2023 Team Previews: Claremore/Coweta

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023 school season is just around the corner and we are taking a look at two teams in each article. We will talk about some things the team is planning to focus on, players returning, and possible outlook on the season. We will be looking at two teams, Claremore and Coweta, that are typically at the top of their conference and top 10 in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Claremore</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Claremore finished the season with a 23-18 record and ranked #9. Last season the Zebras received a new head coach and had a strong senior class. They are graduating, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284837' first='Hannah' last='Dorsey']</strong>, who was a S/RH that was voted onto the All State roster, Middle Blocker <strong>Ella Irvin</strong>, who is an alternate on the All State roster, and Libero <strong>Elsa Rhodes</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They will have a very young but talented group of freshmen and sophomores that will likely find some varsity time. Players like, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284934' first='Leah' last='Merriman']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='285769' first='Grace' last='Baughman']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='388489' first='Marley' last='White']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='285770' first='Doshia' last='Bittner']</strong> Mix this with a hardworking senior class and a very talented junior class in, OH <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='303529' first='Ella' last='Ramsey']</strong> and MB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212432' first='Claire' last='Hardage']</strong>, and you have a chance for them to be sneaky good in 2023. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Claremore is hosting a slew of scrimmages and tournaments. 7/22 there will be a varsity round robin style super scrimmage that includes 5A qualifier Sapulpa, 5A champ MSM, 5A Runner up Bishop McGuinness, 6A top 15 Moore, 4A top 10 Tuttle, and 6A Enid. They will also have big games against 5A qualifier Coweta 10/2, 5A qualifier Glenpool 9/28, and 4A qualifier Victory Christian on 9/11. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Coweta</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coweta finished the season with a 20-14 record and ranked #8. Last season Coweta was able to beat Claremore in the regional final to punch their ticket to state. They are graduating All State RH, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284833' first='Katy' last='Payne']</strong>, and MB <strong>Sydney Skaggs</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team will be primed to make a huge run this season. Behind a huge senior class that is very seasoned. Players like DS <strong>Keyleigh Wapaha</strong>, OH <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='290940' first='Alexis' last='Schauffler']</strong>, and MB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156876' first='Chloe' last='Doerr']</strong> will be at the heart of this group. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='240334' first='Olivia' last='Brand']</strong> and <strong>Baylee Belt</strong> both saw playing time last season and have really taken big steps this club season with Virago 15-1. Look for both of them to be even more involved in 2023. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coweta hosts the always star studded, Coweta Invitational, on the opening weekend of season. More than half of those teams typically make the state tournament. They will also have key match ups with 4A champ Lincoln Christian right out of the gate on 8/4, 5A qualifier Glenpool on 8/29 and 5A runner up Bishop McGuinness on 9/28. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wrap Up:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Claremore and Coweta both compete in the Metro Lakes Conference. Both almost always are in the hunt for the conference championship. Them and Glenpool will likely all finish top 3 again in 2023. Both teams will be fighting again to be top 10 and find a state berth. One will look to talented young guns, while the other looks to season vets to do the job. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->