ADM Shifts and Rule Changes shake up Classifications

The OSSAA recently finalized this upcoming school year's classifications. Due to ADM changes and the removal of the private school success rule, there are notable changes in a few classifications. Here's three storylines to watch.   Notable changes   Class 6A   Booker T Washington     Class 5A   Sapulpa   Elgin     Class 4A   Bishop McGuinness   Heritage Hall   Oklahoma Christian School   Metro Christian School     Class 3A   Crossings Christian   Lincoln Christian School   Dale     Washington and Lincoln Christian School, 3A collision course?   Both programs are recent State Tournament regulars in their respective classes, capped off with both winning back to back State Titles. Lincoln Christian has won back to back in 4A and Washington has won back to back in 3A. There's also a similarity in that both graduated accomplished senior cores, however they each have exciting returning players that are expected to keep the tradition going.   Washington's strength comes via one of the best Class of 2029 groups in the state. [player_tooltip player_id='1542324' first='Bentli' last='Brantley'] broke out last year as a freshman. She's an exciting lefty, who is collecting Power 4 offers from coast to coast. [player_tooltip player_id='1554049' first='Hadley' last='Beard'] is another sophomore who played a key role last year, and is now expected to play an even bigger role in anchoring the middle. While also stepping out to stretch the floor with threes.   They also added another exciting sophomore, as [player_tooltip player_id='1059129' first='Jaylee' last='Gray'] and her family moved closer to the metro from Canute in Western Oklahoma. Gray brings her own Gold experience after winning Class A this past season. She also earned State Tournament MVP honors. Keep an eye on Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1741141' first='Briley' last='Beller'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1860400' first='Harper' last='Johnson']. Both are younger sisters of two outstanding Lady Warriors who just graduated. There's more depth for Washington with 6 foot tall junior Eternity Self.   The talent hasn't ran dry for Lincoln Christian either. The senior class is led by forward, [player_tooltip player_id='829844' first='Jayla' last='Albert']. A long and athletic post player, who has started since her freshman season. [player_tooltip player_id='779229' first='Ivey' last='Wheeler'] stepped into a key role as a three point shooter and glue player last year. Her experience will be vital. While don't sleep on fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='913442' first='Lauren' last='Still'], an energetic shooter with DEEP range.   Junior [player_tooltip player_id='913597' first='Azariah' last='Woodruff'] was a State Tournament hero in March. And since then has added D1 offers to her resume. She has next level size and a smoothness to her game as a scorer. Fellow junior [player_tooltip player_id='1828433' first='Niya' last='Willoby'] is an athletic mismatch as well. While sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='898434' first='Hayleigh' last='Michalec'] is expected to step up as a headliner for a promising group of sophomores and incoming freshmen.   However it likely won't be a cake walk in 3A for this potential title match. Millwood reached the Class 3A State Tournament for the first time since 2021. Leading to a heart breaking loss to Tahlequah Sequoyah in the quarterfinals. They return a lot of talent and made waves against bigger programs during June camps and leagues. Sequoyah themselves are another highly successful program that will be capable of throwing a wrench into the proceedings.   There's another tradition rich program that's new to 3A, the Dale Lady Pirates. Dale has long been a 2A contender, however their ADM increase has bumped them up to 3A. With a group of sharpshooting guards senior [player_tooltip player_id='876710' first='Jayse' last='Smith'], junior [player_tooltip player_id='1097683' first='Peyton' last='Bays'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1233971' first='Addison' last='Hill'], they're very much in the mix.     Lady Hornets to 6A   After being regulars in the Class 5A State Tournament, Booker T Washington is back in Class 6A for the first time since 2023. This will lead to a much more challenging regular season schedule and playoff path. However the talent is there for the Lady Hornets to compete with the bigger schools. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='751199' first='Tianna' last='Butler'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1265904' first='Faith' last='Shockley'], give them long and athletic versatility. Guards [player_tooltip player_id='999392' first='Kennedy' last='Glenn'], [player_tooltip player_id='1833927' first='Saniya' last='Hill'], Stevie Dennis, and [player_tooltip player_id='875141' first='Moriah' last='Hill'] add to their ability to apply disruptive pressure defense. While [player_tooltip player_id='894837' first='Jazlynn' last='Ezell'] adds post presence to the equation. The defense will be there to keep the Hive in games. If they can find consistent scoring in the halfcourt, they'll be one of the top 6A teams on the east side.     Who's the 4A Favorite?   With the aforementioned back to back champions LCS down in 3A, there's an opening at the top in 4A. But even without the Lady Bulldogs, it's still a very talented Classification.   Douglass have finished runner ups in back to back seasons. They return one of the best players in the state, junior [player_tooltip player_id='913706' first='Justice' last='Woods']. The guard is an electric scorer, and will lead a group of talented players around her. Including seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1325502' first='Darriana' last='Gates'], Illeya Combs and [player_tooltip player_id='894692' first='Camille' last='Mason']. While there is also a rumor the Trojettes could have a big addition, that would likely make them clear favorites.   Joining Douglass in the race for Gold are four programs who also made the State Tournament last year. New Arkansas commit [player_tooltip player_id='593784' first='Olivia' last='Stokes'] has led Locust Grove to three straight State Tournaments, including back to back semifinal appearances. Broken Bow has possibly the best one two punch in 4A with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='866548' first='Jaylen' last='Cauthron'] and [player_tooltip player_id='881182' first='Tyson' last='Woolsey']. Cauthron is a speedy guard, who won Class 3A as a freshman with Idabel. While Woolsey is a physical double double threat, committed to Abilene Christian.   McLoud reached the State Tournament for the first time in school history, and recorded their first win with a quarterfinal victory. They return nearly everyone with a group of tough girls and some of best chemistry in the state. Kingfisher has back to back State Tournament appearances and will be searching for a longer stay in March. Any run they make will fueled by a heady group of senior guards and rising junior star [player_tooltip player_id='1111400' first='Ela' last='Hartman'].   One new name to watch in Class 4A is Bishop McGuinness. The Lady Irish were a 5A State Tournament team last year. They return two of the best scorers in Class 4A, senior [player_tooltip player_id='593245' first='Mariah' last='Conally'] and junior Kashlyn Cooper. If they can be on the right side of injury luck this time, they should very much be in position to make noise come March.

The OSSAA recently finalized this upcoming school year's classifications. Due to ADM changes and the removal of the private school success rule, there are notable changes in a few classifications. Here's three storylines to watch.