10,000 Foot View: Class 3A Preview

Basketball season is upon us! Scrimmages start this weekend and the coverage of Oklahoma high school basketball is ramping up! Here's an intro to Class 3A!     The Defending Champs: Millwood Falcons   Class 3A in the 2020s is shaping up to be defined by the Falcons. They've won three of the last four 3A State Titles, with a runner up finish as the one blemish during that stretch. Most teams in Class 3A would be happy any one of their big three of [player_tooltip player_id='1783189' first='Isaiah' last='Wilks'], [player_tooltip player_id='2223700' first='Amari' last='Barrett'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2021906' first='Jonathan' last='VanBuren'] as their go to option. And the Falcons are blessed to have all three to rely upon. Millwood will play one of the most challenging regular season schedules in Oklahoma, so they might not be as clean in the wins-loss column as other teams in 3A. But even with potentially a few regular season losses, they are still the heavy favorite to grab another Gold Ball. Which would be the 19th in school history, a record in Oklahoma.   Top Contenders:   Roland: A tradition rich eastern Oklahoma program, they're headlined by one of the most exciting players in the state. Bubba Owens. As a freshman he helped the Rangers to the 3A State Tournament. A return trip west on I-40 is expected . Along with Owens pulling the strings, he'll have major help from [player_tooltip player_id='2140760' first='Kade' last='Shook']. A taller guard, who is a playmaker and scorer in his own right.   Heritage Hall: Once a regular in the Class 4A and Class 3A State Tournaments, it's been a few years since the Chargers have been playing for a Gold Ball. The expectations are there for that to change this season. They have a junior trio filled with big time potential in [player_tooltip player_id='2140723' first='Braelon' last='Bradshaw'], Xzavier MBroh and [player_tooltip player_id='2140785' first='Porter' last='Gillispie']. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2404099' first='Denton' last='Suthers'] is a tough nose guard. And freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2921044' first='Timothy' last='Young'] will provide shooting to start and should progress quickly.   Chandler: The Lions lost an overtime classic in the quarterfinals last season, and will be eager to make it back to OKC in March. While they lost key size, they return a great one-two punch in the Denson twins. [player_tooltip player_id='2140753' first='Jaydan' last='Denson'] is a hard nose energy giver, who has improved his shooter. While [player_tooltip player_id='2140757' first='Jordan' last='Denson'] is a bouncy defensive specialist, that will be among the better scorers in Class 3A.     Keep an eye on: Washington   The Warriors went 24-7 last year and were only a game away from the State Tournament. They're part of one of the best small town athletic departments in Oklahoma. The boys side of the Warriors will be eager to match the success of the Lady Warriors, who won Class 3A last year. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1552327' first='Jack' last='McKimmey'] brings an inside-outside presence with his combination of height and skill.   Top Player in the Class   [player_tooltip player_id='1783189' first='Isaiah' last='Wilks'], Senior, Millwood   Can't go wrong with any of the Falcon's big three. Wilks is the classic undersized floor general, who plays with a chip on his shoulder. Last season he improved his perimeter shooting and it's hard to find a flaw in his game.   Breakout Underclassman   [player_tooltip player_id='2851081' first='Quashon' last='Mitchell'], Sophomore, Star Spencer   It wasn't too long ago that Bobcats were a regular factor in Class 3A, even winning it all in 2018. Mitchell is an explosive scoring guard, who will give them a chance to flip the script from last year's 2-20 mark.     Preseason 3A All State   [player_tooltip player_id='1783189' first='Isaiah' last='Wilks'], Senior Guard, Millwood - The Louisiana signee can clamp opposing guards, drop dimes, drill big threes, and attack the basket.   [player_tooltip player_id='2398309' first='Damonte' last='Owens'], Sophomore Guard, Roland - Microwave shooter from deep, who has a great chance to be the best Roland player since Seth Youngblood.   [player_tooltip player_id='2223700' first='Amari' last='Barrett'], Senior Guard, Millwood - One of the best defensive players in the region, the Ball State signee also rebounds like a wing   [player_tooltip player_id='1552333' first='Destin' last='Edwards'], Senior Guard, Community Christian - Pass first point guard, who has been a standout for the Royals since his freshman year. Elite passer, he started to pack more of a scoring punch as a junior. A State Tournament appearance has eluded him, but was only a game away last season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2140723' first='Braelon' last='Bradshaw'], Junior Wing, Heritage Hall - Newcomer to Heritage Hall, Bradshaw is one of the best athletes in Oklahoma. He's 6 foot 5 and with true guard skills and can play above the rim.

Basketball season is upon us! Scrimmages start this weekend and the coverage of Oklahoma high school basketball is ramping up! Here's an intro to Class 3A!