Three of a kind; Putnam City & Mid-Del
In a rare turn of events, the two highest classifications in the state of Oklahoma feature two districts who were able to get all three of their high schools into the state tournament. Putnam City District has Putnam City West…
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Continue ReadingIn a rare turn of events, the two highest classifications in the state of Oklahoma feature two districts who were able to get all three of their high schools into the state tournament. Putnam City District has Putnam City West for the seventh straight time, Putnam City North for the fourth straight year, and Putnam City for the first time in awhile in the state tournament. Mid-Del matches with Midwest City in Class 6A followed by Carl Albert and Del City in Class 5A. The state tournament has been a regular for both districts as for the past five years they have been able to get two out of the three schools in the state tournament, but not all three.
Putnam City District Athletic Director Dick Balenseifen is really proud of each team making the state. The three schools nearly make up half of the bracket in Class 6A.
“We are very proud of our three boys teams making the state tournament,” said Balenseifen. “It is the first time in the history of our district we have had all three boys teams make the same state tournament field.”
Putnam City West has been the mainstay under Lenny Bert in the state tournament having made it seven straight times. The Patriots expect to be in the state tournament every single season. Coming off of winning the Class 6A state championship there were many who wondered if Putnam City North would even make the state tournament. It is a testament to the type of season Micah Thomas has had for the Panthers leading the way to his fourth state tournament appearance over his high school career. The wild card in the Class 6A field is the Putnam City Pirates. No one expected Putnam City to be here and the Pirates has set themselves up with the best first-round matchup they could ask for. All three teams could win the state championship in a wide-open Class 6A field.
Mid-Del is the same story with a little different tune. All three schools have made the state tournament but in two different classes (6A and 5A). Mid-Del Athletic Director, Andy Collier is very pleased with his three basketball head coaches.
“It is a testament to our great coaches we have at all three mid-del schools,” said Collier.
Carl Albert head coach Jay Price lost all five starters and somehow has taken the Titans back to the state tournament yet again. In my opinion, it is the best coaching job of coach Price’s career, which says a lot because he has had a lot of great teams. The Bombers have dealt with a lot of tough injuries throughout the season losing at one point four starters. Midwest City is healthy as ever entering the state tournament and feeling dangerous after knocking off the #1 Edmond Memorial Bulldogs to get to state. I would also say this is the best coaching job of head coach Dewayne Bradley considering all of the things he has come up this year including he tore his ACL while coaching a game. Last but not least Del City poses one of the biggest threats to knocking off the Tulsa Memorial dynasty in Class 5A. Lenny Hatchett is an outstanding leader of men.
Balenseifen and Collier have great head coaches to thank for the success of all three teams this year. As games tip off Thursday both will be busy running around Tulsa to see each school play, but neither would trade it for the world. This is a special year for Mid-Del and Putnam City. The only thing that would make this year any better for either is one of the schools winning the state championship.
Fore more information email Matt@prephoops.com