting from the frield and a miserable 22-of-39 from the free
throw line.
MUSKOGEE 45, BROKEN ARROW 34
Muskogee 9 11 15 10-45
Broken Arrow 2 13 15 4-34
MHS - Deanna Moore 10, Saleece Davis 8, Melanie Perryman 8, Hy-C Stancle 6,
Kelsey McClure 7, Kanessa Anderson 3.
BA - Valerie Santiago 24, Shanna Johnson 5, Kierra Keys 2, Ashleigh Boone 2, Sam
Smith 1.
LONE BRIGHT SPOT — Valerie Santiago
(12) scored 24 points and was Broken
Arrow High School's lone bright spot in a
45-34 loss to Muskogee in the Bedouin
Shrine Classic semifinal.
John Hasler/Haslerproductions.com
(12) scored 24 points and was Broken
Arrow High School's lone bright spot in a
45-34 loss to Muskogee in the Bedouin
Shrine Classic semifinal.
John Hasler/Haslerproductions.com
************************************************************
Rematch Saturday: Tigers vs. Roughers
In Shrine Classic championship at Muskogee
By BOB BRANAN
Special to the Ledger
Published:
Saturday, January 9, 2010 9:30 AM CST
MUSKOGEE — For the second time in less than a month, top-ranked Broken Arrow
High School and powerful Muskogee will meet, this time in the finals of the annual
Bedouin Shrine Tournament here Saturday night.
The game at Muskogee’s Civic Center starts at 9 p.m. In the previous meeting, the
then-ranked No. 2 Tigers handed top-ranked Muskogee its first loss, 67-52, in the
MHS gym.
This also marks the second straight year BAHS and the Roughers have played in the
tournament final, won by the Tigers in 2009.
Both Muskogee (8-2) and Broken Arrow (10-0) took similar paths to enter Saturday’s
trophy game in this 30th annual event.
The Tigers broke on top at half (45-17) enroute to a 76-54 win over McAlester in
Friday’s semifinals at the Civic Center. The Roughers zipped ahead of Wagoner 37-
12 after two quarters and went on to win 64-47 on their home floor.
"We love it," Tiger coach Rusty Stecker said of the rematch. "It’s going to be a great
game against a great team.
"We’re aware they are the top seed in the tournament and folks around here believe
they are the team to beat. We’ve been aware of that for a long time. We’re looking
forward to the challenge."
Muskogee coach Terry Scott had similar words.
"We’re looking forward to the playing them again," Scott said. "This meeting has been
on the back of our mind since they beat us."
"It’s a matchup we’ve been longing for since Broken Arrow beat Muskogee earlier this
year," said Shrine official Jim Bushnell. "It offers to be an exciting game and we’re
anticipating a full house."
The Tigers had little trouble with McAlester, hitting the Buffaloes with a 17-0 run to
open the game.
McAlester (3-4) finally broke into the scoring column with two minutes left in the first
quarter on a free throw from Zathan Simpson.
In the meantime, guards Manard Grant and Tyson Reed engineered the BAHS run
that was helped by nine McAlester turnovers at the outset. Grant made seven points
and Reed added six.
Broken Arrow led 20-6 at the quarter’s end.
The onslaught continued in the second quarter with Broken Arrow outscoring the
Buffs, 25-11, with John Gaynor (8 points) and Seth Dennis (6) doing the damage.
In was more of the same in the third period before Stecker started making liberal
substitutes to the end of the contest.
"We took control early with a lot of pressure," Stecker said. "McAlester looked tight
and nervous. We knew they liked to run the floor off the transition game and we
wanted to take that away.
“We expended a lot of energy in the first quarter and that paid off for us the rest of
the game. We took them out of their comfort zone."
BROKEN ARROW 76, McALESTER 54
Broken Arrow 20 25 21 10-76
McAlester 6 11 18 19-54
BA – Seth Dennis 15, Marnard Grant 14, John Gaynor 12, Tyson Reed 11, Drew
Howerton 9, Jake Toupal 9, Jacob Shacklett 2, Todd Naftzger 2, Cameron Terry 2.
