Class 6A Playoff Disruptors

With the playoffs day away in the Class 6A, <a href="https://prephoops.com/2023/02/top-3-or-the-field-in-class-6a/">yesterday was a look at the three favorites</a>. Now, here's a look at the next pack of teams that not only have the opportunity to upset those favorites, but possibly claim the Gold Ball for themselves.   (TEAMS LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)   Bixby   The Spartans enter the playoffs on a tear, with a 13-1 mark in their last 14 games. The only loss was a narrow one to Broken Arrow, and in many of their wins they've beat teams by 10 or more. A big reason for their success is the one of the top available seniors in the country, [player_tooltip player_id='967379' first='Parker' last='Friedrichsen']. The former Notre Dame signee recently broke the 2,000 points mark for his career, and the sharpshooter has been putting up loud numbers. Expect the big scoring production to continue for Fredrichsen, but continual superb play from his younger brother Luke and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1364821' first='Triston' last='Driver'] will be crucial when the Spartans go big game hunting. Driver just chipped in 17 in a win against Booker T Washington, hinting that he could be ready for big moments in the upcoming weeks.   Booker T Washington   The Hornets end the season on a mini slump, finishing the year with four losses in their last six games. Still with a talented backcourt, and how much guard play matters in March, there is a ceiling to this team. A promising sign is that sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='1685526' first='BJ' last='Harris'] seems to be peaking at the right time. The strongly built lead guard plays bigger this his size thanks to his strength and intensity. If seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1495345' first='Lathan' last='Boone'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1372127' first='Ty' last='Holdman'] can combine with him for some big games, the Hornets have the backcourt ability to change games and make some noise.   Choctaw   Injuries likely played a part in the Yellowjacket's midseason swoon. In late January, down a couple starters, they suffered a massive blowout loss at Putnam City North. But with a healthier roster, they closed the season by building some momentum. When they rematched with North to close out the season, it was a 1 point loss, hinting that Choctaw can play with the big boys in the state.   One constant when watching Choctaw this season has been the emergence of junior [player_tooltip player_id='1698329' first='Camden' last='Hyman']. Last season the little guard was a three point specialist. This year with more confidence, athleticism, he's morphed into a do it all lead guard, combining with JaMon Valentine to give the Yellowjackets a quality one-two punch in the backcourt. Athletic and strong junior forwards [player_tooltip player_id='1367223' first='Isaiah' last='Taylor'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1482829' first='Will' last='Smith'] give them the front court to match up with bigger squads. With all these juniors, it's possible Choctaw could be a year early to make a deep run, but the foundation is there for their timeline to be expedited.   Lawton   Guard play is vital come March, and the Wolverines have the ability to compete with anyone in the class thanks to a feisty, up tempo backcourt. The non stop energy, exciting playmaking and deep shooting ability of junior [player_tooltip player_id='1367224' first='Madden' last='Padilla'] is a fitting face for this team. While the potential of the athletic sophomore duo of [player_tooltip player_id='1796289' first='Pene' last='Vaisagote'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1796291' first='Tavaris' last='Deans'] is what could push them to the top of the state. Vaisagote is a bouncy wing, who can also catch fire from beyond the arc. The long armed Deans is an utility man, who with his outstanding motor plays bigger than his height.   Moore   Last year's Class 6A runner ups have been a steady team. Their current 5 game winning streak is their longest of the season, but unlike other teams in the state, they've not experienced an extended swoon. [player_tooltip player_id='1211260' first='Malachi' last='Lee'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1367226' first='Darian' last='Grant'] provide inside-outside threats with a mix of perimeter shooter but also the size and athleticism to mix it up around the rim. While sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1391442' first='Tristan' last='Hankins'] is becoming more explosive off the bounce, while also establishing himself as one of the premier shooters in the state. The balanced scoring attack, experience in big games and steady plays gives the Lions ability to grind out wins, and take down the "flashier" teams.   