Big House Dreams Part 1: Stretch Run Names to Know

It's the final year for Jim Norick Arena at the State Fairgrounds, aka "The Big House". It's a special year, as all seven classifications will be playing at the iconic arena in a stretch of 11 days of basketball in a 12 day span. But the Big House will always be associated with small school basketball excellence. From the southeastern Oklahoma squads, to the northwestern Oklahoma panhandle teams, players all over Oklahoma dream of hearing the iconic "Congratulations! It is Championship Saturday and you have made it to the Big House". From players who have reached that dream, and even claimed Gold, to players looking to blaze a new path, here's a group of Oklahomans to keep an eye as we begin the stretch run.    The Lady Yellowjackets started the season with a strong statement win over the back to back Class 4A champions, Bethany. Since then, they've ran up a 15-3 record and are currently 5th in 4A. Snider's height and versatility makes her a key piece for a balanced squad. As she impacts the game even when not scoring thanks to rebounding, blocks and steals. But she's also had games where she carries the scoring load. Including a 25 point performance in a win over conference rival Blanchard.   Snider is signed with Northwestern Oklahoma State in Alva. But before beginning her college career, she'll be looking for another State Tournament appearance. As Kingfisher made the State Tournament in 2022 and 2023, but came up short in 2024.     This month the junior recently cleared 1,000 points for the Lady Warriors And a recent viewing indicates the sharpshooter is the ringleader of an Adair squad filled with snipers. Schwerdtfeger has on the ball capabilities, which helps produce good looks for her teammates. But her main calling card seems to be a knack for scoring. Has a good mid-range game. As she's working on pushing it fast in transition or exploding in the halfcourt before coming to a smoother stop for pull ups. Battles for boards and putbacks as well as knocking down triples.   Also a successful softball player, the northeastern Oklahoma standout has put more focus on basketball and appears to be one of the more undervalued 2026 prospects in Oklahoma. In the 2010s, Adair was a regular at the Class 3A State Tournament, winning twice in 2014 and 2019. Last year saw a return trip for the Lady Warriors for the first time since 2020, but also a first round exit.     The elite shooter is putting up big numbers out in eastern Oklahoma for the Lady Rangers. She makes corner threes look like layups, and must be accounted every time she crosses halfcourt. Hit 7 three pointers in a win over Stigler. Put 22 points on top 10 Class 2A Howe with 5 three pointers. Has next level size, with ideal long limbs to go along with her textbook shooting. Nelke and company reached the Big House last year, but will be looking to extend their stay after a quarterfinals exit in Class 3A.     A viewing of the senior post in the 3 Rivers Championship game earlier this month painted the picture of an active and passionate post presence for the Lady Wildcats. She runs the floor hard to get transition points and putbacks. Establishes herself well down low, with strength to battle and soft touch to finish. Shafer has produced double-doubles in some of their biggest games. And appears to be they key for a sleeper squad when it comes to a State Tournament run in 2A.   Cashion is currently 14-6 and ranked 14th in 2A with a battle tested schedule. They recently got over the hump with a win over another ranked 2A squad, Riverside. It's been a few years since Cashion reached made the Class 2A State Tournament, last doing it in 2018. Which they won to cap off a run of four straight State Tournament appearances.     The Class 2A rankings are filled with teams racking up the victories. Which weirdly has last year's defending champions Merritt ranked 7th. Last year they won the title over Dale in a defensive slugfest, but they're showing this year they can fill it up too. One of the reasons they're capable of scoring points is the senior. Carnes is shooting the cover off the ball for defending Class 2A champions. Multiple games of three or made three pointers, including six last week against Duke. Factor in the steals, and she's a two way threat for the western Oklahoma squad. They're now 18-1 after taking down Class A contenders Quinton and Seiling in double digit wins at the Bi-County tournament. They also haven't lose since December 3rd, which was against Class 4A Kingfisher.     To the surprise of no one, Lomega is at the top of the Class B rankings. They've made six straight state tournaments, winning 3 of those. If you go further back, the run is even more impressive with 16 State Titles, starting in 1955. With 8 of those titles in the last 20 years.   Those state titles include last year's 53-43 win over Lookeba-Sickles. Lawson is an athletic, strong and long armed wing-forward who as a sophomore was a key part of their run last year. She's continuing to be a disrupter on defense, with blocks, deflections and running down loose balls. Promising all around tools for Lawson and is part of a winning culture at Lomega.

It's the final year for Jim Norick Arena at the State Fairgrounds, aka "The Big House". It's a special year, as all seven classifications will be playing at the iconic arena in a stretch of 11 days of basketball in a 12 day span. But the Big House will always be associated with small school basketball excellence. From the southeastern Oklahoma squads, to the northwestern Oklahoma panhandle teams, players all over Oklahoma dream of hearing the iconic "Congratulations! It is Championship Saturday and you have made it to the Big House". From players who have reached that dream, and even claimed Gold, to players looking to blaze a new path, here's a group of Oklahomans to keep an eye as we begin the stretch run.