MHS – Zathan Simpson 9, Cliff Smitherman 9, Ben Collier 7, David DeGiaacoma 6,
Prevon Erving 6, Delante Redmon 6, Calvin Boyle 4, Jimmy Williams 4, Jacob
Engleman 3.
In Shrine Classic championship at Muskogee
By BOB BRANAN
Special to the Ledger
Published:
Saturday, January 9, 2010 9:30 AM CST
MUSKOGEE — For the second time in less than a month, top-ranked Broken Arrow
High School and powerful Muskogee will meet, this time in the finals of the annual
Bedouin Shrine Tournament here Saturday night.
The game at Muskogee’s Civic Center starts at 9 p.m. In the previous meeting, the
then-ranked No. 2 Tigers handed top-ranked Muskogee its first loss, 67-52, in the
MHS gym.
This also marks the second straight year BAHS and the Roughers have played in the
tournament final, won by the Tigers in 2009.
Both Muskogee (8-2) and Broken Arrow (10-0) took similar paths to enter Saturday’s
trophy game in this 30th annual event.
The Tigers broke on top at half (45-17) enroute to a 76-54 win over McAlester in
Friday’s semifinals at the Civic Center. The Roughers zipped ahead of Wagoner 37-
12 after two quarters and went on to win 64-47 on their home floor.
"We love it," Tiger coach Rusty Stecker said of the rematch. "It’s going to be a great
game against a great team.
"We’re aware they are the top seed in the tournament and folks around here believe
they are the team to beat. We’ve been aware of that for a long time. We’re looking
forward to the challenge."
Muskogee coach Terry Scott had similar words.
"We’re looking forward to the playing them again," Scott said. "This meeting has been
on the back of our mind since they beat us."
"It’s a matchup we’ve been longing for since Broken Arrow beat Muskogee earlier this
year," said Shrine official Jim Bushnell. "It offers to be an exciting game and we’re
anticipating a full house."
The Tigers had little trouble with McAlester, hitting the Buffaloes with a 17-0 run to
open the game.
McAlester (3-4) finally broke into the scoring column with two minutes left in the first
quarter on a free throw from Zathan Simpson.
In the meantime, guards Manard Grant and Tyson Reed engineered the BAHS run
that was helped by nine McAlester turnovers at the outset. Grant made seven points
and Reed added six.
Broken Arrow led 20-6 at the quarter’s end.
The onslaught continued in the second quarter with Broken Arrow outscoring the
Buffs, 25-11, with John Gaynor (8 points) and Seth Dennis (6) doing the damage.
In was more of the same in the third period before Stecker started making liberal
substitutes to the end of the contest.
"We took control early with a lot of pressure," Stecker said. "McAlester looked tight
and nervous. We knew they liked to run the floor off the transition game and we
wanted to take that away.
“We expended a lot of energy in the first quarter and that paid off for us the rest of
the game. We took them out of their comfort zone."
BROKEN ARROW 76, McALESTER 54
Broken Arrow 20 25 21 10-76
McAlester 6 11 18 19-54
BA – Seth Dennis 15, Marnard Grant 14, John Gaynor 12, Tyson Reed 11, Drew
Howerton 9, Jake Toupal 9, Jacob Shacklett 2, Todd Naftzger 2, Cameron Terry 2.
MHS – Zathan Simpson 9, Cliff Smitherman 9, Ben Collier 7, David DeGiaacoma 6,
Prevon Erving 6, Delante Redmon 6, Calvin Boyle 4, Jimmy Williams 4, Jacob
Engleman 3.
************************************************************
McAlester turns back Lady Tigers
BAHS finishes fourth at Shrine Classic
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Saturday, January 9, 2010 9:53 PM CST
MUSKOGEE - Broken Arrow High School's inability to "finish" games haunted the Lady
Tigers Saturday afternoon.
