Area Championship Breakdown: How We Got Here in 6A

Class 6A has given us a lot of entertaining games over the past few days. Area Championship games are set for this Friday throughout the state. Today we will take a look at the teams that have positioned themselves to not only win an area title, but that can also continue to ride the momentum towards a state title. We will look at some outstanding players from each team and how they also produced at a high level in regional action.   Mustang Broncos vs. Southmoore Sabercats    Mustang advanced with a strong offensive showing against US Grant on Saturday. This team has so many pieces that can impact any given game. The offensive versatility, skill and cohesion shown from this group is as strong as anyone left in the state. Look for the Broncos to continue to ride their most recent momentum as the game against Southmoore may approach triple digits for the winning team. Robinson was outstanding in the game against the Generals, providing 22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals. His added length and versatility to an already deep backcourt for the Broncos can help lead this team to state. Look for his activity on defense to also be a key as he will be matched up at times with Poggi on the defensive side of the floor.     Pogi can make the game look easy on the offensive end. With the up-and-down play from the Sabercats, his ability to score efficiently against Mustang will be a massive key to victory. Look for Pogi to also continue to build on his high assist numbers coming out of regional play. With the amount of bodies that the Broncos will be able to throw at him, the junior will have to continue to play under control and limit turnovers if his team is going to advance to state.    Piedmont Wildcats vs. Norman Tigers:    The Wildcats have performed better and better as the season has gone on. They defeated Choctaw this past Saturday, 72-60. This game showcased some big-time shot making, as well as a tremendous effort from this squad on the defensive end. Hite poured in 33 points in the win, including shooting 3-4 from long range. The senior provides efficient offense and can make some very tough shots from all three levels on the floor. If the Wildcats are going to advance to state, Hudson will have to make the most of a slower game and potentially limited possessions against Norman.     Norman advanced with a dominant win over Edmond North on Saturday. The combination of Billingsley and teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1503677' first='Caison' last='Robinson'] was too much to overcome. Beau had a stretch in that one, in which he scored 10 straight points and blew the game wide open. Look for the tigers to continue to trust him in high ball screen actions, allowing him to read the defense and create shot opportunities. As a passer, he continues to make extra efforts in moving the ball when defenders collapse on him. This will be key if Norman wants to win the area title.    Putnam City North Panthers vs. Union Redhawks:    The Panthers dismantled Muskogee over the weekend and look to carry that high-powered offense into a matchup with Union. North is led by incredible depth that is spread out between both upper and underclassmen. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2509295' first='Keaton' last='Murry'] has been North's leading scorer the past few weeks, while Muriithi continues to stuff the stat sheet inside the paint. The senior was a force in the win over the Roughers, providing a presence inside and on the glass.     Flemons was very impactful in the win over Broken Arrow on Saturday. The senior is able to carve out space inside and in regional play, he got to work early and often. The Redhawks made an effort to get him involved through both high-low feed, as well as post screens. With [player_tooltip player_id='2327102' first='Dkarrion' last='Titsworth'] shooting well from outside the arc, the paint has begun to open up more and more recently for Flemons. This is another reason why the Muriithi matchup will be so crucial, as Union will undoubtedly need to keep scoring pace in this one. The Redhawks must continue to limit turnovers and Flemons must play within himself inside.    Owasso Rams vs. Edmond Santa Fe Wolves:    The Rams cruised to a 90-57 win over Jenks to take the regional title. Montonati has been playing under control and getting to his spots. The win over the Trojans was no different for the senior. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc, while also taking advantage of mismatches in both the mid-post and on the block have continually created seemingly easy offense for his club. His teammates have done a great job of getting him the ball often. Look for more push-ahead transition passes to find him in spaces where he can shoot from deep or attack closeouts. The Wolves will need to utilize some double teams on Jalen, so open shots will be there for his teammates.     Newton was key in setting the tone early on this past weekend. The Wolves downed Moore, 88-55 on Saturday to advance to the area title game. Against the Lions, TJ was in attack mode from the start. When his teammates set solid screens and make it a point of emphasis to get him the ball, he can get off to some really fast starts in game. What separates Newton is his ability to put the ball on the deck and use both his length and physicality to finish. If Newton can continue to build on his outside shooting that saw his percentages continue to go up in the month of February, look for his squad to make this tough on the Rams.

Class 6A has given us a lot of entertaining games over the past few days. Area Championship games are set for this Friday throughout the state. Today we will take a look at the teams that have positioned themselves to not only win an area title, but that can also continue to ride the momentum towards a state title. We will look at some outstanding players from each team and how they also produced at a high level in regional action.