Bank7 Mustang Holiday Classic Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Bank7 Holiday Classic tips off December 29th and runs through December 31st</strong>, showcasing an impressive field headlined by Carl Albert, Del City, Piedmont, and Jenks. All games will be played at the Mustang High School Event Center.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Boys First Round Preview</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Choctaw vs. Crossings Christian</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Monday, December 29th — 10:30 AM</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Choctaw enters the tournament with momentum after opening the season with two straight wins. The Yellowjackets are led by senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2283661' first='Jordan' last='Valentine']</strong>, a smooth-shooting 6'6 lefty who already posted a 28-point performance this year. Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2402680' first='Tyler' last='Smith']</strong> has also been impactful, coming off a 14-point, 4-rebound, 3-assist outing against Edmond Memorial. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2218106' first='Steven' last='Anderson']</strong> may be the most intriguing prospect of the group—his shot creation and off-the-bounce scoring will be key.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Crossings Christian looks strong as well after finishing as the 4A State Runner-Up last season. Keep an eye on senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552365' first='Braden' last='Buckingham']</strong> and junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2140790' first='Rylen' last='Sykes']</strong>. Sykes, a 6'2 combo guard known for his elite shooting, has expanded his game early this season—showing improved playmaking and downhill creation at the Edmond Open.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Del City vs. Jenks</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Monday, December 29th — 1:30 PM</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Del City returns after a second-place district finish last year and is powered by standout sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2553586' first='Marquis' last='Fleming']</strong>. Fleming brings a versatile all-around game and has the ability to affect both ends of the floor, making him a breakout candidate this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jenks counters with sophomore sensation <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2491346' first='Aiden' last='Bezenah']</strong>, a skilled 6'8 forward who can stretch the floor and finish inside. His combination of perimeter shooting, smooth mechanics, and ability to put the ball on the deck make him a challenging matchup—defenders will be forced to choose between crowding his jumper or giving up driving lanes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Carl Albert vs. Pocola</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Monday, December 29th — 5:30 PM</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carl Albert has yet to be seriously tested this season and looks ready to build on a strong 2024–25 campaign. The Titans are led by juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2499145' first='Austin' last='Johnson']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2499150' first='Delijah' last='Matthews']</strong>. Johnson uses his 6'5 frame well to create mismatches, while Matthews brings power and explosiveness downhill. Expect both to control the tempo and push transition opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pocola leans on a talented senior group headlined by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2906322' first='Logan' last='Dunigan']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2352514' first='Brayden' last='Hardwick']</strong>. Hardwick, a 5'9 two-sport athlete, brings toughness and energy. Also watch for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2890863' first='DaQuayne' last='Terrell']</strong>, a 6'4 forward who thrives as a catch-and-shoot threat and adds value on the boards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mustang vs. Dale</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Monday, December 29th — 8:30 PM</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mustang enters the tournament led by a balanced and talented core. Senniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552351' first='Drew' last='Reynolds'], [player_tooltip player_id='2638582' first='Gavin' last='Milligan'], Jaden Johnson, and [player_tooltip player_id='1987388' first='Jaytee' last='Johnson']</strong> have all made significant contributions early in the season, helping the Broncos win four of their first five games. Reynolds, in particular, stands out as <em>one of the premier shooters in the state</em>. The 6'0 shooting guard anchors an exceptionally deep Mustang roster and will be a focal point in this matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dale faces a tough challenge taking on a strong 6A opponent, but the team will lean heavily on Tulsa commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1672779' first='Denton' last='Forsythe']</strong> to dictate the pace from the point guard position. Forsythe has proven he can create for others when his teammates are knocking down shots, and his ability to penetrate and put pressure on the defense will be critical. One of those key teammates is junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2831204' first='Jeremiah' last='Skaggs']</strong>, a combo guard who must continue to grow as a decision-maker. With his versatility, he can stress a defense in multiple ways when he's playing under control. Another important contributor for Dale will be junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2565158' first='Keldan' last='Meely']</strong>. The 6'6 forward can stretch the floor from deep while also using his length to finish and rebound inside, giving Dale a much-needed frontcourt presence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->