Class 4A State Tournament preview
The Oklahoma Class 4A state tournament is on the horizon with teams preparing for the final weekend of basketball. The Class 4A State Tournament begins at Deer Creek on Thursday afternoon. Eight teams enter the tournament, but only one will hoist the Gold Ball. Get an inside look at the top players in Class 4A and a breakdown of each team.
Top Three Players
Brady Manek 2017 Harrah Forward (Signed Oklahoma)
The 6’9 Forward led Harrah back to the state tournament his senior year with an incredible showing. He will look to use his scoring talents to lead Harrah to the Gold Ball. Harrah will use Manek as they have all year long on both ends of the floor as a force. Look for highlight plays from Manek.
Elijah Landrum 2017 Tulsa Central Point Guard (Signed SMU)
Landrum will be putting on a show this weekend with his great quickness and athleticism. He is one of the most exciting players to watch in the state. At 5’9 Landrum can rise above the rim or drain tough jump shots to give opponents headaches.
Kyle Dortch 2017 Fort Gibson Forward
Dortch is one of the least talked about players in Oklahoma high school basketball, but is a coaches dream. He works his tail off on both ends of the floor. He is not the flashiest player. However, Dortch plays fundamental basketball and has been a great leader on the floor for his team.
Teams
Roland
The Rangers are back in the state tournament after a few years of not making it. Look for Mason Wiggins and Kahlil Morris to lead the way. They have had a terrific senior campaign as one of the top duo’s in the class.
Tulsa Central
Elijah Landrum has done a great job leading this team to the Class 4A State Tournament. Many don’t realize this is a young Tulsa Central team with a lot of young talent. Look for some of the young stars to make a name for themselves this weekend.
Fort Gibson
The Tigers perfect season was dashed in the Area Championship game. But they still managed to make the state tournament. Kyle Dortch and Jace Shepherd lead the way. Fort Gibson is one of the favorites in Class 4A to win it all.
Elgin
They just continue to win, win and win. Elgin entered the playoffs not even ranked, but still managed to make the Class 4A State Tournament. Now can they win it? I’ll say this don’t count them out. Dillan Landers and Tanner Meraz are two players to watch on the Elgin squad.
Catoosa
Catoosa continues to get it done as they made the State Tournament. The tough thing about stopping Catoosa is they don’t have one player that leads the way, it could be a different kid any night having a huge game.
Kingfisher
The Jackets are led by Jett Sternberger at the Point Guard spot. They are full of young talent from top to bottom in their lineup. Kingfisher is one of the favorites to come out of the bottom of the bracket.
Harrah
The Panthers are back at the State Tournament behind Brady Manek. The key for Harrah will be to have the supporting cast around Manek step up. Carlos Slaughter has had a great senior year.
Victory Christian
RJ Wakley and Caleb Calhoon lifted Victory Christian to the State Tournament in Class 4A. They are the only team to have beat Fort Gibson all season long.
For more information email Matt@prephoopsoklahoma.com