From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, January
20, 1998
LOCAL
Budget Status Report Indicates City Enjoys 'Stable Economy'
United Way Recognizes Those Who Made Campaign Success
Promise Keepers Super Bowl Message
DEATHS
Lyle F. Chambers
Margie M. McMahon
Opal Dean Morris
Funerals
Aileen Mary Thomas
Services Pending
Arlene Rademacher
NEWS BRIEFS
BUSINESS
Smaller Employers To Benefit From New Quality Jobs Effort
Notes and Quotes
Wheat Straw Fiber May Be Boon to Medford
LIFESTYLES
Alumni Club Honor Founders' Day
Little News
Mu Psi Chapter Talks Service
SPORTS
Cats Heading Back on Road
Shooting Woes Tip Lady Mavs
Mavericks Keep Ranking
Jr. High Sports
Mat Notes
Upshaw Places In Two Meets
Golf Notes
Sports Notes
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
The pencils have been sharpened, the figures are in and the calculations complete. The city budget status report for the second quarter, which ended Dec. 31, is complete. City Finance Director Marc LaBossiere states in his report that "the operating results are positive and the city of Ponca City continues to enjoy a relatively stable economy."
According to the report the general fund revenues are "healthy." The fund receives its revenues from the Sales and Use Taxes and from transfers from the Ponca City Utility Authority (PCUA).
Due to the decrease in customer rates in the last six months, the fund has experienced a decrease in revenues from the PCUA. However, the report shows $6.1 million in revenues and states that "taken as a whole, the General Fund revenues are healthy, and right on budget."
Expenditures from the General Fund totaled $6.2 million and included over $83,000 in attorney fees, almost 60 percent of the budgeted amount. The amount is high the report states "due to legal costs incurred defending the City in recent cases."
The general fund is the chief operating source for the city and is used for such things as public safety, streets, cultural and recreation and the general government.
New to the budget is fund No. 838 titled "Fire Station No. 1 Trust Fund." A zero balance is shown throughout the fund. Revenues from the one half cent sales tax, which began Dec. 1, will not be received until early February. And although no expenditures have yet been made LaBossiere says that costs may be incurred in the next few weeks.
Overall there were 11 revenue accounts which came in over budget and only three that were over budget in expenditures.
In summary, LaBossiere states that "City staff continues to seek innovative ways to provide efficient and effective services to the citizens of the Ponca City."
A copy of the report is available in the Ponca City Library.
As snow fell outside, the Marland Mansion chapel was overflowing with United Way friends, supporters and volunteers at its annual meeting and awards celebration, Jan. 13. Highlight of the noon meeting was the recognition and honoring of volunteers and companies who helped make the 1997-98 campaign a success. New members were voted-in and new officers installed as well.
David Mills, president of Home National Bank accepted a plaque honoring Larry Hughes, former United Way president. The 1997-98 campaign was dedicated to Hughes' memory for a lifetime of service to United Way. Mills, who will serve as campaign chairman for the year 2000, accepted the plaque and pledged to continue his good work to help the community.
Eric Kurtz, 1997 United Way Board President handed the presidential gavel to Brad Dickey, Conoco representative, during the program. Kurtz was highly commended for a "very successful term as president," by Helene Schwartz, United Way executive director.
Dickey accepted the gavel after finishing a successful term as vice president and 1997-98 campaign chairman. Dickey and his campaign cabinet reached 103 percent of the fund raising goal this year.
Larry Bittman, Prudential Securities, accepted the position of vice president and 1998-99 campaign chairman. Bittman has served on the campaign cabinet for the past two years and been involved with United Way for the past 20 years as board member, treasurer, executive committee member and served on the allocations committee.
Danny Thompson, customer services manager at Oklahoma Natural Gas, will serve as second vice president and assistant campaign chairman for the new year.
Steve Kellert, Conoco, continues his role on the executive committee as treasurer and Mike Mott, Home National Bank, accepted the position as chairman of the admissions and allocations committee. Eric Kurtz, Pioneer Bank, remains on the executive committee as past president.
Newly elected members of the United Way Board of Directors are Steve Boone of Security Title, Paula Coppock of Pioneer Bank and Trust, Lori Ellis, community volunteer, Ted Freeman of Conoco, Derrin Hiatt of Burns, Baumert, Cummings and Hiatt, Nick Jeffries of 101 Beverage, James Roland of Oklahoma Natural Gas, Jay Vaughn of Home National Bank, and Bill Wetzel of the Wetzel Agency Inc.
