PawneeSports
02-16-2006, 09:57 PM
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Coaches Aid | February 16, 2006
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McGuinness has a great shot to win its first title since taking four consecutive from 1998-2001.
Area I
State tournament regulars McGuinness and Northeast are the favorites in an area that includes four teams that reached the state tournament a year ago. Second-ranked McGuinness has played stiff competition all season and shouldn't be too fazed by a regional that includes 19-3 Cache. Meanwhile seventh-ranked Northeast is expected to make it through regional action unscathed, although 17th ranked Anadarko is definitely capable of an upset as is an athletic and surging Seminole squad. A possible area final between McGuinness and Northeast at Choctaw could be very entertaining.
Area II
Area II is loaded with teams that have been on a roller coaster much of the season due to a variety of reasons and could see plenty of surprises. The narrow favorites look to be fifth-ranked Bristow and eighth-ranked Douglass but neither is close to a lock at this point. Bristow heads into the playoffs coming off just its second loss of the season, a 63-56 shocker to Skiatook, while Douglass is extremely athletic but has a far from stellar 15-7 record. If recovered from a major bout with mono, Elk City would definitely be a favorite. The Elks have struggled a bit late in the season though with standout Cade Davis and company out of the lineup. Another top contender is Star Spencer while Purcell and Weatherford appear to be peaking heading into the playoffs. Look for a couple of very interesting possibilities in the opening round of regional action as Elk City could face Weatherford and Star Spencer battle Douglass.
Area III
Dewey and Pryor each made it to the state tournament in different classes a year ago and each are eager to make a similar run in 4A with veteran clubs. Fourth-ranked Dewey, which reached the Class 3A state event last season, headlines the regional field at Glenpool and appears to be on a collision course with 11th ranked and 19-3 Mannford in the region final. Ninth-ranked Pryor advanced to the 5A state tournament a year ago and has been solid once again this season. The Tigers, however, should have their hands full in a possible regional final against a Vinita squad that is just 16-6 this year but has the experience of playing in the state finals each of the past two seasons.
Area IV
The power-packed Area IV field features three teams ranked in the Top 6 in the state, which combined this season for 62 wins and only four losses. Only two however will reach the state tournament because of the bracket assignments. Top-ranked Broken Bow is one of the favorites and the Savages look to have a solid chance to advanced cleanly through regional action at Sallisaw, although arch-rival and defending state champ Idabel could await in the regional opener. Things will likely be a little tougher for third-ranked and 21-1 Fort Gibson, which has several landmines in their path, although they would be at home from district all the way through regionals. The Tigers are expected to face 13th ranked Berryhill in the regional opener. With a victory they would then likely meet either Wagoner or sixth-ranked Roland, which got an extremely difficult draw despite being a perfect 21-0 against Oklahoma opponents this year.
Coaches Aid | February 16, 2006
http://www.coachesaid.com/ca/img/2006/playoffs/H_05preview4Ab.jpg
McGuinness has a great shot to win its first title since taking four consecutive from 1998-2001.
Area I
State tournament regulars McGuinness and Northeast are the favorites in an area that includes four teams that reached the state tournament a year ago. Second-ranked McGuinness has played stiff competition all season and shouldn't be too fazed by a regional that includes 19-3 Cache. Meanwhile seventh-ranked Northeast is expected to make it through regional action unscathed, although 17th ranked Anadarko is definitely capable of an upset as is an athletic and surging Seminole squad. A possible area final between McGuinness and Northeast at Choctaw could be very entertaining.
Area II
Area II is loaded with teams that have been on a roller coaster much of the season due to a variety of reasons and could see plenty of surprises. The narrow favorites look to be fifth-ranked Bristow and eighth-ranked Douglass but neither is close to a lock at this point. Bristow heads into the playoffs coming off just its second loss of the season, a 63-56 shocker to Skiatook, while Douglass is extremely athletic but has a far from stellar 15-7 record. If recovered from a major bout with mono, Elk City would definitely be a favorite. The Elks have struggled a bit late in the season though with standout Cade Davis and company out of the lineup. Another top contender is Star Spencer while Purcell and Weatherford appear to be peaking heading into the playoffs. Look for a couple of very interesting possibilities in the opening round of regional action as Elk City could face Weatherford and Star Spencer battle Douglass.
Area III
Dewey and Pryor each made it to the state tournament in different classes a year ago and each are eager to make a similar run in 4A with veteran clubs. Fourth-ranked Dewey, which reached the Class 3A state event last season, headlines the regional field at Glenpool and appears to be on a collision course with 11th ranked and 19-3 Mannford in the region final. Ninth-ranked Pryor advanced to the 5A state tournament a year ago and has been solid once again this season. The Tigers, however, should have their hands full in a possible regional final against a Vinita squad that is just 16-6 this year but has the experience of playing in the state finals each of the past two seasons.
Area IV
The power-packed Area IV field features three teams ranked in the Top 6 in the state, which combined this season for 62 wins and only four losses. Only two however will reach the state tournament because of the bracket assignments. Top-ranked Broken Bow is one of the favorites and the Savages look to have a solid chance to advanced cleanly through regional action at Sallisaw, although arch-rival and defending state champ Idabel could await in the regional opener. Things will likely be a little tougher for third-ranked and 21-1 Fort Gibson, which has several landmines in their path, although they would be at home from district all the way through regionals. The Tigers are expected to face 13th ranked Berryhill in the regional opener. With a victory they would then likely meet either Wagoner or sixth-ranked Roland, which got an extremely difficult draw despite being a perfect 21-0 against Oklahoma opponents this year.