Bracket Buster Candidates for the Oklahoma High School Playoffs
Its that time of the year where you start to pull out your high school bracket and see what route your team has to take to get to the gold ball. Everyone knows the favorites in every class but every year there are a few teams that play the role of bracket busters and pull off a big upset.
Here are some potential bracket buster candidates for this upcoming playoffs:
6A
Owasso
There may not be another team in the state who is playing better right than Owasso. The Rams lost 3 out of their first 4 games and it looked like they would have a down season. With a few adjustments and additions from the football program, Owasso has won 17 out of their last 18 games due to their high-octane offense and effective defense.
2019 guard Hayden Peterson has led the offense with his ability to score at all three levels. The defense is led by 2018 wing Josh Procter who is one of the best perimeter defenders in the state.
Owasso could not only mess up your bracket but they have a chance to hold up the gold ball when its all said and done.
Choctaw
Brock Schreiner leads the Yellow Jackets which means they are tough, resilient, and plays to win. Choctaw lacks size but they have solid veteran guard play which will help them in the playoffs. 2018 Schreiner is a good point guard who can find seems to the basket and make plays.
2018 guard Trey Black is a knock down shooter who causes defenses to adjust and find him at all times. 2018 guard Cole Cornsilk is an effective shooter as well and he fits in well with the other guards. Choctaw is a veteran feisty team that is more than capable of pulling off an upset.
5A
Del City
Del City is coming into the playoffs 11-10 which many people would look at that record and think they were average. Talent-wise the Eagles have what it takes to mess up the 5A playoffs predictions. 2019 guard Kobe Higgins is playing well and he should be a name to keep an eye on for next year. Another youngster for DC is 2020 wing Demontreal Crutchfield who has matured throughout the season and he is performing on a high level. Not to mention 2019 stud Nate Goodlow.
The Eagles are loaded with talent up and down the roster. Even though their record is average, everyone knows to keep any eye out on these up and coming bracket busters.
4A
Elgin
Elgin comes into the playoffs at 17-6 which makes you wonder why they are on this list of bracket busters. They are currently ranked #11 in 4A and their a multitude of teams in this class with quality records. Elgin has what it takes to make state and further because of their great size.
On the wing they have 2019 Conner Slater who is their point-forward and he can also score efficiently as well. At 6’6, Slater has the advantage in most situations in 4A which allows him to move and around on the floor and make plays. At 6’7, 2019 post Yannik Gruenwald is a big strong kid who can get off the floor. He is a low-maintenance big who doesn’t need the ball to play hard. Guards like 2018 Shawn Person and 2019 Dylan Burk round out their team very well with their offensive skill set.
Elgin has a quality team so don’t be surprised if you see this bracket buster in the Big House.
3A
Millwood
3A is an interesting class because there are a few perceived guaranteed locks to be in the championship. The Falcons would argue that they have what it takes to fight for a championship as well. A school with such a storied tradition should never be counted out. Millwood heads into the playoffs with a 16-6 record led by Deontre Price who is a do it all forward that can get the rim at will.
In the legendary Coach Varyyl Franklin’s last season, you better believe the Falcons want to get another gold ball for their coach and they don’t mind ruining a hyped finals match up to do it.
Sperry
Sperry has a record of 13-9 coming into the playoffs but they have a bunch of close defeats. 2018 Jace Pratt leads the team as their number one option on offense and when you see him will know why. Pratt can knock down the three with consistency but also has good ball handling skills which makes him that much quicker. He can get in the lane and kick to a shooter like 2018 Jaxon Vancuren.
The Pirates can get hot offensively which can make them a dangerous team to knock out.
2A
Regent Pep
Regent Prep is a small but skilled basketball team who play alot off of their chemistry together. With the lack of true size, Regent makes due with ball movement, sharp cuts, and aggressive guard play. 2018 wing Jonathan Buskirk is like the glue of this team. He just finds a way to make a play rather that is driving and kicking to the open teammate or getting an offensive putback.
Regent Prep is a potential bracket buster because they play hard and they play together on a consistent basis. Sometimes chemistry can take you further than your talent.
A
Okay
Okay has a long tradition of showing up in the big games. They are 21-6 with some quality wins on their resume. Okay always knows how to win and does not make the mental mistakes to defeat themselves. They are not as talented as they have been in the past but chemistry and mental toughness will allow Okay to be a serious potential bracket buster.
B
Photo by Chris Landsberger, The OklahomanLeedey
Leedey have a consistent team that is also talented. 2020 Ty Goss has been their sophomore sensation for the Bison. Goss is supported by a few seniors who have been producing for a couple seasons. 2018 Colton Hunter, Ean Price, and Christopher Golden have helped the Bison to a 20-6 record. The balanced Bison offense led them to a the State Runner-Up.
Look for Leedey to try and get revenge this season and to get back and win it all as a bracket buster.