Chester Anderson, Conoco will be a new member on the allocations committee as well as Marc LaBossiere, City of Ponca City, and Vic Coates with Victor C. Coates Accounting Agency.
Each board member may serve up to three years, and members continuing as board members from previous years include Bob Askew of Group One Realtors, Carl Balcer of Rowe Real Estate, Troy Lewis of Lewis and Associates, Roylene Mayse of Evans and Associates, John Penewitt of Continental Carbon, Jim Sindelar with the City of Ponca City, Tom Sipe of Roosevelt School, Martin Smith of Sykes Enterprises, Debbie Whitener of Loftis Insurance, Tana Wilson with the City of Ponca City, Don Young with Thorn Apple Valley and Kim Youngblood of Bowker Ford.
The United Way of Ponca City Board of Directors meeting is held the first Tuesday of each month and all meetings are open to the public. For more information about membership, serving as a board member, committee membership or as a campaign volunteer call 765-2576.
The United Way of Ponca City supports 17 member agencies within the community, including American Red Cross, Arthritis Foundation, Bluestem Girl Scout Council, Boy Scouts of America-Will Rogers Council, Bridgeway, Child Development Center, Domestic Violence Program, Golden Villa Adult Day Services, Helpline Inc., Hospice of Ponca City, New Emergency Resource Agency, Northern OK Youth Services, Peachtree Landing, ProTeens, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), The Salvation Army and the YMCA.
"United Way agencies provide vital services to our community and your contributions enable these agencies to continue quality services to all Ponca Citians," said Schwartz.
Bill McCartney, co-founder of Promise Keepers and former Colorado football coach, will deliver his first address to men since the October 4 Promise Keepers Stand In the Gap Washington D.C. rally. He will speak Jan. 24 from San Diego.
McCartney's address is billed as a "pre-championship game event" taking place the afternoon before the Super Bowl. McCartney recently released a new book entitled "Sold Out-Becoming Man Enough to Make a Difference."
Joining McCartney will be other celebrities and sports figures including former Redskins coach Joe Gibbs and musical group 4Him.
KLVV will air McCartney's message from 3 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, the 24th
as it is broadcast live from San Diego, the site of this year's Super Bowl.
KLVV is heard on 88.7 FM.
DEATHS
DEXTER, Kan. - Lyle F. Chambers, brother to Donald Chambers of Shidler, died Saturday evening, Jan. 17, 1998, at William Newton Memorial Hospital in Winfield, Kan. He was 78.
The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at the Springside Cemetery, southeast of Arkansas City, Kan. Friends may visit at the Miles Funeral Service chapel in Winfield from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday.
Lyle F. Chambers was born April 27, 1919, in Arkansas City, Kan., the eldest of four children born to Albert and Gladys (Tipton) Chambers. As a youth, he moved with his family to Dexter, Kan. He graduated from Dexter High School in 1938, and later attended the University of Oklahoma, receiving a BS in petroleum engineering. He entered the U.S. Army as a lieutenant in July 1941.
He was married to Mildred L. Moser in Spencer, Iowa, on April 3, 1943. Chambers served in the European Theatre during World War II and was discharged in March 1946. The family resided in Colombia, South America, Alaska, and several southern states before moving to Dexter in 1962. Chambers founded his petroleum production firm "M-Rush" Company and drilled and developed a number of oil leases in Chautauqua County before retiring due to failing health. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Winfield, Kan. His interests included reading, music, hunting and outdoor activities.
Survivors include two daughters, Ruth Harrell of Woodridge, Ill., and Shirley Chambers of Dexter, Kan.; one brother, Donald Chambers of Shidler; one grandson; and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by is wife on July 12, 1997; his parents; one brother, Irl Chambers; and one sister, Alene Grimes.
TULSA - Margie M. McMahon, former Ponca City resident, died Saturday, Jan. 17, 1998, in Tulsa. She was 65.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Church of St. Mary in Tulsa. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Fitzgerald Funeral Service, Tulsa.
Margie M. (Harney) McMahon was born in the early 1930s to Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Harney. She graduated from Ponca City High School in 1950, and was a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority.
She was married to William Jon Smith in Tulsa on March 25, 1951, where the couple made their home. She was employed at Pacific Loans in Tulsa in the 1950s.
She later married Charles L. McMahon Jr. and the couple made their home in Tulsa. Mr. McMahon preceded her in death. Mrs. McMahon was a Tulsa business woman, active in the oil and gas industry for more than 35 years. She was also involved with several civic organizations over the years but dedicated much of her time to the Home of Hope Inc. in Vinita. She was an active parent, board member and fund raiser for the organization.
