5A State tournament predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Booker T. Washington </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hornets are a highly favored team to win the Class 5A state title. The defending state champs are a very seasoned group known for their athleticism and defense. Leading the charge for the Hornets is <strong>Joc Mitchell</strong>. Joc is a skilled guard with a strong, toned frame. He is a natural scorer who can score at all three levels and is one of the most athletic players in Oklahoma. Alongside Joc are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1783190' first='Isaac' last='Sanders']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2277651' first='Mason' last='Matulis']</strong>, two players who keep the train rolling for the Hornets. Sanders is an all-out scorer but is especially known for his elite shooting ability. [player_tooltip player_id='2277651' first='Mason' last='Matulis'] is a 6'5” shooting guard who plays inside-out and above the rim, and he will be pivotal in the playoff run they are preparing for. They also possess a solid bench. Booker T. has numerous players with state playoff experience, so I expect them to be comfortable and confident as they make their run to the state tournament. I look forward to seeing Booker T push for a back to back state title run!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carl Albert</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Titans are another well-coached team that I see getting back to the state playoffs. The Titans are loaded with young talent. Leading the group is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2499150' first='Delijah' last='Matthews']</strong>, a physical player who plays with great energy and uses his frame well to score through contact. He is also a strong all-around scorer. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2499145' first='Austin' last='Johnson']</strong> 6'5” and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2441152' first='Gibson' last='Johnson']</strong> 6'2” are two players I believe will be crucial for the Titans heading into the playoffs. Austin is a slashing wing who can also spread the floor with his ability to shoot the three. [player_tooltip player_id='2441152' first='Gibson' last='Johnson'] is an absolute sniper, making a name for himself around the state with his shooting ability. The freshman will play a big role in the success of the Titans. Despite being a young team, the Titans are very disciplined, which makes them one of the more dangerous teams in Class 5A. They are another highly favored contender, and I am very interested to see how they perform in the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Classen SAS </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Comet will be a new team that makes it to the state tournament. They are sitting at 16–3 on the season with a 9–1 district record, and with some new additions, the Comets are looking to make a real title run. One of their biggest pieces—and a player who has really taken a leap—is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2140782' first='Pierson' last='Vanlandingham']</strong>. The 6'7” forward has improved tremendously since last season. He has been a great rim protector and rebounder for the Comets, utilizing his size effectively and playing well within the flow of the game. He is excelling in his new role. They have also added junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2854298' first='Daylan' last='Williamson']</strong>. The 6'4” guard is very crafty and a true sharpshooter. Williamson will be a major piece in the playoff run the Comets are preparing for. Classen SAS is well coached by the well-known Coach Cudjoe, which only strengthens their case as a serious contender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Midwest City</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They are a hard-nosed group that will cause havoc for many teams come playoff time. They are led by senior <strong>Deshawn Denson</strong>, an electrifying scorer. One of the purest scorers in the state. He is also an experienced player who will definitely play a pivotal role in their playoff run. Alongside Denson is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1987389' first='Caleb' last='Stephens']</strong>, a 6'1” guard who is crafty and finishes at the rim very well. He has put up strong numbers against some very tough competition this season, which has helped raise his stock. This Midwest City team is well coached and gritty. They are relentless on defense and play until the final whistle. Currently sitting at 13–3 overall with an 8–1 district record, if they continue to stay consistent, they should have no problem making their way back to the state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Newcastle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That Racers are a highly praised team in Class 5A. They have size, athleticism, and excellent guard play, along with multiple players who can take over a game at any moment. Their backcourt features <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2045444' first='Joey' last='Folsom']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552339' first='Kolton' last='Brammer']</strong>, two of the four transfers Newcastle received this summer. They are among the best guards in the state. Folsom is an active guard with a high motor. Not only can he score the ball, but he also makes game-winning plays—diving for loose balls and harassing ball handlers. Joey is a major piece for the Racers. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1552339' first='Kolton' last='Brammer'] is a poised, unselfish player who can score at a high level. He has proven to be pivotal for the Racers all season, and expect to see him do big things during their playoff run. On the wings, Newcastle features two of the top athletes in Oklahoma basketball: 6'4” <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2223702' first='Ivan' last='Antwi-Donkor'] </strong>and 6'8” <strong>T.J. Williams</strong>. Both players consistently play above the rim, stretch the floor with their shooting ability, and make a strong impact on the glass while protecting the rim with shot-blocking. The Racers have a very well-rounded team, which makes them a top contender for the Class 5A state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tulsa Edison </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles iare a team I see punching a ticket to the state tournament. After falling one game short last season, they are looking to push through the playoffs and make it this year. The Eagles have some very talented guards and strong athleticism. One of their key players is senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2770867' first='Jaylen' last='Lopez']</strong>. He has great length to go along with a solid fundamental skill set. Lopez plays above the rim, can shoot the ball, and rebounds well for a guard. Another key player for the Eagles is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2404886' first='Nehemiah' last='Liggins']</strong>. This kid plays with a high motor and well above the rim. He is a physical finisher through contact and a tenacious rebounder, and he is going to be key for Edison. The mix of players Edison has really makes them dangerous. They aren't the biggest team, but they fly around, play hard-nosed defense, dive on the floor, force turnovers, and take charges. As long as Edison plays their brand of basketball, they are going to be very dangerous. They are well coached by head coach Creed Flowers and his coaching staff.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tulsa Memorial </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Chargers are a team that should return to the state tournament. They are another one of Tulsa's powerhouse high schools, known for their athleticism, size, and strong guard play, making them true title contenders. Leading the Chargers is senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552317' first='Fabian' last='Harris']</strong>. He is a polished scorer who sets the offensive tone for Memorial. Harris is a crafty scorer and shoots the ball extremely well. Another key contributor is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2286954' first='Isaiah' last='Garrett']</strong>, an athletic 6'6” wing who plays above the rim but also has a strong all-around basketball game. He impacts the game on both ends of the floor for the Chargers. The Chargers are a well-sized team with seasoned guard play, and they should be a team to watch in the Class 5A state tournament this March.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Collinsville </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals are a team I expect to make the state tournament, as they currently sit at 17–2 on the season. The Cardinals are a well-balanced, fundamentally sound basketball team led by junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2140725' first='Brevin' last='Walters'] </strong>6'3”. Walters has been filling it up from all three levels and is having a big junior year. In a recent win, he recorded a 24-point double-double, making him a key player for Collinsville. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3102293' first='Dylan' last='Scyrkels'] </strong>is a 6'4” guard with an all-around scoring game and has been pushing the tempo of the Cardinals' offense. He is a player with size and experience who will help the Cardinals tremendously. The Cardinals are a well-coached team that has been to the state tournament many times in recent years, and it would not surprise me to see them back there again this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->