REACTIONS: Class 5A Team Rankings

Last week, the coaches of Class 5A submitted the only set of team rankings that will be published on OSSAARankings.com this season. We're in year three of district play, and the rankings are a table setter to help divide up the teams into four districts. Those should be released later on this week. With schedules to come soon after. As is, let's use these rankings as a jumping off point to look at teams in Class 5A.   The top 5 according to the coaches is as follows:   1. Booker T Washington   2. Tulsa Memorial   3. East Central   4. Carl Albert   5. Midwest City     <a href="https://www.ossaarankings.com/Default.aspx?sel=rankings&spGK=BasketballBoys&sp=Basketball&g=Boys%20&y=26">The Full Rankings for All 32 Class 5A teams can be found on OSSAARankings.com.</a>   Also, sign up for the upcoming PrepHoops Camps next month!   <a href="https://events.prephoops.com/e/1564/register/oklahoma-freshman-showcase">The Freshman Showcase for Class of 2029 prospects on September 6th.</a>   <a href="https://events.prephoops.com/e/1632/register/the-expo-oklahoma">The Expo for Class of 2026, 2027 and 2028 prospects on September 13th.</a>   Use Promo Code DurenHoops25 for a discount at checkout!     The Defending Champs and Still Favorites - Booker T Washington   Booker T Washington was the preseason favorite in Class 5A last year and went undefeated against 5A competition. They were pushed a couple times, including in the second half against Midwest City in the quarterfinals. But the Hornets turned it in on by winning the semifinals and finals by a combined 51 points. They return three of their five starters and critical defensive minded sixth man [player_tooltip player_id='2403739' first='LJ' last='Scott']. While also adding something that was missing from last year's squad. Size. Long and athletic junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2327104' first='Branden' last='Crosslen'] made the move to East Zion street. And 6'7 incoming freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2627781' first='Kaimen' last='Robinson'] will make an instant impact. The Hornets are one of the most prestigious programs in Oklahoma. Because of that they always have a target on the jerseys, and     Top Contender - Tulsa Memorial   The Class 5A talent in Tulsa is ridiculous this year, as Tulsa Memorial and East Central are both teams with designs to knock Booker T Washington off their throne. While an infusion of talent at Edison also has them in the picture. East Central has fantastic guard play, along with high potential junior wing DeAndre Rhodes JR. They finally found their stride late last year, and are expected to keep ascending.   But for the current spot of top contenders, it's Tulsa Memorial. Who reached the semifinals last year in 5A. The Chargers lost key size and senior production, but aren't expected to take a step back. They have two new senior additions in rock solid newcomers Shon King and Jay Oates. They combine with senior returners [player_tooltip player_id='1552317' first='Fabian' last='Harris'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2286954' first='Isaiah' last='Garrett']. Harris proved his clutch bonafides in the Chargers' 5A quarterfinals win last year. While the 6 foot 6 Garrett is an athletic force, who is looking to be more consistent ahead of a huge senior year. Rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2527381' first='Jarius' last='Bossell'] is a stingy defender, who could be the key in putting Memorial over the top. The "Count on Me" culture is expected to remain very strong and have them in the title picture.     Storyline - Who's the best on the westside?   The coaches tabbed Carl Albert as the top west side program. It would be a return to form after the Titans missed State for the first time in over a decade. It's very possible they're correct given the winning culture for the Mid-Del program. 2027 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2499145' first='Austin' last='Johnson'] had flashes as a sophomore, and will need to take a junior year leap for the Titans to be at the top of the west side. Which with his outstanding play in the spring and summer, it looks very possible. The Titans will also benefit from a promising incoming freshman group.   Right behind Carl Albert in the rankings is one of their school district rivals, Midwest City. The Bombers battled through injuries last season to make another State Tournament run. With four year starter and now complete scorer Deshawn Denson II as the leader, they'll be in the mix again.   Del City has a new era after the departure of the highly successful Lenny Hatchet, who's moved into an administration role at the OSSAA. And while there will be some changes, expect the intensity and defensive minded playing style to continue with new coach Chevis Smith, who just led Lawton to a runner up finish. Watching them in June indicated that the Eagles aren't still going to be among 5A's finest.   Speaking of Lawton, as of right now they appear to still be returning the important senior duo of [player_tooltip player_id='2723504' first='Champ' last='Brewer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2297011' first='Anthony' last='Patrick Cacciola']. Brewer is a sharpshooter, ready for a bigger scoring role. And "Ant" is an athletic, scoring wing. The duo gives them a frontline duo that will help keep them competitive against 5A's best. Two 405 teams to keep an eye on are Classen SAS and newcomer to 5A, Bishop McGuinness. Both have a mixture of key returners and newcomers, which we will get into later with upcoming district previews.     Undervalued - Coweta   The Tigers are coming off a 4-18 season, so them coming in at 19th in the rankings is a solid bump already. But there's room for them to keep rising with a nice one-two senior punch in their backcourt. [player_tooltip player_id='2452323' first='Connor' last='Jensen'] was a bright spot for them last season, while [player_tooltip player_id='1552337' first='Jake' last='Rampey'] was very impressive this spring and summer. Rampey sat out the second semester for the Tigers after transferring from Cascia Hall. He's an athletic guard, who will be a game changer. Their youngsters also received a lot of experience last season, and athletic senior [player_tooltip player_id='2564098' first='Josiah' last='Green'] has untapped potential as a wing-forward.

Last week, the coaches of Class 5A submitted the only set of team rankings that will be published on OSSAARankings.com this season. We're in year three of district play, and the rankings are a table setter to help divide up the teams into four districts. Those should be released later on this week. With schedules to come soon after. As is, let's use these rankings as a jumping off point to look at teams in Class 5A.