6A State Preview W/ Predictions

Derek Jackson October 21, 2021 @ 09:10 AM

We are looking at the eight teams from 6A who punched their ticket into the state tournament, how they got there, some players that have led them, and making a prediction on who will survive and advance to the next round.   Class 6A #1 Bishop Kelley vs #8 Owasso Bishop Kelley has been stellar all season long. They play at a high level but what makes them really tough to beat is how consistent they are throughout entire match. They don’t give away many points, they make sure they are earned. From the excellent in transition defense they play to the smart swings they make, it's just a steady tide chipping away one play at a time. They hosted Ponca City and Booker T. Washington in their regional and didn’t drop a set. Owasso, however, is a team that has a high ceiling and has played to its fullest potential on multiple occasions this season, such as when they swept Broken Arrow and Edmond Memorial. There is a plethora of talented players in this match up. Here are a few matchups to look for, Carley Butler vs [player_tooltip player_id="145966" first="Megan" last="Roy"] in the middle, Jada Bishop vs [player_tooltip player_id="156860" first="Curry" last="Kendall"] on the outside, and setters [player_tooltip player_id="156846" first="Kate" last="Schneeberg"] vs [player_tooltip player_id="144125" first="Rylee" last="Martin"]. Whichever team can win two of those three key matchups will be who survives this first round and moves on. My prediction is that this goes the distance but Bishop Kelley’s constant pressure will get the best of the Rams in the 5th set. #2 Edmond Santa Fe vs #7 Edmond Memorial These teams met once before this season and it was a five set slugfest, with Edmond Memorial handing Santa Fe one of only five losses on the season. Edmond Memorial beat Southmoore and Bixby to advance, while Edmond Santa Fe beat Putnam City and Mustang. Annie Davis, [player_tooltip player_id="144132" first="Joeci" last="Hunt"] and [player_tooltip player_id="156856" first="Madison" last="Hathaway"] have been the cornerstones for the Bulldogs thus far and finished 20-10. [player_tooltip player_id="144099" first="Katelyn" last="Branson"], [player_tooltip player_id="144108" first="Madison" last="Edwards"] and Allison Pope have led the Wolves to a 29-5 record. My prediction is the consistent play and great serve receive from Edmond Santa Fe will help them get revenge this time around over Memorial.   #3 Norman North vs #6 Broken Arrow Norman North is on fire right now. They have won 16 straight matches! What is most impressive is who they have beat in that stretch, teams like Bishop Kelley, Santa Fe, Deer Creek, and Mount St. Mary. [player_tooltip player_id="144103" first="Lari" last="Migliorino"] reached the 1,000 kill mark for her career in the regionals while they beat Lawton and Bartlesville. Broken Arrow, led by [player_tooltip player_id="144086" first="Mackenzie" last="McGuire"], beat out Enid and Union to punch their ticket. My prediction is Norman North’s momentum and players like [player_tooltip player_id="145961" first="Katie" last="Kolar"], [player_tooltip player_id="144140" first="Sarah" last="Lindley"], [player_tooltip player_id="156872" first="Parker" last="Gladhill"], and [player_tooltip player_id="145968" first="Riley" last="Roberts"] will be just too much for the Tigers to handle.   #4 Jenks vs #5 Edmond Deer Creek The only matchup in 6A that hasn't gone five sets this season. They actually have not seen each other up to this point. Jenks is 28-8 on the season and beat out Muskogee and Moore to get to state. Deer Creek sits at 23-7 and beat out U.S Grant and Edmond North. Interesting matchup as both teams have some big hitters that they live and die by. [player_tooltip player_id="145981" first="Brynn" last="Roberts"] and [player_tooltip player_id="144120" first="Cameron" last="Turner"] will be a huge setter battle. Both can distribute the ball extremely well but Roberts has a really tough serve, while Turner puts up a better block. [player_tooltip player_id="156866" first="Maren" last="Johnson"] and [player_tooltip player_id="145994" first="Ellie" last="Smith"] will be countered with [player_tooltip player_id="145979" first="Jenna" last="Houk"] and [player_tooltip player_id="145986" first="Julia" last="McLendon"]. My prediction is this match goes five sets but Deer Creek, being a team with more seniors and being a little more mature, they get the upset in the first round.