Big vs. small at Tournament of Champions

TULSA - Some of Oklahoma's top high school basketball teams gathered at ORU's Mabee Center to compete in the tournament of champions this week.

For 48 years, the tournament, which is sponsored by Tulsa Public Schools, has brought together athletes from schools of all sizes.

"We have teams from all over Oklahoma, all the way from Class B up to 6A," said Tulsa Public Schools assistant athletic director, Mick Wilson. "We try to get teams that are highly ranked in each classification to compete against the higher classification teams that are also ranked. It features a lot of small schools against big schools and it provides for a really exciting format."

The tournament also gives coaches a chance to see what their teams are made of.

"It's a great opportunity for our kids to come and compete against some of the best teams in the state, regardless of class," said Verdigris Lady Cardinals head coach Mike Buntin.

Buntin's team won two games and lost one.

It was enough for 5th place and a consolation trophy.

Buntin says even more important than a trophy, was the opportunity the tournament provided his players.

"It's a great opportunity to come and prepare ourselves for a playoff push and just to get tougher physically and mentally. Three games in three days is really taxing on our kids bodies and minds so it's a really good opportunity to see where we're at," said Buntin.

The tournament ends Saturday evening.

East Central competes against Anadarko for the girl's championship, while Union takes on Roland for the boy's championship.