Oh What A Night

Frankie Valli wrote about a night in December back in 1963. He needs to write another song about a string of nights in January 2023 that took place at The Hive in Kingfisher, OK.

The Kingfisher Yellowjackets repeated as Buckle of the Wheatbelt champions, both boys and girls in sensational fashion.

I can't begin to properly describe the path that the girls team is on because quite frankly, words don't suffice. Coach Young and her staff have the Midas touch when it comes to preparing and inspiring their athletes to get better in every facet of the game. Be it handling the press, defending larger players or just instilling confidence in young players, Young and Co are doing a fantastic job.

Walker, Myers, and Snider are getting even better each game. Daugherty is releasing the frustration of growing up with older brothers with strength and aggression grabbing rebounds and playing tough, physical defense. Talor Meck is providing valuable minutes off the bench and Mya Dewberry makes the Energizer bunny look sluggish with her pace of play.

If this team was listed as a stock, it would be described as a "strong buy" because they are just moving up and show no signs of slowing down or if there is a ceiling. For example, in the first game of the tournament against the Harrah JV team, Coach Young had her starters in during the fourth, even when the game had been out of reach for Harrah since the opening tip. Reason why? They weren't performing up to Coach Young's standards and expectations. I love that attitude. Take advantage of any and every opportunity you have to get better. What better place to get competitive feedback than in a game? Love it so much.

Oh, and it's not like they played weak opponents in the tournament. How about a stacked Weatherford team in the finals? No problem.

The Jackets were ready. They were prepared. They executed. They won. On to the next. Seriously Sofies, tell your friends about this team. There's something special going on here.

The boys. What can you say about this bunch that hasn't already been said? I can answer that query with one word- PLENTY!

Maddox Meck went down with a knee injury vs Guthrie (further evaluation Monday, praying for good news) and it felt as though the air was sucked out of the building- at least from where I was sitting. The team though, said ok, no time for tears or negativity right now because we have a game to win and that was exactly what they did. They went out and took Guthrie apart en route to a 4A Top 3 matchup with Weatherford in the finals.

Throughout the day on Saturday, I kept in contact with all of my numerous sources regarding the mindset and predictions as to what would happen with the team with Aces leading them from the bench. Every contact said, they will step up and get it done. This wasn't real news to me because Friday night, yours truly had a conversation with the boys and told them that they had it in them plus a few other pieces of advice. In no way, shape, manner or form am I saying that the wisdom imparted in that exchange had any bearing on the performance Saturday night though because these guys have been picking each other up ever since they were in elementary school and winning championships in every sport they played.

X and Kitch, man these guys are rocks. Kitch turned in an all star performance last night but you wouldn't realize it until you look at the stat sheet. X's ability to lead by example was a masterpiece last night. Don't forget about Jax either. He's showing that he can score as well as take charges like Amazon on Cyber Monday all the while getting into the head of the opposing team's best player and flashing a winner's smile to their fans. Pure beauty.

Here's what should have opponents shaking. Drake is emerging. The shots are starting to fall with greater frequency now. His defense is getting tougher. He's feeling it. He's not quite in the zone yet but is getting close.

Cash is finding his shot as well. No longer can teams try to sink back on Kitch or concentrate on X. If Cash doesn't burn you with his speed and ball handling ability, you better not let him shoot either because you can't handle all that smoke, just sayin.

Hey, that not enough? How about this? You know the guy who is always shooting 3's during warmups but plays down on the post? Yeah I'm talking about Jud. He hit probably the biggest shot of the game last night from behind the arc as well as nailed clutch free throws in a game that the entire state will be looking forward to seeing a rematch. The Weatherford team is GOOD, y'all. They are big, physical and have serious talent. The Jackets didn't let them get comfortable all night. It was a great game, and that is putting it lightly.

Really though, there's not much more to say other than let's go play some more. Hopefully Maddox will find out that he can get back to the court sooner than later because he's another one with a smile and style that we can't get enough of and selfishly as a fan I want to see more of it.

The Jackets don't have much time to rest until they get back at it again on Tuesday night for homecoming, which gives me just a little pause. In order to come home, don't you have to go somewhere first? I don't know, what the heck do I know, I can't spell ziti without spell checking it 69 times.

Point of this whole thing, don't sleep on either of these teams and don't miss a game if at all possible. Both teams are doing some great things and show promise for much more. Check 'em out.