on the

Winter Sports Preview

Trent Cantrell Dives Back Into BasketballYouth Key for Lady TigersWrestlers Build on Own SuccessImprovement Goal for Swimmers

Volume 1, Issue 1

Lady Tiger basketball coach Mike Hughes teaches math, so the calculation is easy for him. Gone are starters Toree Thompson, Jordon Doyle, Amari Dennis, and Ashlyn McBride, who combined to average 50 of the Lady Tigers 64 points per game last year. Ashlee Williams and Tori Letney, role players off the bench, also graduated. Those six girls combined for more than 80 percent of the 28-0 Class 6A State champion’s points. “We will need contributions right away from four sophomores,” said Hughes, who is counting on Ren Long, Jalise Smallwood, Mia Bledsoe and Jordan Allan to make a smooth and quick transition from ninth grade basketball to varsity this season. That group scored a combined five points in varsity play last year – all from Bledsoe. Alexis Gaulden and her 7.6 points and 2.1 assists is back as the team’s point guard. Also returning are two Joneses – unrelated Taylor and

Tierra. Taylor had a memorable state tournament, with key moments rebounding and scoring in the final. She averaged close to three points and three rebounds as a junior. Tierra played in all 28 games a year ago and nearly matched Taylor’s numbers. Coach Hughes and his staff are looking for Darian Jackson, who did not play last season because of injury, to “be an anchor for us.” Hughes described her as a “Jordon Doyle-type player, who is aggressive and can score.” There will be pressure on Jackson, Gauldin and the Jones girls to set the direction of the season early, Hughes noted. “With all the youth that this team brings it is essential that our veteran players provide leadership on and off the court,” he said. “Scoring will be something that our older ones will have to bridge the gap immediately after losing so much of our scoring from a year ago.”

grow up fast

With just one returning starterthe Lady Tigers will need to...

28-0Rembering ...

G ld Ball

m o m e n t

that

Players and coaches look back at the Lady Tigers, 70-51, Class 6A State Championship win over Edmond Santa Fe.

The excitement on everybody’s face and hearing the

crowd...that was probably the most exciting thing. It was

overwhelming that we actually did it. I remember that I

played really hard, and that it was probably the best game I

ever played.

Taylor Jones, reserve post

What I remember most is just the relief, because the pressure (of going undefeated) had started to build for everybody. Then just how emotional it was for the kids. They finally realized what they had done. It finally sunk in. Coach Mike Hughes

I remember Taylor’s performance and being so happy for

her, because she changed the game and everything. I also

remember how excited the bench was. I don’t think there

was a possession when we were on defense that the bench

didn’t just cheer like crazy. Tierra Jones, reserve forward

I remember thinking when is the game going to start and that I felt good all day long. The greatest memory was sharing it with my daughter. I wish she would have been in uniform, but she was hurt, so at least she got to be a part of it. To watch her excitement was the greatest. Assistant Coach Tiffany Jones

Playing the whole game was something I had never felt before. It was amazing. I just remember thinking, I’ve finally accomplished what I’ve always dreamed of. Alexis Gauldin, starting point guard

The November roster for Coach Wallace and the Broken Arrow boys basketball team will certainly have a different look than the one Tiger fans will see during second semester. Returning starters Trent Cantrell and Josh Holliday will put away their football cleats and lace up their basketball sneakers by the time winter break rolls around. Now for a tremendous understatement: that will be great news for a team that went 12-11 last

SIZES p e e dDepth

Kelson Goins, with ball, Josh Holliday, 15, and Trent Cantrell, 30, are the Tigers top returnees from last year’s squad.

