Girls' 6A State Title Hoops Preview

Originally Published: Feb 24, 2010 9:37 PM CDT

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Mobile Journalist

OKLAHOMA – Jenks owned the 6A ranks in the early part of the decade. The Lady Trojans won the gold ball in 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2004. Since then, they’ve bowed out before the title round, giving way for a number of teams to raise the 6A gold ball. Five different teams have claimed the top prize since 2005, and this season could make six.

EARLY FAVORITE:
Midwest City Lady Bombers – 6A’s #1 ranked team

Midwest City hasn’t lost to a team in the state of Oklahoma all season. Their 20-2 record includes two early season defeats in out of state tournaments. The Lady Bombers lost to Incarnate Word (Missouri) 52-46 in mid-December and dropped a heart-breaker to Webb City (Missouri) in overtime 65-62 at the KTXR Classic. Outside of those bumps in the road, Midwest City keeps cruising. They win by an average of 25.5 points per game. In non-tournament play, the only team to come within 13 points of the Lady Bombers was the No. 3 ranked Norman Lady Tigers. Midwest City will win the state championship, unless they beat themselves.

TEAM TO WATCH:
Edmond Santa Fe Lady Wolves– 6A’s #4 ranked team

Norman nearly beat Midwest City in early February, but just like everybody else, fell to the mighty Lady Bombers. The reason they don’t crack the TEAM TO WATCH list is because they didn’t play as many games against top-20 teams this season to convince fans that they have what it takes to beat Midwest City in the playoffs. Edmond Santa Fe finished the season 13-2 against teams in the top-20 in the state. That kind of success against such a difficult schedule is enough to push them into the ‘spoiler’ role. They beat the No. 2 ranked Edmond North Lady Huskies twice this season.

BEST REGIONAL ROUND MATCHUP:
No. 13 Putnam City North Lady Panthers (13-10) at No. 15 Sand Springs Lady Sandites (15-7)

These two meet in the first game of the Regional round at Norman North high school Thursday February 25th. Sand Springs is one of the more streaky teams in the state. They have a pair of three game winnings streaks this season and won seven games in a row early in the year. They went winless in overtime games but fared well in games decided by single digits. The Lady Panthers have been up and down all season but sprinted into the playoffs winning four of their last five games. The only loss for PCN in the final five games was a three-point defeat on the road to Putnam City. The duo could provide some early round drama on opening night. The game time is set for 6:30 p.m.

LAST FIVE STATE CHAMPIONS:
2009: Del City Lady Eagles
2008: Union Lady Redskins
2007: Sapulpa Lady Chieftains
2006: Mustang Lady Broncos
2005: Norman Lady Tigers