4A Power Rankings: Top 5

Class 4A has an outstanding collection of fantastic teams and players at the top. Today we will look at our Top 5 by taking a deeper dive into each squad and what makes them so great. Many of these teams are battle-tested, featuring some very impressive wins already this season. With a strong collection of players in the mix, any one of these teams could win a state title this season.   #1 Crossings Christian (15-6)   The Knights have six wins over Class 6A opponents, this is by far the most on this list. They are also 6-1 against both 4A and 5A opponents. The competition they have seen throughout the season has this team well prepared to play tough games in the state tournament. Crossings Christian is currently on a six-game winning streak, including wins over Mount St. Mary, Piedmont and Oklahoma Christian School. The Knights have several players that can impact games. Let's look at who has been turning heads this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552365' first='Braden' last='Buckingham'] | Senior | Guard   Ultimately, the leadership of Buckingham and Sykes is going to be the driving factor with this team. Buckingham is as steady as they come from the point guard spot. His ability to keep perimeter defenders on his hip allows him to be in control often. He routinely splits defenders and can finish with either hand at the rim. As a shooter, the senior is productive both off the bounce and in catch-and-shoot scenarios.   [player_tooltip player_id='2140790' first='Rylen' last='Sykes'] | Junior | Guard   Sykes is an elite athlete that uses his strength and athleticism well on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he plays passing lanes well and often anticipates what is coming. His combination of body control and strength allows him to finish through contact on the offensive end. When Sykes is hitting his outside shot, he truly cannot be slowed down.   [player_tooltip player_id='2554643' first='Slade' last='Black'] | Sophomore | Guard   Black plays with an impressive motor. His ability to corral loose balls and pressure the ball has made a big impact on his club. Offensively, his ability to get offensive rebounds and play with energy compliments his outside shooting well. With a team full of capable scorers, he does a great job of trying to impact games by doing the little things and creating winning plays.   #2 Cascia Hall (18-4)   The Commandos have won nine games in a row and are 4-2 against larger classification teams so far this season. This team got tested at the Tournament of Champions in Tulsa and has responded well after facing some stiff competition. With several notable contributors, this squad can hurt you in many ways. This will make them a tough matchup in tournament play.   [player_tooltip player_id='2323191' first='Memphis' last='Duffie'] | Junior | Guard   The junior has an outstanding ability to get downhill with the ball in his hands. He plays with a great motor and when you combine that with his ability to keep the ball on a string, opposing defenders are routinely on their heels. Duffie has added a consistent step back 3-point shot off the bounce to combat when defenders try to load up in the paint. As a passer, he remains poised and makes smart decisions. Duffie loves to rise to the occasion and wants the ball in his hands with the game on the line.   [player_tooltip player_id='2140733' first='Dallas' last='Lowe'] | Junior | Guard   Lowe is an outstanding finisher and shows creativity around the rim. He is effective and getting to his spots off the dribble, showing good quickness and strong handles. He has become confident as a pull-up jump shooter; the junior also has range to shoot from deep to keep defenders honest. The most impressive part of his game is his low turnover rate. For how often the ball is in his hands, he remains a very efficient player.   [player_tooltip player_id='2327107' first='Roman' last='Poindexter'] | Junior | Wing   The junior has been on a tear lately for the Commandos. Poindexter gives his team an added dimension on the defensive end with his length and athletic ability. Not only can he affect passing lanes, but he has shown an increased ability to block shots around the rim. Offensively, he has been more consistent with his outside shot to compliment his off-the-ball movement as a slasher and cutter. His shot mechanics are fluid, and he appears to be as confident as he ever has been on that side of the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='3191948' first='Ethan' last='Konkol'] | Junior | Guard   Konkol remains a serious x-factor for his team. His ability to shoot from the outside allows both Duffie and Lowe to take advantage of how the defense is playing them. When Ethan shoots the ball with confidence early in games, he routinely spaces the floor for Lowe.   #3 Douglass (13-6)   The Trojans rebounded nicely from a loss against powerful Millwood, beating Classen SAS 65-49. This team has played the toughest set of opponents throughout the season so far. Look for this to pay off when postseason play begins. Simply put, if this team is hitting shots and playing efficiently on the offensive end, they can win the state title. The Trojans have several players that help make them who they are.   Nkem House Jr | Junior | Guard   House is a long guard that loves to create paint touches both to score and find others. He finishes well inside and plays well through both contact and length. The junior excels in pick-and-roll situations, making good reads and taking what the defense gives him. His 3-point shot has also come around as his smooth release matches the rest of his game.   [player_tooltip player_id='2393527' first='Zuo' last='Kpogba'] | Senior | Guard   Kpogba has very good athleticism to go with a solid catch-and-shoot stroke from long range. His ability to perform under pressure has been at an all-time high this season. Against a very good Heritage Hall team he hit multiple clutch shots in the second half, including a corner 3-pointer to give his team the lead with just under four minutes remaining. If the Trojans can get consistent shooting from him in the state tournament, look for them to potentially hoist a championship trophy.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552385' first='Jamel' last='Morris'] | Senior | Guard   The senior is a long guard that excels when attacking the paint. Not only does he have fantastic body control, but Morris can also absorb blows and finish inside. His greatest impact come tournament team may end up being his ability to rebound on both ends for his team. Morris uses his length and toughness to be a presence on the boards. He has had multiple games in the past month with double-digit rebounds.   #4 Fort Gibson (15-3)   The Tigers have impressive wins over both Cascia Hall and Muldrow. We will learn a lot more tonight, as they take on Catoosa who is just outside of our top five. Fort Gibson holds an impressive 10-1 record against other Class 4A schools. This team has a little bit of everything, showcasing solid guard play with Hackett giving them a strong presence inside.   [player_tooltip player_id='2327106' first='Cooper' last='Hackett'] | Junior | Center   Hackett not only gives his team a post presence on offense but also allows guards to pressure ball handlers knowing they have shot blocking behind them. The junior is tough to move and uses his strength well to battle for rebounds in the paint. This will allow this team to take advantage of opponents featuring a lack of size inside when the postseason starts.   [player_tooltip player_id='2140727' first='Brody' last='Scott'] | Junior | Guard   Scott plays with tremendous energy and passion. His ability to attack the paint to both score and find teammates puts a lot of pressure on opposing defenses. Coach Todd Dickerson called him the “heart and soul of his team” earlier this season. He is not only a reliable ball handler and passer but also showcases outstanding court vision and unselfishness.   Ky Murrell | Junior | Guard   Murrell has a quick first step to go along with his solid ball handling skills. As a defender he shows balance and quickness, forcing his coaches to give him some of the tougher matchups on that side of the court each game. The junior has had some of his best games this season against great competition. At the Tournament of Champions, he scored 15 points to lead the way in a win over Cascia Hall. With Murrell and Scott setting up each other and teammates, the Tigers have enough firepower to win a state title.   #5 North Rock Creek (17-0)   Rounding out our top five is North Rock Creek. The Cougars have not lost this season and may have just grabbed their best win so far, beating Blanchard 45-41 on Thursday. This team can win in a multitude of ways which should pay dividends in the postseason. With wins over Ada, Oklahoma Christian School, McLoud and Mount St. Mary, the resume is continuing to trend upward. Let's look at the top players on the roster.   [player_tooltip player_id='2499128' first='Kohen' last='Warden'] | Senior | Guard   Warden has had a phenomenal season so far. The 6'3” guard does a little bit of everything for his team. He disrupts passes, runs the floor, shows elite athleticism and can shoot from deep. The senior is a fearless finisher that can rise well above the rim. He presents problems for the opposition with his versatility and skill set. Warden is a prime candidate to have a big-time postseason run to help propel his team to a title.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552359' first='Memphis' last='Burdine'] | Senior | Guard   Burdine leads this team in steals and shows incredible anticipation. His length and activity are key to getting easy buckets as he routinely creates opportunities for both himself and teammates. Burdine is a three-level scorer on the offensive end. He not only has a quick first step, but the lefty can also shoot the ball from well beyond the arc.   Jace Plumb | Senior | Forward   Plumb gives this team size and length inside at 6'4”. The senior can step out and hit from deep, featuring an efficient left-handed stroke. Defensively his shot blocking and rebounding are huge for his team. Plumb will have to continue to play well if the Cougars are to compete for a state title.   [player_tooltip player_id='2875214' first='Tyson' last='Hawkins'] | Junior | Guard   Hawkins excels in the open floor. His speed and athleticism allow him to beat the defense back often in transition. The junior plays hard defensively and is very active. Alongside the combination of Burdine and Warden, this team can really pressure the ball and force turnovers. If Hawkins can continue to shoot well from deep to go with his ability to run the floor in transition, the sky is the limit for this club.

Class 4A has an outstanding collection of fantastic teams and players at the top. Today we will look at our Top 5 by taking a deeper dive into each squad and what makes them so great. Many of these teams are battle-tested, featuring some very impressive wins already this season. With a strong collection of players in the mix, any one of these teams could win a state title this season.