season and counts Cantrell and Holliday as the only returning starters. Cantrell and Holliday both averaged eight points a game last year. Cantrell also averaged nearly six rebounds a game and shot 54 percent from 2-point range and 45 percent beyond the arc. Holliday averaged more than two assists and three rebounds. During preseason drills, obviously without Cantrell and Holliday, Wallace noticed a group that has the necessary ingredients – speed, size and depth – to compete for a conference title and host a regional. “We are definitely a different team than last year,” Wallace said. “We have a lot more depth. Our size overall is much better, and we have more juniors and even younger guys that will be asked to contribute.” Among the notables, the 6-foot 5-inch Kelson Goins is the returning player with the most varsity experience. Goins, who showed steady improvement through the varsity season, averaged nearly three rebounds a game. Penciled in as early season starters are Ben Crider, at 6-6, who will join Goins underneath and Tony Hall, a 6-4 sophomore, who can play either guard position. Wallace has yet to settle on who will fill the first semester spots of Cantrell, who is a two-year starter, and Holliday, last year’s starting point guard. Wallace said with the team’s size at all positions, the exception is the 5-7 Holliday who can do a 360-degree dunk, rebounding should be much improved over last season. The size and speed will allow the Tigers to do “multiple things on defense,” the second-year head coach added. “Our style of play will be similar (to last year) - up tempo but hopefully with better execution and ball control,” Wallace said. “We have plenty of kids that can shoot and stretch the floor. The challenge will be getting our young kids to develop quickly.”

Coach Beau WallaceIdentifies Three StrengthsOf The 2014-2015 Tigers

3 things to Know about #30 1. His nickname is “Big Cat”: I think I actually called myself that in seventh grade. I saw it on a TV show (Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory on MTV) and I told my friends to start calling me that. It just kind of caught on. 2. He likes to fish: I snagged a Garr when I was 10 years old. There was no way I was touching it. I still wouldn’t touch a Garr. 3. He plays the Ukulele: My mom got me one for Christmas. I looked up video on how to play and studied the cords. It’s pretty easy.

FromFieldto Playing a power forward in Class 6A basketball at only 6-feet tall offers a challenge that Trent Cantrell attacks with an aggressiveness which appears as controlled recklessness better suited on the turf than the hardwood. So, after his junior basketball season, the question was finally asked, “Why aren’t you playing football?” He heard it from Head Football Coach David Alexander and offensive coordinator Jake Corbin. He even heard it from his basketball coach, Beau Wallace. “I had been missing it,” said Cantrell, a three-year starter in basketball, who hadn’t played football since ninth grade. “Playing was always in the back of my mind. I decided to come out for spring football. After that I wasn’t sure, but when Summer Pride started I thought I was going to stick to it. I went to all the camps and thought, ‘I’m going to play.’ I’ve been liking it, so I’m glad I did.” Cantrell and Josh Holliday, the only two returning starters to the 2014-15 basketball team, both are

playing football. Holliday’s speed – he ran a 4.36 40 in the summer – instantly put him in the starting line up as a receiver and return specialist. Cantrell starts at tight end and kicks off. “We talked about coming out together,” Cantrell recalled. “It was just one of those things where we said, ‘let’s just go do it.’ I know now that I would have regretted it if I had not played.” He is enjoying his football season and has college football coaches enquiring about him, but Cantrell still longs for getting back on the basketball court. He’s in the high school gym shooting every morning at 6:30. In the afternoon, after football practice, he works on his shot at the Community Center. “I do miss basketball. I can’t lie,” he said. “I stay in the gym as much as I can. I miss it a bunch. I’ve been playing it my whole life. I have a passion for it.”

Josh is a special player. He is a

threat to make a big time play

anytime the ball is in his hands.

David Alexander

Josh has such a quick first step. He can change the game in so many ways whether it’s a break away dunk or a steal on defense. He definitely brings excitement to the game.Beau Wallace

Coach Talk. . .

No matter which direction Coach Shawn Jones turns while standing in the middle of the Tiger wrestling room, he’s going to see a state qualifying wrestler. “Going into the season, we believe we’re as solid as ever,” Jones said. “It’s a long season. We really like where we are right now, mentally and physically. We have never had this great of a start when it comes to technique, conditioning and overall attitude.” That’s a telling comment for the reigning Class 6A Dual State Champions and the team that has won three state titles in the last five years. The “great” start Jones spoke of could be credited to experience and talent. The returning wrestlers and their accomplishments are a variable who’s who among Oklahoma’s top wrestlers. • Markus Simmons, senior, two-time State Champion and a runner-up

• Davian Jeffries, senior, two-time State Champion and a runner-up • Paden Bailey, senior, two-time runner-up and one-time placer • Steve Allen, senior, one-time placer • Isaiah Page, junior, state qualifier • Tejuan Daniels, sophomore, state qualifier Add juniors Damon Hail and Gage Kaiser and sophomores Tyler Lawley and Trenton Lieurance, and Jones is optimistic his Tigers can repeat on previous season successes. There are several other sophomores and juniors that also have Jones enthusiastic about the wrestling future – immediate and long-term. “I’m looking forward to watching the younger kids grow and make a splash,” he said. “I’m ready to get this season started.” The Tigers open the season Nov. 15 by hosting the Joe Zamora/Skylar Holman BA Open.

