Class 6A State Tournament Preview
The Class 6A State Tournament Bracket is loaded with fantastic matchups. Below I give you a look at each matchup and team as they enter what they hope to be a three game stretch to win a state championship. Edmond…
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Continue ReadingThe Class 6A State Tournament Bracket is loaded with fantastic matchups. Below I give you a look at each matchup and team as they enter what they hope to be a three game stretch to win a state championship.
Edmond Memorial vs. Sapulpa
Matchup: This is the best first-round matchup with what was the top team in the state before the playoffs, Edmond Memorial against a stout Sapulpa squad. The matchup to watch will be how Edmond Memorial handles the quick guards Sapulpa is going to throw at them. Edmond Memorial has been in an offensive slump as of late and will not want to get into a track meet with the Chieftains.
Edmond Memorial: The Bulldogs feature an exciting team led by their senior duo of Drew Tennial and Jacob Thionnet. Sean Pedualla has burst onto the scene in his sophomore year as a huge offensive scoring threat. Another player who has given the Bulldogs a huge boost early in his high school career is freshman, JV Seat. He is a load inside at 6’2 with a game that can be described as a bulldog mentality no pun intended. Edmond Memorial was ranked #1 for most of the year in Class 6A for a reason.
Sapulpa: Julian Smith and Camryn Dennis are the clear leaders of the Chieftains at the Guard spot. Smith has come a long way throughout his career from a guy who can give you points at all three levels to now a player that can bring a good presence on the defensive end as well. Dennis has fit perfectly into the Chieftains system this year providing them with athleticism, playmaking, and buying into what Sapulpa is all about. The X-factor for Sapulpa is how deep the team is with a ton of players who can impact the game.
Midwest City vs. Putnam City North
Matchup: This is one of the two west side quarterfinal matchups that happens to actually be a BIG 10 Conference matchup as well. Midwest City will have their hands full with Micah Thomas as will Putnam City North with one of the best duos in the state, JD Ray and Christian Cook. Expect a lot of points to be scored in this one.
Midwest City: The Bombers have been dealt a tough hand this season with injuries disrupting their season. In the most important time of the year, the Bombers are as healthy as ever. JD Ray is the senior leader who can lead Midwest City to a deep run at the state tournament. One of the most improved athletes in Oklahoma this season is Christian Cook on the Wing. The Bombers will need the duo as well as their supporting cast to be firing on all cylinders to win a state title.
Putnam City North: The run Micah Thomas has been on this year is quite impressive. The Panthers star has completed the four-year challenge of making the state tournament every single year of his high school career. After going on the east side of the state to make the state tournament, Putnam City North is playing with house money at this point. The defending champs are going to do everything they can to make another deep run in the tournament.
Putnam City vs. Southmoore
Matchup: This is one of the most intriguing first-round matchups between two teams no one had to make the state tournament a couple of weeks ago. Putnam City fell to Southmoore earlier in the year, but when you get to this point in the season throw out everything from earlier in the year. I expect this to be one of the closest games we see all day.
Putnam City: Tre Carolina has been brilliant for PCO this season. After just being a game over .500% for the regular season the Pirates are 3-0 in the playoffs looking to complete their cinderella run with three more wins. KD Jolly has been a huge get for Putnam City this year adding another tough guard to stop. You also cannot go without mentioning senior Guard, Alfred Alkannama. The Guard play of PCO has been the thing that has separated them all year long from opponents.
Southmoore: The Sabercats made their way through the east side of the bracket to the state tournament. The youth of the Sabercats is impressive considering they lose very little next year off of the team they have in state this season. The experience will do wonders for Southmoore especially if they can advance in the state tournament. PCO will be very tough to beat as they are one of the hottest teams in the state right now. Jordan Thompson and Sam Godwin are the two players to keep close tabs on for Southmoore.
Putnam City West vs. Booker T. Washington
Matchup: This is my favorite first-round matchup because of the 2020 stars we have in this contest. Booker T. Washington has the #1 Bryce Thompson, #3 Trey Phipps, and #4 Jalen Breath players in the 2020 Oklahoma class on their squad. Rondel Walker is the #2 player in the Oklahoma 2020 Class along with a top twenty prospect, MJ Warrior. Booker T. Washington enters as the better team but will have to bring their A game to beat a very stout Putnam City West squad. Both coaches and teams are used to making deep runs in the state tournament.
Putnam City West: Rondel Walker is going to be the key for this group at state. If Walker can be effective the Patriots have what it takes to win the Gold Ball. What makes Walker so impressive is the fact he leads his team in all four major categories at the Point. MJ Warrior and Shelby Sampelton will have to step up and have big weekends as well. The X-Factor for Putnam City West is Jalen Rainey at the Forward spot.
Booker T. Washington: The talent is clearly there for the Hornets. When you look down their roster they easily have the most talented starting five in the tournament. That said lack of depth is a major question as the Hornets have run out of gas the last two seasons in the state championship game. Can the Hornets play at their peak level for three nights? If that answer is yes Bryce Thompson and company will end Saturday state champions. The X-Factor for the Hornets is the guy who gets forgotten about by many, Seth Hurd. Hurd is a beast inside and deserves a lot of credit for the hard work he does for his team down low.
My State Champion Pick: Two weeks ago I was convinced Edmond Memorial was going to win the Gold Ball due to their great coaching, chemistry, and talent. I will admit I wavered for a bit as the Bulldogs nearly missed the state tournament losing in Area. However, I think they will snap out of their funk over last weekend under the leadership of Shane Cowherd and a great senior class and take home the Gold Ball.
For more information email Matt@prephoops.com