Girls' 5A State Title Hoops Preview

Originally Published: Feb 24, 2010 9:25 PM CDT

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Mobile Journalist

OKLAHOMA – Since 2001, four teams have won the 5A girls basketball title. Woodward repeated in 2001-02. The Claremore Lady Zebras won three straight championships from 2003-05. East Central dethroned Claremore in 2006 and won the gold ball again in 2007, and the Booker T. Washington Lady Hornets have won the past two state titles.

This year’s title could change hands again, but the usual suspects are still in the running. The Lady Cardinals, Hornets and Zebras are all ranked in this year’s top-5. The road to the 2010 championship is wide open.

EARLY FAVORITE:
Booker T. Washington Lady Hornets – 5A’s #4 ranked team

Technically, three other schools have better overall records than Booker T., but if you want to be the champs, you have to beat the champs. The Hornets won the 2008 and 2009 championships thanks to strong guard play, and 2010 is no different. Kaylan Mayberry and Lakia Wilson lead the Lady Hornets into the postseason on a 9-2 clip. They will host a Regional round of games February 25-26, and kick off the playoffs against Tulsa Central (0-16).

TEAM TO WATCH:
Carl Albert Lady Titans – 5A’s #1 ranked team

Booker T. Washington’s top threat this season is Tim Price’s Lady Titans squad. Carl Albert finished the year 19-4 and blaze into the playoffs on a five game winning streak. This high scoring team dumped 11 of the state’s top-20 teams and beat teams from three different classes. They bounced back after a tough 47-27 loss to Shawnee to win five straight games and could give BTW a run for the 5A crown.

BEST REGIONAL ROUND MATCHUP:
No. 8 Coweta Lady Tigers (15-7) at No. 18 Collinsville Lady Cardinals (9-9)

The records may not ‘wow’ you, but this game is not about the two teams playing on Thursday night at Tulsa Memorial High School. This game earns the best regional round nod because it’s a chance to watch one of the best players in the state hopefully put on another classic show. Katy Harsen is a senior point guard for Coweta and owns the floor in every game she plays. She scored 37 points against Tahlequah to lead her team to an overtime win, even after having to leave the game at one point because of a cramp in her calf muscle. She sparks that team, runs the offense and even makes big plays on defense. She’s the reason you go to watch Coweta and Collinsville in round one.

LAST FIVE STATE CHAMPIONS:
2009: Booker T. Washington Lady Hornets
2008: Booker T. Washington Lady Hornets
2007: East Central Lady Cardinals
2006: East Central Lady Cardinals
2005: Claremore Lady Zebras