WinningAttitude BA wrestlers focused

on state championship

Markus is one of the top ranked wrestlers in the nation. He is preparing to have a great senior year. His drive and determination are examples for young wrestlers of what it takes to succeed.

Paden is flying under the radar right now. He is an exciting wrestler that is always in matches. He is working hard and is ready to have a special senior year.

Coach Shawn Jones Comments on two of his top wrestlers...

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Sixth hour athletics for middle school students is something that intrigued wrestling coach Shawn Jones. When first checking the enrollment records, his interest grew to enthusiasm. A month into the school year and Jones’ enthusiasm has nearly burst into euphoria. “I absolutely love it,” said Jones, who became Broken Arrow’s head wrestling coach in 2005. “It’s going to help us immensely. Whoever thought of sixth hour athletics for middle school deserves a pat on the back. The only bad thing about it is that now we wish we would have had it 10 years ago.” Over the last few years, the middle school program has averaged 80 to 90 wrestlers a year. More than half of that group joined after the football season. When 60 middle school students walked through the wrestling room doors on that first day, Jones looked around his 10,000-squre-feet of wrestling mat space and immediately began thinking about future expansion. By the spring semester, Jones expects to add 40 to 45 more wrestlers, meaning the middle school program will reach an unprecedented numerical height. “I didn’t think we would have 60 wrestlers right off the bat,” said Jones. It is the first time in a wrestling room for a majority of these young athletes. Yet the reaction to Jones’ instruction has been nothing but mature. “They have been amazing,” he said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve worked anybody like I’ve worked them. I’m

working their tails off, and they are responding. “Since we have a lot of new kids that have never done this before, we had a mentality that the worst thing that can happen to us is we get stuck with 45 kids who are not wrestling. So I turned it up really hard during the first couple of weeks - the time students could get their schedules changed - and I think we have lost two kids.” The dilemma Jones will face come December and January is finding enough matches for potentially 100-plus wrestlers. “We have eight teams in our conference, but outside of the conference, it is difficult to find schools who will wrestle us,” Jones said. He has considered reaching out to schools in the Oklahoma City area, but the eighth graders already compete in tournaments in Shawnee and Edmond, so he is concerned about stretching travel costs. “I’m going to have to start thinking outside of the box about scheduling,” Jones pondered aloud. But just as quickly, his thoughts turned, realizing how one of the state and nation’s premier high school wrestling programs could become even better with 100 middle school wrestlers working and waiting their turn to be on the varsity mat. “These guys are training every day,” he said. “It is so important that we are able to teach each kid the same thing, and that will be beneficial to all of them. When they come in, they know this is not PE class. They have to be ready to work.”

A FULL rOOM

Middle School Sixth HOur athletics chages the game for wrestling

When talking with Broken Arrow’s top senior swimmers, Nicholas Robertson for the boys and Breonna Barker for the girls, their team goals reflect those of Coach Whitney Lynn. “With so many returning state veterans, we are in a great position to improve our team scores at the championship meet this season,” Lynn said. Last year, the boys placed ninth in the Class 6A State Championship while the girls placed 10th. “I think our team is going to be a lot better,” Barker said. “I want our team to be one of the top eight teams. Our freshmen are really good. Some were on my rec team and some never swam on a team in their life, but it’s so cool to see how much they improve over the year.” Barker, a multiple state champion in the 50- and 100-meter free styles, swam on two relay teams that failed to qualify for the top eight finals. The same can be said for Robertson, whose 200-meter and 400-meter free style teams both placed ninth in the qualifying heats. To reach the team goals, Robertson says that from

the time the seniors get to the pool for practice and meets, “we need to set a good example. The upper classmen need to step up and show the younger swimmers what it means to compete because that is something they don’t understand yet.” He’s encouraged by what he has seen at practice. And, noted that practice sessions are becoming more intense, thus developing better event swimmers. “We are swimming more races in practice than we did in the past,” Robertson said. “Certain things you need to know, like how to pace yourself, and you can’t know that until you race the race. Up and coming swimmers are definitely learning how to swim the race.” Robertson added that team unity will also be the key to a successful season. “We need to do more team activities to get the team to bond,” Robertson said. He pointed to an October outing to a corn maze as one example and an early November bonfire as another. Fellow senior Dustin Fields reminded Robertson of the team tradition of eating at IHOP after the first meet. It seems team bonding events can be checked as a goal reached. In late February, after all the practice races are swam for real, Robertson, Barker and Lynn will know if the other team goals will receive check marks as well.

