MaxPreps Oklahoma Team of the Week presented by the Oklahoma National Guard

Teens tend to like to blend in. They don’t like to be outcasts or particularly different — in most cases.

That is not the case for the Verdigris (Claremore) girls basketball team and coach Mike Buntin, who preaches to a different philosophy.

"We established a goal to be uncommon this season," he said. "We take pride in doing the little things that most teams refuse to do. We strive to work harder than any other team in the state. We believe if we are uncommon, it will enable us to achieve the ultimate goal of winning a state championship."

Thus far, it’s sure working.

The Cardinals are off to a 22-2 start after beginning the season with 16 straight wins. They are ranked fifth in the state, according to the MaxPreps computer rankings.

For their uncommon approach and winning ways, the Cardinals are the MaxPreps Oklahoma Team of the Week, presented by the Oklahoma National Guard.

Since the team’s last loss, a 53-51 defeat at Inola, Verdigris has rattled off decisive wins over Lincoln Christian (68-45), Berryhill (66-38) and Metro Christian (59-42).

Without a 6-footer on their roster, which includes just three seniors, four juniors, six sophomores and four freshmen, the Cardinals rely on quickness and defense to succeed.

The loss to Inola proved to be a blessing in disguise.

"No one likes to lose," Buntin said. "But it motivated us to work harder at a point in the season when it was easy to get complacent."

When you have a player like Baileigh O'Dell, a 5-foot-2 point guard, it’s easy to get complacent and just watch.

Though the Cardinals have two key double-digit scorers in Keara Battenfield (12.5 points per game), a freshman, and junior Courtney Risenhoover (11.0), O’Dell definitely "is the engine that makes us go," Buntin said.

O’Dell is averaging 21.8 points per game and has scored in double figures in 23 of 24 games. She also scored 33 against Locust Grove and is shooting a remarkable 52 percent on 3-pointers (71 of 137). She shoots 53 percent from the field overall and makes 81 percent of her foul shots.

"She has a motor that never stops," Buntin said. "She also plays with a chip on her shoulder. She has a desire to be the best and won’t allow anyone stop her. She has become almost unstoppable this year.

"She has always had an explosive first step and the ability to beat people off the dribble. However defenders were able to sink off of her and contain her dribble. But she worked extremely hard this summer on improving her jump shot. Now she has the ability to rise up and shoot her jumper over the top of her defender when they sag off of her."

Do you know a team that deserves consideration for Oklahoma Team of the Week? Email us with your nominations at OKteamoftheweek@maxpreps.com.