Survivors include one daughter, Teresa McMahon of Vinita; two brothers, Jerry Harney of Wichita, Kan., and Duane Harney of Twinsburg, Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Charles McMahon, and her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. McMahon's name to Home of Hope, Inc., P.O. Box 903, Vinita, OK 74301.
FAIRFAX - Opal Dean Morris, longtime Fairfax resident, died at her home Monday morning, Jan. 19, 1998. She was 92.
The funeral will be held graveside at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at the Fairfax Cemetery with the Rev. Luis Torres, Tulsa, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.
Opal Dean (Stone) Morris was born Nov. 28, 1905, in Blue Mountain, Ark., the daughter of William Henry and Myrtle Weems Stone. She graduated from high school in Arkansas.
She and Reid George Morris were married in Arkansas in 1922 and moved to Fairfax in 1936. In 1941, they bought the Morris Grocery Store and operated it until the mid 1980s. Mrs. Morris was a member and very active in the Assembly of God Church while her health permitted. She enjoyed traveling with her sister.
She is survived by one daughter, Joan Lynn of Tulsa; one sister, Glads Hicks of Ponca City; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Reid; one son, Farrell Morris; one grandson; and one great-granddaughter; her parents; two brothers and one sister.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Morris' name to the Assembly of God Church, Route 1, Box 34-1, Fairfax, OK 74637.
The family will be at the Morris Home to receive family and friends.
Wednesday
Aileen Mary Thomas - Funeral will be a private family service at Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City. The family will meet friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.
NEWKIRK - Arlene Rademacher, Newkirk area resident, died Monday, Jan
19, 1998, in Medicalodge East in Arkansas City, Kan. She was 62. Survivors
include sisters, Loretta Bersche of Blackwell and Delores Pudden of Dexter,
Kan. Arrangements are pending with Miller-Stahl Funeral Service in Newkirk.
NEWS BRIEFS
Juvenile Arrest - A 14-year-old boy was arrested at 1:37 p.m. Monday for first degree rape.
Shoes Stolen - At 6:37 a.m. Monday a resident in the 1000 block of North Sunset Street called police reporting shoes stolen from the front porch. A report was taken.
Accident - One person was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center from injuries sustained in an accident at 7:33 a.m. Monday in the 800 block of West Otoe Avenue.
Window Broken - At 8:24 a.m. Monday a man in the 300 block of North Fourth Street reported that the window of his vehicle had been broken out.
Burglary - Police received a report of a burglary at Liberty School at 8:53 a.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - At 9:02 a.m. Monday an accident in the 2100 block of North Turner Street was reported when a vehicle hit a curb and flattened a tire.
Arrest - A 45-year-old man was arrested at 10:39 a.m. Monday from the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street for driving under suspension.
Arrest - At 1:57 p.m. Monday police arrested an 18-year-old man from the 200 block of South Pine Street on a city warrant for destruction of private property.
Grass Fire - Both Ponca City and McCord Volunteer Fire Departments responded to a grass fire at 4:04 p.m. Monday in the 4300 block of Hilltop Drive. The fire was extinguished.
Egg Throwing - At 4:53 p.m. Monday police were advised that juveniles were throwing eggs at vehicles parked in a lot in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned.
Assistance Requested - At 8:47 p.m. Monday a woman in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue called police twice requesting assistance when she locked her car keys in her vehicle. She was advised to call a wrecker or a locksmith.
Missing Items - A woman in the 700 block of McFadden Drive advised police at 9:20 p.m. Monday that some children were at her residence earlier and since she had noticed items missing. An officer was assigned and the items were recovered.
Doors Ajar - At 3:28 a.m. Tuesday police were called to the Highland Nursing Home, 1401 West Highland Avenue, after receiving a call reporting someone had tried to gain entry. However, no problems were found and it was determined that the wind had possibly caused the doors to open.
Noises Heard - A woman in the 1000 block of South Fifth Street called police at 3:38 a.m. Tuesday reporting that someone was on her porch. Officers responded and determined it was possibly the wind causing the noises.
False Alarm - At 3:50 a.m. Tuesday a woman the 700 block of North Elm Street reported that something was "beating" on the side of her house. An officer was assigned and found that a piece of tin was blowing against the house.
Hay Fire - Fire units responded to a call advising 20 bales of
hay on fire one mile west of Waverly Street on Hubbard Road at 5:05 a.m.
