Putnam City West’s girls basketball team found itself in an unusual situation during this week’s 6A regional.

The Patriots, who are continuing to rebuild at 5-22, lost their regional opener to Sapulpa, 77-18, on Thursday (Feb. 26). Following the game, Sapulpa officials realized that an ineligible player had played in the game for the Chieftains.

The school said in a statement on social media Friday that they self-reported the violation to the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association and the Putnam City district athletic director Dick Balenseifen.

Sapulpa was told to appeal with the OSSAA. The school appealed and included “self-imposed sanctions” in the appeal.

The appeal was denied which resulted in a forfeit and West moved on to Saturday’s regional final against Choctaw. Sapulpa’s season ended at 19-5.

“Crazy situation, but grateful nonetheless,” West coach Kennedi Simien said via text.

Choctaw routed West at Carl Albert in Midwest City Saturday afternoon, 67-17, to earn the 6A West Regional 4 title.

Both the champion and runner-up advance to the 6A West Area playoffs. West meets Deer Creek next Thursday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m.

The venue was not immediately announced.

After the Sapulpa game Thursday, Simien reflected the season.

“I’m proud of the progress they’ve made even if it’s small progress. A lot of our girls are growing in other areas that don’t have anything to do with basketball and that’s the ultimate goal,” Simien said via text. “I’m happy we’re young and hopeful we can keep taking steps in the right direction to be competitive.”

CLASS 6A GIRLS WEST
REGIONAL 4 AT SAPULPA

THURSDAY, Feb. 26, 2026
Putnam City West by forfeit over Sapulpa (ineligible player)
Choctaw 67, Norman 30

SATURDAY, Feb. 28, 2026
Choctaw 67, Putnam City West 17
(Winner and runner-up advance to area)