January: Small Towns, Coliseum Dreams

A monthly check in on the small town prospects, Class 2A and below, who are producing big numbers while working their way to the new Coliseum at the State Fairgrounds.   Stats and Records are accurate prior to January's 30th games.    Mayfield closed out the Big House by winning the Class B title with an up tempo Calumet team. Now he's looking to win another with the new Class B1 split and the new Coliseum. He combines with future collegiate baseball players Kaleb Thiessen and Kingston Arnold to give the Chieftains an experienced backcourt. Mayfield in particular can light it up from deep. While playing on or off the ball. They're currently second in the Class B1, as they've lost a pair and Stuart is undefeated to earn the top ranked spot. They've won 5 straight since a loss to Class A contender Cyril. And have another State Title type test when they visit defending Class A champs Okarche on Tuesday.     After tasting a bitter overtime defeat in the State Quarterfinals last year, Creepingbear has been a man possessed. The junior long known for his attention to detail on defense has turned into one of the best scorers in the small town ranks. He's pouring in 25.6 points a game, largely thanks to his tighter handle. Which has led to him being a tough off the dribble shot maker, while mixing in more creation off the bounce. Riverside is currently 6th in the Class 2A rankings and have played a tough schedule for a 2A team. With four of their losses coming to 4A teams, including a 2 point loss to the defending 4A champs Weatherford. Creepingbear and company will be well tested for their playoff run. And a potentially longer stay at the State Tournament.     It's been since 2022 that Latta made the trip to OKC in March, but they're ranked 10th in Class 2A. Sophomore sharpshooter Trimmer is a big reason why they could peak at the right time this year. He's lit up bigger programs like Tahlequah Sequoyah and Marlow. At 12-5, they're only one win away from matching last year's win total. And with a sharpshooting like Trimmer, could shake up the playoff brackets next month.     Exciting junior guard, with a great first step in the halfcourt and good end to end speed. Quality crossover further helps him get down hill in halfcourt. At the rim he's a strong finisher for his size. Good hangtime in order to hit acrobatic shots against opponents around the rim. Has a nifty floater too. In the game watched, didn't see him get his jumper going. Which will be needed if 9-8 Pawshuska is to make noise in the playoffs.     Bledsoe is another prospect who tasted the State Tournament last year but was sent home after one game. He's also lighting it up this year, clearing 2,000 points for his career. The senior is a big guard, with smoothness to his game. Which makes him a handful to cover off the bounce. But impressively he can also fill it up from deep. Went for 47 points in the first half in a win over Cherokee earlier this month. Where he hit 11, yes 11 three pointers. Expect to see Bledose producing similar scoring lines to open the new Coliseum.     A junior who is a solid athlete and even better perimeter shooter. Caught him in a game earlier this month where he hit at least 6 three pointers. Can get it going off the bounce or as a spot up threat with deep range. Has these moments of next level athleticism, which included a dunk in transition and an impressive block. The vertically is there, but he needs to work on being more fluid in his lateral movements. Newkirk is 8-8 on the year and with a shooter like Morton, could cause some upsets come playoff time.

A monthly check in on the small town prospects, Class 2A and below, who are producing big numbers while working their way to the new Coliseum at the State Fairgrounds.