West Metro Holiday Speed Reads

A Speed Read to keep you busy while waiting for Santa. Happy holidays, everyone:

Putnam City

Boys: The only West Metro team in action right now, the Pirates are getting some great competition at the Cherry Creek Holiday Classic in the Denver area. After defeating Fairview Boulder (No. 9 in the state’s largest class) on Monday, PC knocked off Arapahoe (No. 2 in the largest class) on Tuesday.

They’re scheduled to play twice today if weather permits. More concerning than basketball right now is the drive home. They took Interstate 70 going up, but will come home on the southern route through New Mexico and Amarillo, Texas, because portions of I-70 have already been closed because of weather.

Girls: With the win over Edmond North behind them, it’s time to use the break to refocus on their goals, and make sure that the big upset doesn’t become the biggest moment of their season. The talent is there. Time to build on what they’ve done so far. The Lady Pirates surged to No. 9 in this week’s coaches’ poll, so people are recognizing their talent.

Putnam City West

Boys: After falling short in the Bartlesville Tournament earlier in the month, you can bet the Patriots are motivated to win the Ardmore Tournament next week. The key for PC West will be the development of its perimeter defense. Coach Tim Stogsdill is looking for contributions from young players at guard to boost the defense there.

Girls: Consistency has been absent for the Lady Patriots. Danielle Bounds is unquestionably the team’s best player, but the team has had to rely on others in several situations. They’ll be at the Ardmore Tournament next week. And the toughest part of the PC West schedule still lies ahead, with two games each against Edmond Santa Fe, Edmond North and PC North — all top-10 teams — remaining.

Yukon

Boys: Some tough competition lies ahead at the Ardmore Tournament, with the potential of bumping into a couple other West Metro foes, Putnam City North and West. Opposing coaches have a lot of respect for Ralph Nigro, and the way his teams run their offensive and defensive schemes in detail. That will pay dividends for a team that lacks height. And the Millers’ shooters will carry them to a win or three against someone they’re not supposed to beat.

Girls: Coach Kelly Clarke just wants some team chemistry for Christmas. With key players out at various times, players haven’t been able to get familiar with the roles Clarke hopes to have them playing down the stretch.