PODCAST: Summer is coming

6/4/2019 |  Ben Johnson

It's that time of year again. Summertime has arrived, and high school sports fans are left waiting for more games in August. But fear not! The Publics and Privates OKpreps Podcast will help get you through the slow months.

This week the guys recap some state tournament baseball, including Edmond Santa Fe and Pryor winning titles for the first time for both programs. The guys also look back on the memorable moments from the 2018-2019 athletic season, including some cross country, football, basketball and much more. 

The podcast closes out with Swisher breaking down this week's Skordle Shootout in Cushing. A solid field of small school hoopsters will be at Cushing Middle School, and Swisher gives you all the details you need to stop by and watch some basketball.

We'd welcome your feedback! Tweet at us - @michaelswisher & @benjohnsontul

Golden town: Wright City locks up school's first championship of any kind

3/12/2018 |  Ben Johnson

OKLAHOMA CITY — Right or wrong, perhaps Wright City was best known for intervening and delaying the 2013 state baseball tournament in the state courts system.

No more.

Now the Class 2A No.1 Lumberjax can be known for being state champions following a 62-49 win over second-ranked Latta at State Fair Arena on Saturday night. Now Wright City has a golden achievement to add to the trophy case in far southeast Oklahoma — the first of its kind at the school.

“It’s a privilege to bring it home,” Wright City coach Joel Dickerson said. “I know our fans standing (in the arena), my former players — it means a lot to our community.

“…This group was just fortunate to get it done.”

That they did.

CJ Briley made all seven of his field goal attempts, including three from beyond the 3-point arc, to lead Wright City with 18 points. His brother, Robert Briley, added a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, to go along with five assists.

“It feels great,” Robert Briley said of the school’s first state championship. “Our hard work paid off, and I’m grateful for it.”

In taking down the reigning state champions, Wright City out-rebounded Latta, 27-14, and the Lumberjax also shot 53.8 percent (21 of 39) from the field.

“My guys, they’re really, really good shooters,” Robert Briley said. “All we do is practice shooting 3s all the time.”

Adam Jordan scored 20 points on 7 of 11 shooting in 31 minutes on the court. Trent Smith mixed in 19 points and eight rebounds for the Panthers (26-6).

The score was tied at 13 at the end of the first period, but a 17-10 second quarter put Wright City in front for good. And the end result was just what Dickerson preached about all season long.

“We talked about this all year,” he said. “It’s not about making a state tournament, it’s not about winning one or two games, it’s about winning this gold ball. These guys believed in that, and we got it done.”

No. 1 Wright City 62, No. 2 Latta 49

	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Latta	13	10	9	17	49
Wright City	13	17	16	16	62

Latta (26-6): Adam Jordan 20, Trent Smith 19, Elijah Factor 8, Hyatt Hoppe 2.

Wright City (30-2): CJ Briley 18, Dalyn Burrell 15, Robert Briley 14, Justin Lecrone 9, Chris Trusty 6.

SKORDLE SAMPLER - Week 10 (2022): The Popcorn Ball

11/3/2022 |  Michael Swisher

While out trick-or-treating with my kids Monday night, I was having a discussion with some of the other parents in our group about my Halloween experiences as a kid. 

I vividly remember always loving the houses that gave away homemade cookies, brownies, caramel apples and - especially - popcorn balls.

I was reminiscing and remembering the good ol’ days when people used to hand out these homemade treats and it really made Halloween special. 

As my kids were about midway through the evening and collecting a ton of Halloween candy, all three of them came running back to me telling they were just given popcorn ball. 

They all wanted to know what it was exactly and if it was good?  

Is it good?!?!?!?!?!