Eastern Oklahoma's 7th Annual Elite Eight: Top Basketball Players

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The 7th Annual VYPE Elite 8 is selected and the list doesn't disappoint.

Juwan Parker-Tulsa Washington

Forward | 6'4"

“The Elite 8 is a special honor. I’m very honored for this award and all of the awards I’ve received in my career at Booker T. Washington. After high school I’m going to attend college at the University of Georgia where I’ll play basketball for the Bulldogs. I’m going to get my degree and be the best I can be at Georgia. My father Johnny and my brother Jason are two of my biggest role models. On the court I’m a versatile player and I work hard at every aspect of the game. Look for my teammates Kevin Simms, Chris Miller and Myles Clark to have big seasons this year. Basketball can teach you about life, hard work and dedication.” 

 Editor’s Note

Juwan is a two-time member of the Elite 8 team. There have been two other players from BTW make the Elite 8; Taleya Mayberry (08) and Tharone Chilton (09).

Stevi Parker-Bixby

Shooting Guard  | 6'0"

“My greatest sports moments are blocking a shot to win the game and going to state every year in track. After graduating from Bixby High School I will attend the University of Tulsa and play basketball. It’s an honor be to considered one of the areas Elite 8 players. Basketball has taught me to be mentally tough. Working hard and playing solid defense are the two best parts of my game. My older brother, Jacob Parker, has been a role model for me. Look for my teammate Christina Devers to have a great season. I can always count on her. 

Editor’s Note

Stevi Parker mentions her older brother Jacob who was a member of the 2010/11 Elite 8 team making them the first brother/sister combo and Jacob was a member of the VYPE Top 100 (10) like his sister (12). Parker and Devers are the first pair of teammates to appear on the Elite 8 together.

Zach Norris-Coweta 

Point Guard  | 6'4"

“It’s a great honor to not only represent my team, but also Tulsa. I’ve decided to get my degree and play my college ball at Oklahoma Christian. The strongest part of my game is getting to the rim. The biggest role model in my life has been my father. My father and basketball have taught me to work hard to achieve great things. My greatest sports moment was becoming Regional champs in 2011-12. Teammates I can always count on are Caleb Norris and Ty Gunter, but the entire team works hard.” 

Editor’s Note

Zach is a big point guard and uses his size to get to the rim. He joins former Coweta standout Jenni Bryan as the only two players from Coweta to make the Elite 8. Pretty good company Zach!

Jessica Washington-Jenks 

Point Guard | 5'7"

“The Elite 8 is an honor. It motivates me to continue to try and be the best. Basketball has taught me to never give up. Life isn’t easy, you have to work for what you want. After I graduate from Jenks I’m going to the University of North Carolina for school and to play basketball. My favorite place to play is my home gym at Jenks and I can always count on all of my teammates. My biggest role models are my parents and Kobe Bryant. The strongest part of my game is passing and scoring. I’m always finding the open person. I’m also a strong defender. My greatest sports moment was hitting the buzzer beater against Sand Springs my sophomore year in the third overtime to win.” 

Editor’s Note

Jessica is another two-time player on the Elite 8 squad. Jessica joins Nick Sidorakis, Bryson Pope and Tia Magee as Jenks representatives on the Elite 8. 

Thomas Bacon-Kiefer 

Shooting Guard  | 6'0"

“Being selected for the Elite 8 team means my hard work is paying off. My greatest sports moment was signing my letter of intent to play college basketball at Tabor College. My goal is to succeed in academics and athletics. Basketball has taught me to be confident in myself. My role models are my dad and my grandpa. The strongest part of my game is my jump-shot because I have worked on it a lot. You can look for my teammates Austin Ford and Kyle Bacon to have great seasons. 

Editor’s Note

Thomas is the second player to be selected to the Elite 8 from Kiefer High School. Caitlyn Mathis was the first to be selected from Kiefer and the first member of the Elite 8 Hall of Fame.

Bria Pitts-East Central 

Guard | 5'8"

“The Elite 8 selection is an honor. It’s motivation for me to continue to work hard. Basketball has taught me many lessons. Nothing in life is easy. I’m grateful that the Lord is allowing me to be healthy enough to play. My goal after high school is to have a successful career at the University of Arkansas. My role model in life has been my daddy. Going to state three times in a row has been my greatest memory so far. I’m at my best on the court when I’m getting teammates involved and shooting. Look for Darreion and Ariel to have great seasons.” 

Editor’s Note

No doubt Bria should have made the VYPE Top 100 this season. She joins Drew Wilson, Ken Holdman and Felecia Achilefu from East Central as members of the Elite 8.

Allonzo Trier-NOAH

Guard | 6'4"

“Making the Elite 8 means to me that my skills as a basketball player and character as a person were noticed. The selection means a lot to me. My goal is to play college basketball and make it to the NBA. Basketball has taught me how to respond when you’re under pressure and rise to the occasion. I love to play in front of big crowds and big arenas. My biggest role model in life has been my mother and all of my coaches. The strongest part of my game is getting buckets (laughs).
 

Editor’s Note

Allonzo has been on the radar of college scouts since his middle school days. Only considered a sophomore, Allonzo is the youngest player to make the Elite 8 team.

Christina Devers-Bixby 

Guard | 5'6"

“Being on the Elite 8 team means a lot to me. I am very thankful and I thank God for blessing me with the opportunity. After high school I plan to attend the University of Central Arkansas to play basketball. My goal is to become Freshman of the Year and be the best player I can be. My biggest role model has been my big sister Y’Cedria Devers. She plays at Pittsburgh State. She has always set a great example and pushed me to do the right things. Basketball has taught me that leaders in life emerge through adversity and to never give up because nothing worth having in life comes easy. The strongest part of my game is making other people on my team more effective.”

Editor’s Note

If you want a team player, a leader and someone who will give you 100%, then go find your own Christina Devers. We predict she has a great college career and could finish this season as a champion.