Spangler and Clark Named Gatorade Players of the Year

Bridge Creek’s Ryan Spangler and Midwest City’s Ashley Clark received the Gatorade state player of the year awards.

Thursday, July 28th 2011, 6:11 pm

By: News On 6

Spangler and Clark Named Gatorade Players of the Year

Originally Published: Mar 17, 2011 2:29 PM CDT

Oklahoma Sports Staff

CHICAGO—The Gatorade Company, along with ESPN RISE announced Thursday that Bridge Creek’s Ryan Spangler and Midwest City’s Ashley Clark have been awarded the 2010-2011 Gatorade Oklahoma Basketball Players of the Year.

This is the 26th year for the award that recognizes athletic excellence and high standards of academic achievement along with exemplary character demonstrated on and off the court.

Spangler, a 6-foot-5 inch forward, averaged 29.8 points, 17.4 rebounds, six blocks and 4.5 assists his senior season to help the Bobcats make it to the 4A state championship game. Although they took second in state, Bridge Creek rounded out the season at 26-2.

The senior is also a two-time All-State selection after recording five triple-doubles this season, not to mention tallying a quadruple-double in Bridge Creek’s 59-47 win over Anadarko.

In the classroom, Spangler has maintained a 3.83 GPA, is involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and is a volunteer for the Special Olympics.
Spangler has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball in the fall at Gonzaga University.

Ashley Clark is the second straight Oklahoma Girls Basketball Player of the Year from Midwest City High School as last year, senior Richa Jackson received the same award.

The 5-foot-11-inch junior averaged 13.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.4 steals per game as the Lady Bombers came in second in the state and finished with a 29-1 record.

“Ashley has been a consistent and valuable player for us all long,” said Midwest City head coach Art Bode. “She’s picked up up whenever we’ve needed it and she has become a true leader on the court.”

Clark maintained a 4.20 weighted GPA in the classroom, is involved in student council and volunteers for Special Olympics as a youth basketball coach.

The point guard will return to the Lady Bomber squad next year for her senior season.

Clark also joins other Oklahoma girls basketball player of the year winners Kevi Luper (2008-09, Adair) and Alyssia Brewer (2007-08, Sapulpa.)

Spangler joins recent Gatorade Oklahoma Boys Basketball Players of the Year Tyler Neal (2009-10, Putnam City West) and Xavier Henry (2007-08 & 2008-09, Putnam City), among the state’s list of former award winners.

For more on the Gatorade Player of the Year program, including nomination information, a complete list of past winners, visit playeroftheyear.gatorade.com .