Dynamic Duos! Best of the Small Schools

It takes more than just one star to raise the Gold Ball, even in smaller school ranks. Here's some of the top one-two punches from Class 4A down to Class B.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Cascia Hall: [player_tooltip player_id='2140733' first='Dallas' last='Lowe'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2323191' first='Memphis' last='Duffie'] </h4>   Only sophomores, the duo has already helped the Commandos to a Class 3A semifinal appearance. And they will be aiming even higher this winter. Lowe has gotten a bit taller, started to get more explosive and will be an absolute problem as scorer. Duffie is currently at the stage where he's more of a spot up threat, which he has the elite shooting to back that up. He's a big guard by Oklahoma standards, especially in the Class 3A ranks, so expect his overall game to evolve this winter. In recent years, there have been sophomore led teams that have won State "ahead of schedule" could the Commandos with their duo join the list of programs like 2022 Edmond North, 2022 Dale and 2024 Owasso?   Crossings Christian: [player_tooltip player_id='1358852' first='Cal' last='Furnish'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1391432' first='Cam' last='Parker']   The duo have been to three straight semifinals, twice in 4A and then in 5A last season. Now they're set the sights to take the Knights a step forward as seniors and win the school's second Gold Ball (2021). [player_tooltip player_id='1358852' first='Cal' last='Furnish'] has long been in the argument for top point guard in the state regardless of class, and that won't change in his senior season. Expect Furnish to carry even more of a scoring load as a senior, while remaining a pinpoint passer. Physical Parker has great chemistry with his PG in ball screen situations, and will provide a presence in the paint.   Dale: [player_tooltip player_id='1672779' first='Denton' last='Forsythe'] and Easton Edmonson   The Pirates remain favorites in Class 2A, seeking their fourth straight title. Narrowing it down to just two of their strong five returning players was difficult. But with the departure of the older Forysthe, let's focus on the guards who will step up to keep the Pirate ship running. Edmonson has been a steady improver over the last year, mainly becoming stronger and quicker. Those developments have led to him having a tough to defend pull up jumper. Along with more of a scoring punch, Edmonson will have more of a creation role this year alongside the younger Forsythe brother. While Denton does like quit similar to Dayton, there games are not exactly like for like. The junior is more comfortable as an off the ball scorer, especially as a spot up threat. The duality to his game will serve him well when playing with Edmonson. But for the Pirates to continue their storybook run, the physical Forysthe will need to take the next step as a finisher at the rim.   Douglas: [player_tooltip player_id='1475984' first='Landry' last='Ballard'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1475987' first='Davon' last='Scott']   There's an argument that Douglass is a big three along with fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='1796293' first='Jaden' last='Williams'], as he's not far behind the Ballard and Scott duo when it comes to impact. Ballard and Scott are perfectl compliments to each other, as Ballard is a blur with the ball in his hands. Along with setting the table, he has a great floater game. Meanwhile Scott is one of the premier shooters in Oklahoma, with an insane motor to match. They have been a key part of the rebirth of the Trojan program and will be looking for their third straight Class 4A title.   Crooked Oak: [player_tooltip player_id='1625043' first='Elijah' last='Garcia'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1625075' first='Tre' last='Martinez']   After narrowly missing the 3A State Tournament, the Ruf-Nex have a quick and skilled backcourt to make a run this winter. Garcia is one of the best examples of "heart over height" guards in Oklahoma, with the quickness and giant killer shots to survive on drives. While also bombing away from deep. Joining him is another quick guard, Martinez. The fellow senior had a strong summer, and provides similar qualities to Garcia. And is capable of being effective off the ball as well.   