It is that time of season and we have finally reached the State Tournament and congratulations to all the teams that have made it back to the state tournament. Follow along as I preview the State Tournament matchups and hear from the coaches as they give their thoughts. The State Tournament is at Devon Park formally known as the Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City.
Blanchard vs Miami
5:00pm (Field Two)
Last Appearance: Blanchard (Second consecutive) Miami (First since 2022)
Blanchard’s road to state
Blanchard’s road began with wins over Kingfisher 10-0 and 7-0 in regionals and Plainview 20-0 and 10-3 in super regionals to advance to state.
We have had a very great season and I am very proud of our team! Our goal is to win a district so you can host a regional, win that regional, and then win a super regional! We have got to cross all three of those things off and plus win 30+ games! Our girls have played at a high level for 40 games and it’s been a blast to watch em! It’s a super exciting time when you can punch your ticket to state! Like I mentioned earlier we have played at a high level all year which is what it takes to get to this point! I anticipate us to play free and do what we do because we have a lot that were apart of going to state last year but also because our girls know it’s about us and doing what we do! said Blanchard coach Blake Stringer.
Miami’s road to state
Miami’s road began with wins over Oologah-Talala 11-1 and 1-0 in regionals, Lost to Wagoner in game one 6-4 but bounced back 3-2 and 11-7 in super regionals to advance to state.
The road to the state tournament is always tough for any team. Working through district play helps prepare you for the regional and just making sure we take it one game and one pitch at a time is the most important part. The anticipation is the same as it has been the past 2 weeks before regionals and super regionals. All teams at this point are a tough opponent, and going to take our best to beat. I think getting a few practices under our belt and then just getting there and settling in helps knock the anxieties down. We feel very fortunate and blessed to make it 2 out of the last 3 years. It takes a lot to get there and I hope we take advantage of getting to go another year! said Miami coach Lauren Strack.
Verdigris vs Purcell
10:00am (Field Two)
Last Appearance: Verdigris (First since 2021) Purcell (Second consecutive)
Verdigris’ road to state
Verdigris’ road began with wins over Sallisaw 17-0 and Skiatook 7-1 and 18-0 in regionals and Newcastle 14-3 and 6-5 in super regionals to advance to state.
Purcell’s road to state
Purcell’s road began with wins over Harrah 14-0 and Marlow 14-2 in regionals and Cache 3-1 and 2-0 in super regionals to advance to state.
I think this year we took a different approach than we did last year. Last year I think we knew that we went further than what ourselves or anyone else expected. This year our mentality was meet the expectations. losing in the finals last year stings but didn’t let it control our entire season this year. We focused on us, we focused on our controllables, and gosh we battled injuries and staying healthy. There was about 3-4 weeks where were out 2-3 starters and I am beyond proud of every single girl that stepped into whatever role we needed them too. From freshman to seniors everyone played a huge part. We aren’t very big in numbers but it doesn’t matter with this group. They are probably the “closest” team I have ever coached. When Ella got back it took a lot of pressure off Hannah and Ava and then having Hannah and Ava allowed Ella to get back to be comfortable on the mound and the plate. We played a tough schedule and we did well without everyone healthy. That says a lot about this group. We didn’t take the teams in Regionals lightly. We knew Cache was going to put up a fight and be hard fought games, which they were. They were excited about making it to State but immediately said we have 3 more. Our 5 seniors are looking forward to playing this last week but controlling their emotions, which is what is needed. We were ranked 7 and I honestly I wasn’t surprised or “offended” by it. Coached have their own opinion and that is why they get to rank and it is up to them to do the research behind the games. What we do know is that we have a veteran team that knows what this stage feels like and knows how to be successful. Now we just have to go and prove it said Purcell coach Sarah Jones.
Tuttle vs Broken Bow
2:30pm (Field Two)
Last Appearance: Tuttle (Second consecutive) Broken Bow (First since 2020)
Tuttle’s road to state
Tuttle’s road began with wins over Woodward 13-1 and 4-0 in regionals and Hilldale 2-0 and 9-1 in super regionals to advance to state.
