High schools: Different look, but same old Putnam City Pirates

If you look at the makeup of Burtschi's past teams, you'll see a mix of senior leadership and elite prospects. That's where this year's team is different. Very different.

For starters, they have no seniors, and it's hard to have senior leadership without seniors.

The Pirates have a talented group of young players who are going to be Division I prospects, but there's not a kid like Marques Hayden or Xavier Henry or Dominique Raney — guys who enticed a steady flow of major D-I scouts — on the roster right now.

But there is talent, some of whom could find their way to that major-college level.

The Pirates announced their presence on Friday night with a victory that reminded fans and opponents alike to never forget how dangerous they can be.

PC received 21 points from David Bush and 20 from Ronnie Boyce — a pair of juniors who will be heard from on the recruiting circuit — in a 74-59 win at No. 4 Edmond Santa Fe.

“We don't have any seniors, so more work falls on the juniors like me and Ronnie and Orlando Goldsmith,” said Bush, a speedy 5-foot-11 combo guard. “We got to play a lot last year, so we're the guys who have to step up and be leaders.”

The sophomore class includes players such as 6-foot-5 banger Kairo Rutledge, shooting guard Stephen Edwards and even point guard Dexter Dean, who, despite being 5-foot-5, has shown he can handle big-time 6A competition.