Hooker: [player_tooltip player_id='1625064' first='Nate' last='Hidalgo'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2335349' first='Keilan' last='Robinson']   One of the top contenders in Class 2A have one of the best duos in western Oklahoma. Big man Hidalgo controls the paint, but also fits the modern game with good touch in the mid-range and even out to the perimeter. He's a bit of a sneaky good athlete for his height as well. Meanwhile there's nothing sneaky about Robinson's athleticism. He's a multi sport star for the Bulldogs and has an effortless look to the way he plays. The duo got their feet wet last year with a semifinal appearance. Come March, look for them back in OKC and aiming to win the whole thing.   Millwood: [player_tooltip player_id='1783189' first='Isaiah' last='Wilks'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2223700' first='Amari' last='Barrett']   One of the quickest and toughest backcourts in all of Oklahoma, Wilks and Barrett look ready to fully take Oklahoma by storm in year two for both of them at Millwood. Both had strong summers against national competition, earning D1 offers and setting themselves up for pivotal junior seasons. Wilks is more of a traditional floor general, with a mix of blazing straight line speed and small guard savvy. While the still growing, long armed Barrett is a disruptive force that will rack up "stocks" with highlight reel plays and also move his feet for 94 feet. The term "dog" is often overused to describe guards, but in this case the Falcons have a legit set of "dogs" leading a team hungry to return to the Class 3A mountain top.   Okarche: [player_tooltip player_id='1552358' first='Jett' last='Mueggenborg'] and Easton Roby   The defending Class A champs are lid by rising junior guard Mueggnborg, who was the MVP of last year's title team. Crafty with vision and scoring chops, he's a do it all guard at the small town level. His partner in crime, Roby is more of a baseball prospect longterm but as a fellow junior he also has two more years to leave a mark in the prestigious history of Oklahoma small town basketball. Roby is another guard who does a bit of everything, especially hitting the glass as he recorded a double double in the Class A title game.   Okay: [player_tooltip player_id='1625042' first='Diezel' last='Davis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2223704' first='Chase' last='Clark']   Senior Davis is a bomber from deep, with a crafty all around game. While Clark made huge strides this summer as an athletic, scoring guard. They've had Okay in the Class A title picture for the last two years, and even had them ranked tops in the Class for much of last year. Which should provide a bit of extra motivation as they look to get over the hump. Clark in particular made a strong leap this summer and will bring a bit more thunder to match Davis' lightning style exciting game.   Pocola: [player_tooltip player_id='1552068' first='Dakotah' last='Terrell'] and Heuston Stroops   Athletic and strong Terrell is a game changer around the rim, and he'll be looking for a third straight Class 2A State Tournament run before playing football at the collegiate level. Joining the talented lefty in the forming an unique one-two punch is Stroops, a newcomer to Pocola. For most teams in Oklahoma, the nearly 6 foot 6 senior would be the tallest player on the squad. Pairing with Terrell, he'll provide an edge around the paint. Along with the perimeter skills to change games from beyond the arc.   Weatherford: [player_tooltip player_id='1391435' first='CJ' last='Nickson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1504901' first='Tate' last='Sage']   Another squad where just picking two of their main core is difficult. The resume for both is special, as they're seeking their fourth straight Class 4A State Tournament appearance. And the chance to follow up two Silver Balls with a Gold Ball. Nickson is an one of one athlete, headed to Oklahoma as an edge rusher (with the opportunity to put on sneakers in the winter for the basketball team as well). But unlike many football players, he's naturally a hooper. Which shows in his feel, handle and especially mid-range game. Sage is a top tier shooter, with next level size and sneaky strong creation abilities for a wing.   Wilson: [player_tooltip player_id='2364389' first='Zion' last='Shelburn'] and Za'Brien Shelburn   Closing this out with the reigning Class B champs and once again, picking only two out of a big four is unfair. Especially in this case, as they're all four brothers. Let's focus on the twin 2027 prospects, who put Wilson over the top last year. Za'Brien, in particular is an exciting guard. Just as capable of bombing threes as he is to blow by defenders and pressure the rim. The brothers have the opportunity to add to their legacy as the preseason favorites in Class B.

It takes more than just one star to raise the Gold Ball, even in smaller school ranks. Here's some of the top one-two punches from Class 4A down to Class B.