McAlester turned back an early fourth quarter surge by BAHS for a 57-48 victory in
the third place game of the Bedouin Shrine Classic at the Muskogee Civic Center.
The Lady Tigers - who entered as the defending champions - had pulled even at
38-38 early in the fourth quarter on a layup by Chelsi Dennis.
But, the one-beaten Lady Buffs answered with a five-point flurry and kept BAHS (3-5)
at bay the balance of the contest.
Coach Ed Calhoon didn't have a problem with the Lady Tigers' effort at the Muskogee
Civic Center.
"We played hard, very hard, and I am proud of that. Our girls don't have quit in them,"
Calhoon said. "Right now, we're a team trying to learn how to finish a game. We've got
to do that."
Dennis, who sat out the last two and a half quarters of Friday night's 45-34 loss to
Muskogee in the semifinals, provided a much needed spark for BAHS. The junior
came off the bench to score a game-high 23 points, 20 of those in the second half.
Without 6-0 junior post Sam Smith, missing because of a previous engagement,
McAlester made the most of the size mismatches. Shaylee Griffin, a 6-1 senior, scored
19 points and grabbed a game-high nine rebounds.
"If we have Sam," Calhoon said, "we take away the big girl."
Lashanda Green followed with 16 points for the Lady Buffs on the strength of
11-of-17 at the free throw line.
The Lady Buffs, who lost 48-36 to Wagoner the night before, outrebounded BAHS,
39-21. Muskogee had a 38-23 rebounding edge on the Lady Tigers Friday night.
"That," Calhoon said of rebounding, "is a big, big issue right now. We've got to quit
being satisfied with having good position. BAHS was 16-of-44 shooting from the field,
an improvement over 11-of-38 (29 percent) in the loss to Muskogee.
The Lady Tigers committed 15 turnovers after making 25 against Muskogee.
Senior Valerie Santiago of BAHS was named to the all-tournament team.
Broken Arrow hosts Jenks Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in a Frontier Valley Conference game
at Tiger Fieldhouse.
McALESTER 57, BROKEN ARROW 48
McAlester 19 6 13 19-57
Broken Arrow 10 9 17 12-48
MHS - Shaylee Griffin 19, Lashanda Green 16, Kirsty Cook 8, Whitney Anderson 5,
Jami Steidley 4, Allison Eales 3, Lesley Huff 2.
BA - Chelsi Dennis 23, Valerie Santiago 14, Shanna Johnson 6, Jessica Sprung 4,
Kierra Keys 1.
BAHS finishes fourth at Shrine Classic
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Saturday, January 9, 2010 9:53 PM CST
MUSKOGEE - Broken Arrow High School's inability to "finish" games haunted the Lady
Tigers Saturday afternoon.
McAlester turned back an early fourth quarter surge by BAHS for a 57-48 victory in
the third place game of the Bedouin Shrine Classic at the Muskogee Civic Center.
The Lady Tigers - who entered as the defending champions - had pulled even at
38-38 early in the fourth quarter on a layup by Chelsi Dennis.
But, the one-beaten Lady Buffs answered with a five-point flurry and kept BAHS (3-5)
at bay the balance of the contest.
Coach Ed Calhoon didn't have a problem with the Lady Tigers' effort at the Muskogee
Civic Center.
"We played hard, very hard, and I am proud of that. Our girls don't have quit in them,"
Calhoon said. "Right now, we're a team trying to learn how to finish a game. We've got
to do that."
Dennis, who sat out the last two and a half quarters of Friday night's 45-34 loss to
Muskogee in the semifinals, provided a much needed spark for BAHS. The junior
came off the bench to score a game-high 23 points, 20 of those in the second half.
Without 6-0 junior post Sam Smith, missing because of a previous engagement,
McAlester made the most of the size mismatches. Shaylee Griffin, a 6-1 senior, scored
19 points and grabbed a game-high nine rebounds.
