10,000 Foot View: Class 5A 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 5A!     The Defending Champs: Booker T Washington   Booker T Washington entered last year as favorites. Battled through a tough non district schedule that prepared them for a State Tournament run. After a brief quarterfinal scare against Midwest City, they dominated the next two games to add to their prestigious trophy case. While they will miss the impact of a pair of seniors, the Hornet are once again the preseason favorite. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2140748' first='Jacques' last='Mitchell'] is a rising super star, with an entertaining and effective game. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2277651' first='Mason' last='Matulis'], [player_tooltip player_id='1783190' first='Isaac' last='Sanders'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2403739' first='LJ' last='Scott'] is a backcourt any team in Oklahoma would love to have. And they have added a new dimension, height. 6'5 junior newcomer [player_tooltip player_id='2327104' first='Branden' last='Crosslen'] is a long and athletic wing. While high ceiling freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2627781' first='Kaimen' last='Robinson'] stands 6 foot 7 and is ready to make an instant impact. The Hornets are well positioned to defend their title.     Top Contenders   Tulsa Memorial - After a brief one year absence from the State Tournament, the Chargers made a spirited run to the 5A semifinals. While they lost key size, they'll be right back in the mix this year. The senior class is tough, including returning sharpshooter [player_tooltip player_id='1552317' first='Fabian' last='Harris']. While the steel is provided by newcomers, [player_tooltip player_id='1888702' first='Shon' last='King'] and [player_tooltip player_id='3025473' first='Jay' last='Oates']. Fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='2286954' first='Isaiah' last='Garrett'] has been a mercurial talent during the last two seasons. He has rare size, athleticism and skills for an Oklahoma wing but his play has been up and down. A consistent and locked in Garrett is what they will need to reach the contending level. Similar for sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2527381' first='Jarius' last='Bossell'], who came on strong during their semifinal run last year. If he continues to grow up fast, the sky is the limit for TMC.   Newcastle - Newcastle is not only new to the 5A landscape, they're coming loaded for a run. The transfers of [player_tooltip player_id='1552339' first='Kolton' last='Brammer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2223702' first='Ivan' last='Antwi-Donkor'] give them a senior backcourt capable of going toe to toe with anyone in Class 5A. Fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='2352732' first='TJ' last='Williams'] is a 6 foot 8 game changer. He'll combine with fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='2854928' first='Jontre' last='Sloan'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2408270' first='Owen' last='Wright'] to make the Racers one of the biggest teams in Oklahoma. The add to their defense and backcourt depth is another transfer, junior [player_tooltip player_id='2045444' first='Joey' last='Folsom'] and his fantastic motor. The talent is there for Newcastle to be a FORCE in their first 5A season.   East Central - Last year the Braves finally hit their stride at the right time, reaching the State Tournament for the first time in nearly a decade. Now with one of the best backcourts in Class 5A, they're ready to reach a new level. The backcourt is headlined by senior [player_tooltip player_id='1552318' first='Rickey' last='Bruner III'], junior [player_tooltip player_id='2140742' first='Gregory' last='Nash'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2560570' first='David' last='Douglas']. Bruner and Nash were consistent contributors for the Braves last year, with Nash really shining in the State Tournament. After being cleared by the OSSAA later in the season, Douglas showed star potential during their playoff run. The wildcard for East Central is 6'5 junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2140734' first='Deandre' last='Rhodes Jr']. He's been an up and down player his first two seasons, but the potential is there. And if he's more consistent, the ceiling is a State Title for the Braves.     Keep an Eye On   Classen SAS   Here's the thing about the west side of the 5A split. It is going to be a war to make State. The three Mid-Del schools will remain very much in the mix. Bishop McGuinness got bumped up to 5A, and they're coming off a 4A State Tournament appearance. Then even outside the metro El Reno might not have the size of last year, but they're still tough in the backcourt. And then there's last year's runner ups Lawton, which return some quality guards.   Enter Classen SAS. With a guard heavy team last year, they ended up under .500. That's probably not the case this year, as they return quality guards. And have added exciting new additions. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1552315' first='Evan' last='Gunn'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='2137791' first='Josiah' last='Morales'] highlight the returnees. Morales is a sniper, who averaged nearly 15 points a game last year. While the addition of rising junior standout [player_tooltip player_id='2854298' first='Daylan' last='Williamson'] the talent is there for SAS. He's 6 foot 4 with guard skills and will also be among the top athletes in Class 5A. A pair of juniors also provide a potential size advantage. With newcomer [player_tooltip player_id='2140782' first='Pierson' last='Vanlandingham'] standing 6 foot 7 and [player_tooltip player_id='2473948' first='Brian' last='Shine'] at 6 foot 6. It won't be easy, but the talent for the Comets to make the battle for the 4 westside 5A spots all that much more difficult.     Best Player in the Class   [player_tooltip player_id='2140748' first='Jacques' last='Mitchell'], Junior, Booker T Washington   A special athlete, Mitchell holds high major offers from across the country. The biggest improvement in his game has come in the form of his jumper. Money in the mid-range and starting to put it together as a three point shooter. The tradition is strong at Booker T Washington and   Breakout Underclassman   [player_tooltip player_id='2553586' first='Marquis' last='Fleming'], Sophomore, Del City   It's a new era for the Eagles, but the identity of hard nosed defense should continue. Fleming impressed in spots as a freshman, and now is ready to play a bigger role. Long armed guard/wing, who is crafty around the basket on offense. Will also hit the offensive glass and work hard on defense to score "easy points" around the rim.   Class 5A Preseason All State   [player_tooltip player_id='2140748' first='Jacques' last='Mitchell'], Junior Guard, Booker T Washington - As covered above, Mitchell is a special talent who is racking up the high major offers.   Deshawn Denson II, Senior Guard, Midwest City - Will be a four year starter for the Bombers. Fittingly has been a long range bomber since he first stepped on the court and was a key scorer for their 2023 State Title team. Last year he was a steady scorer, who shined with an expanding scoring load. Expect him to take his game to another level this year.   [player_tooltip player_id='2560570' first='David' last='Douglas'], Sophomore Guard, East Central - A walking highlight reel. "Bubba D" shines in transition, with crafty handles, fantastic floor vision and improving bounce for big time dunks. The next step for Douglas will be his impact in the half court and becoming more of a true floor general.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552339' first='Kolton' last='Brammer'], Senior Guard, Newcastle - Big time scorer at the 6A level, who made the move from Southmoore over the summer. Has a go to turn around jumper in the mid-range that is nearly unstoppable. While also is one of the best microwave shooters from three in Oklahoma.   [player_tooltip player_id='2286954' first='Isaiah' last='Garrett'], Senior Wing, Tulsa Memorial - The time is now for Garrett. He flashes point guard potential with his handles and ability to attack the rim. Has more help as a ball handler this year, which should open him to be even more of a dynamic two-way impact athlete.

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 5A!