Big School: Preseason First Team All State
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High School basketball season is upon us in Oklahoma. A couple Class 6A programs will start their season with out of state tournaments this week, while the bulk of the Class 6A and 5A programs will see their season start next week. With that in mind, here’s one last preview series that goes deep on the star performers in Class 6A and 5A.
For Big School Honorable Mention All State: Check back Wednesday
One of the top unsigned seniors in the state, Combs-Pierce was a key part of a deep Norman squad that made a run to State in 6A. He’s arguably the top defender in the state, with his ability to cover guards to battling with bigs around the basket, his huge wingspan is useful in both cases. Offensively, look for him to a more explosive finisher this year for the Tigers, while also blending improved off the dribble scoring and even some creation for teammates.
The floor general has already been apart of back to back Class 4A semifinalist teams for Crossings and will now be searching for Gold in Class 5A. Furnish has DEEP range on his three, which he uses to spread out the defense and go to work off the dribble. Most often when attacking he’s looking to create for his teammates. He seemingly has eyes in the back of his head and tremendous feel to find open lanes for passing. This extends out to his outstanding reading of ball screen situations. Rather it be by dropping 5 dimes in the final quarter or hitting dagger triples, Furnish will leave his fingerprints all over victories for the Knights this winter.
Another elite defender, as a sophomore he was key defensive glue guy for the Lions as they made a run to the Class 6A State Championship game. He followed that up by being a driver and finisher for Moore as they reached the Class 6A quarterfinals. Throughout their entire playoff run last season, he was seemingly unstoppable with relentless driving. Look for that dynamic play on both ends of the court to continue before he heads to Harding in Arkansas to play at the next level.
As only a sophomore, Howell was a key part of Broken Arrow’s Class 6A runner up squad and particular clutch during the State Tournament with confident scoring and playmaking. A knee injury sapped him of a summer of development, but he’s started November looking good. With his size, athleticism and vision, he’s going to be a elevator and connector for an intriguing Tiger squad. And if he makes a leap as a scorer, Howell will be in the conversation of being the very best in Oklahoma come March.
The biggest player in the state is set for a huge senior campaign. He’ll absolutely own the paint on both ends of the court, with his massive wingspan being a giant stop sign to drivers. While on offense, once he gets position down low, it might as well be over. Especially as he continues to improve his conditioning and is becoming a regular at slamming it home with authority. Recently there have been few legit 7 footers in the state, and the jolly giant that is Madrid is a must watch for Oklahoma basketball fans.
Highlights
Montonati entered high school with high expectations as a freshman, he met and likely exceeded them with his first chapter in high school. He put up impressive scoring performances and a signature win over an unbeaten Broken Arrow squad to win Area and head to state. Their journey came to an end in the semifinals, but there was no doubt that as only a freshman he was one of the best players in Oklahoma. He’s now a 5 star nationally, often ranked in the top 10 thanks to being one of the absolutely best shooters in the country. Expectations will now be even higher for his sophomore campaign, as he attempts to bring the Gold Ball back to Owasso for the first time in school history.
Mott has made one of the biggest jumps of any prospect in Oklahoma’s Class of 2024. As a sophomore there was clearly something there with his upside, and now as he rounds the corner of his high school career he looks ready to fully unleash that potential. In last year’s Class 5A title game he battled well against a McDonald’s All American center, and now will be the “bully” on the block for the favorites in 5A, Carl Albert. Explosive slams, pinning shots on the backboard and more are expected from physically gifted Northern Illinois signee.
Highlights
Rayfield had a promising sophomore campaign but was an up and down performer. The biggest knock was despite often being the tallest player on the court, he didn’t always take advantage and dominant the paint like he should. But since bowing out a game short of the State Tournament last March, the now junior looks like he’s been fed gunpowder. He’s made it a mission to swats shots, corral rebounds and triyto dunk everything on the offensive end. He can still venture out and hit jumpers or attack off the dribble, but Rayfield is now an aggressive, complete forward for the Patriots.
As a sophomore, Tramble played in the Class 6A State Title game with Moore. He was one of the best players on the court, playing at his own pace, hitting tough jumpers and always looking in control but he came up short against Edmond North. Now he’ll be closing out his high school career with Edmond North, where he should excel as a set up man for their deep roster while also providing a crucial scoring punch himself.
What else is there to say about the State Player of the Year Candidate? He’s been the engine of back to back 6A titles for Huskies, while being a walking double double. Now he’s signed to play at Wyoming at the next level, with an improved jumper to go along with his physical, bully ball playing style. Warlick plays through contact about as well, or better than any player in recent Oklahoma history. And his tenacity on the boards is unmatched. As a wide eye sophomore, he proclaimed a three-pete was possible in the post game presser following his first Gold Ball. With one season left, the lofty goal is attainable.
Highlights
The second sophomore to make this list, the potential remains off the charts for the versatile big body forward. Woodson looks set to continue to improve as a shooter from 15 feet all the way out to past the three point lane. All while make gradual steps to improve off the dribble. Still with his size, power and movement he’ll make a huge impact around the rim this year. As few Oklahoma teams will have the size to match up with him. The move from 4A to 5A will present more challenges for Woodson and his teammates, but iron sharpens iron. And Woodson’s iron is already plenty sharp.
The Oklahoma State commitment is back in Oklahoma and enrolled at Midwest City. He had a strong start to his Oklahoma prep basketball career, and after an impressive summer against national competition should be set to take his game to an even higher level. His defensive instincts are outstanding, with quick hands and amazing anticipation to rack up blocks and steals. Young is also a strong finisher off the dribble with a variety of moves, while the lefty must be respected as a shooter as well. The top of 5A looks ready to be a war, and with Young the Bombers would be firmly in the mix of those battles.