Norman   From a size, talent, athletic and upside, Norman has the talent to trade punches with any team in Okkahoma. They seem close to breaking through but haven't quite put it all together. Yet. Maybe they're a team waiting to peak in March, similar to Edmond North last season.   Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1820414' first='Caison' last='Cole'] has serious range from deep, with a five or more made three pointers performance always possible. The frontcourt has a senior Thunder-Lightning combo. [player_tooltip player_id='1820415' first='Marquis' last='Combs-Pierce'] is an old school, rebound magnet, post up center. While [player_tooltip player_id='1820413' first='Matthew' last='Willenborg'] is one the highest upside players in the state. Willenborg has grown to a 6'8, can challenge shots at the rim or close out on perimeter shooters, while also having a silky shooting stroke as a spot up specialist. Adding to their abundance of talent, junior [player_tooltip player_id='1367222' first='Trashaun' last='Combs-Pierce'] has started to put it together more this season. With more dunks, blocks and improved shooting, he's the type of lanky and athletic wing who can be an absolute game changer.     Putnam City West   Put the Patriots in the same category as Norman, with the combination of size and high end talent to challenge the elite teams. Their record at 13-9 is a little misleading to the quality of this team, as they suffered 4 of those losses against national competition in Las Vegas at the Jerry Tarkanian Classic. Against only fellow 6A teams from Oklahoma, the Patriots are an impressive 11-3. They also are the lone blemish on rivals Putnam City North's record.   The junior backcourt trio of [player_tooltip player_id='1367215' first='Chiante' last='Tramble'], [player_tooltip player_id='1757905' first='Jaden' last='Constant'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1295731' first='Jordan' last='Warrior'] has found their stride in the last month. Tramble, who already has experience making a deep run in March, is a skillful guard who always plays at his own pace, with a mix of scoring and setting the table for his teammates. Constant has emerged as one of the most consistent three pointer shooters in the state. Warrior is the defensive tempo setter for the Patriots. West's true ceiling can be unlocked by the play of athletic 6'8 wing/forward, [player_tooltip player_id='1391440' first='Kaidon' last='Rayfield']. Who has started to rack up more double doubles.   Owasso    A team starting two freshmen was always likely to have early hiccups. But a 9 game winning streak spanning mid January to early February showed the high ceiling of the Rams. As only a freshman, [player_tooltip player_id='1552319' first='Jalen' last='Montonati'] has already shown that he is one of the top scorers in the state. While fellow freshman[player_tooltip player_id='1552362' first='Boden' last='Williams'] provides three pointer shooter, a dash of playmaker and gritty defense from the backcourt.   They also do have upperclassmen to lean on, with burly [player_tooltip player_id='1495344' first='Brandon' last='Mann'] emerging as a handful off the bounce and Elijah Lewis has been a contributor all four years he's put on an Owasso jersey. While junior [player_tooltip player_id='1295706' first='Isaiah' last='McLemore'] is a steady 3 and D wing. It's possible the Rams could be a year or two early, but there's never a better time than the present to shake up Oklahoma.   Westmoore   A couple weeks ago, Westmoore was arguably just as hot as any team in Class 6A. With a strong case to make the “Big 3” into a “Top 4”. Ever since a setback when visiting Edmond North, they've been on the wrong end of toss up games for two weeks straight. They're 1-4 in their last five games, with three of those losses coming by three points or less. Including one heart breaker on a half court shot. Starting Friday, every team's record might as well be 0-0, so the Jaguars will have the be hoping they've gotten their bad luck out of the way.   Before the poor finish to the season, the Jaguars were riding high with a 12 game win streak. That helped them lock up the #2 Seed in the 6A West side split. The reason for this comes down to Westmoore being one of the best shooting teams in the state. UCO signee [player_tooltip player_id='981279' first='Evan' last='Barber'] is of course a flamethrower, but along with hitting from distance he's been setting up his teammates this year with improved passing. Fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='1139378' first='Zach' last='Hays'] gives them a steady one-two punch, with an improved jumper this year season. While the trio of Loper brothers on the squad, Gavin, Garrett and Grant bring a mix of shooting and defense to the table.

With the playoffs day away in the Class 6A, yesterday was a look at the three favorites. Now, here's a look at the next pack of teams that not only have the opportunity to upset those favorites, but possibly claim the Gold Ball for themselves.