Season Previews 2023-24: Tulsa Memorial

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High school basketball season is quickly approaching, stay up to date on teams from all over Oklahoma with our Team Preview series that will be running throughout October and November. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tulsa Memorial Chargers, Class 5A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2022-23 Record: 23-4, 5A Semifinals </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Returning Starters: 0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tulsa Memorial Chargers have been regulars in the Class 5A State Tournament, with consecutive appearances that date back to 2013. Since that run began a decade ago, the Chargers have claimed 6 Gold Balls, with the most recent coming in 2022. During that run that Chargers haven't had to rebuild as much as they've reloaded with waves of talent coming through the door. This season will present a new challenge with limited returning experience, but the Chargers have an interesting blend of talent that is hungry to add to their tradition rich program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CIRCLE THE CALENDAR FOR:</strong> Tulsa Memorial at Holland Hall, Friday December 1st. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An early season contest with Holland Hall could be a tone setter for the program. The Dutch enter the season as favorites in Class 5A District 4, and are a great measuring stick to see how Tulsa Memorial matches up with a potential State Tournament quality foe. With Memorial leaning on a combination of size and athleticism that fits into the defensive mentality that Coach Bobby Allison loves to preach, this game could have a bit of a rock fight quality as the Chargers look to prove they're still the team to beat on the east side in Class 5A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PLAYERS TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1579600"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003ca href=u0022https://prephoops.com/2023/10/class-of-2025-rankings-upside-upside-upside/u0022u003eRecently covered as one of the players with the most upside in the Class of 2025.u003c/au003e Cotton is one of the few players with returning experience with the Chargers. He averaged 4 points and 4 rebounds this past season, with the expectations that he will easily eclipse those numbers this year. With a physical frame and athleticism to match, Cotton will be a regular double double threat while also anchoring Memorial's defense.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["2246872"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"After sitting out last season due to transfer rules, Williamson will be expected to provide shooting and scoring for the Chargers.  The senior had a productive Team Camp and Summer League run, where he proved that he must be accounted along the perimeter. With Tulsa Memorial having to replace nearly all their scoring from last year's squad, this is a huge opportunity for the senior to step into and finish his high school career strong.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["2246921"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"At a recent practice, Johnson passed the eye test with height, good wingspan and promise as a perimeter player.  The development of the junior could be the wild card for how good the Chargers could be. At a minimum he looks set to help provide rebounding and presence around the rim on both ends of the court. But if he can provide a reliable scoring punch, Johnson could help raise the ceiling of the inexperienced squad.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1552317"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"A newcomer to the Chargers, Harris actually has starting experience at the 5A level after starting for Sapulpa last year. The sophomore guard is one of the better shooters in the class, and will provide crucial floor spacing for the athletic and taller Memorial squad. Harris' production could drop from last year's freshman campaign, but he should be a more productive player, who makes strides in his overall game as a sophomore.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["2246733"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Jackson represent the other piece of returning experience for Memorial. He played a key reserve role last year, as he now looks to step into the big shoes that comes with being a lead guard for Tulsa Memorial. Jackson has a strong frame and will have a chance to be a stat sheet stuffer for the blue collar squad. Working through a knee injury that had him sidelined at the recent practice attended, the junior's guard returning experience will be crucial as his teammates get their feet under them.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65314d6c6d3d4"} /-->