"If we have Sam," Calhoon said, "we take away the big girl."
Lashanda Green followed with 16 points for the Lady Buffs on the strength of
11-of-17 at the free throw line.
The Lady Buffs, who lost 48-36 to Wagoner the night before, outrebounded BAHS,
39-21. Muskogee had a 38-23 rebounding edge on the Lady Tigers Friday night.
"That," Calhoon said of rebounding, "is a big, big issue right now. We've got to quit
being satisfied with having good position. BAHS was 16-of-44 shooting from the field,
an improvement over 11-of-38 (29 percent) in the loss to Muskogee.
The Lady Tigers committed 15 turnovers after making 25 against Muskogee.
Senior Valerie Santiago of BAHS was named to the all-tournament team.
Broken Arrow hosts Jenks Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in a Frontier Valley Conference game
at Tiger Fieldhouse.
McALESTER 57, BROKEN ARROW 48
McAlester 19 6 13 19-57
Broken Arrow 10 9 17 12-48
MHS - Shaylee Griffin 19, Lashanda Green 16, Kirsty Cook 8, Whitney Anderson 5,
Jami Steidley 4, Allison Eales 3, Lesley Huff 2.
BA - Chelsi Dennis 23, Valerie Santiago 14, Shanna Johnson 6, Jessica Sprung 4,
Kierra Keys 1.
************************************************************
Muskogee upends Tigers, 65-58
In Shrine Classic championship
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Sunday, January 10, 2010 1:32 AM CST
MUSKOGEE - Broken Arrow High School's
bid for a three-peat at the Bedouin Shrine
Classic Saturday was thwarted by
Muskogee - mainly by Devante Wilson.
Wilson's amazing 37 points powered the
error-prone Roughers to a 65-58 victory
over the Tigers at the Muskogee Civic
Center.
"It's hard to win when a guy like Devante
scores 37," BAHS coach Rusty Stecker
said. "And, even then, we had a chance
to win."
It was a measure of revenge for MHS,
which lost 67-52 to the Tigers in a Dec. 15
Frontier Valley Conference game at
Muskogee High's Milam Gymnasium.
The loss was Broken Arrow's first in 11
outings and snapped the Tigers'
three-game winning streak over coach
Terry Scott's Roughers.
Wilson, a 6-4 junior, was a one-man
highlight reel in the tournament's 30th
championship game.
A guard, Wilson poured through 22 of his
points in the second half when the
Roughers needed them the most after
MHS nearly squandered a seemingly
comfortable halftime lead.
The Roughers (9-2) owned an 38-31 advantage at the break and appeared to have
the rattled Tigers under control.
"We were out of sync and out of our team concept in the first half," Stecker said. "It
was the first time we'd been down in the first half like that but our kids regrouped and
played a great third quarter."
But when Muskogee committed eight turnovers - without scoring a point - to open the
third quarter, the Tigers were back in the contest.
Jake Toupal and Drew Howerton took advantage and sparked the Tigers on a 13-0
run, scoring eight of those points off Muskogee mistakes. Toupal, named to the
all-tournament team, and Howerton combined for the first 11.
Senior Seth Dennis - also an all-tournament selection by the coaches - capped the
rally that staked the Tigers to a 44-38 lead five minutes into the second half.
After Oren Faulk's short jumper snapped the Rougher scoring drought, Wilson
followed with 12 uncontested points to put Muskogee back in front to stay, 52-47, with
just under six minutes remaining.
A bucket by Toupal pulled BAHS within 52-51 but Wilson responded with one his is
seven 3-pointers and then iced the victory by hitting 5-of-6 free throws in the last two
minutes. For the game, Wilson was 11-of-13 from the charity stripe while the Tigers,
as a team, were 13-of-20.
"We didn't make the plays when we needed them," Stecker said of the stretch run.
"We missed some crucial free throws in that fourth quarter and those were big points."
