Friday Focus: Class 4A

A busy Friday of hoops started with top 15 Class 4A programs Madill and Weatherford squaring off in Norman at the Sick of Sicklecell Showcase. Then through the power of the internet that viewing was followed up by streams of a top 12 match up Oologah and Locust Grove. And then current Class 4A top squad Lincoln Christian, who took down 6A powerhouse Edmond North.   Also, one of Class 4A top contenders is currently spending the week out west at Nike's Tournament of Champions in Arizona. They're 3-0 in their divison and going for the divison title on Saturday against Skutt Catholic (Nebraska). Friday it was senior [player_tooltip player_id='315227' first='Mar'kia' last='Pratt'] leading the way with 17 points in a win over Victory Christian (CA). But in their two previous games, it was freshman phenom [player_tooltip player_id='913706' first='Justice' last='Woods'] with team high 15 points and 23 points in wins over Prestonwood (TX) and Mead County (KY). The loaded Trojettes are now 5-0 on the season.    The elite freshman exerted herself in the second quarter, great first step for her size which allowed her to get downhill in the halfcourt. Also fast in transition, either pushing it herself or racing by defenders to work hard to get easy points. Has clear signs of being a complete scoring weapon. With the game tied in the closing moments, it was Holmes that Madill went to. And she delivered by sealing down low and converting the game winning bucket. Seconds later it was Holmes deflecting a post pass that would help secure the victory.   It was a big win for 10th ranked Madill, the type of quality win that should help them in a month when playoff seeding is decided. The win was made sweeter by the appearance of Holmes' older sister E'Niyah. Also an elite recruit, she's working her way back from a knee injury and had her moments in the win. With the Holmes sisters settling in, the rest of 4A better watch out.     Brown is instant energy in every viewing. One of the quicker guards in 2026, she's a handful off the dribble. And a pesk on defense. Her ability to break the defense down is crucial in keeping Madill's offense flowing. Along with the playmaking she ended the third quarter with a buzzer beater.     Continuing to establish herself as one of the best rebounders in Oklahoma, especially with the way she runs the floor to get putbacks or crashes the offensive glass in the halfcourt. "Country Strong" around the rim, with soft hands to snag the ball and power to go up strong and finish. Good defensive awareness, one possession she was out on the perimeter, forcing a ballhandler to dribble it out of bounds. Then was the defender who read the sidelines out of ball play and rejected the shot at the rim. Bond is a consistent grinder and her production will open doors at the next level.     Seaba went against one of the tallest frontlines in the state and had zero back down. Very versatile and skilled forward. From no look passes out of the high post, grabbing rebounds and pushing them to try to spark offense, and of course scoring; the junior did it all for the Lady Mustangs. Even watching on stream, it was clear it was a physical contest, and Seaba kept grinding. One possession she ran into some contact. It was a no call but seconds later she was the one who grabbed an offensive rebound and this time earned a trip the line. Simply a do it all wing, who appears to be a gamer.     Tabbed Stokes as a potential star while watching her at scrimmages last month. At the time Oral Roberts was her only offer, since then Tulsa and Oklahoma State have pulled the trigger. With some of the moves she makes at her size, the offers should continue to roll in. From a steal, that saw her race away for defenders for a lefty finish. To a drive with a jab step that quickly transitioned into an up and under finish at the rim, there's always seems to be a "wow" moment or two when watching Stokes.     Navarre's future lies in track and field along with being a rodeo star, but she's also making a huge impact for a sneaky Weatherford squad. Traits from those athletic accomplishments clearly carry over into basketball, as she's quick on both ends. Outstanding motor, saved a crucial two points in the final quarter by coming out nowhere to race down an opponent in transition and poke the layup attempt out of bounds. Along with her quickness, she has a dash of toughness. Which includes making tough shots at the rim. Primary a set up woman for the Lady Eagle's quality shooters, she provided some clutch scoring down the stretch as they pushed top 10 Madill to the brink.     Was a distributor first, who's ability to handle the ball and make the right reads is crucial to LCS's offense. Her floor vision are a clear indicator of her background as a coach's daughter. Has some unpredictability to her movements with the ball in her hands. Leyva was quieter as a scorer, but did look smooth when hitting a stepback 10 footer. And can easily see how she can be dangerous off the dribble as an attacker.     Great game by the sophomore. Battled around the and played bigger than her listed height. Quick and strong off the floor for rebounds, good moments of verticality defense to contest shots without fouling. Had her moments off good finishing at the rim too. Workhorse player, who makes the life of her teammate's easier.

A busy Friday of hoops started with top 15 Class 4A programs Madill and Weatherford squaring off in Norman at the Sick of Sicklecell Showcase. Then through the power of the internet that viewing was followed up by streams of a top 12 match up Oologah and Locust Grove. And then current Class 4A top squad Lincoln Christian, who took down 6A powerhouse Edmond North.