Top-Ranked Prospects to Know on Defending State Champs

With this season of high school play underway, several ranked players return to their defending state champion rosters to make another push. While the majority of their teams have lost graduates from the past season, returning players could be set to take a step forward. Let's take a look at the top returning player for each defending champ in each class from B to 6A.    [player_tooltip player_id='1552319' first='Jalen' last='Montonati'] is widely considered the top prospect in Oklahoma regardless of class and appears ready to help Owasso contented for another state championship. He had a remarkable sophomore season as he was named Oklahoma's Gatorade Player of the Year. Having averaged 23.6 points last season, Montonati seems ready to continue making strides and could be posied to continue climbing up national rankings.     [player_tooltip player_id='1552391' first='DeShawn' last='Denson II'] is one of the state's top guards, having made noticeable strides this summer. Denson is a lengthy and athletic guard who plays a smooth game with the ball in his hands and can score from all three levels. He had a succesful summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2078402' first='Team' last='Griffin'] and continued making noise for himself at the Prep Hoops' The Expo.     [player_tooltip player_id='1475987' first='Davon' last='Scott'] is a dangerous scorer and hopes to push a highly skilled Douglass roster to a repeat championship. He is a dangerous scorer from the outside who also has the ability to convert at the rim from explosive drives. Scott may be poised to take on more of a lead-guard role this season which could highlight his well-rounded game more than what we have seen so far.     [player_tooltip player_id='1552387' first='Hudson' last='Onan'] is a very well-rounded guard who can dribble, pass and shoot at a very high level. He had a very solid off-season with Team Oklahoma and appears to be focal point on this year's OCS team. Onan impressed throughout this summer with a patient but crafty perimeter game combined with a silky jumper and a high IQ that shows up on both ends.     Denton Forsthe leads small-school powerhouse Dale on their push for a fourth straight 2A state championship. He had a very productive summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2078402' first='Team' last='Griffin'] and looks prepared to make yet another leap in his junior season. Forsythe is a strong and explosive guard who is a switchable defender with a deadly mid-range game but has shown the ability to score from all three levels with consistency.     [player_tooltip player_id='1552358' first='Jett' last='Mueggenborg'] is a proven guard who excels with the ball in his hands. He is a shifty and creative guard who has displayed impressive passing IQ but stands out the most as a reliable scoring threat. Mueggenborg can do a little bit of everything and seems set to make a leap in his junior season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2364390' first='Za'brien' last='Shelburn'] is a crafty and athletic guard who regularly pushes the pace and breaks down defenses. He plays a very aggressive game on both ends of the floor and stands out as one of the most impactful small school guards in the state. Shelburn is one of the top guards in his class and should be able to help Wilson compete for a second-straight championship.

With this season of high school play underway, several ranked players return to their defending state champion rosters to make another push. While the majority of their teams have lost graduates from the past season, returning players could be set to take a step forward. Let's take a look at the top returning player for each defending champ in each class from B to 6A.