Monday, March 7, 2011

Class 6A girls state tournament notes: Norman-Edmond North a must-see

BY ROBERT PRZYBYLO Oklahoman    Leave a comment

With the way the west side has dominated in Class 6A girls, it was interesting to see there are some fresh matchups in the first round.

All four games will be first-time meetings between the teams, and no game is circled more than Edmond North and Norman at Skiatook .

It's a rematch of last year's semifinals, where Norman 's hot start paved the Tigers' way to victory. Norman is coming in with a ton of confidence after giving undefeated Midwest City its most competitive game of the season Thursday.

The Huskies were simply dominant in the playoffs and are the only team to defeat Edmond Santa Fe.

Norman is led by guard Kamra King , who has signed with Texas-San Antonio, while the Huskies have post Elizabeth Donohoe , who is headed to Oklahoma State .

Del City showed its mettle in area play. The Eagles hosted a regional and lost a tough battle against upstart Enid .

Coach Karri Sears' girls had to go out east to clinch the berth, but they did with a 55-53 win against sixth-ranked Jenks in the area consolation final.

It wasn't just the win, but how they did it with a game-winner by Toni Smith at the buzzer. Smith connected from eight feet out on a shot that hit the rim three times before going through.

“It was the longest four seconds ever,” Sears said. “It was a great battle. We just outlasted them. We're peaking at the right time.”

Del City opens with Edmond Santa Fe in the quarterfinals.

Midwest City was pushed to the limit by Norman in the area final, but the Bombers remain the team to beat.

The only unblemished club in the class, the balance Midwest City possesses has been tough for other teams to contend with.

Junior Ashley Clark has emerged as a clutch scorer, while the Bombers have two of the best post players in the state in Marisha Wallace and Kaylon Williams .

The Bombers play Enid in the quarterfinals. The Pacers' Courtney Chelf , though just a sophomore, is already becoming a name to watch.

All season Midwest City has been the best team. But if you're looking for the best player, you're most likely going to find yourself at Edmond Santa Fe and junior guard Courtney Walker .

One of the most complete players in the state, Walker has a knack for coming up with big games in the biggest moments. Though her offensive skills turn her heads, she can change a game just as much with her speed and suffocating defense.

Walker has committed to Texas A&M.

Robert Przybylo , Midwest City: Will save its best outings for its final ones in running the table and claiming second straight title.

Scott Wright , Midwest City: It will take a special performance from someone to take down the Bombers.

Source: http://newsok.com

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