Class 4A Playoff Primer: Part 2

Regionals start this afternoon for Class 4A. Here's another detailed look at top teams, top players and storylines for Oklahoma basketball fans to follow these upcoming weeks.   <a href="https://prephoops.com/2023/02/class-4a-playoff-primer-part-1/">For Part I, click here!</a>   Ascending Eagles   Is there a new favorite emerging from western Oklahoma? Even just a top down view of looking at Weatherford sitting at 23-1 would place them firmly in the mix in Class 4A. It's even more impressive when checking the roster and seeing there isn't a single senior (only two juniors!). They even have a starting lineup filled with 6'6 players. And finally it's even more impressive seeing that they were the team to snap Kingfisher's 80 game home winning streak, which also avenged the Eagles' only loss on the season. Especially as they had no let up following that victory, racking up three more wins over top 10 4A programs in the ensuing games.   Leading the charge is sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1391435' first='CJ' last='Nickson'], one of the best athletes in the state and has already hit 1,000 career points. He also has to be one of the few players in Oklahoma's history to score all of his team's points in a victory (don't ask any other details about that game). He's more than just a physical bruiser around the rim, with his smooth movements he's one of Weatherford's primary ballhandlers and a monster in the mid-range. Fellow sophomores Ethan and [player_tooltip player_id='1504901' first='Tate' last='Sage'] bring a blend of more size (6'6), shooting and can also finish explosively at the rim. The fourth "giant" by Oklahoma standards is junior [player_tooltip player_id='1807979' first='Nate' last='Reherman'], who is more of a traditional post and has become automatic around the basket while also joining Nickson in turning the paint into a no fly zone on defense.   That combination of size and skill make them one of the most unique teams in the state. Nickson especially, and the Sage brothers have enough guard traits, that they don't look out of place playing on the perimeter. But with playoff games often being decided by the play of guards, especially seniors, it's fair to wonder how they'll stack up if/when they reach the State Tournament. There are some passing similarities to last year's Class 6A champions, Edmond North. Underclassmen heavy, reliant on size and just enough shooting and guard play to get by. So the blueprint is there for the Eagles to be another team to reach their destination "ahead of schedule".     Area II, the Group of Death?   In soccer tournaments, the most difficult group is often labeled "Group of Death", it usually comes with the pairing of two favorites, then a mixture of sleeper teams. With Douglass and Newcastle headlining Area II, this Area definitely fits the "Group of Death" vibe. With two teams from each Area qualifying, it's possible both make it through. But the Area is much deeper and filled with teams that posted impressive winning marks from all over the state.   Perkins at 19-5 just missed out on a top 10 ranking, and have a talented junior guard in [player_tooltip player_id='1295660' first='Tucker' last='Shepherd'] that will be itching to match up with some of Oklahoma's finest. Ada has quietly stacked 18 victories this winter and finished 12th in the state. While last year's Class 4A runner ups Victory Christian are also in the mix, with a talented junior class that could breakout onto the scene in this Area. The depth of this area is even more present when checking in on a 17-6 unranked Wagoner, that has a talented backcourt. Further proof is that one of Ardmore and Heritage Hall will be sent home this afternoon. Which is crazy considering the recent success Ardmore has had in 5A, along with Heritage Hall being a fixture at the Big House in recent years.   The teams above will have a chance to play spoiler for a potential rematch between the Trojans and Racers. When they met in the finals of Newcastle's Sweet Pea invitational, it was one of the better regular seasons contests this year. A back and forth affair, it was decided by a late three pointer from Douglass sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1475987' first='Davon' last='Scott']. The Trojans are flushed with younger talent, but it's the steely determination of the athletic senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='981287' first='Terry' last='McMorris'] that rises their ceiling and make them a true contender to claim the Gold Nall. While for Newcastle, skilled, powerful and athletic sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1391433' first='Carlsheon' last='Young'] and multi level scoring guard [player_tooltip player_id='1372133' first='Chase' last='Sucharda'] make one of the best one-two scoring punches in the state. If it's a Douglass-Newcastle Area Final on Friday, the trip to Stroud would be worth it for any Oklahoma prep basketball fan. Or as detailed above, Douglass or Newcastle taking on just about any team in this Area would be high level match up.     High-flyers to Watch   The Big House is no stranger to athletes, but this year could be a special group of explosive finishers that make it there in Class 4A. There's the players mentioned above Nickson, the Sage Brothers, Reherman, McMorris and Young, that if their teams make it those players will be testing the integrity of the Big House's rims. Anadarko is in the mix to be the teams that come through Area IV and senior [player_tooltip player_id='1174641' first='Breylon' last='Owens'] is a high flyer that is among the best athletes in the state. OCS has their rim rocker in [player_tooltip player_id='1367214' first='Luke' last='Gray'], while freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1552378' first='Phoenix' last='Woodson'] is sure to supply highlights for Crossings Christian.   Even among "sleepers" to make state, emerging Catoosa junior [player_tooltip player_id='1295662' first='Titus' last='Miller'] has been a regular "viral dunkers" player for the Indians. While junior [player_tooltip player_id='1343195' first='Chris' last='Mason'] for Victory Christian has a great combination of size and explosiveness. And while 6 foot 5 senior Taylor Heim is committed to Oklahoma for football, he could be showing off his 36.5 vertical if Bethany makes a run. While the final 8 teams in Class 4A are currently unknown, one thing is for sure, have the popcorn ready.

Regionals start this afternoon for Class 4A. Here's another detailed look at top teams, top players and storylines for Oklahoma basketball fans to follow these upcoming weeks.