Tuesday. Firemen applied water and considered the fire a controlled burn.
BUSINESS
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
A new program, the innovative Oklahoma Small Employer Quality Jobs Program, is offering a "cash-back" job creation incentive for new or existing manufacturing and service industry investment.
Gerald Hall, the regional representative for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, explained about the program.
Hall said, "The Department of Commerce would work with your existing industries task force of your Economic Development group to get this information out to the potential employers that may qualify and work with that group also to help the qualified companies to make application to the Department of Commerce."
Hall, telling how the program came about, said, "The original Quality Jobs Act in Oklahoma was for employers that provided a payroll of at least $2.5 million within a three-year period of time.
"By design the act was to attract larger employers into Oklahoma, but it left out the smaller employers - either existing employers in the state or smaller companies that wish to move into the state with the same type of incentives.
Hall added, "What this new program does is level the playing field, so that the existing employers in the state also have an opportunity to receive incentives for creating quality jobs or also provides incentives for those small companies that wish to move to the state that would never be able to achieve a payroll of $2.5 million.
Targets Smaller Firms
"This program is designed to target companies that have 90 or fewer employees currently. To qualify, the minimum threshold is 10 new employees within one year. Any company that exists in Oklahoma or wishes to locate in Oklahoma that is going to add 10 full-time employees in a 12-month period of time potentially could qualify for this program."
Hall explained further, "There are several thresholds such as 80 percent of the new employees have to have a salary of 150 percent of the existing per capita of the county in which the company is located.
"So if you were adding 10 employees, eight of them would require a salary range that was above the per capita income of the county. The company would be required to provide health care benefits to the employees as part of their incentive package and the health care cost could be included in that 150 percent calculation."
Attracts Manufacturing
Hall concluded, "It is basically designed to attract manufacturing or manufacturing service related type companies."
Listed in addition to manufacturing that could qualify are electric services, motor freight transportation and warehousing, transportation by air, arrangement of passenger transportation, transportation of freight or cargo, insurance carriers, adjustment and collection services.
Also, mailing, reproduction, commercial art, photography and stenographic services, services to dwellings and other buildings, miscellaneous equipment rental and leasing, personnel supply services, computer programming, data processing and other related services, miscellaneous business services, medical and dental laboratories, engineering and management services.
County Per Capita
One drawback for companies in Kay County or locating here could be the per capita income, which is higher than most Oklahoma counties at $20,468, per year, and 150 percent would make the required salaries of the new jobs $30,702 or $14.76 per hour. Only three other counties rank higher in per capita in the state. These are Oklahoma at $21,657; Washington, $23,465, and Tulsa at $24,251.
For more information on how to apply for the Small Employer Quality Jobs Program contact Mary Bange at 1-800-879-6552 .
Spring Expo
The Spring Expo, sponsored by WBBZ Radio is slated for March 28 and 29 at Unity Gym. The event will cover home improvement, lawn and garden and sports and leisure.
Those interested in participating by setting up a booth are asked to call WBBZ at 765-6607.
Edward Jones Tops Survey
In a nationwide survey of 400 randomly selected brokers representing the leading eight financial service firms, Edward Jones ranked No. 1 for the fifth consecutive year. The survey, conducted by Registered Representative magazine, also reported that the qualify of Jones research rose to second place.
For the survey, 50 brokers each from the top eight U.S. brokerage firms were asked to rank their employers on 19 categories. Firms evaluated on areas such as overall ethics, freedom from pressure to sell certain products and quality of products offered. Edward Jones investment representatives ranked their firm highest of 14 of the 19 questions, according to Joe Alcott and Gene Hines, local Edward Jones representatives.
Shidler Chamber Banquet
SHIDLER - The annual Shidler Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet is slated for 7 p.m., Jan. 31 at the Oklahoma Jubilee in Shidler.
Bouldin Honored
Equitable Life has announced that Carol L. Bouldin, local Equitable Agent, has qualified for the 1997 Million Dollar Roundtable.
The Round Table is an organization of agents that meet standards of performance set by the industry nationally.
The membership is limited to the top six percent of insurance agents worldwide. This year's annual meeting will be in Chicago, Ill.
Financial Concepts School
Matt Lock, local Farm Bureau Ins. agent, has Farm Bureau's Financial Concepts School held in Des Moines, Iowa.
Lock has been with Farm Bureau since September.
Pappan Promoted
NationsBanc Mortgage Corporation has named Denise Pappan as account executive in the company's Ponca City office.