aking avesM WImprove team showing at state is goal for swimmers

Wearing a black hoodie featuring the words “BA Swimming” in gold letters, Breonna Barker sits quietly near the back of her pre-college algebra classroom. Her classmates know who she is, however, most don’t know what she is. Her math teacher, Kari Smith, says, “I doubt if they know.” English teacher Misty Galleher says, “not many, if any.” She’s only the state’s No. 1 college swimming prospect, who has committed to swim at the University of Kansas. She’s a six-time state champion, school record holder in the 50- and 100-yard freestyles, a 2013 and 2014 All-American, and that’s the short list. “I found out about her swimming from a male athlete who was complimenting her one day,” said Debra Coffey, Barker’s business management teacher. “Since then, she has been a star, and the kids like to hear how she is doing. “A lot of my students truly believe she will be in the Olympics one day. I keep them updated on her status. She would never promote herself, so I am her promoter in my classes.” Barker confessed that it’s “nice” to be recognized. Yet, it is true what Coffey said, the quiet, unassuming Barker is not a self-promoter. “I guess I am quiet, except when I’m around my teammates and friends,” she said. “They really want me to stop talking. With them, I would say, I have a bubbly personality.” It was at age 9 that Barker discovered her swimming talent. As a member of the Tiger Sharks, she “was swimming too fast” for youth rec-league and was not allowed to compete in events. She began competing with a club team in Tahlequah. Noticeable improvements began almost immediately. “I won state for my age group, and that’s when I realized I had a passion for swimming,” Barker said. The nearly two-hour round trip to and from Tahlequah for an hour in the pool also helped Barker realize what it takes to reach the top of her chosen sport. That determination still exists. She swims for an hour and a half each morning and for two hours again each afternoon. “The amount of time she practices is just unreal,” said Coffey. “She recently had an injury scare, and I was impressed by her desire to make any and all life changes that the doctor recommended in order to pursue her swimming dream.” That dream includes breaking the state records in the 50- and 100-freestyles. Beyond that, it’s winning a Big 12 Conference Title with her future Jayhawk teammates, qualifying for the NCAA Swimming Championship and gaining an Olympic tryout. When asked, “why swimming?” Barker laughed. “I can’t catch anything,” she continued to smile, but the tone changed as she thought of the competitive solitude that exist in swimming. “Swimming makes me go into a different world. It makes me feel like me.”

Quiet ChampionGet to know Breonna Barker - Oklahoma’s top swimmer

Date Time Opponent Location11/24/2014 TBA Northeast A-Carl Albert HS11/25/2014 TBA Carl Albert A-Carl Albert HS12/4/2014 TBA Willard Trn A-AWAY12/5/2014 TBA Willard Trn A-AWAY12/6/2014 TBA Willard Trn A-AWAY12/9/2014 7:30 PM Bartlesville A-Bartlesville HS12/19/2014 7:30 PM Bixby H-Tiger Fieldhouse1/6/2015 7:30 PM Sand Springs H-Tiger Fieldhouse1/13/2015 7:30 PM Union H-Tiger Fieldhouse1/16/2015 7:30 PM Sapulpa H-Tiger Fieldhouse1/20/2015 7:30 PM Bishop Kelley H-Tiger Fieldhouse1/22/2015 TBA John Nobles Trn A-Moore HS1/23/2015 TBA John Nobles Trn A-Moore HS1/24/2015 TBA John Nobles Trn A-Moore HS1/27/2015 7:30 PM Jenks A-Jenks1/31/2015 TBA Owasso A-AWAY2/3/2015 7:30 PM Muskogee A-Muskogee HS2/6/2015 7:30 PM Bartlesville H-Tiger Fieldhouse2/10/2015 7:30 PM Bixby A-Bixby HS2/13/2015 7:30 PM Sand Springs A-Sand Springs HS2/17/2015 7:30 PM Union A-Tulsa Union HS2/20/2015 7:30 PM Sapulpa A-Sapulpa HS2/27/2015 TBA Regional Trn TBD

