Class 5A Playoff Primer Part 2

5A has more uncertainty this year and it's in large part to a strong group of teams rounding out the top 10 in the class. Here's a look at some of the "new kids" on the block.   <a href="https://prephoops.com/2023/02/class-5a-playoff-primer-part-1/">For Part 1, click here!</a>   Will the New Blood breakthrough?   El Reno   While the Indians had racked up the wins to earn a Regional Host spot, they were still searching for that signature Class 5A win. A January trip to Del City saw them brushed aside, but when Carl Albert drove across I-40 to El Reno, the Indians announced their presence with a 45-44 victory over the top ranked Titans. They suffered two disappointing setbacks since then, but the upside to make state and make some noise is still there.   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1295687' first='James' last='Reveles Jr'] is one of the most productive and entertaining players to watch in the state. It's not because he's a big time athlete, it's because at only 6 foot 3 he has one the best low post games in state. It's a throwback aresnal with his variety moves and counter, and it's almost always effective. Especially this season with his improved mid-range jumper. Seniors Evan Roman Nose and [player_tooltip player_id='1295708' first='Matthew' last='Tofpi'] help out on the defensive end, while sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1391434' first='Carter' last='Roman Nose'] is a Swiss army knife with the way he impacts the game.   Holland Hall   It doesn't get any newer to Class 5A than the Dutch of Holland Hall. In early January they found out there was an error in the ADM and they were bumped up to Class 5A. So, the Dutch went from a Class 4A top 10 team to a Class 5A top 10 team. It makes a surprising scenario, as they enter the playoffs without having played a fellow 5A squad since the start of the season (two decisive wins over Pryor and Coweta).   Holland Hall was undefeated till a mid January trip to Deer Creek's tournament. Then suffered a few more hiccups after that. Other than the occasional misstep, they routinely racked up double digit victories over their fellow private school foes. This is in large part due to the strong 1-2 punch of senior [player_tooltip player_id='1068564' first='Jadon' last='Cool'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='1295700' first='Carter' last='Benton']. Benton has proven this year he can still fill it up from beyond the arc, now at 6 foot 4 is capable of doing damage off the bounce as well. Cool is a strong and athletic bruiser off the bounce as a 6 foot 3 wing, who has also shot it well in a few viewings.   Southeast   Last year Southeast broke onto the scene with an impressive run to the Class 5A semifinals. Now with the junior backcourt of [player_tooltip player_id='1482825' first='Ladainian' last='Fields'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1482833' first='Micheal' last='Graham'], the Spartans are looking to take it one step further. They closed out the year gaining momentum with a five game winning streak to close out the season. Including a double digit road victory against 6A Regionals hosts, Lawton.   The duo also shine on the gridiron, which is evident in their gritty, hard nosed play. A WR/DB in football, it clearly translates for Fields as he may be the fastest player in the state with the ball in his hands. While Graham also takes from his position in football, as the QB is also the floor general for the Spartans. A trip to Lloyd Noble Center is likely in the cards for this uptempo, exciting squad.   Tulsa Edison   The Eagles proved they can beat any team in 5A with their January victory over Tulsa Memorial, and then last week nearly pulled off the season sweep before falling in OT. The last time Edison made State was in 2020 when the tournament was canceled, with a strong upperclassmen core, they are strongly positioned to make a trip south to Norman. Where they could make some noise.   As covered yesterday, athletic [player_tooltip player_id='1793875' first='Jermiah' last='Johnson'] is among the better guards in Class 5A. Rounding out the core for the Eagles are a pair of seniors, [player_tooltip player_id='1736588' first='Luke' last='Parish'] and Jay Overton-Tobie. Both are averaging double figures on the year, with Parrish (son of head coach Garry Parish) always having to be accounted for due to his exceptional shooting ability. Meanwhile Overton-Tobie is a versatile utility type player, who chips in with rebounds, passing, post and mid-range scoring.   Tulsa Hale   One of the most talented one-two punches in the state, junior [player_tooltip player_id='1482830' first='Kabron' last='Lewis'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1665873' first='Damario' last='Adams'] have helped elevate the Rangers from Dark Horse to a 5A Regional Host. Their 18-4 mark includes a split with Edison, a sweep of Bishop Kelley and a win over Coweta. This consistency has put them firmly in the best of the East conversation, but they still to get off the Tulsa Memorial hump, as they dropped a pair of heartbreakers to them. The bracket sets up, that if the Rangers can get a 3rd win this season over Bishop Kelley, they will likely have the opportunity to get revenge against Tulsa Memorial with a State Tournament berth on the line in Area.   Lewis is an electrifying scorer, when he's locked in, he's one of the most entertaining players to watch in the state. Meanwhile the inside-outside potential of the 6 foot 7 Adams is off the charts. When he's focused, especially around the rim, he can be one of the most dominant players in Oklahoma. The question now, will the duo start to breakthrough with consistency and reach their potential? Or will Hale remain a year away from truly challenging for a title?     Star Making Turn? [player_tooltip player_id='1482826' first='Braeden' last='Lloyd'] Speaking of new blood, Mount Saint Mary is in their first season of Class 5A after being a 4A program. While they have a 17-4 record, they have only played one other Class 5A program and that came back in early December. So there is some uncertainty about how the Rockets fully stack up, but one thing is for sure. [player_tooltip player_id='1482826' first='Braeden' last='Lloyd'] can hoop. He was impressive last year as a crafty off the dribble scorer for MSM in 4A. He proved he can shoot with the best in the country with [program_tooltip program_id='2078402' first='Team' last='Griffin']'s 16U program on the Nike EYB circuit.   Now this year, he's been flat out one on the better scorers in Oklahoma. He scored a career high of 42 earlier this month, while also reaching 31 and 36 points in other games this season. Big time players show up when the lights are brightest, so it'll be fun to see the scoring performances Lloyd is able to cook up in upcoming weeks.

5A has more uncertainty this year and it's in large part to a strong group of teams rounding out the top 10 in the class. Here's a look at some of the "new kids" on the block.