Too Early Previews: Class 4A-B Defending Champs

In a few months, high school programs all over the state will take the court with one goal. Capturing the elusive Gold Ball. With that in mind, and the relative lack of action on the court, let's recap/look ahead for high school hoops. Starting with the 5 programs that won Gold Balls in March at the Big House.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 4A: Douglass </h2>   How they did it:   It was a return to glory for one of the most prestigious programs in the state, as Douglass ran the gauntlet in one of the deepest ever Class 4A fields. The only loss for the Trojans came against Class 6A program Putnam City North in early December. In the 4A semifinals, they ended a dynasty by taking down Kingfisher in a classic overtime match up. The Trojans then ran up a double digit lead over Weatherford in the State Championship game, and held off a spirited comeback for a 48-44 victory. It was Douglass' first title since 2017 and the school's 11th overall.   What to expect:   Due to rule changes and attendance shifts, Class 4A isn't expected to be near the gauntlet it was this past season. But the cream of the top is expected to remain strong with Douglass and Weatherford both headlining the class. Weatherford is expected to return all five player from last year's squad and will likely enter the season as the favorites. However with an outstanding junior backcourt trio of [player_tooltip player_id='1475987' first='Davon' last='Scott'], [player_tooltip player_id='1475984' first='Landry' last='Ballard'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1796293' first='Jaden' last='Williams'], the Trojans will have the firepower to stage a strong title defense. Ballard Jr is a dynamic lead guard, while Scott is one of the best pure shooters in Oklahoma.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 3A: Millwood</h2>   How they did it:   A battle tested Millwood team entered the playoffs after a grueling schedule against bigger programs with 10 losses. They would prove to be important lessons as the talented Falcons fought their way through the Class 3A playoffs with a 7-0 mark. Including a dramatic State Title game victory where they held off a scrappy Metro Christian squad. This would be the 17th State Championship for Millwood, giving the Falcons the top perch in Oklahoma with the most Boys Basketball championship for any school.   What to expect:   There's a new coach at the helm for Millwood, as Douglass alum and former assistant Dorrian Williams is making the trip north up Martin Luther King Junior Avenue from rivals Douglass to lead Millwood. Williams has a pair of returning quality building blocks in juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1391439' first='Jaden' last='Nickens'] and Chance "Bubba" Davis. They were critical pieces of the last two championship teams for Millwood. Now as upperclassmen, they're be crucial to keep the tradition going. Electric sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='1783189' first='Isaiah' last='Wilks'] is expected to be a newcomer and their should be fireworks all season long with their uptempo and athletic squad. Overall, Class 3A is looking potentially deeper that past years but the Falcons will again battle tested and firmly in the mix as likely favorites.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 2A: Dale</h2>   How they did it:   After winning Class 2A in 2022 with a group of sophomores and freshmen, it wasn't shocking to see Dale go back to back. Along the way, their blowout victories and "upsetting" of bigger programs at the prestigious Tournament of Champions sent shockwaves throughout the state. Over the course of their 7-0 playoff run, they averaged a margin of victory of 40.7 points per game. Their closest game came in the semifinals, "only" beating Pocola by 17 points (50-33). A 78-52 State Championship game win over Oklahoma Christian Academy capped off their 32-0 season.   What to expect:   For second straight year, Dale returns every key contributor from a State Championship squad. The leader of the group, [player_tooltip player_id='1367217' first='Dayton' last='Forsythe'] is committed to University of Oklahoma. While he provides the star power, they're a fully loaded group, that arguably play the most complete and unselfish basketball in the state. From sharpshooting [player_tooltip player_id='1579599' first='Levi' last='Kelly'], versatile forward [player_tooltip player_id='1579596' first='Trayden' last='Chambers'], tough slasher and finisher [player_tooltip player_id='1482839' first='Deken' last='Jones'], the Pirate ship is crewed with players who will routinely score in double figures. They'll have a huge target on the back as they'll enter the season as the overwhelming Class 2A favorites with a third straight Gold Ball on their minds.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class A: Caddo</h2>   How they did it:   After coming up short in the semifinals in 2022, Caddo entered the 2023 edition of the Class A State Tournament as the unquestioned favorites. They left no doubt with double digit victories over Drummond and Seiling to earn the Bruins their first boys basketball State Title Game appearance. Behind star guard [player_tooltip player_id='1482827' first='DJ' last='Dill'], they would win 58-51 over Okay to claim the school's first State Championship.   What to expect:   Dill returns, and the dynamic three level scorer will not only be one of the best players in Class A. He'll be one of the best players in Oklahoma regardless of classification. The Bruins only graduated one senior from last year's squad. With Dill and the returning core, expect them to enter Class A as the preseason favorites and up to the task of having the target on their back next winter.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class B: Fort Cobb-Broxton</h2>   How they did it:   From 2015-2018, the Mustangs won four straight Class A or B State Championship. In 2019, they lost in the Class A championship, signaling an end to that dynastic run for the southwest Oklahoma program. Last March, Fort Cobb-Broxton regained their place as small school royalty with a dominating 68-52 win over Calumet. It was a fitting end to a 29-1 campaign for the Mustangs, with their only loss coming by 3 points to Class 4A State Tournament team, Newcastle. Dating back to their first State Championship in 2000, they have now won 8 Gold Balls while coached by Scott Hines.     What to expect:   While they graduated a core group of seniors, expect 2024 standout [player_tooltip player_id='1625151' first='Kray' last='Rogers'] to be among the very best players in Class B. Rogers has proven to be a flamethrower from beyond the arc this spring and summer, while his size and athleticism should be a cut above the rest of the class. 2026 Eli Willits was a hero in the quarterfinals last year, with a game winning transition scorer against Goodwell. Wilitis, also a baseball star, will be a key part of the Mustangs' title defense.

In a few months, high school programs all over the state will take the court with one goal. Capturing the elusive Gold Ball. With that in mind, and the relative lack of action on the court, let's recap/look ahead for high school hoops. Starting with the 5 programs that won Gold Balls in March at the Big House.