Too Early Previews: Small School Contenders

The Too Early Preview Series continues with a look at programs that will be looking to break up the established hierarchy for Classes 4A-B.   <a href="https://prephoops.com/2023/08/too-early-previews-class-4a-b-defending-champs/">For a look at last year's small school champions, click here. </a>   Weatherford - Class 4A   The likely preseason number one in 4A, the Eagles did not graduate any players from last season's runner up squad. They're be one of the biggest teams in the state in Oklahoma regardless of class, with their versatile lineup anchored by senior [player_tooltip player_id='1807979' first='Nate' last='Reherman'], juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1391435' first='CJ' last='Nickson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1504903' first='Ethan' last='Sage'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1504901' first='Tate' last='Sage']. Nickson is one of the best players in Oklahoma, with a rare combination of athleticism and skill. While the Sage Twins had outstanding summers, and their evolving shooting and versatile skillsets will be great compliments to Nickson . Often the experience of knocking on the door is the spark needed to create a championship, and after a spirted loss in the last's title game, the Eagles are poised to soar even higher this season.   Tulsa Hale - Class 4A   Due to the changes in OSSAA rule 13, Hale finds themselves as newcomers in Class 4A. Traditionally, TPS programs have faired well in Class 4A. As rival programs Central, McLain and Webster have all made runs to the Big House in the last decade. Now the Rangers will be in position to add to that tradition. A big reason for Hale having a chance to make a deep run comes down to senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1482830' first='Kabron' last='Lewis']. Lewis has the potential to put up video game numbers on the offensive end, and plays with a fantastic motor defensively.   Catoosa - Class 4A   One of the highest scoring teams in Class 4A last year, they'll be joining Hale as two of the top programs in a new look 918 Class 4A. Headlined by athletic and skilled senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1295662' first='Titus' last='Miller'], if the improvements he made over the summer are indication, Miller has take over potential. From bombing threes to fastbreak slams and alley oops, he'll be one of the most exciting watches in Class 4A. Keep an eye on 2025 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1293578' first='Sutton' last='Woods'] stepping into a bigger role this season as well.   Metro Christian - Class 3A   After finishing as runner ups in 3A, the Patriots returnees headlined by [player_tooltip player_id='1238739' first='Wyatt' last='Powell'] remain firmly in the mix. Powell last year proved his athletic and competitiveness makes him a problem while attacking downhill. His game looks to have continue to grow this offseason, with a more consistent jumper and more playmaking. The Patriots will often have the size advantage in contests, with 6 foot 6 senior Jackson Soward and 6 foot 9 [player_tooltip player_id='2047076' first='Troy' last='Moses'] providing power around the rim to match Powell.   Oklahoma Christian School - Class 3A   After a year in 4A, OCS is back in Class 3A and have an unique facet to their resume. They're the only Class 3A program to have beat Millwood. They did it twice last year, including a late February victory that was the Falcons' last loss before they would run the table in the 3A playoffs. Now any February or March meeting would have extra weight between the 405 based rivals that are only 15 minutes apart. The Saints return one of the best one-two punches in the state, with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1367214' first='Luke' last='Gray'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1482836' first='Carson' last='Jones']. Gray is a physical game changer around the rim at 6 foot 8, with great touch on his jumper. While Jones, a Kansas Wesleyan commit, can fill it up from distance and is a deceptively athletic as a driver and defender.   Victory Christian - Class 3A   The Conquerors have one of the most physically imposing players in Class 3A with [player_tooltip player_id='1343195' first='Chris' last='Mason'] leading the charge. The broad shoulder, long armed senior is physically gifted and has versatility to his game thanks to his touch in the mid-range and flashes of perimeter play. While the top 3A programs all have impressive athletic players and talent, Mason might be the most naturally gifted prospect in the Class. Add in athletic senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1592867' first='Michael' last='Doctor'] and sharpshooting newcomer junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1475990' first='Connor' last='Hislop'], and the expectation is Victory will be taking the Turner Turnpike to OKC in March.   Pocola - Class 2A   After a State Semifinals loss to Dale, the talented Indians squad appears to be just scratching the surface of their potential. The further evidence to how good Pocola could be came in June when at UCO's team camp the Indians took one of the best teams in the state, Crossings Christian to the wire. They're another squad anchored by a dynamic inside-outside punch with [player_tooltip player_id='1493578' first='Garrett' last='Scott'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1552068' first='Dakotah' last='Terrell']. Scott, a senior, is a speedy lead guard, who can get hot in a hurry from beyond the arc. While Terrell at 6 foot 8 is one of the highest upside prospects in the Class 2025, and has started to physically impose his will more and more during summer viewings.   Preston - Class 2A   The Pirates were the other squad to slip up in last year's Class 2A semifinals. If backcourt play is the key to unseating Dale, then the Pirate counterparts from Preston will have an inside track thanks to the returning duo of [player_tooltip player_id='1482834' first='Jervais' last='Goree'] and backcourt mate [player_tooltip player_id='1885381' first='Giorgio' last='Dunn-Spencer']. Goree is a heady floor general, with the ball on the string and a dynamic game that allows him to create off the bounce or pull up from way beyond the arc. Dunn-Spencer is another guard who can catch fire from beyond the artc.   Okay - Class A   A theme on the list, young teams that made deep runs last year. Okay ended up in the Class A Finals with a roster filled with promising Class of 2025 standouts. The ringleader of that bunch is sharpshooting lead guard [player_tooltip player_id='1625042' first='Diezel' last='Davis']. Davis has deep range from three and last year at the state tournament he showed he was a key distributor for a up-tempo, fun to watch Mustang squad.   Okarche - Class A   Another youthful state tournament squad from last year, Okarche suffered defeat at the quarterfinal stage of the Class A playoffs. Now they return the core of a squad that let it up last year, including the Mueggenborg brothers. 2025 Hunter Mueggnegborg is now a two year starter at point guard for the Warriors. While 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1552358' first='Jett' last='Mueggenborg'] proved the type of elite shooter and playmaker he is at least year's state tournament with bombs from deep and heady plays.

The Too Early Preview Series continues with a look at programs that will be looking to break up the established hierarchy for Classes 4A-B.