Big School: Preseason Second 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, with 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
As a sophomore Lloyd was part of a Class 4A State Tournament run for Mount Saint Mary in 4A, then last year put up individual huge scoring for the Rockets. As a senior with Piedmont, his scoring production might not always be as loud against a 6A schedule. But his impact should only grow as a creative hub for the Wildcats. His ability to get downhill and make the right passes to open teammates will be crucial this year. Early scrimmage viewings indicate that he should excel at this role for his new team, with a better understanding of valuing the ball and how making the simple pass can be better than the highlight reel, wild pass.
Expected to be one of the top scorers in Class 5A this season, Benton is an efficient shooter who has gradually developed a strong off the dribble game. Always competitive, this spring and summer particular seemed to indicate that he was ready to take the reigns for the Dutch. As in multiple viewings, he was impactful all over the court, and particular looked strong when playing through contact on drives. With Holland Hall steadily establishing itself as one of the top programs in the 918, Benton will have a chance to finish his career with another State Tournament appearance in 5A as the leader of his talented squad.
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Brown averaged a double double last year and is one of the most productive post players in Oklahoma. He’s a great example of embracing and excelling in his strengths. The Collsinville Cardinal simply puts on his hardhat around the basket and goes to work. And he works hard, with rebounding being at the forefront of his resume, along with his “country boy strength” making him an outstanding screen setter and imposing presence at the rim. After falling short of State last season, Brown will be looking to lead the Cardinals to Norman before he heads off to Missouri Science and Technology for college.
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As a sophomore, Clyde Davis Clyde Davis 6’0″ | PG Deer Creek | 2025 State OK helped Deer Creek to the Class 6A State Tournament for the first time since they joined Oklahoma’s largest classification in 2016. He’s one of the hardest playing guards in the state, as a ball hawking defender and relentless attacker on the offensive end. His ability to set and push the tempo were important aspects that helped the Antlers make their State Tournament run. After a strong summer where he improved his shooting, Davis will once again have the Antlers in contention for a State Tournament berth and he works to establish himself as one of the best guards in the Class of 2025.
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Harris was a double digit scorer last year and clutch during a Class 6A playoff run. Quick, strong and compact, the junior guard is expected to be a terror for the Hornets’ and their 5A foes. He’ll make a living in the lane as an outstanding finisher for his size, and racking up trips to the foul line. With a cool and confident demeanor, which was evident when he drained clutch free throws to send the Hornets to state, Harris is expected to be a leader for a young and exciting Booker T Washington squad.
Since stepping into a starting role as a sophomore, Hopkins has been a key component of back to back Class 5A State Tournament teams for the tradition rich Titans. He’s a highlight reel waiting to happen as one of the top dunkers in the state. Throughout his high school career he has become a more confident shooter and will among the very best scorers in 5A this season.
A game changer on the defensive end, Johnson is also an explosive finisher at the rim on offense for a Edison squad that reached the Class 5A State Tournament last season. With improved shooting and playmaking ability this season, the senior will be one of the most complete players in 5A. Especially as his tenacity combined with his athletic ability makes the 6 foot 2 guard play much bigger.
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Leonard has been a contributor since his freshman season for the Panthers and now in his junior campaign looks ready for a staring role. As a sophomore his athleticism started to come in, with exciting slams in transition. Now that athletic ability combined with improved handling and shooting has him set to potentially be one of the top scorers in Oklahoma.
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Miller broke out as a sophomore, especially shining in clutch moments during the playoffs for Mustang. During Regionals weekend, he buried free throws for an overtime victory, then torched the eventual 6A State Champions in an overtime classic the following night. The big scoring nights should be a regular occurrence for the highly skilled shooting guard, but how his defensive and playmaking abilities continue to evolve will be crucial as Mustang aims to make the 6A State Tournament for the first time since 2016.
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Elite handles, pace and scoring ability make the 580 standout one of the most entertaining players to watch. He can be a one man press break, and in the halfcourt he often keeps defenders on their heels with his outstanding quickness. Padilla is equally adept at driving to score himself (where he has a great floater) or create for his teammates. The Wolverines will be in the mix to make a run at the Class 6A State Tournament this year and the senior lead guard will be a huge reason why.
In arguably the best conference in the state last year, Snow lead it in scoring at 19 a gamwm He’s not only a complete scorer, he’s very efficient thanks to his outstanding basketball IQ and he rarely forces a bad shot. But can score from all the court, with deep threes, mid-range pull ups and teardrop floaters. The same high IQ play that leads to his efficient scoring pairs with his tight handles to be an outstanding creator for his teammates when driving and off ball screens.
Expectations are high for Valentine and his Yellowjackets after a dramatic and exciting end to their playoff run last year. He remains one of the most “microwavable” players in the state, as he can easily catch fire and rattle 8-10 points in the blink of an eye. From deep off the dribble threes, scoring at the rim and havoc causing defensive transition plays, Valentine is a must watch player this year as Choctaw attempts to build off last year’s successful season with a senior laden team that has Gold Ball dreams.