Playoff Assignments Announced
The OSSAA announced the East and West split for the 2016 Class 6A and 5A Playoffs. Norman North, Putnam City North, and Edmond Santa Fe will head West in Class 5A. Bishop McGuinness and Shawnee will head West in Class…
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Continue ReadingThe OSSAA announced the East and West split for the 2016 Class 6A and 5A Playoffs. Norman North, Putnam City North, and Edmond Santa Fe will head West in Class 5A. Bishop McGuinness and Shawnee will head West in Class 5A.
It has been widely debated for the last decade if a team in Class 6A team could steal a spot from the East side of the state. However, this year I think it is more of a question of how many spots will the West take?
All three teams in Class 6A are ranked in the top ten in the current coaches rankings. It should be noted that only the vote of the East side coaches plus Norman North, Putnam City North and Edmond Santa Fe will count towards the East seedings.
Trae Young has never made a state tournament appearance, but his game is on another level this season and that could quickly change. Micah Speight has done a great job leading Putnam City North in his senior year. Speight is also in search of his first state tournament appearance. Edmond Santa Fe is coming off a state championship game appearance last season, but lost several key pieces. However, the Wolves have several young players who have stepped up this season along with two senior guards.
The East will have their hands full with the three top ten teams coming in March. If the rankings ended today, Norman North and Putnam City North would host regionals. The Union Jenks Tournament this weekend could have a big role in which teams host.
In Class 5A if Bishop McGuinness can play to their full potential they should be a lock for a state tournament spot. They have a bad record, but have played the toughest schedule in Class 5A matching up with Class 6A programs. Mason Webb has played very well for the Irish this season.
Shawnee is a team to keep an eye out for in Class 5A. They have had an up and down season, but heading east they are a dark horse to make the state tournament.
We will have more coverage of the breakdown of the playoffs as they approach. The parings are certainly not good news for the East side of the state.