Class 4A Playoff Breakdown
The Class 4A Playoffs are in full swing this weekend with Regionals. There is still another weekend before teams can punch their ticket to the state tournament however they can help themselves get to state tremendously. Get the big storylines in Class 4A, including breaking news that could shake up the entire playoffs in Class 4A, players to watch, the Spoiler and more!
Can Kingfisher be beaten?
Everyone in Class 4A is chasing the defending champions, Kingfisher. They have a very talented starting five led by Jett Sternberger, Trey Green, Matthew Stone, and Bijan Cortes. Prep Hoops has just learned from a source that Stone, one of the most talented players in the 2021 Class will miss some of the playoffs with an injury. It is unkown how long he will be out. There will certainly be a time of adjustment for Kingfisher with Stone out. The Yellowjackets are undefeated however they have not played the toughest schedule facing only one top 20 opponent in Class 4A all season, #18 Bethany. Kingfisher is good without a doubt. It will be interesting to see the talented Kingfisher roster against the best teams Class 4A has to offer. I do think Kingfisher can be beaten. They will have a tough test in Area if the favorites win out they will face #6 Mannford.
Teams that could unseat the defending champ?
The two teams I think have the best opportunity to beat Kingfisher if they get the opportunity to play them is Heritage Hall and Fort Gibson. Hall has played an extremely tough schedule leaving them with five losses on the season. When you analyze the wins and losses it is easy to see they are tested, which only will benefit them in the playoffs. Hall is led by senior Point Gaurd Jon Matthews and Freshmen Trey Alexander. Matthews does a great job of running the team providing them with whatever they need each game. Alexander is a really talented long, lanky Wing with big-time upside. Fort Gibson has played a solid schedule, but what makes me think they could match up with Kingfisher well is their strong Point Guard play from Carson Calavan. They have several shooters similar to Kingfisher and might be the only team in Class 4A that can go toe to toe with Kingfisher shooting three-pointers.
The Spoiler
The team that could shake up everything in Class 4A is #19 Ada. The Cougars are very talented led by 2019 Guard Kobe Burgess and 2021 rising standout Jaxson Robinson. They seem to be finding their stride at the right time and are my darkhorse pick to make the state tournament.
Players to Watch
Sternberger at Kingfisher can fill it up from deep. The rising star to watch is Alexander. Mannford has a pair of talented 2019 players in Jake Banfield and Daniel Keizor. A talented big man south of the OKC metro is Noberto Sanchez at Ardmore. Calavan is one of the most talented players in Class 4A with his ability not only to fill up the boxscore but also make his teammates better. The 2021 Class is very talented in Class 4A with 4 of the top 8 players in the state in Alexander, Stone, Robison and Cortes. The Class 4A state tournament will be very exciting to watch this year with so many talented players.
For more information email Matt@prephoops.com