Oklahoma State’s depth was a strength in nonconference play, but its lack of star power is beginning to cause problems.

Entering the 2024-25 season, Steve Lutz had many directions to go when it came to the starting lineup. With a roster built almost entirely through the transfer portal with veteran players from small schools and role players from power conference teams, OSU’s rotation was destined to be deep.

However, the lack of players sticking out throughout nonconference play has left the Cowboys in a tricky spot.

There is also a stark difference between the roster makeups of OSU’s basketball teams. While the Cowboys have had trouble finding their top players, the women’s team has clear-cut stars. Stailee Heard, Anna Gret Asi and Micah Gray have been the top players for the Cowgirls throughout the year, and Jacie Hoyt’s rotation reflects that. Joined by Alexia Smith, the Cowgirls have four players averaging at least 28 minutes in conference play, including 33.2 minutes a night from Heard.

To find consistent success, Lutz might need to take inspiration from his colleague who also patrols the sidelines in Gallagher-Iba Arena. While the women’s team has four players averaging 28 minutes per game, the men have zero who hit that mark.

Abou Ousmane and Arturo Dean lead the Cowboys in minutes per game in conference play at 26.8. They are two of six Cowboys to hit at least 20 minutes a night in conference play, joined by Khalil Brantley, Marchelus Avery, Bryce Thompson and Jamyron Keller. Meanwhile, OSU’s seventh-highest minutes-getter is Robert Jennings at 18.2, and he has started every game for the Cowboys in Big 12 play.

Although there are six players hitting the 20-minute-per-game mark plus a starter hitting 18 minutes, OSU has to cut its rotation and find its top players. While it is not always an easy task, there are three players who have stood out for the Cowboys and should probably be hitting or nearing 30 minutes per game.

Ousmane has been OSU’s only double-digit scorer in Big 12 play. Avery and Thompson have neared that mark and are typically solid scoring options. That leaves the other two spots around them to rotate through with guys who should still be clearly at the top of the rotation. With Dean, Keller, Brantley and Jennings making up the next four of the rotation, OSU lineups should have some consistency. 

Perhaps OSU’s top players aren’t good enough to play 30 minutes a night and find success, but the Cowboys haven’t found much success with a large rotation and need to figure something out before it’s too late.

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OKLAHOMA CITY, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Oklahoma City K-12 education options keep growing, and so does interest in the annual school expo held during National School Choice Week, which brings many types of schools under one roof. This free, family-friendly event will provide resources and information to help parents make informed decisions about their children’s education while connecting directly with representatives from schools across the state.

The free Oklahoma School Choice Expo will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25 at the Advance Center For Free Enterprise. Hundreds of parents and students will step through the Center’s doors to explore more than 25 local school options and community resource vendors at the fair, including traditional public, public charter, public magnet, private, faith-based, online, home, and nontraditional schooling options.

Recent changes in education policy, including the Parental Choice Tax Credit Act, have expanded opportunities for Oklahoma families. This program offers financial support of up to $7,500 per student, per year for private school or homeschool expenses, with a tiered system prioritizing low-income families.

While parents gather school information, children can enjoy a balloon artist, photo booth, face painting, and sandwiches.

“This school fair is an incredible opportunity for Oklahoma families to connect directly with schools, educators, and resources that can help them make the best decisions for their children’s futures,” said Renee Porter, CEO of Choice Matters, the event’s organizer. “With so many educational options now available, families can find the learning environment that meets their unique needs.”

The event is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week, from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Week, which will include over 27,000 events and activities nationwide aimed at celebrating and raising awareness of educational opportunities for families.

The Oklahoma City school fair is planned by ChoiceMatters. ChoiceMatters provides Oklahoma parents free information, resources and support to help them navigate their child’s pre-k through 12 education offerings.

Location Details:

The Advance Center For Free Enterprise is located at 415 NE 13th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.

Families can register at schoolchoiceweek.com/events/2025-oklahoma-city-school-fair.