Pappan, who joined the bank in January 1988, has more than 10 years of mortgage experience.
She received her bachelor's degree from Oklahoma State University.
NationsBanc Mortgage Corp., a subsidiary of NationsBank Corp., is one of the country's top 10 loan originators.
Donations Made
Commercial Federal Bank employees, customers and members of branch communities donated more than 9,000 items, including food, clothing and toys, to the needy through the Bank's Giving Tree campaign drive held during the holidays.
The items were collected at each of the ban's 108 branches, including Ponca City and 18 other locations in Oklahoma. Items were distributed to various service and charitable organizations.
According to the January Food Fax Newsletter, the OSU/Food and Agricultural Products Research and Technology Center (FAPC) is working with the town of Medford in pursing the possibility of locating a plant there that uses wheat straw as a source of fiber for construction grade materials.
The article reports that currently there are several million tons of wheat straw available for use in the alternative fiber industry.
Several companies have developed processes and equipment to manufacture particleboard from straw. This involves the use of a resin (methylene-diphenyl-diisocyante) as a binding agent making the board water resistant and preventing the release of harmful chemicals.
Steward Kennedy of the FAPC is working with Medford on the project, which
could be a substantial benefit to wheat farmers and the local communities,
according to the newsletter.
LIFESTYLES
The Kay County Alumnae club met to celebrate Kappa Alpha Theta Founders' Day on Saturday, Jan. 10 with brunch at E.W.'s Restaurant at the Marland Mansion Estate. Fourteen members and one guest attended the annual event to commemorate the 128th anniversary of the fraternity's founding at DePauw University.
The group observed a candle-lighting ceremony in memory of the four founders' independence, perserverance, loyalty and faith. A collection for the "Friendship Fund" was then taken - these monies are contributed by sisters internationally and are then available to any Theta (collegian or alumni) in financial need by way of anonymous recommendation by three sisters.
Alumnae District President Dorthylynn Gaddis was the guest, having traveled from Oklahoma City. Mrs. Gaddis oversees five alumnae chapters and fifteen clubs in Oklahoma and Kansas. She was initiated at Alpha Omicron Chapter at the University of Oklahoma as a pledge sister of Ponca Citians Danys London Self; Helen Edwards Woodward, current president of the international fraternity, and also a member of that same pledge class.
Lynda Clark spoke to the group about the local CASA organization, which was founded in 1997. Court Appointed Special Advocates is the international philanthropy of Kappa Alpha Theta and is made up of a volunteer force trained to work with and for children's interest in the legal system. Each volunteer may only work on a single case at any time. Three of the initial seven volunteers locally are members of the Theta Alumnae club and new volunteers are needed to address the cases in need.
The next meeting of the Alumnae club will take place March 2 at the home of Jane Johnson.
Stevie and Tige Polston proudly announce the birth of their son, Jaden William Andrew Polston. The baby boy was born Jan. 12, 1998 in Norman , weighing 9 pounds, 6 ounces and measuring 23 inches long. Maternal grandparents are Elaine and Tom Klassen of Aurora, Colo. and Steve Cunningham of Edmond; maternal great-grandparents are Ernestine and Bill Cunningham of Seminole, Mary and Harold Dyer of Ponca City, and maternal great-great-grandmother is Carol Dyer of Ponca City. Paternal grandparents are Carol and Bob Kent of Ponca City, Tim Polston of Jacksonville, Ark., paternal great-grandparents are Ruth and Andrew Sullivan of Ponca City, Carolyn and O.D. Morgan of Pensacola, Fla., Lloyd Polston of Arizona, and paternal great-great-grandmother is Anne Hogue of Jacksonville, Ark.
Mu Psi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi held its January meeting at the home of Terra Martin, with nine members reciting the opening ritual.
President Kerry Mullenax opened the meeting, and Elizabeth Ricketson gave the treasurer's report and reviewed the budget.
Mu Psi members discussed recent service activities - a thank you from Jane Sheets with the Department of Human Services for the gifts for the elderly, as well as the gifts ultimately purchased for three angels from local Angel Trees. The service committee set up another meeting to discuss future projects.
Impending social activities were also discussed. In January a Progressive dinner is scheduled in the homes of Kelly Webb, Elizabeth Ricketson and Terra Martin. For February, Kerry Mullenax was elected Valentine Queen for the upcoming dance and more details regarding the local Founder's Day Banquet in April were announced.
