Class 4A Playoff Primer: Part 1

Class 4A has arguably been the most exciting classification in the state this winter. You might have to remove that one game that ended 4-2, and even that was some of the most twitter excitement I've ever seen around Oklahoma high school basketball. Anyway, the march to the Big House has begun. Last Friday and Saturday, districts set the table for the Class 4A playoffs. Now we are just two weeks away from that first magical game at the Big House at the State Fairgrounds. Here's a first look at some storylines Oklahoma basketball fans should be keeping an eye on.   <a href="https://prephoops.com/2023/02/class-4a-playoff-primer-part-2/">Part 2 is now posted here!</a>   Will the Yellowjacket Dynasty Continue?   It's been an incredible run for the Yellowjackets. They're looking for their fourth straight title and what would be the 5th title in the last 6 times it's been awarded. This season might have been their toughest test yet. As it saw their legendary home-court winning streak come to an end in an overtime contest. And they battled with the state's best over three days in Tulsa at the Tournament of Champions. Still here they stand at 20-3 on the verge of another potential run to the Big House.   Trying to quantify what makes Kingfisher basketball special is difficult, especially because of what they have accomplished the last two years. The expectation would've been a step back following the graduation of two Division One signees in Bijan Cortes and Matthew Stone. But the foundation that was laid in Kingfisher goes back to when they were "surprise" 4A winners in 2017 with sophomores Jett Sternberger and Trey Green at the helm. Perhaps because of that longterm foundation, there has been no step back. Even if on paper these last two teams might not have the same top tier talent of the previously mentioned great players, the results have stayed the same.   Jack of all Trades, Masters of Winning. Altering the popular phrase might be the best way to quickly summarize why Kingfisher is so successful. In this case the winning is often informed by their disciplined and smothering defense. As only Weatherford and Class 5A power Tulsa Memorial have broke 50 points on them this season. Just a couple weeks ago, they held a likely 5A State Tournament, El Reno to only 1 point in the first half. This performance fittingly avenged their only loss from the last season. It's one of various examples that could be pointed to on why the Yellowjackets can claim another title in a loaded Class 4A.   Offensively it's often been the one-two punch of [player_tooltip player_id='1211253' first='Xavier' last='Ridenour'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1719289' first='Caden' last='Kitchens'] often carrying the scoring burden. Ridenour is good shooter and improved driver, while utility man Kitchens just finds way to produce with putbacks, off the ball movement, positioning and even knocking down threes this year. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1211251' first='Maddox' last='Mecklenburg'] was feared to have been loss due to a January knee injury, but it appears he is attempting to mount a comeback and possibly contribute these playoffs. He'll help with floor spacing with his combination of efficient shooting and great passing instincts.     The new private school Blue Bloods?   When not debating shot clocks, private schools have long been the biggest hot button topic issue in the Oklahoma basketball space. One article on the internet previewing the playoffes isn't going to come up with the perfect solution for what could happen long term. So instead, let's focus on the great basketball teams in Class 4A and how they shape up to recent bench marks. Heritage Hall had the most recent run of dominance in 4A, with a title in 2018 and two more title game appearances. Last year, Tulsa area Victory Christian played for the 4A title. Now it's newcomers to Class 4A, Crossings Christian and Oklahoma Christian School that are the private schools among the top 5 ranked teams.   This is Crossings' second year in the Class 4A, as they were bumped up following their 2021 Class 3A State Championship. They reached the semifinals of Class 4A last season and are back in the mix with possibly an even better squad this season. It's scary because the core of their team is so young. Sharpshooting [player_tooltip player_id='1358852' first='Cal' last='Furnish'] has already established himself as one of the top floor generals in the state. While fellow sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1391432' first='Cam' last='Parker'] gives them a regular double double threat down-low. It doesn't stop there, freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1552378' first='Phoenix' last='Woodson'] has the look of a top 50, or possibly even top 25 prospect, NATIONALLY. To further showcase how complete of a team they are, simply add in timely shooting from junior guards [player_tooltip player_id='1295673' first='Mack' last='Gudell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1482835' first='Evan' last='Crotts'].   The Knights are built to not only win in the future, they're built to win now. As evident by how at the Tournament of Champions in late December, they became the first fellow Class 4A team to beat Kingfisher since March of 2020.   After reaching the semifinals of Class 3A last year, Oklahoma Christian School was bumped up to Class 4A for this season. They have hit the ground running, as their only two losses came against Dale and Crossings Christian. In fact, a couple weeks after their two point loss to Crossings, OCS had their revenge with a 15 point victory. Possibly the most impressive aspect of that victory was OCS holding the Knights to only 33 points, their season low, and joining Kingfisher as the only two teams to hold them up 50 points this season.   It starts with junior post man [player_tooltip player_id='1367214' first='Luke' last='Gray']. He's an exciting blend of power and finesse. As he can clean up the glass, rock the rim with slams and can shoot it with the best of anybody in Class 4A. While also looking more nimble when attacking off the dribble. Junior shooters [player_tooltip player_id='1482836' first='Carson' last='Jones'] and Kyler Brown help provide spacing. While senior Tdohasan Sunray does a little bit of everything to help Gray out around the rim.   Must See Regional Match Up   Tuttle vs Madill   Area II drew the initial looks as the "Area of Death". But Area III is no slouch for the depth of quality teams behind Crossings Christian. Stillwell is 20-2 and sporting a top 10 ranking. Catoosa has a talented team with a high octane offense at 19-5. Even Broken Bow is sitting at 15-9 and has the type of scorer in [player_tooltip player_id='1372135' first='Kieler' last='Young'] that could help them make some noise in upcoming weeks.   Adding to the examples of talented teams is the Thursday night regional match up of Tuttle and Madill. Tuttle is as battle tested as they come with games against Kingfisher, Weatherford, Oklahoma Christian School, Anadarko and Newcastle on their resume. They recorded February victories against those last two programs. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1068567' first='Garrett' last='Redwine'] is a diversified scorer from the guard spot, while 6 foot 8 junior [player_tooltip player_id='1625159' first='Noah' last='Clark'] is the type of prospect who could breakout in the upcoming weeks.   Being in southern Oklahoma is perhaps why despite currently sporting a 20-3 record, Madill has been off the radar and weren't even ranked top 20 in Class 4A. Being overlooked could give the Madill a dangerous chip on their shoulder as they travel north for Thursday's game. The Wildcats can lean on one of the better all around scorers in the state in 6 foot 7 junior [player_tooltip player_id='1367220' first='Ethan' last='Wilkerson']. He has great scoring package with a mixture of post ups and face up ability. While he'll likely draw a crowd, the junior's size and skill should keep them in any game during the playoffs.

Class 4A has arguably been the most exciting classification in the state this winter. You might have to remove that one game that ended 4-2, and even that was some of the most twitter excitement I've ever seen around Oklahoma high school basketball. Anyway, the march to the Big House has begun. Last Friday and Saturday, districts set the table for the Class 4A playoffs. Now we are just two weeks away from that first magical game at the Big House at the State Fairgrounds. Here's a first look at some storylines Oklahoma basketball fans should be keeping an eye on.