Team Preview: Sapulpa (5A)

Bryce McKinnis

November 2, 2020 @ 09:03 AM

The Sapulpa Chieftains are slated to be an instant contender in their first year in 5A after classing-down. Coach Rickey Bruner credited the strength of his new competition. "5A is super competitive," Bruner said, "so nothing really changes. "Tulsa Memorial year-in, year-out is as good as any team in 6A as well as Carl Albert and many other 5A schools," Bruner said. The focal point of the Chieftains’ attack will be senior forward [player_tooltip player_id="745360" first="Jackson" last="Skipper"], a 6-foot-7-inch powerhouse with above-the-rim athleticism, a slander build and the ability to hit shots from deep. He had an excellent summer with BTR. "[Skipper] has had a great preseason," Bruner said, "gotten stronger, really matured as a leader, and is scoring on all three levels and defends guards and bigs." Joining Skipper as a defensive presence is Vernon Durant, who moved back to Sapulpa after spending time in Hawaii. "[Durant is] a game-changer defensively," Bruner said. "He is a freak athlete and is a big-time shot-blocker and high-flyer." In the back-court, the Chieftains have a three-headed monster with [player_tooltip player_id="1036987" first="Tezohn" last="Taft"], [player_tooltip player_id="1015834" first="Mason" last="Dement"] and Brandon Niyah, each of whom bring different skills to the court. Taft, a remarkably fast two-sport athlete, has improved his shot-sinking from the perimeter, according to Bruner. Dement, meanwhile is "cat-quick" and has had a great preseason with on-ball defensive skills. Both are seniors. Kylen Edwards, a 6-foot-1-high-flying freshman, will be a newcomer into the Chieftains’ lineup, Bruner said. "[Edwards] may get some varsity run," Bruner said, "and with improved skill-set will be special." Bruner said Sapulpa will remain in the Frontier Conference despite their reclassification. "We will play a 6A schedule all year long," Bruner said. "With us playing a 6A schedule , hopefully the coaches will take that into account when ranking us in 5A. "We are just ready to play and compete regardless of class," Bruner said.