Tulsa Public Schools Tournament of Champions Preview

The Tournament of Champions tips off December 29th and runs through December 31st. All games will be played at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Boys First Round Preview</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">East Central (5A) vs. Okarche (A)</h3>   Monday, December 29 — 10:30 AM   East Central enters the tournament with early-season momentum and the look of a team ready to take another step forward after last year's successful campaign. The Cardinals are fueled by standout sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2560570' first='David' last='Douglas'], whose energy, poise, and leadership from the point guard position have been evident from the opening tip this season. Douglas plays with a mature feel well beyond his years, consistently setting the tempo with his elite passing vision and ability to knock down a smooth mid-range jumper when defenses sag. His command of the offense allows East Central to play fast, yet under control.   Supporting Douglas is a talented group of experienced guards who give the Cardinals depth and versatility on the perimeter. Junior guards [player_tooltip player_id='2140742' first='Gregory' last='Nash'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2140734' first='Deandre' last='Rhodes Jr'] provide steady scoring and defensive toughness, while senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1552318' first='Rickey' last='Bruner III'] brings veteran leadership and shot-making ability in key moments. If East Central can maintain defensive intensity and limit turnovers, they will be difficult to slow down.   Okarche, however, brings championship pedigree into this matchup. The Warriors are led by senior standout [player_tooltip player_id='1552358' first='Jett' last='Mueggenborg'], who has already guided the program to back-to-back Class A state championships. A proven winner, Mueggenborg is no longer just a deadly perimeter shooter—he has expanded his offensive arsenal to include improved playmaking, attacking the rim, and creating off the bounce. Expect Okarche to rely heavily on his composure and experience as they look to test East Central's discipline and execution in what could be a tightly contested opener.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Millwood (3A) vs. Southmoore (6A)</h3>   Monday, December 29 — 1:30 PM   The defending Class 3A champions arrive in Tulsa with confidence and a clear identity. Millwood thrives on pressure, pace, and physicality, and much of that stems from its elite backcourt tandem of [player_tooltip player_id='2223700' first='Amari' last='Barrett'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1783189' first='Isaiah' last='Wilks']. Wilks, a Louisiana commit, is the engine of the defense—relentless on the ball, disruptive in passing lanes, and unafraid to take on the toughest matchup each night. Barrett complements him perfectly, using his length, instincts, and high motor to impact the game in multiple ways, whether that's finishing in transition or creating chaos defensively.   Millwood's ability to turn defense into offense makes them especially dangerous, and their championship experience shows in how they handle momentum swings. If the Falcons are able to dictate tempo early, they can quickly put opponents on their heels.   Southmoore counters with a talented and athletic lineup capable of matching Millwood's intensity. The Sabercats are led by [player_tooltip player_id='2140800' first='Tyson' last='Pogi'], [player_tooltip player_id='2140728' first='Carlton' last='Summers III'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2140751' first='Jasper' last='Chaves']. Pogi—the top-ranked player in Oklahoma's 2027 class, has a special knack for getting to his spots on the floor. His lethal floater and confident pull-up jumper make him a constant scoring threat. Summers has emerged as a reliable off-ball scorer and enters the matchup shooting the ball at a high level, while Chaves' elite athleticism and explosive second jump allow him to thrive in transition and as a cutter. Southmoore's ability to handle Millwood's pressure will be the key factor in this intriguing clash of styles.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Memorial (5A) vs. Fort Gibson (4A)</h3>   Monday, December 29 — 5:30 PM   All eyes will be on Memorial senior [player_tooltip player_id='2286954' first='Isaiah' last='Garrett'] in this matchup, as one of the area's most fluid and dynamic athletes takes center stage. The 6'5" wing has made noticeable strides in expanding his offensive skill set since last season, showing improved shot creation and decision-making. Garrett's elite body control and ability to finish through contact make him a matchup nightmare, particularly when he gets downhill in space.   Fort Gibson enters with a strong inside-out duo of juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2327106' first='Cooper' last='Hackett'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2140727' first='Brody' last='Scott']. Hackett, a 6'7" center and 5-star football recruit, brings a physical presence that can alter the game on both ends. His size, strength, and rim protection will be crucial in slowing Memorial's attack. Scott provides the perfect complement, attacking off the dribble with confidence and consistently creating opportunities for teammates. Known for his nonstop motor, Scott's energy and toughness set the tone and give Fort Gibson a spark on both ends of the floor.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Owasso (6A) vs. Cascia Hall (3A)</h3>   Monday, December 29 — 8:30 PM   Owasso's veteran-led roster will be fully on display in the nightcap, as the Rams bring experience, depth, and high-level talent into the matchup. Headlining the group is the state's top prospect, [player_tooltip player_id='1552319' first='Jalen' last='Montonati'], an Oklahoma State commit and true three-level scorer. Montonati's ability to score from deep, attack off the bounce, and finish through contact makes him a constant focal point for opposing defenses.   Owasso's firepower extends well beyond its star. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1552362' first='Boden' last='Williams'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1552349' first='Julius' last='Wilson'] provide balance and versatility. Williams, an Oral Roberts commit, has been one of the most consistent scorers in the state, averaging over 20 points per game with a polished offensive game. Wilson adds length and athleticism on the wing, thriving in transition, posting up smaller guards, and slashing to the rim with authority. Together, this trio gives Owasso the ability to score in a variety of ways.   Cascia Hall will lean on a talented junior backcourt to keep pace. [player_tooltip player_id='2140733' first='Dallas' last='Lowe'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2327107' first='Roman' last='Poindexter'] anchor the Bulldogs' perimeter attack. Lowe, a 6'2" shooting guard, is a dynamic scorer with a quick first step and a confident release that forces defenders to stay honest. Poindexter, a versatile 6'4" guard, impacts the game all over the floor. His blend of length, above-the-rim athleticism, solid handle, and smooth mid-range touch positions him as a breakout candidate and a potential future standout in 4A. Cascia Hall's ability to compete on the glass and limit Owasso's transition opportunities will be critical if they hope to pull off the upset.

The Tournament of Champions tips off December 29th and runs through December 31^st. All games will be played at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.