By Scott Hansen
MaxPreps.com
Upset City: Midwest City Gets Past Putnam City
In a clash between two of the top teams from the West and two of the top players in the state, the matchup between Midwest City and Putnam City in the final of the Putnam City Invitational failed to disappoint.
Junior point guard Jarrod McDaniel sank two free throws with three seconds left in overtime to give Midwest City a 69-67 victory over Putnam City.
The battle of Xavier's, though pronounced different, also was worth the price of admission. Xavier Alexander led Midwest City with 27 points and 12 rebounds. Putnam City sophomore Xavier Henry hit for a game-high 28 points and 15 rebounds. But it was a 5-foot-8 junior point guard that may have been the deciding factor for the winning Bombers.
McDaniel scored 10 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. The Bombers shot 80 percent from the field and outscored the Pirates 23-16 in the final stanza to force overtime.
For the defending Class 6A state champion Pirates, it was the first loss against in-state competition in almost a year. On Feb. 17, 2006, Putnam City lost to Edmond Santa Fe, 87-60. In the state semifinals last season, Putnam City avenged the defeat by beating the Wolves 64-44.
Midwest City moves to 13-1 on the season with their only blemish of the campaign coming against Jenks.
Union Stays Unbeaten
Tulsa Union's sharp-shooting junior Tom Becker drilled six three-point baskets to lead the Redskins to a 77-56 victory over Muskogee.
Becker hit for 20 points in the contest, while Justin Glenn added 18. Union is now 15-0 on the season. On Feb. 6, Union faces a tricky road game against Bishop McGuinness (OKC). On Dec. 8, Union defeated McGuinness 42-38 at home. McGuinness, however, has rattled off 12-straight victories including an upset over Putnam City North.
McGuinness/Oklahoma Christian School Rescheduled
Blake Griffin vs. Daniel Orton Part II will take place on Monday, as Oklahoma Christian School will host Bishop McGuinness (OKC).
It will be a busy week for McGuinness, as the defending Class 4A state champions will play five games in the next seven days.
In the first battle, Griffin was held to just 12 points by the overwhelming defensive presence of Orton. Orton, a 6-foot-9 sophomore, also scored 12 points as McGuinness won 52-41.
The key to the contest could be Michael Sosanya of Bishop McGuinness. Sosanya has been sensational in recent weeks, including an average of 26 per game in victories of Putnam City North and Edmond Santa Fe, both Class 6A schools. In a game against archrival Bishop Kelley (Tulsa), Sosanya scored 23.
Don't let the performance against Orton and McGuinness fool you regarding Griffin. The 6-9 Oklahoma signee is averaging nearly 26 points and 14 rebounds per game for the defending Class 2A state champions.
Last week, Griffin was selected to take part in the Jordan Brand All-American Classic. The game features 20 of the top talents in the nation and is scheduled to take place on April 21 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Sapulpa Girls Bounce Jenks
Sapulpa made another statement in a 64-39 victory against top-ranked Jenks. It was the second blowout victory of the season for Sapulpa over their Tulsa-area rivals.
Tatum Beer scored 19 points to lead the Lady Chieftains, including hitting all five of her three-point attempts in the first half.
Tia Magee scored 22 points to lead Jenks.
Sequoyah-Tahlequah Keeps Rolling
Without question, one of the top talents in Oklahoma is Sequoyah-Tahlequah's Angel Goodrich. On Friday, her 20 points were key in a 77-26 win over Victory Christian.
Goodrich has been fantastic this season for Sequoyah-Tahlequah, who moved to 15-0 on the season with the victory. On Jan. 24, she hit for 30 points in a victory over Class 5A contender Coweta.
Later this week, a full rankings breakdown as we inch closer to March Madness.