Class 6A Rankings Analysis
Matt Reynolds
<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Prep Hoops Oklahoma released the Class 6A Preseason Rankings this morning. In this article we breakdown why we ranked the teams in the order we ranked them.</span></span></p><h2>#1 Mustang (29-0, Defending Class 6A Champions)</h2><p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">It was an easy choice to put Mustang atop of Class 6A. The Broncos return Seniors Jakolby Long and Curtis Haywood II. Yes, Mustang lost three starters off of last years team Austin Meyer (Moved), Aubrey Johnson, and Terrell Williams. However, the Broncos have reloaded with York Benjamin moving in from Edison and several role players looking to step up. Senior Point Guard KeJuan Frazier is a player that could have a breakout season. The West side is loaded and it will not be easy for Mustang to repeat, but the Broncos are very talented and have their minds set on going back to back.</span></span></p>
<h2>#2 Norman North (22-6, Missed the State Tournament)</h2><p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Will this be the season Norman North finally breaks through? The Timberwolves will look a little different when they take the floor this fall. Lindy Waters III is gone, but they have added Junior Center Cameron Martin from Yukon. Junior Trae Young is coming off a spectacular summer in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League. Young will team up with Senior Point Guard Marcus Dickinson in hopes of making their first State Tournament birth together. Last season the Timberwolves were so close to making the State Tournament, but fell just short. Expect the Timberwolves to not only make the Class 6A State Tournament, but be one of the top contenders for the Gold Ball.</span></span></p>
<h2>#3 Union (21-7, Lost in the First Round of State)</h2><p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">A season ago the Union Redskins were very inexperienced, but still managed to make the Class 6A State Tournament. Junior Ethan Chargois leads the Redskins with his great play in the post. Adrian Rodriguez is another junior to watch out for at Union. The duo of Chargois and Rodriguez at the Forward positions will be tough to stop. Union is a legitimate contender to take home the Class 6A Gold Ball. The Redskins have several young players with great talent including sophomore Guards Mo Garcia and Jamoree Banks. The East side was down last year with every team losing in the first round of the state tournament, but expect for Union to have a say in changing that this season.</span></span></p>
<h2>#4 Booker T. Washington (20-6, Missed the State Tournament)</h2><p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Booker T. Washington may come as a surprise to many as the forth ranked team in Class 6A, but the Hornets return tons of talent. It starts with Junior Point Guard RJ Fuqua who runs the show for the Hornets. Fuqua does a great job spreading the ball around setting his teammates up for success. The biggest addition for Booker T. Washington is Freshmen Seth Hurd. He stands at a towering 6'7" in the post. The Hornets will be young, but have a chance to do some serious damage.</span></span></p>
<h2>#5 Putnam City West (25-3, Lost in the Semifinals of the State Tournament)</h2><p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Putnam City West lost several key pieces from last year's State Semifinal team. However, the Patriots have reloaded for another run at the class 6A Gold Ball. Senior Point Guard Marquis Johnson leads the attack for Putnam City West. Johnson is undersized, but is lightning quick, has a nice jumper, and plays with tons of heart. Several Juniors Nick Robinson, Gerren Jackson, Chris Potts, and Payton Bradley will step into big roles this season. Jackson could be one of the biggest surprises in Class 6A. Another young guard to keep an eye on is Sophomore Guard Greg Thomas. Putnam City West has a young team, but the Patriots have a chance to turn into a dangerous team over the season.</span></span></p>
<h2>#6 Midwest City (17-11, Missed the State Tournament)</h2><p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Midwest City comes in ranked 6th in our Prep Hoops Oklahoma Preseason Poll. The Bombers are full of young talent. At times last season Midwest City started three sophomores Jalen Redmond, Juwan Walker, and DJ Walter. Senior Guard Richard Anderson will lead the Bombers. He had a great summer showing his ability to score the basketball at a high level. The biggest addition for Midwest City is Sophomore Guard Keyshawn Embery who moved in from Centennial. Embery led Centennial to the State Tournament with his scoring talents, athleticism, and quickness. Look for the Bombers to be a team contending for a State Tournament spot in the stout West side.</span></span></p>
<h2>#7 Edmond Memorial (24-6, Lost in the Semifinals of the State Tournament)</h2><p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Edmond Memorial graduated the majority of their starters from last year. However, with Kristian Doolittle returning the Bulldogs are once again a contender for the Class 6A State Title. Doolittle had a tremendous summer on the Nike Basketball Circuit. He is the leader of the Bulldogs on and off the court. The supporting cast will have to step up around Doolittle for the Bulldogs to make a serious run at the Class 6A Championship. Edmond Memorial may have a few bumps in the road, but look for the leadership of Doolittle and Head Coach Shane Cowherd to guide the Bulldogs to a deep playoff run in Class 6A. </span></span></p>
<h2>#8 Edmond North (10-14, Missed the State Tournament)</h2><p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Since a year ago Edmond North has had vast changes to their basketball program. Starting with former Central Oklahoma Head Coach Terry Evans taking over the Huskies program. Senior Guard Tre Evans moved over from Putnam City West changing the look of the Huskies. Evans along with Junior Guard Marques Wilson and Forward Harrison Stoddart make Edmond North a team loaded with talent. A player under the radar at Edmond North to watch out for is Senior Guard Tyson Anderson. Edmond North has a lot to prove, but one thing is for certain they have the talent. </span></span></p>
<h2>#9 Jenks (21-8, Lost in the First Round of the State Tournament)</h2><p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Jenks has had lots of change since their State Tournament run last year. First, Clay Martin left Jenks to pursue his referee career in the National Football League. Jenks Assistant Coach Mike Haesloop was promoted to the helm. Senior Point Guard TJ Washington returns as the leader of the Trojans. He is an undersized, shifty, quick, and a playmaker at the Point. Senior Power Forward Isaac Gilton is another key player for Jenks. The Trojans will have their work cut out for them, but are hopeful to return to the Class 6A State Tournament. </span></span></p>
<h2>#10 Deer Creek (20-10, Lost in Class 5A State Semifinals) </h2><p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">The Antlers basketball program will make the jump to Class 6A this year. It will not be an easy jump, but Deer Creek looks to be up for the challenge. Senior Guard Elyjah Clark will lead the Antlers this year. Clark was on fire this summer on the Grassroots Circuit. The loss of Conner Avants will be tough, but Deer Creek has several young players with lost of talent. </span></span></p>
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