Five players that can lead their team to a state title (6A)
The stars of this class have done what they needed to do throughout the season for their team to win but historically, the stars of class 6A shout out more in front of the bright lights, AKA the State Tournament.…
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Continue ReadingThe stars of this class have done what they needed to do throughout the season for their team to win but historically, the stars of class 6A shout out more in front of the bright lights, AKA the State Tournament.
Think back, players like Jordan Woodard who led the Edmond Memorial Bulldogs to a state title after hitting a buzzer-beating layup in 2013 to previous generations of stars, this class has had a ton drama in the state tournament and this year won’t be any different.
Although Edmond Memorial has been the most cohesive unit in 6A, with a (22-1) record, teams like Santa Fe, Norman North, Booker T. Washington, Norman North an others have a chance to get hot during the playoffs and take the crown. However, to do that there will need to be one or two guys to take a lead role.
1. Drew Tennial: Edmond Memorial.
Memorial is the best team in the most competitive class in the state but Tennial is the best player. Throughout the season, he’s done what was needed for his relatively young teammates to propel them to victory but he hasn’t really taken over. Although he is a defensive-minded player, he has the physical ability to take over on both ends of the court.
2. J.D. Ray: Midwest City.
Midwest City has had an inconsistent season. They’ve compiled many quality wins but also have bad wins on their resume. Ray has the ability to remedy all of the inconsistencies for the Bombers which he’s done at times this season. As the state has seen, he has the ability to score in bunches as he’s scored 53 points this season. Look for more performances like that (maybe not that many points), during the playoffs.
3. Miles Slater: Deer Creek.
Deer Creek could be a sleeper in the state tournament. They are ranked 12th in 6A but Slater, their senior leader, has had some impressive performances this season, leading the Antlers to a (14-9) record. Slater makes the right decisions as the teams point guard and is a great shooter. Watch out for Deer Creek as a state tournament sleeper.
4. Shemar Smith: Norman North.
Norman North flies under the radar a bit, which is weird considering their (16-6) record which ranks sixth in 6A. The biggest reason for the Wolves success is Smith and everything he does for them in the paint and more specifically, around the basket. Smith is a player that is lethal with 15-feet from the basket. Whether that is scoring or rebounding offensively or defensively, he manages North’s front-court. This is something the rest of the competition doesn’t have a lot of, so expect Smith to exploit that.
5. Donovan Vickers: Edmond North.
I wouldn’t say Vickers is the best player on the second best team in 6A but he’ll have the biggest impact on them knocking off their cross-time rivals, Memorial. Vickers is the glue that holds the Wolves together…but can also take over a game, quietly. Expect him to have a big tournament.