Jennifer Neisen discussed the importance of learning CPR and other life saving techniques like the Heimlich maneuver; especially for the parents of young children. She agreed to set up a class for the members and their spouses to learn, or get a refresher on CPR.
The next meeting will be held at the home of Kelly Webb on Feb. 3.
SPORTS
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
After a brief respite from the road, Friday, the Wildcats and Lady Cats pack their bags again tonight and head for Broken Arrow.
The No. 3 ranked Tigers are the defending state champions, while the No. 2 ranked Lady Tigers boast the conference's leading scorer. The Lady Cats' tip-off is at 6:15, while the boys begin play at 7:45. Play by play for both games will be on WBBZ.
P.C. Wildcats (2-8) at Broken Arrow Tigers (6-3)
The Wildcats can't seem to get a break.
Not that there are any in the rough and tumble Frontier Conference, but their last two opponents - Sand Springs and Bartlesville - played like something other than a high school basketball game was at stake. Their lives, for instance, or the Fate of the Universe. Both teams were deadly from the field, and scored 20 points above their average.
There must be something about the Wildcats that brings out the best in people.
The insufferable part of it is the Wildcats have been playing better as of late, but without a notch in the win column, who's to notice?
Their coach, for one.
"We'll overcome. If we keep playing our game, probability is on our side, because there's a lot of season left," says a chronically upbeat Ron Arthur. "We'll win some more, there's no doubt in my mind. We just have to let the chips fall where they may."
And the chips fall tonight in Broken Arrow. As far as taking on the defending state champs, Arthur doesn't hesitate.
"It's going to be a tough game, and I'm sure they'd say the same thing. Other than Union, which is on a different planet, no one's really that much better than anyone else in this conference. And the pressure is on them - they're the defending state champions. We have nothing to lose."
Still, the Tigers boast one of the best in the conference in Jon Belt, a 6-5 senior swing player who's averaging just shy of 20 points a game.
"He's gonna get points," says Arthur. "We want to slow him down, of course, but we're not going to focus on him. We can't have someone else stepping up and having a big game against us."
Which means the Poncans have to play some serious defense. While the Cats are currently ranked third in offense in the Frontier Conference, they're last in defense. Arthur says their working on it.
So all the Cats really need is a little luck - a break. Namely, like the Lady Cats, they need to rub their coach's belly.
"We're not ruling out anything at this point," Arthur laughs, "we might try that."
P.C. Lady Cats (4-6)
at Broken Arrow Lady Tigers (9-2)
It's too bad the Lady Cats don't have a really, really good player.
Yes, they have a number of just really good players - in fact, everyone in the starting line-up is an outstanding athlete, and their bench is pretty darn good, too.
But what they could use is a stately scoring machine like they've faced in six of seven conference match ups this season - a 6-2 Jessica Bates (Owasso, 21.9 points per game) or a 6-0 Kara Faulk (Sapulpa, 19.5 points per game). An ace-in-the-hole, go-to girl who's on a first-name basis with all the OSU scouts.
It could help, especially tonight when the Lady Cats get a glimpse of Kristin Brady, the queen scoring machine of the Frontier Conference, who's been averaging a mind-numbing 23.6 points per game for the Lady Tigers.
So what's a team, like Ponca City, that's quick on defense but short on the scoring end to do?
Stick with what works - namely, deny Brady the ball.
"We don't even want her touching the ball," says Lady Cat head coach Dana Pulley, "we want to get her frustrated and take her out of her game. We did that last year and it worked."
And that, says Pulley, means running a box-and-one defense - a zone defense with one of the Lady Cats' best one-on-one defenders (Alana Smith, Tia Williams), covering Brady.
"And we'll pack it in on the inside," says Pulley.
The Lady Cats did get a break from the endless parade of All-State candidates Friday, and they seized the opportunity by slaughtering Bartlesville, 54-43.
Though the Bruins reside in the lower quarters of the conference standings, it was an emotional and confidence-building win for the Lady Cats.
Just what they needed for tonight's game.
Oh, and what about the rubbing of Pulley's pregnant belly for good luck? That talisman is gone - rather, shrunk - as of this morning.
McKinna Lynn Pulley was born around sun-up this morning. The child is the fourth for Dana and her husband Steve.
What do the Lady Cats do for luck now?
"I guess they'll have to rub the baby's head," Pulley says.
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
The NOC Lady Maverick's shooting percentage took another dip Monday, as they fell to the NEO Lady Norse, 56-48.
