Class 4A State Tournament Preview
The Class 4A State Tournament will begin at Deer Creek on Thursday afternoon. The tournament is loaded with talent and really good teams. Prep Hoops previews the tournament and gives you an inside look at the top players. Quarterfinals HARRAH…
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Continue ReadingThe Class 4A State Tournament will begin at Deer Creek on Thursday afternoon. The tournament is loaded with talent and really good teams. Prep Hoops previews the tournament and gives you an inside look at the top players.
Quarterfinals
HARRAH vs FT. GIBSON @ 3:30 pm
ANADARKO vs CHICKASHA @ 2:00 pm
DOUGLASS vs VICTORY CHRISTIAN @ 7:00 pm
ADA vs TULSA CENTRAL @ 8:30 pm
The most intriguing matchup in the first round of Class 4A is Chickasha vs Anadarko. Both teams split in their regular season games with both games being very close. I have Chickasha advancing in a very close game. Douglass should not have much trouble with Victory Christian with Keats Calhoon likely sidelined for the tournament. Douglass, Chickasha, Tulsa Central, and Harrah all advance to the Semifinals.
The Semifinal games would matchup Tulsa Central vs Douglass and Harrah vs Chickasha. I think Harrah would be to much for Chickasha with their size. The only way Chickasha could give them a run for there money is to shoot the basketball at an extremely high level. Tulsa Central vs Douglass would be a very interesting and close game. Both teams are athletic and quick. I think Tulsa Central advances to the finals behind their ability to shoot the ball at a high level.
The Championship game of Harrah vs Tulsa Central would not shock anyone with both teams ranked #1 and #2. I have picked Tulsa Central from the beginning of the season and I will not be changing this weekend. I have the Braves going back-to-back. With that said Harrah is playing better basketball at the moment, but I continue to fall back on the Braves athleticism and quickness will give Harrah trouble. I think it comes down to Harrah not being able to handle the pressure Tulsa Central puts on their guards.
Players to Watch
Kellen Manek 2016 Harrah Power Forward (Signed to ORU)
Manek never lost a game at home in his high school career despite playing several top ten teams. There is a reason for the great success the Panthers have had under Manek’s leadership. He is a coach on the court keeping everyone in line. He is dominant in the paint scoring and rebounding the basketball at a high level.
Elijah Landrum 2017 Tulsa Central Shooting Guard
He is ranked in the Top 150 nationally by Rivals. He stands just a bit under 6′ with great athleticism, shooting ability, and toughness. Landrum is a walking highlight reel. Last year Landrum broke out in the playoffs leading the Braves to the Title. The pressure has been added this year being the defending champions. Can Landrum have an encore at the Big House?
Brady Manek 2017 Harrah Small Forward (Committed to Oklahoma)
Manek is the highest rated prospect in the Class 4A State Tournament. He has great size at 6’9″. Manek shoots the basketball very well from the outside and mid-range. Opponents will struggle to handle his size and shooting ability. Something that often goes unnoticed is his sneaky athleticism. Expect several highlight plays from him this weekend.
Kobe Burgess 2019 Ada Guard
Burgess has been stellar for Ada this season in his freshmen season. The Cougars depend on his ability to create open looks and hits shots. Burgess is the youngest player on the Players to Watch list. He has the chance to turn into a special prospect over the next four years.
Patrick McKaufman 2016 Douglass Forward
McKaufman will likely play his final basketball game this weekend. Not because he won’t have options at the next level, but he will play football at NEO. He dominates competition in football and basketball. Standing at 6’7″ McKaufman is tough to handle on the wing with his handles, athleticism, and ability to score around the rim.