Published: January 28, 2009 09:32 pm      

SPRUILL : Memorial prepares for rough stretch

Whenever play resumes, Memorial girls basketball coach Shane Coffey knows its going to be rough.

Saturday will mark the end of Edlam for the Lady Bulldogs as they take on Santa Fe. Then the fun begins with No. 2-ranked Norman, followed by a road contest at No. 4 Del City, and a home game against No. 1 Midwest City.

“Well, I was prepared for an Edlam game tonight,” Coffey said on Tuesday night. “To my knowledge, that game will be moved to Saturday, then we go into the three-game gauntlet where we face the top three teams in the state.”

That’s the Mid-State conference for you. The sixth-ranked team in the state, is fourth in its own conference. There simply are no off-nights, if you don’t bring your A game, you will get ran out of the gym.

“This year, yes, the Mid-State Conference is the best in the state. Traditionally the Mid-State Conference has been close to the top if not the best. But the Metro Conference has had some really good years, too,” Coffey said. “P.C. West had some good years with Danielle Gant, Santa Fe made a run there for a couple of years, Mustang has been really good, but right now, the Mid-State is the best.”

The Mid-State Conference has star power. The Metro Conference is right on their heels, and will likely be the dominant one next year.

Norman has Ashley Bruner, Midwest City has Richa Jackson and Diamond Ashmore, while Del City has Desiree Jeffries and Toni Young, both of whom will be at Oklahoma State next year. And Memorial has Taylor Anderson, who has become the Lady ‘Dogs go-to player.

That’s one heck of a group. That would be a nice All-State team, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if at least one will not be snubbed when the All-Conference Team is announced.

It’s a good thing to be battle tested when tournament time comes around. But it’s also good to gain some confidence before the tournament.

And luckily for the Lady ‘Dogs they end their season with Moore, Westmoore and Norman North. A win during this three-game stretch would just be icing on the cake.