Crippled by poor shooting, a specter that has haunted them for three straight games, the Lady Mavs (7-11) were outscored 17-9 in the final 11 minutes to remain winless in the New Year. Though they limped back to within four with 1:27 left to play, a crucial turnover by the Lady Mavs, followed by 4-for-4 shooting by the Lady Norse from the charity stripe ended the game.
Though the Lady Mavs came out hot, hitting three 3-pointers to open the game and remained in a tie at halftime, 23-23, the Lady Norse used a 24 point production - including 10 in the third quarter - from 5-10 Kiwana Battle to take the lead.
And if the Lady Mavs need a philosophy right now, it's "I think therefore I shoot poorly."
At least to head coach Greg Krause, his team has been short-arming and putting shots everywhere but in the basket because - quite simply - his girls are thinking about their shots too much.
"This is a mental game," he says, "and I've always said that shooters can't have a conscience. We're missing a shot and thinking 'what's wrong?' and doing all this self-evaluating when we have to go out and just shoot the same way, every game."
Still, as opposed to the Lady Mavs' previous two losses, in which Krause bemoaned his teams lack of competitiveness, Monday's effort was encouraging.
"Our overall effort was better, we played more like a team. But we still need to be more ferocious on the boards, we have to create more chances."
Leading the way for the Lady Mavs was Mandy Perkins with 10 points.
"She's been the one player the last couple of games who's been reliable, a leader," Krause says.
Following Perkins were Brandi McClellan with eight, Stephanie Stovall, Lyndsey Warrior and Jessica Garner with six apiece, Shannon Hands and Danielle Monie with five each, while Cathy Rogers had two.
With a 7-11 record and with his team currently in a shooting slump, one might think there wouldn't be a bright side for Krause. Wrong.
"I'd rather be 7-11 in a conference like this than 3-15 in some bad conference," he says.
The Lady Mavs play again Thursday, hitting the road to take on yet their third nationally ranked team this year, Westark.
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
For a few brief, shining moments in 1989, the NOC Mavericks flitted in - and out - of the Juco Top-20 poll.
Last week, they flitted back in at the No. 19 spot. And for a few ugly moments Monday night, as they squandered a 20 points lead to Northeastern Oklahoma College, it looked as if they might flit right back out.
Still, the Mavs (16-3) - as they've managed to do all season - righted themselves and went on to win, 77-56.
After being trampled by NOC in the first half, 43-25, the Golden Norsemen went to the locker room, made some adjustments, and came back with a vengeance. Down by 18, they stampeded back with a 20-5 run in the third quarter to close to within three.
But the Mavericks regained consciousness to open the final stanza. Josh Regnier got the engines running again with a 3-point shot, followed by another from Zach Cazzelle. From there, the Mavs reassembled their lead, outscoring NEO 26-11 in the fourth quarter to ice the win.
So what's with a missing third quarter?
"We came out looking like we were just trying to hold the lead, rather than play," said Mavs head coach Mick Weiberg, "we just came out flat."
Weiberg also credits the halftime adjustments by NEO coaches as making a difference.
"They were attacking the boards, they went to a zone, and they were a lot more aggressive on offense. It pulled them right back."
To counter, Weiberg sent his strongest player, Marlon Towns, to the inside. That, combined with clutch 3-point shooting by Regnier (three in the second half) to give the Mavs some breathing room, raised the tempo of the game and made the difference.
"I've been saying this all year, but the strength of this ball club isn't in the starting five," Weiberg continues, "we're taking some shots, it's pretty physical, and without the bench play, we might not make it through a game like this."
The last time the two teams met, Dec. 1, NEO bombed the Mavs, 96-76. The Mavs were coming off a grueling five game road trip, however, and played what Weiberg termed their "worst game of the year."
Monday was a different story. After going down 5-0 to open the game, the Mavericks rattled off 18 unanswered points en route to what Weiberg says is "probably the best half we've played all year."
Exhibiting their talents Monday before a number of Div. I scouts were Deshawn Denson with 16 points, followed by Towns with 14, Joe Patmon and Regnier with 11 each, Kyle Dean with nine, Chris Beech and Jared Weiberg with four each, Cazzelle and Jace Turnbull with three each, while Todd Seibert had two.
The Mavs play again on Thursday, hitting the road for Northark.
Wrestling
Ponca City's Junior High wrestlers placed three of seven entries in the Perry Tournament over the weekend.
Matt Littleton took second at 135 pounds, Marcus Miller was third at 101 and Demetrious Miller was sixth at 108.
Several Ponca City JV wrestlers took part in the Pawhuska Tournament at the same time.