We have an expectation here at Tuttle to make it to state every year, with the history that this program has. It’s not a given to make it to the state tournament, and we work hard everyday to achieve that expectation of getting there. We are preparing our girls just like every other day, working hard and doing what we have been doing all season long. Our team was excited and proud to make it back to the state tournament, but we know that the jobs not finished and we will only be satisfied with one outcome said Tuttle coach Rebecca Cobb.
Broken Bow’s road to state
Broken Bow’s road began with wins over Inola 12-0 and Mannford 3-0 and 11-0 in regionals and Stigler 7-2 and 11-1 in super regionals to advance to state.
It has been an awesome season for our team, but anyone with stick and ball experience knows the road has ups and downs. We had two tough losses in district play that took the district championship out of hands but I think that happening only strengthened road to the state tournament has been a journey of growth . Making it to state for the first time since 2020 is a huge accomplishment, especially for those who have been with the program through the ups and downs. The reaction from the team and the community has been nothing short of excitement and pride. Everyone’s ready to compete at the highest level and make the most of this opportunity. I couldn’t be more proud of the journey this team has taken. The road to the state tournament has been all about hard work, and trusting the process. From day one, we set our sights on making a deep postseason run, knowing the potential we had returning to the field. The anticipation leading up to the tournament was electric. There’s always that mix of excitement and nerves, but this group of girls stayed composed and confident. They understand that getting to the state tournament is no easy task. But as we progressed through the season, the belief in the locker room never left. When we officially punched our ticket to state, the reaction was incredible. It’s been a long time coming since 2020, and to finally break through again, especially for the seniors who’ve been working toward this their whole high school careers, was an emotional moment. The pride in representing Broken Bow on the biggest stage is something these girls will carry with them forever. Now, it’s about finishing the job. We’re excited, but we’re also focused on taking the next step said Broken Bow coach Jake Harris.
Weatherford vs Elk City
12:00pm (Field Two)
Last Appearance: Weatherford (Second consecutive) Elk City (First in school history)
Weatherford’s road to state
Weatherford’s road began with wins over Pauls Valley 19-0, Chickasha 7-0 and Perkins-Tryon 10-0 in regionals, Won the first game over Poteau 5-4, Dropped game two 6-5 but won the third game 10-0 to advance to state.
Coming into the season, these girls expectations were not only to make it back to the state tournament, but to make some noise when they got there. Our girls like to win. It hasn’t been easy at times this season, but somehow they have found a way to win. I think winning the Super Regional was a sigh of relief for these girls. They knew they could make it and everyone expected them to make it, so when they got it done, you could just see the joy in their eyes said Weatherford coach Rick Morris.
Elk City’s road to state
Elk City’s road began with wins over Madill 12-0 and Bridge Creek 2-0 and 6-2 in regionals and North Rock Creek 4-3 and 7-1 to advance to state.
Our road to the tournament came behind a 31-4 record finishing 2nd in our district with 3 of our loses coming to Weatherford and verdigris who are also in the tournament. We were able to avenge a super regional loss from last year at north rock creek as well. We have been lead by good leadership and play from our 3 seniors. as well as underclassmen and new pieces stepping up to fill big spots. We have a junior pitcher who has been dynamite for us every year. She has 285 strikeouts on the year and is at almost 750 for her career! We have been hitting our stride towards the end and just really enjoy competing against the best! The anticipation leading up is impossible to ignore!! This is a goal we have had for a long time and have been so close many times. I was fortunate to be apart of a state title coaching with my uncle Jason Wilson at Binger-Oney so I have an idea of what it’s like. I know our team is a little nervous but they are super excited and want to go prove they belong with anyone! We started out this year with a simple saying and it was let’s make history. I think as the games started winding down and we got more and more confidence the girls really started to believe it was possible! I’m so proud of all the girls before who laid the foundation so this group could do something extraordinary! We are excited to continue to grow and compete as well as enjoy the moment! said Elk City coach Kaleb Murray.
The OKPreps Rundown 
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