Date Time Opponent Location11/15/2014 9:00 AM BA Open H-Tiger Fieldhouse11/22/2014 10:00 AM Cascia Hall, Glenpool, Chandler, Catoosa A-Cascia Hall HS11/26/2014 9:00 AM Open Tournament A-Edmond Mem. HS12/4/2014 7:00 PM Mustang A-Mustang HS12/6/2014 9:00 AM Gardner-Edgerton, KS A-AWAY12/12/2014 1:00 PM Walsh Jesuit HS A-AWAY1/8/2015 4:00 PM District Duals: Putname A-Putnam City HS Edmond Mem, Enid1/9/2015 10:00 AM Geary Invitational A-AWAY1/16/2015 12:00 PM Jerry Billings Inv A-Chieftan Center1/22/2015 5:00 PM Jenks H-Tiger Fieldhouse1/27/2015 5:00 PM Stillwater A-Stillwater HS1/29/2015 5:00 PM Bixby H-Tiger Fieldhouse1/30/2015 7:30 PM Sapulpa H-HOME2/5/2015 7:00 PM Union A-Tulsa Union HS2/6/2015 12:00 PM Bishop Kelley Inv A-Bshp Kelley HS2/14/2015 TBA DUAL STATE A-A TTBD2/20/2015 12:00 PM EAST REGIONAL H-Tiger Fieldhouse2/27/2015 1:00 AM STATE TRN A-AWAY

Date Time Opponent Location11/24/2014 4:00 PM Northeast A-Carl Albert HS11/25/2014 4:00 PM Carl Albert A-Carl Albert HS12/4/2014 4:00 PM Willard Trn A-AWAY12/5/2014 4:00 PM Willard Trn A-AWAY12/6/2014 4:00 PM Willard Trn A-AWAY12/9/2014 6:00 PM Bartlesville A-Bartlesville HS12/19/2014 6:00 PM Bixby H-Tiger Fieldhouse1/6/2015 6:00 PM Sand Springs H-Tiger Fieldhouse1/8/2015 TBA Lady Jags Classic A-Westmoore HS1/9/2015 TBA Lady Jags Classic A-Westmoore HS1/10/2015 TBA Lady Jags Classic A-Westmoore HS1/13/2015 6:00 PM Union H-Tiger Fieldhouse1/16/2015 6:00 PM Sapulpa H-Tiger Fieldhouse1/20/2015 6:00 PM Bishop Kelley H-Tiger Fieldhouse1/22/2015 TBA John Nobles Trn A-Moore HS1/23/2015 TBA John Nobles Trn A-Moore HS1/27/2015 6:00 PM Jenks A-Jenks1/30/2015 6:00 PM Owasso H-Tiger Fieldhouse2/3/2015 6:00 PM Muskogee A-Muskogee HS2/6/2015 6:00 PM Bartlesville H-Tiger Fieldhouse2/10/2015 6:00 PM Bixby A-Bixby HS2/13/2015 3:30 PM Sand Springs A-Sand Springs HS2/17/2015 6:00 PM Union A-Tulsa Union HS2/20/2015 6:00 PM Sapulpa A-Chieftan Center3/5/2015 TBA Regional Trn TBD

Date Time Opponent Location12/2/2014 4:35 PM Bartlesville, A-Bartlesville HS Booker T Washington 12/11/2014 5:00 PM Stillwater, A-Stillwater Swim Booker T Washington1/13/2015 TBA Conference A-TBD1/20/2015 4:30 PM Union, A-Tulsa Union HS Owasso2/6/2015 TBA Region A-TBD2/7/2015 TBA Region A-TBD2/20/2015 8:30 AM State A-TBD2/21/2015 8:30 AM State A-TBD

Eye on the Tiger: Winter Sports Preview Volume 1, Issue 1Photo Credits: Jason Kelly, Ruth Kelly Sudio; Doug Quinn and Jeremy Scott, BA Ledger; Terrell Fry, hotshotsphotography.com; Chris Barker; Steve Cowen

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