The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) raises broad and positive awareness of school choice through two charitable programs: organizing National School Choice Week each January and the research, development, and promotion of comprehensive and unbiased school navigation resources for parents via School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares. NSCAF does not advocate for or oppose legislation at any level of government and is steadfastly nonpartisan and nonpolitical.

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NORMAN — Oklahoma successfully protected its home floor thanks to an incredible night from guard Payton Verhulst on Thursday. 

She poured in 38 points to help power the No. 13-ranked Sooners past Missouri 80-63 at the Lloyd Noble Center. 

Her performance tied Phylesha Whaley for the fifth-most points in a single game ever by a Sooner. 

Madi Williams set the program record on Jan. 3, 2021 when she dropped 45 on West Virginia in Norman. 

With the win, Jennie Baranczyk’s team moved to 15-3 overall and 3-2 in SEC contests, while the Tigers fell to 11-9 and 0-5 in league play.

Verhulst has had a lot of nice offensive nights in her  career.

None were better than Thursday. 

The senior guard scored her 38 points on 13-of-19 shooting from the floor and 6-of-9 from 3-point land. 

“I have such incredibly high expectations for her that I feel like there are just so many things that she can do,” Baranczyk said of Verhulst. And it’s not always scoring, and today it was, but I think she’s just an incredible versatile player. And when she lets the game come to her like this, really special things happen.”

Incredibly, 20 of those points came in the third quarter alone. 

She shot a perfect 6-for-6 in the third, knocking down a pair of triples and getting to the free throw line six times. 

Verhulst didn’t have to hunt her shot, either. 

Missouri had no answer for the dynamic scorer, and she did all of her damage within the normal flow of the offense. 

“Credit to everybody because I wouldn’t have gotten those shots or looks without the passes,” Verhulst said.

After the game, Verhulst pointed to some work she did with OU associate head coach Jonas Chatterton to help unlock things on Thursday.

“He had reached out to me yesterday,” Verhulst said, “just looking back on some film and trying to give me some pointers on shots and what I Can do to just continue to be more efficient. And I think that was really helpful for me. When I have simple things to work on in a game, I think that’s good for me.”

Her previous career-high was a 32-point showing against Oral Roberts last year. 

The big concern coming out of Sunday’s win over Texas A&M was the health of Raegan Beers. 

Yesterday, Baranczyk was uncertain if the OU center would be cleared for action, but she started on Thursday against the Tigers 

Beers didn’t look to be in any extra discomfort in the first half, but she didn’t start the second half for the Sooners. 

On Wednesday, Baranczyk said Beers would start if she was cleared to play, but she might carry a minutes restriction. 

“I know she tried it today, obviously. You got to see her kind of try and we couldn’t have her in the second half,” Baranczyk said of Beers.

She entered the night averaging 21.7 minutes per game, but her night was done after playing 10 minutes in the first half. 

Beers wasn’t needed in the second half, largely due to Verhulst’s heroics, but she’ll at least be an option on Sunday barring a setback.

The Sooners never lost control in the first half, but the second quarter was sloppy. 

OU turned the ball over eight times in the second frame, allowing the Tigers to slightly cut into the lead. 

Any doubts about a slugging performance ahead of Sunday’s showdown with No. 2 South Carolina were immediately put to bed, however. 

Fueled by nine quick points from Verhulst, Oklahoma sprinted out to an 11-0 run to start the second half, extending its lead to 18 points. 

And while the Tigers were unable to do anything against Verhulst, the Sooners only turned the ball over three times in the third quarter, allowing the team to win the quarter 24-15.

OU did lose center Liz Scott to a collision in the second half, which meant Verhulst’s work was even more important to keep the offense moving. 

“She did a really nice job of being able to get some paint production for us,” Baranczyk said. “And I thought our whole team did.”

The hosts continued to take care of the basketball in the fourth quarter, a welcome sign from a team that has struggled to limit turnovers this season. 

Now, the Sooners will head to take on South Carolina on Sunday at 2 p.m.