The Cougars will face Enid in a dual in the mid-High gym today at 5 p.m.
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Ninth Grade Girls Basketball
Ark City 21, Ponca City varsity 28
Free throw misses came back to haunt the Ponca City ninth grade girls as they dropped a 32-28 decision at Ark City Monday.
The Lady Cougars, 7-3 overall, 5-0 in conference play, try to recover at Enid Emerson tonight.
"In a close game, free throws will tell the story and shooting 28 percent (4-of-14) isn't going to win many games," coach John Maddox said.
The Poncans kept the game close, leading 14-13 at halftime and trailing just 20-19 to start the fourth quarter. But Ark City hit its free throws (14-of-25) down the stretch while Ponca City did not.
"We also had more turnovers than I like to see," Maddox added. "That has to improve. We have to have better control on offense."
Tonkawa won the Western Conference Tournament at Chandler Saturday.
The Buccaneers outdistanced second-place Chandler 225-192, crowning five champions.
The Tonkawa champions were Bringing at 112 pounds, Branson at 125, Simpson at 130, Styron at 160 and Randall at 189. Klufa was a runner-up at 152.
Placing third were Kohn at 145, while Estes was fourth at 140.
Tonkawa is ranked No. 7 in Class A.
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Newkirk placed fifth in the Tuttle Tournament Saturday.
Class 5A's No. 9 Yukon took first place with 190.5 points while Harrah, No. 5 in 3A, was second with 188.5. Third place went to Class A's top rated Tuttle with 152.5 points while Cushing had 134.
Newkirk, ranked No. 3 in Class A, had 122 points.
The Tigers' Schieber took the 160-pound title while Mills was second at 171.
Parker was third at 103 pounds as was Levin at 130 and Ring at 189.
Morrison scored 32 points in that tournament paced by Shouse, who was second at 130 pounds.
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Sapulpa Invitational
Team Scoring
Broken Arrow 219.5, Muskogee 147.5, Bristow 132.5, Sapulpa 116.5, Sand Springs 107, Tahlequah 104, Ponca City 80, Collinsville 58, Sperry 450, Bartlesville 21.
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IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - Results Sunday from the Cliff Keen NWCA National Dual championships:
Championship
Minnesota 18, Iowa 17
Third Place
Penn State 26, Michigan State 10
Fifth Place
Nebraska 36, West Virginia 8
Seventh Place
Arizona State 21, Oklahoma 18
118-Shane Valdez (O) dec. Michael Kawamura, 7-3.
126-Shawn Ford (AS) dec. Dane Valdez, 5-3.
134-Quinn Foster (AS) dec. Michael Lightner, 7-3.
142-Tracy Brown (AS) dec. Bo Eubanks, 10-5.
150-Steve Blackford (AS) won by forfeit.
158-Byron Tucker (O) won by forfeit.
167-Casey Strand (AS) dec. Michael Roller, 7-2.
177-Aaron Simpson (AS) dec. Waymon May, 4-1.
190-Orville Palmer (O) tech. fall Jake Harman, 17-1.
Hwt-John Henry Ward (O) maj. dec. Joe Micela, 21-8.
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Consolation Semifinals
Michigan State 23, Nebraska 18
Penn State 25, West Virginia 13
Ponca City's Level 7 gymnast, Lara Upshaw, bounced back from a couple of falls last week to nail her routines in the 12th annual Dynamo Classic in Oklahoma City this week.
Performing before Olympic Medalist Shannon Miller and coach Steve Nunno, Upshaw and the Phillips 66 gymnastics team responded with one of their better performances of the season.
Upshaw took first in the vault exercise with a score of 9.1 and first in the floor, 9.4. She was also fourth on the parallel bars (8.85) and fifth on the balance beam (8.15) to place third in the all- around.
The Phillips 66 team placed first with 110.1 points.
Upshaw suffered falls from the beam and the bars a week earlier in the National Judges Cup in Tulsa. She still managed a fifth place in the vault and third on the floor to finish ninth overall.
Upshaw plans to compete in the Sooner Games in Oklahoma City later this month.
Matt Tatum collected his first hole-in-one at the Wentz Municipal Course, Saturday on the 191-yard No. 10 hole using a 3-wood.
Tatum was playing with Marvin Bays, Jerry Hammett and Lloyd Lansdowne.
DENVER - Ponca City's Jerome Schneeberger placed third in the calf roping in the 11th of 23 performances of the National Western Rodeo Monday.
Schneeberger had a time of 12.6.