Muskogee built a 61-53 lead in the fourth quarter before the Tigers' Marnard Grant
scored five of his 13 points in a 15 second span to cut the Rougher lead to five with
58 seconds remaining.
The Tigers finished the game 13-of-20 from the free throw line and 18-of-45 shooting
field goals, including just 8-of-24 from 3-point range.
Toupal was 8-of-20 from the field (3-of-10 for 3-pointers) and led BAHS with 22 points.
Muskogee had 24 turnovers but owned a 36-13 edge in rebounding, led by Faulk with
10.
Broken Arrow hosts Jenks Tuesday at 8 p.m. in a Frontier Valley Conference game.
MUSKOGEE 65, BROKEN ARROW 58
Broken Arrow 14 17 13 14-58
Muskogee 17 21 8 19-65
BA - Jake Toupal 22, Marnard Grant 13, Tyson Reed 9, Drew Howerton 9, Seth
Dennis 6.
MHS - Devante Wilson 37, Oren Faulk 12, Breon Powell 4, Jerome Beasley 4, Eugene
Timmons 3, Adrion Webber 3, Dante Wilson 2.
In Shrine Classic championship
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Sunday, January 10, 2010 1:32 AM CST
MUSKOGEE - Broken Arrow High School's
bid for a three-peat at the Bedouin Shrine
Classic Saturday was thwarted by
Muskogee - mainly by Devante Wilson.
Wilson's amazing 37 points powered the
error-prone Roughers to a 65-58 victory
over the Tigers at the Muskogee Civic
Center.
"It's hard to win when a guy like Devante
scores 37," BAHS coach Rusty Stecker
said. "And, even then, we had a chance
to win."
It was a measure of revenge for MHS,
which lost 67-52 to the Tigers in a Dec. 15
Frontier Valley Conference game at
Muskogee High's Milam Gymnasium.
The loss was Broken Arrow's first in 11
outings and snapped the Tigers'
three-game winning streak over coach
Terry Scott's Roughers.
Wilson, a 6-4 junior, was a one-man
highlight reel in the tournament's 30th
championship game.
A guard, Wilson poured through 22 of his
points in the second half when the
Roughers needed them the most after
MHS nearly squandered a seemingly
comfortable halftime lead.
The Roughers (9-2) owned an 38-31 advantage at the break and appeared to have
the rattled Tigers under control.
"We were out of sync and out of our team concept in the first half," Stecker said. "It
was the first time we'd been down in the first half like that but our kids regrouped and
played a great third quarter."
But when Muskogee committed eight turnovers - without scoring a point - to open the
third quarter, the Tigers were back in the contest.
Jake Toupal and Drew Howerton took advantage and sparked the Tigers on a 13-0
run, scoring eight of those points off Muskogee mistakes. Toupal, named to the
all-tournament team, and Howerton combined for the first 11.
Senior Seth Dennis - also an all-tournament selection by the coaches - capped the
rally that staked the Tigers to a 44-38 lead five minutes into the second half.
After Oren Faulk's short jumper snapped the Rougher scoring drought, Wilson
followed with 12 uncontested points to put Muskogee back in front to stay, 52-47, with
just under six minutes remaining.
A bucket by Toupal pulled BAHS within 52-51 but Wilson responded with one his is
seven 3-pointers and then iced the victory by hitting 5-of-6 free throws in the last two
minutes. For the game, Wilson was 11-of-13 from the charity stripe while the Tigers,
as a team, were 13-of-20.
"We didn't make the plays when we needed them," Stecker said of the stretch run.
"We missed some crucial free throws in that fourth quarter and those were big points."
Muskogee built a 61-53 lead in the fourth quarter before the Tigers' Marnard Grant
scored five of his 13 points in a 15 second span to cut the Rougher lead to five with
58 seconds remaining.
The Tigers finished the game 13-of-20 from the free throw line and 18-of-45 shooting
field goals, including just 8-of-24 from 3-point range.
