PawneeSports
02-14-2006, 06:40 AM
CoachesAid.com News Article (http://www.coachesaid.com/story.asp?story=-5&t=stories/2006/playoffs/H_05preview2Ab.txt)
Date: February 14, 2006
Area I
Arguably the toughest of all the areas with two-time defending state champ Oklahoma Christian highlighting the field. The top-ranked Saints have just one loss (to 4A Northeast) and are unquestionably the favorite to reach the state and likely contend for the gold ball again. The other favorite role is more of a toss-up with surging Cordell getting the slight nod over a host of other top contenders. The Blue Devils should definitely have an edge with every playoff game up to area on their home court.
Several top contenders will be in the mix as well, including perennial power and eighth-ranked Carnegie, ninth-ranked Mangum and 10th ranked Washington. Whomever survives a rugged regional, which includes Cordell, Carnegie and Mangum, unscathed should have a decided advantage needing just one win in two games at area.
Area II
The good news for Area II co-favorite Oklahoma Bible is that top-ranked OCS is nowhere to be found until state. The Trojans were on a roll before the OCS meeting a week ago and could return to that perch with several winable postseason contests right off the bat. Despite a few recent defeats, 12th ranked Preston gets the slight edge in one of the favorite roles, thanks to a proven track record in the playoffs and a favorable draw.
Watch for 13th ranked Crescent, which could pose an interesting test for OBA in the regional finals. Don't be surprised if a sleeper comes all the way through and makes a run in this area. A pair that could do just that while getting hot late in the season are Dale and Rush Springs.
Area III
Defending state champ Pawnee highlights the grouping in Area III and is a prohibitive favorite to make another run at the gold ball with sophomore standout Keiton Page leading the charge. Co-favorite and seventh-ranked Oktaha also has plenty of experience in its push to return to the state tournament. A bevy of contenders and sleepers could also get hot at the right time and make the push to state, including 14th ranked Afton and 16th ranked Commerce. The two could square off in a very intriguing regional opener at Afton.
Area IV
Is this the year that Wewoka finally gets over the hump? The Tigers' quest will once again come out of Area IV and much like last year, trek through McAlester in the area round. The second-ranked and once-beaten squad is a strong favorite along with fifth-ranked Stroud to advance. Each has posted several impressive victories but must watch out for some landmines along the way. A couple of those could be 17th ranked Pocola and 18th ranked Latta.
Read more about contenders to sleepers...click here. (http://www.coachesaid.com/story.asp?story=-5&t=stories/2006/playoffs/H_05preview2Ab.txt)
Date: February 14, 2006
Area I
Arguably the toughest of all the areas with two-time defending state champ Oklahoma Christian highlighting the field. The top-ranked Saints have just one loss (to 4A Northeast) and are unquestionably the favorite to reach the state and likely contend for the gold ball again. The other favorite role is more of a toss-up with surging Cordell getting the slight nod over a host of other top contenders. The Blue Devils should definitely have an edge with every playoff game up to area on their home court.
Several top contenders will be in the mix as well, including perennial power and eighth-ranked Carnegie, ninth-ranked Mangum and 10th ranked Washington. Whomever survives a rugged regional, which includes Cordell, Carnegie and Mangum, unscathed should have a decided advantage needing just one win in two games at area.
Area II
The good news for Area II co-favorite Oklahoma Bible is that top-ranked OCS is nowhere to be found until state. The Trojans were on a roll before the OCS meeting a week ago and could return to that perch with several winable postseason contests right off the bat. Despite a few recent defeats, 12th ranked Preston gets the slight edge in one of the favorite roles, thanks to a proven track record in the playoffs and a favorable draw.
Watch for 13th ranked Crescent, which could pose an interesting test for OBA in the regional finals. Don't be surprised if a sleeper comes all the way through and makes a run in this area. A pair that could do just that while getting hot late in the season are Dale and Rush Springs.
Area III
Defending state champ Pawnee highlights the grouping in Area III and is a prohibitive favorite to make another run at the gold ball with sophomore standout Keiton Page leading the charge. Co-favorite and seventh-ranked Oktaha also has plenty of experience in its push to return to the state tournament. A bevy of contenders and sleepers could also get hot at the right time and make the push to state, including 14th ranked Afton and 16th ranked Commerce. The two could square off in a very intriguing regional opener at Afton.
Area IV
Is this the year that Wewoka finally gets over the hump? The Tigers' quest will once again come out of Area IV and much like last year, trek through McAlester in the area round. The second-ranked and once-beaten squad is a strong favorite along with fifth-ranked Stroud to advance. Each has posted several impressive victories but must watch out for some landmines along the way. A couple of those could be 17th ranked Pocola and 18th ranked Latta.
Read more about contenders to sleepers...click here. (http://www.coachesaid.com/story.asp?story=-5&t=stories/2006/playoffs/H_05preview2Ab.txt)