THE OKLAHOMAN’S LITTLE ALL-CITY GIRLS BASKETBALL FIRST TEAM
Erika Ankney, Harrah
Height: 5-8
Position: Guard
Class: Senior
The story: Ankney took a huge leap forward in her final season, scoring a career-high 18.9 points along with increasing averages in steals, assists and rebounds to guide Harrah to the Class 4A title game for a third straight season. The Oral Roberts signee also shot 98 percent from the free-throw line, a 31 percent improvement.
Olivia Curtis, Christian Heritage Academy
Height: 5-10
Position: Forward
Class: Junior
The story: The Oklahoman’s All-City Volleyball Player of the Year returns to the basketball team for a second straight season. She helped CHA win back-to-back titles while averaging 12.2 points and eight rebounds as dominant post player. But despite her talent on the basketball court, she will remain a volleyball star after committing to Oklahoma.
Rylee Langerman, Christian Heritage Academy
Height: 5-8
Position: Guard
Class: Sophomore
The story: A rangy point guard, Langerman was the Crusaders’ defensive star who also guided the offense. She averaged 10.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 3.4 steals to lead the way to an undefeated season. And recruiters took notice. She holds offers from Arkansas, Abilene Christian, Lipscomb and Oral Roberts.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR Sydney Manning, Cashion
Height: 5-9
Position: Guard
Class: Senior
The story: Manning, a Missouri State signee, faced little issue moving from Class 6A to Class 2A. In fact, she thrived as she averaged nearly 18 points and seven rebounds to lead Cashion to the Class 2A state championship game.
Haylee Swayze, Purcell
Height: 5-10
Position: Guard
Class: Senior
The story: A star in track, cross country and softball, Swayze put stock in her future on the basketball court with 21.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. A coaches’ selection for All-State in cross country, softball and basketball, Swayze recently decided to accept a basketball scholarship to Rice.
COACH OF THE YEAR Brian Lester, Tuttle
The story: Lester guided unranked Tuttle to the Class 4A state tournament, the program’s first appearance in the 5-on-5 era. The Tigers won five straight playoff games following a regional tournament loss, ending in a celebration that tore Lester’s Achilles.