Toupal was 8-of-20 from the field (3-of-10 for 3-pointers) and led BAHS with 22 points.
Muskogee had 24 turnovers but owned a 36-13 edge in rebounding, led by Faulk with
10.
Broken Arrow hosts Jenks Tuesday at 8 p.m. in a Frontier Valley Conference game.
MUSKOGEE 65, BROKEN ARROW 58
Broken Arrow 14 17 13 14-58
Muskogee 17 21 8 19-65
BA - Jake Toupal 22, Marnard Grant 13, Tyson Reed 9, Drew Howerton 9, Seth
Dennis 6.
MHS - Devante Wilson 37, Oren Faulk 12, Breon Powell 4, Jerome Beasley 4, Eugene
Timmons 3, Adrion Webber 3, Dante Wilson 2.
OOPS — Broken Arrow High School's
Marnard Grant (4) finds himself
sandwiched by Muskogee's Dre
Hamilton (12) and Oren Faulk (24)
Saturday night in the Bedouin Shrine
Classic final. Muskogee beat the Tigers,
65-58, at the Muskogee Civic Center.
JOHN HASLER/HASLER
PRODUCTIONS.COM
Marnard Grant (4) finds himself
sandwiched by Muskogee's Dre
Hamilton (12) and Oren Faulk (24)
Saturday night in the Bedouin Shrine
Classic final. Muskogee beat the Tigers,
65-58, at the Muskogee Civic Center.
JOHN HASLER/HASLER
PRODUCTIONS.COM
************************************************************
Put me in, coach
Sprung ready when Calhoon calls
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Friday, January 8, 2010 11:12 AM CST
Jessica Sprung doesn’t start but the senior is ready when
Broken Arrow High School coach Ed Calhoon calls.
Sprung’s contributions to the Lady Tigers may not make
headlines.
But, a growing self-assurance has enhanced her value.
“Jessica has gotten more confidence in herself this year,”
Calhoon said. “Because of that, she’s made us a better
basketball team.”
Sprung, who gives the Lady Tigers a boost in defense
and rebounding, understands and accepts her role.
Understandably, she wants more playing time but Sprung is not complaining.
“I am happy with the time I get,” she said, smiling. “What matters is being a part of this
team and doing my job.”
Sprung launches herself into practice every day with a mission – junior Sam Smith,
who starts at forward ahead of her.
“You might say that’s my ‘game time,’“ Sprung said. “I push Sam as hard as I can in
practice. It makes her better and it makes me better, too.”
Smith pushes back.
“We go hard against each other, in a friendly way,” Smith said. “It’s tougher practicing
against Jessica than it gets in game. But, that’s how you get better. We make each
other better.”
Sprung ready when Calhoon calls
By DOUG QUINN
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Friday, January 8, 2010 11:12 AM CST
Jessica Sprung doesn’t start but the senior is ready when
Broken Arrow High School coach Ed Calhoon calls.
Sprung’s contributions to the Lady Tigers may not make
headlines.
But, a growing self-assurance has enhanced her value.
“Jessica has gotten more confidence in herself this year,”
Calhoon said. “Because of that, she’s made us a better
basketball team.”
Sprung, who gives the Lady Tigers a boost in defense
and rebounding, understands and accepts her role.
Understandably, she wants more playing time but Sprung is not complaining.
“I am happy with the time I get,” she said, smiling. “What matters is being a part of this
team and doing my job.”
Sprung launches herself into practice every day with a mission – junior Sam Smith,
who starts at forward ahead of her.
“You might say that’s my ‘game time,’“ Sprung said. “I push Sam as hard as I can in
practice. It makes her better and it makes me better, too.”
Smith pushes back.
“We go hard against each other, in a friendly way,” Smith said. “It’s tougher practicing
against Jessica than it gets in game. But, that’s how you get better. We make each
other better.”
JESSICA SPRUNG
************************************************************
| Broken Arrow Tiger Basketball 2009-10 |
| 2009-10 Article Archive |
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