Class 6A Area: X Factors

Digging deeper into the rosters of the 16 teams still remaining in Oklahoma's largest classification, to see which role players and rising prospect can be the difference in making a push to the Class 6A State Tournament. From freshman who are stepping up at the right time, lockdown defenders, post prospects and more, here are players who could swing games for this squads on Friday and Saturday.   BROKEN ARROW   [player_tooltip player_id='2023230' first='De'von' last='Wallace'], 6'0 2025 Guard   The junior was one of the few players with experience from last year's 6A runner up squad and had a huge spring and summer for his development. But a preseason knee injury wiped out much of his junior campaign. He did recently make his return to action for the Tigers, including contributing in a "win or go home" game against Enid this past Saturday.   CHOCTAW   [player_tooltip player_id='1367223' first='Isaiah' last='Taylor'], 6'5 2024 Forward and [player_tooltip player_id='1302077' first='David' last='McClarty'], 6'4 2025 Guard   "Defense wins championships" if that phrase holds true for Choctaw in Area and at State, it will likely be due to the dirty work done by seniors Taylor and McClarty. Taylor is more of a Swiss Army Knife type defender and rebounder. While McClarty is a dedicated on the ball defender who plays defense with pride.   DEER CREEK   John Probey, 6'4, 2024 Forward   The Antlers are in the hunt for back to back State Tournament appearances, and the hard working senior forward will be a key facet in their Friday night clash against a bigger Norman Tiger frontline. Probey runs the floor hard in transition, crashes the glass equally as hard and seemingly always has energy.   EDMOND MEMORIAL   [player_tooltip player_id='2024091' first='Elijah' last='Brown'], 6'4 2025 Forward   Another defensive specialist on the list, the Bulldogs are always among the top defensive teams in Oklahoma. Brown slots in as a havoc causer with his athleticism capable of creating steals and blocks.   EDMOND NORTH   [player_tooltip player_id='1367225' first='Dontrell' last='Yearby'], 6'2 2024 Guard and [player_tooltip player_id='1408377' first='Tatum' last='Ridge']6'2 2024 Guard   Yearby and Ridge are perfectly pieces in Edmond North's finely tuned machine. Yearby is a sharpshooter with good secondary playmaking abilities. While Ridge is one of the top defenders in Oklahoma's senior class, who's long wingspan allows him to be an on the ball nuisance.   JENKS   [player_tooltip player_id='2140778' first='Nate' last='Lyon'], 6'1 2027 Guard   A sharpshooting freshman, Lyon already has playoff heroics under his belt when he drilled a free throw line jumper to force overtime last Saturday night. It could be the start of a clutch career for the youngster.   MOORE   [player_tooltip player_id='1625035' first='Braylen' last='Russell'], 5'11 2024 Guard   The Lions are playing some of the best basketball in Oklahoma, with a balanced squad. Keep an eye on Russell to provided an impact as a shooter as they attempt to make their third straight Class 6A State Tournament appearance.   NORMAN   [player_tooltip player_id='1796294' first='BJ' last='Randle'], 6'2 2025 Guard   The junior is a strong utility player, who's impact at the little things can sometimes go unnoticed. He's developed into a good finisher around the rim, with quality defensive capabilities thanks to his plus wingspan.   NORMAN NORTH   Damonte Hines, 6'7 2025 Forward   The junior forward played a big role in a Saturday win to advance to Area. Hines scored a team high 20 points and the post prospect could be peaking at the right time to give Norman North the opportunity to shake up the Class 6A landscape.   PUTNAM CITY NORTH D'Karin Johnson 6'0 2027 Guard and [player_tooltip player_id='1437034' first='Mekhi' last='Thomas'], 6'0 2027 Guard   While Putnam City North's dynamic junior backcourt captures the headlines, both freshman guards are making an impact for a now surging Panther squad. Their ability to hit from distance will be crucial to keep driving lanes clear for their dynamic slashing teammates.   PUTNAM CITY WEST   [player_tooltip player_id='1482838' first='JJ' last='Wilson'], 6'6 2024 Forward   In Putnam City West's dramatic win over Lawton to keep their season alive, the senior forward popped up throughout the game with key buckets around the rim. He's a strongly built forward prospect, who can punish smaller guard based teams. His ability to rebound and finish well around the hoop could be the difference in an elimination game against smaller Putnam City North.   OWASSO   [player_tooltip player_id='1552381' first='Koen' last='Scott'], 6'0 2026 Guard   The sophomore is among the best defenders in his grade, with quick feet and even quicker hands. There's a lot of stars on the floor for the loaded Rams, but look for Scott to often be on the team's best scorer.   SAND SPRINGS   [player_tooltip player_id='1295746' first='Kooper' last='Kelly'], 6'0 2025 Guard   The Sandites have solid size across the board and a rising junior star, making the floor stretching capabilities of Kelly all the more important. He's a sharpshooter with a smooth motion, who must always be accounted for along the perimeter.   SOUTHMOORE   [player_tooltip player_id='2045444' first='Joey' last='Folsom'], 5'11 2027 Guard   After an injury derailed the start of his freshman season, Folsom has made his mark with as an energetic and heady defender. He's also got range from three, so keep an eye on the freshman to pop up with a crucial hustle play or a big jumper as the Sabercats try to keep their season alive.   UNION   [player_tooltip player_id='2352134' first='Journey' last='Chaney-Jones'], 6'2 2024 Guard   Another prospect on this list who excels doing the dirty work on the defensive. Keep an eye for the gritty senior to be the first to the floor for loose balls and playing tough defense.   WESTMOORE   [player_tooltip player_id='1536285' first='Garrett' last='Loper'], 6'2 2025 Guard   When mapping out playoff coverage, Loper was one of the first names thought of for this list. Because he had a strong grassroots summer, but in a handful of viewings of the Jaguars the sharpshooter seemed to be having a quieter season that his brothers or a certain rising sophomore Jaguar. Then he exploded with six three pointers for 31 points, grabbing 10 rebounds for good measure in an elimination game victory. Perimeter shooting can change games, and Loper is a great example of that.

Digging deeper into the rosters of the 16 teams still remaining in Oklahoma's largest classification, to see which role players and rising prospect can be the difference in making a push to the Class 6A State Tournament. From freshman who are stepping up at the right time, lockdown defenders, post prospects and more, here are players who could swing games for this squads on Friday and Saturday.