10,000 Foot View: Class 3A Preview

The Defending Champs: Washington   After a couple years of March heartbreak, Washington closed out the Big House by dominating the semifinals (over Alva 64-46) and finals (over Tahlequah Sequoyah 73-37). It's funny that during a State Tournament that saw the lights flickering and go out, the Lady Warriors arguably shot the best of any team at State. But the lights stayed on throughout, showcasing their sizzling shooting ability. They're well positioned to defend their title with the return of star senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='578004' first='Kelby' last='Beller'] and State Tournament sharpshooting hero [player_tooltip player_id='572989' first='Preslee' last='Johnson']. Winning seems to be quite the habit for the ladies of Washington. There's a lot of overlap between players for their basketball and their softball team, which took home State this fall.   Top Contenders:   Adair -   It will be a new era for Adair, as they'll have a new coach. But the expectations remain high given the returning talent from their 3A quarterfinalist squad. Two key sharpshooters to keep an eye on are sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1104374' first='Reagan' last='Langley'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='918260' first='Kealey' last='Sanders']. Langley is a lanky guard, who can flat out fill it up from deep. Sanders will hit threes and also help out with the playmaking. Anchoring the Lady Warriors' title hopes, are two outstanding seniors. They'll be covered in the preseason All State section of this article.   Roland -   The Lady Rangers gave the champs Washington the biggest scare at the State Tournament, with a close battle that ended in a narrow 47-41 loss. It was the second straight State Tournament appearance for Roland, but also the second year they went home in the quarterfinals. They'll hope to have an extended stay in I-40 by leaning on junior [player_tooltip player_id='593920' first='Ryanne' last='Nelke'] and senior [player_tooltip player_id='846971' first='Molly' last='Carver']. Both are tall guards, who can light it up from deep. Carver impressed as a two-way impact player during AAU play and is sure to provide signature senior moments for Roland.   Tahlequah Sequoyah -   One of the most balanced teams in the state. Last year they were highlighted by a deep roster, with seemingly any player capable of being the leading scorer on any given night. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1215799' first='Prairie' last='Holmes'] will be one of the key players pulling the strings for Sequoyah. She has impressed with her ability to do a bit of everything. Smooth mid-range game, set the table for teammates and compete on defense. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='899951' first='Juliana' last='Davenport'] is a potential star for the Lady Indians. She was clutch in the semifinal game, and has an outstanding feel for steals, blocks and more on the defensive end.     Keep an eye on:   Victory Christian   The Lady Conquerors are looking to do a "worst to first" type turnaround. They were 5-22 last year, but return promising youngsters and have added talent. Junior newcomers [player_tooltip player_id='896312' first='Mya' last='Patton'], [player_tooltip player_id='1252309' first='Vianna' last='Coleman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='891583' first='Kinsley' last='McLaughlin'] have all impressed during AAU play. Patton should impact the paint. Coleman and McLaughlin are skillful guards. While the returnees are expected to provide quality shooting from the group of junior [player_tooltip player_id='923711' first='Gloryahnna' last='Lambert'] and sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='641835' first='Riley' last='Johnston'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1252320' first='Sophia' last='Beltran']. Expect senior [player_tooltip player_id='574163' first='Eden' last='Edwards'] to provide the energy, with hard nose defense and paint touches on offense. Edwards is committed to Evangel in Missouri.   Top Player in the Class   Kelby Belair, Senior Guard, Washington   It's a tough choice between Beller and two of her summer ball teammates, Bond and Schwerdtfeger. But Beller is the one with the high school hardware. She's a big time shooter off the dribble, with great handles. Has some electricity and flair to her game. The senior has a remarkable history with the 3A State Title game. Having played in it for three straight years and even suffering an unfortunate injury as a freshman. With last year being the first time she finished the second Saturday in March with the Gold Ball.   Breakout Underclassman:   [player_tooltip player_id='992448' first='Brenly' last='Lamb'], Sophomore Tahlequah Sequoyah   Made her mark as a freshman thanks to perimeter shooting, including the quarterfinals victory. Expect the shooting to continue in year two. While also expanding her around scoring game with improved handles and feel for getting buckets. If the Indians are to make it back to the title game, it will likely come with Lamb pouring on the scoring.     Preseason All State   [player_tooltip player_id='578004' first='Kelby' last='Beller'], Senior Guard, Washington - Looking to put a bow on an outstanding high school career with back to back titles before heading west to Southwestern Oklahoma State in Weatherford.   [player_tooltip player_id='574244' first='Ava' last='Gascon'], Senior Guard, Bethel - Sharpshooting senior, committed to Cameron in Lawton. Smart all around guard to go along with her ability to hit tough jumpers off the dribble.   [player_tooltip player_id='593920' first='Ryanne' last='Nelke'], Junior Guard, Roland - One of the best pure shooters in the State. Nelke is accomplished in state with conference MVP honors and battled tested after a strong AAU season with AAO Flight.   [player_tooltip player_id='1167590' first='Ali' last='Schwerdtfeger'], Senior Guard, Adair - Big time bucket getter in northeastern Oklahoma. Strong and skilled as a scorer, with triples, floaters and pull ups. Led Adair to the Big House last year and has only improved.   [player_tooltip player_id='572961' first='Hannah' last='Bond'], Senior Forward, Adair - A transfer from Locust Grove, Bond is no stranger to the State Tournaments after back to back 4A runs. Outstanding rebounding and post presence. While also capable as a passer and floor stretcher. Signed with nearby Northeastern State.