(SPS) -- Sapulpa is gearing up for another exciting season of winter sports!
Varsity Chieftain basketball's home opener will be at the Chieftain Center on Tuesday, November 29. The Chieftains take on Sand Springs in the much-anticipated American Heritage Bank Highway 97 Rivalry.
The Lady Chieftains, led by head coach Darlean Calip in her 17th year as head coach at Sapulpa, will tip off at 6:30 p.m. They are chasing another State Championship this season, having made it to the semifinal round in the state tournament back in March. The Lady Chieftains claimed the 5A State title over Tahlequah in 2021.
A player to watch this season is senior shooting guard
Stailee Heard, who will join Oklahoma State's women's basketball team starting in the fall of 2023. Stailee has so far scored 1,165 points while playing for the Lady Chieftains, earning all-state honors.
This is the second basketball season that SPS' video production team and Chieftain TV students will produce content for the four-sided
Daktronics video scoreboard at Chieftain Center. The video scoreboard enhances the high school athletic event spectator experience, offering state-of-the-art graphics, live video, player profiles, hype videos, instant replays, audience engagement, halftime entertainment and sponsorship opportunities.
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Boys varsity basketball, under the direction of head coach Rickey Bruner, Jr., tips off at 8:00 p.m. versus Sand Springs on November 29. Bruner and his coaching staff hope to gain momentum, build skills among newcomers and returning players, and work hard for a strong season.
Check out the Chieftains' "new look" for game nights.
HYPE CLIP: Chieftains "Keep Moving Forward"
You have two opportunities to give back to the community at the home opener on November 29!
Beary Christmas
Bring a new or gently used stuffed animal to the game. All toys collected will be donated to Caring Community Friends and distributed to children in need. Look for the donation box at the Chieftain Center on November 29.
Cleats for Kids
Bring new or gently used cleats, gloves or sporting equipment to donate to Cleats for Kids. You'll find donation bins at the Chieftain Center or at locations throughout the district.
Varsity Chieftains wrestling, led by head coach Kyle Blevins, starts its season in early December, with its home opener matches against Catoosa on Thursday, December 8.
More upcoming important dates for 2023:
- Wrestling Senior Night - Jan. 31 (SHS gym)
- Mid-Winter Court: Feb. 3
- Basketball Senior Night (we will recognize Cross Country senior this night, too): Feb. 7
- Employee of The Year celebration: Feb. 14
Full athletics schedule
Be sure to visit sapulpaathletics.org for schedules, player profiles and Chieftain Athletics news.
Follow Chieftain Athletics on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates, highlights, photos and team videos.