10,000 Foot View: Class 6A 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 6A!   The Defending Champs: Deer Creek   It's a rebuilding year for Deer Creek as a combination of graduation and the new nature of transfers has led to a brand new starting 5 (really a top 8) for the Antlers. There's still interesting young talent for the Antlers, with sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='2552719' first='Cooper' last='Witte'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2550466' first='Torrance' last='Garfield'] as potential players ready to step up. Both were impressive entering high school, and likely would've played more as freshman if they weren't playing for a loaded team. Also, keep an eye on incoming freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2829456' first='Princeton' last='Ogles'].   Top Contenders   Owasso - The Rams were set up for a wire to wire year at the top. They entered the 6A State Tournament with a 24-4 mark with only one of those losses coming to a fellow Oklahoma team. The fuel of their narrow defeat in the quarterfinals should set the stage for a #RevengeTour. Their senior trio of [player_tooltip player_id='1552319' first='Jalen' last='Montonati'], [player_tooltip player_id='1552362' first='Boden' last='Williams'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1552349' first='Julius' last='Wilson'] gives them high end talent. While the depth is provided by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1552381' first='Koen' last='Scott'], [player_tooltip player_id='1552386' first='MJ' last='Milton'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='2327598' first='Julian' last='Wilson']. The contribution of that trio will be crucial in ensuring they are able to return to OKC in March, and win their second title in three years.   Norman - The Tigers are looking for their fourth straight State Tournament appearance, but hopefully to extend their stay a little longer. As they now have three straight quarterfinals exits after a heart breaker to Putnam City North. With guard play being crucial come March, they have one of the best backcourts in the state. Featuring the senior trio of exciting floor general [player_tooltip player_id='1552322' first='Beau' last='Billingsley'], defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='2292195' first='Montrel' last='Combs-Pierce'] and sharpshooter [player_tooltip player_id='2394516' first='Gideon' last='Holt']. The backcourt has a boost with two newcomers, rising junior Aiden Cooper-Kelley, a do it all guard. And exciting freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2421976' first='Luke' last='Noles']. Throw in senior newcomer wing [player_tooltip player_id='1503677' first='Caison' last='Robinson'], and the Tigers have creators and shooters for days.   Mustang - It's a new era for Mustang basketball and there's no question the talent is there for the Broncos to make State for the first time in a decade. But similar to current college basketball, it's all about how the new talent comes together. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1552351' first='Drew' last='Reynolds'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2638582' first='Gavin' last='Milligan'] provide difference making floor spacing. [player_tooltip player_id='2140772' first='Mar'Quell' last='Robinson'] is a tone setting junior guard. While sophomore guards [player_tooltip player_id='2464132' first='Scyon' last='Wilborn'] and De'von Stevenson provide more quickness, scoring punch and creation. Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='2712639' first='Garrett' last='Smith'] will patrol the interior. Then they'll get a major boost when football ends, with the senior Johnson twins and mega athletic junior [player_tooltip player_id='2326939' first='Gabe' last='Osborne']. The newness to the roster could lead to early growing pains, but come February the Broncos should be racing at the front of the pack.     Keep an Eye On   Choctaw - After coming up short of State last year and the graduation of key size, they could be a little under the radar compared to some of the other top tier teams in 6A. They still feature one of the bigger front courts in Oklahoma. And most importantly, have important senior guards. Two of them, [player_tooltip player_id='2218106' first='Steven' last='Anderson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2283661' first='Jordan' last='Valentine'] have been two of the most improved players of the last six months. Anderson has recovered from injuries that derailed his junior campaign and is ascending. While the late blooming Valentine has gone from a defensive specialist wing, to more of an exciting combo guard.     Best Player in the Class   Jalen Montonanti, Senior, Owasso   The senior has the personal hardware, two Gatorade Player of the Year honors. The national acclaim via a team USA Gold Medal and years spent scoring for MoKan. And even a State Title ring. Still, a March set back should have him hungry and locked in for the final months of his high school career. Expect him to clear the 2,000 point month this winter, a rare achievement for a Class 6A player in Oklahoma.     Breakout Underclassman   [player_tooltip player_id='2509295' first='Keaton' last='Murry'], Sophomore, Putnam City North   The set up is clear for Murry to make a jump this year. Carved out a key role as a freshman on a team heavy with senior guards. Physically matured into more of a bouncy slasher. And has a good supporting cast with athletic and tough senior forwards, along fellow good sophomore and junior guards for backcourt mates. The Panthers are firmly in the mix for another State Tournament run, and the development of Murry will be crucial in them reaching their potential.     Class 6A Preseason All State   Guard [player_tooltip player_id='2140800' first='Tyson' last='Pogi'], Junior, Southmoore - A walking bucket, Pogi is a special scorer with seemingly unlimited range. In only two years of varsity play, has already put together major scoring performances. Expect his assault on the record books to continue, as he elevates a new look but talented Sabercats squad into the State Tournament picture.   Guard [player_tooltip player_id='1552322' first='Beau' last='Billingsley'], Senior, Norman - One of the most exciting players in Oklahoma, Billingsley has the ball on the string and great playmaking abilities. Can provide tough scoring as well to lead a pack of hungry Tigers.   Guard [player_tooltip player_id='1552362' first='Boden' last='Williams'], Senior, Owasso - Four year starter for the Rams, Williams is headed to Oral Roberts. Quality shooter, with ideal height, wingspan and competitiveness to be a two guard at the next level.   Wing [player_tooltip player_id='1552319' first='Jalen' last='Montonati'], Senior Owasso - As covered above, Montonati is a nationally regarded scoring specialist. Who is headed to Stillwater for college.   Forward, [player_tooltip player_id='1655627' first='Miles' last='Flemons'], Senior, Union - A massive human in the middle. Flemons is a skilled space eater, who has been a four starter for the Redhawks. A stellar spring and summer lead to him becoming a Drake commitment. Now will anchor an Union team that finished as runner ups in 6A.

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 6A!