CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY: Class 6A-3A

There will be 4 new champions crowned to close out the high school season! It will also be the final games at the long time State Tournament hosting venue, the Big House. With Class 6A and 5A joining the party.   Class 6A 7:30 PM   Union 78   Deer Creek 69     Class 5A 4:00 PM   Booker T Washington 68   Lawton 44     Class 4A 2:15 PM   Crossings Christian 44   Weatherford 46     Class 3A 10:45 AM   Millwood 60   Cascia Hall 57    The second half was money time for Wilks and Millwood. Earler in the game he hit jumpers, showing off the improvement he's made in that regard this year. But in the fourth, it was the dynamic guard getting downhill and making plays in transition. He's quick, tough and a gamer. Even blocking a late three point attempt where it felt like he flew in out of nowhere. Wilks has now added a State Championship to his resume, fitting of the pride and toughness he plays wiht.     The sophomore capped off a very strong week at State, scoring a game high 16 points. As always, he was a threat from distance, including one late to bring Cascia within one. But throughout the week, he's looked more athletic and confident on both ends of the court. Becoming a stronger finisher as the rim, while also making more plays on defense. The defensive improvement is particularly impressive. As he has a pathway to be a "3 and D" type guard at the next level, with the ability to be switchable with his strong frame.     Barrett was his usual consistent grinder self, producing 13 points and 8 rebounds. He's often the best athlete on the court, while also playing like the hungriest. 5 of his boards came on the offensive end, where he led a hungry Falcon bunch that beat up the Commandos on the glass. For the game, The Wood had 11 second chance points vs Cascia. Some would say that was the difference in the contest, and it was Barrett's heart that played a big role in that.     Nickson and his Weatherford teammates came out of the gates focused, dominating the start. They looked a step faster and tougher. They took a 9 point lead into the break because of that play, but in the second half the game started to slip away. Eventually they fell to down 4.   With the season on the brink, the Eagles turned to the OU football commit. He delivered, again and again. Eventually the game was tied with the clock running down and it was Nickson time. He drained a 18 footer off a pull off, something he's done countless times in his Weatherford career. But this was was the shot of his dreams, the go ahead score in the State Title game. Weatherford would get the stop and Nickson's 19 point, 6 rebound performance was the key to their Class 4A State Title.     For a stretch there, it looked Furnish had one more signature magical moment. He ripped off 8 straight in the fourth, giving Crossings a four point lead late in the game. Because that's what the cerebral point guard does, he picks his spots to be the difference. It's been an amazing four year career, with him often playing the role of traditional point guard. But when Crossings needed points, he would find them. This time it was off the dribble with snaking drives and perfect english on the ball at the rim. The senior finished with 17 points, leaving a lasting impression on the Crossings program and Oklahoma.     The junior got the momentum flowing for Booker T Washington with a stretch in the first quarter with a triple. Then shortly after punched home a dunk on a backcut. He would go on to have 8 at the half and tie for a game high 14 points for a balanced Hornet squad. Similar to his team, his season was a bit up and down. But finished on a high note. On Saturday, Matulis flashed the shooting and athletic upside, which will make him appealing to college coaches this spring and summer.     The general goes out with a 11 point and 5 assist performance. Lawton's pressure defense has caused havoc all year, but with Harris at the helm BTW rarely looked bothered. He was too strong and too calm, providing the scoring when needed. And in general, Harris provided a steady presence for a BTW squad that locked in during their semifinals win against Del City. Then never looked back. College programs looking to add to their toughness quota would do well to target the physical guard.     Davis has been playing pedal to metal for years now. And his reward is ending his career as a State Champion. Was completely unstoppable, too quick to the rim in the first half. Hit in the mid-range and even 3-5 from three to start the game. At the half, he nearly matched Union's 25 total, as Davis had 20 points. He cooled off a bit in the second half finishing with 29 points. But the lead he built with relentless play in the first half is what enabled Deer Creek. Tone setter, who is now a State Champion.     What a battle by Woodson throughout the State Tournament. The perfect cap for his junior year maturation. Literally lost his front teeth in the semis, shook it off for a double-double in that win. Then gave Union fits in the first half. Matched and exceeded the opposing Union's big physicality early. With a big block on defense. Then further showing off has explosiveness with slams as the roll man in the half court. He's big, he's nimble for his size and he's powerful at the rim. Fitting end with a championship for Woodson as he continues to ascend.     For a second in the final minute, it looked like a basketball miracle would be possible. Driver hit back to back threes in the final minute, dragging Union within 6 points. It would prove to be too late, but he hit from distance throughout the game. Finishing with 30 points on 6 of 9 shooting from three. Heck of a game to go out on for the flamethrower, who emptied his clip at the Big House.

There will be 4 new champions crowned to close out the high school season! It will also be the final games at the long time State Tournament hosting venue, the Big House. With Class 6A and 5A joining the party.