Class 6A boys: Can anyone touch Putnam City?

Can anyone touch Putnam City?
The Pirates entered the preseason as the favorites. Their efforts throughout the season have left little reason to believe this is not the year for Putnam City Junior Xavier Henry has been as good as advertised, averaging 26.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. But he's not alone as Garen Wright has been a potent second option, scoring 13 per game with five rebounds.

Any doubts about the Pirates will be brought out early when they face second-ranked Tulsa Memorial in the first round. The Chargers had to win through the losers' bracket and definitely have a chip on their shoulder.

•Who is going to make some noise?

Edmond Santa Fe has been an enigma this season. There have been some nights when the Wolves have looked like the tops in the class. In other outings, ESF has looked like the inexperienced team it was last season.

"We had some ups and downs just like every other team,” coach Shawn Schenk said. "We feel like we're peaking at the right time.”

The Wolves won at Midwest City to win a regional crown and are paced by senior Nic Combs. The guard is averaging 18.7 points per game.

If the Wolves can get by Tulsa Union, it could lead to a fourth showdown with Putnam City North. The Panthers are 2-1 this season against Santa Fe.

•Who are the best players not getting enough attention?

Tulsa Memorial only starts one senior, but he's a dandy. Blaise Voskuhl-Staab has been a solid inside presence, putting up 17 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Tulsa Union's Antonio Ross has had the ability to be one of the most-dominant inside forces in the state. With the great perimeter shooters the Redskins have, Ross can sometimes be lost in the shuffle.

Jarrod McDaniel of Midwest City can control a game without even scoring. The senior point guard is averaging seven assists per game and has improved his perimeter shooting this season.

•Is this Putnam City North's final stand?

The Panthers have nine seniors, paced by Dennon Mitchell and Brentrell Friday. The state tournament has not been kind to coach Bill Robertson's kids as PC North is only 1-5 in the last five years.

Three of PC North's losses have come at the hands of rival Putnam City. But the Panthers have rebounded after each setback.

"With these kids, it's at a point where you don't really have to tell them anything,” Robertson said. "They know what's at stake.”

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