2025 Rankings: Senior Urgency Part 2

Playoffs are often decided by the urgency of seniors. Here's a look at seniors who have taken their games to the next level as they battle to extend their high school careers.    Injuries are never fun, especially when they temporally put a halt to one of the best recent careers among Oklahoma prospects. Lofton is a nationally ranked recruit, signed with Oklahoma, won two State Titles already and has competed all over the nation. But before last night, she hadn't played a high school game in Oklahoma since last year's Class 4A State championship game victory. In limited minutes, she scored 10 points and will be filled with urgency as she tries to make up for lost time. It was a     In a pivotal district win over Deer Creek a few weeks back, the versatile Watkins was EVERYWHERE on the court. She denies and deflects passes on the perimeter, corrals rebounds down low and runs the floor hard in transition. She even can knock down threes. She's perfect for this urgency list, because she'll find ways to win games that show up in the box score. And also make an impact beyond the box score.   Watkins is putting a bow on a strong high school career, recently crossing 1,000 career points scored. In a tough Class 6A west playoff field, the Timberwolves will need every ounce of Watkins' versatility to reach State. Which a win over Edmond Santa Fe has already secured an Area spot. But digging deep and upsetting their school district rivals Norman on Saturday afternoon, would send them to Area in style and only needing one win next week.     After an injury impacted Fowler's senior campaign, she showed everybody what Heritage Hall was missing while she was out. The senior guard was CLUTCH, beating the first quarter buzzer with a jumper. Then hitting tough shots in the mid-range and three throughout the contest. Even hustling down to get a putback in transition. She's a battler on defense as well. The urgency is definitely there as her impact last night led to Heritage Hall a 53-50 win over second ranked Community Christian. Now, a win tomorrow night against Casady, and they'll only be one win away from a State Tournament appearance. Something Heritage Hall hasn't done since 2014.     The senior urgency for Bowen has been apparent since the Tournament of Champions in December, and should only be amplified as BA battles for a State Tournament berth. She rebounds like a forward, defends multiple positions and even scores when needed. Her impact is made more apparent through the energy and passion she plays with. If Broken Arrow is able to climb the tough 6A mountain it will likely involve moments from Bowen. Which will have people reminiscing "remember that hustle play Rekiah made?" "Or how about that And 1 finish"? Oklahoma basketball fans will enjoy the swagger Bowen plays with before she takes her talents New Mexico Junior College.     After reaching the 3A semifinals last year and finishing the season ranked 2nd in 3A, Hartsock and her teammates find themselves in a surprising situation. Every game from here on out is life or death. As they'll need five straight wins to make another trip to state. They already have one out of the way, with a 95-25 win this afternoon over Chisholm. And tomorrow will play the winner of KIPP vs Star Spencer with a spot in Area on the line.   The senior will be expected to lead them, as she's one of the fastest and shiftiest players in Oklahoma. In a strong second quarter last night, she was responsible for all 12 of the Royals' points. Handing out a couple assists after she drew the defense's attention on drives. Along with tough and electric finishing at the rim for 7 points. Her combination of handles, quickness and elevation at the rim make her one of the best finishers in Oklahoma. Which will be vital for CCS's state tournament hopes over the next week.     The other seniors on this list are expected to play college basketball, so these finals games won't be their last times on the court. But it will be for Parker, not through any fault of her own. She's a 2,000 point scorer and has Pocola one win away from another Class 2A State Tournament appearance. It's because Parker is also one of the very best softball recruits in the country. So good that the pitcher is signed with juggernaut Oklahoma. In a fiercely competitive Class 2A, Parker will attempt to end her basketball chapter with a state title.     How about senior urgency mixed with championship experience? Since her freshman year, Brown has been through the playoff wars with Putnam City West. Which ended last year with a last second win in the Class 6A State Title game, where her defense was crucial in their efforts. Now she's bringing the same elite athleticism, tenacity and defensive IQ to a Douglass team that has a strong chance to win it all in Class 4A. There's a ton of talent on the Douglass roster, with their own experience after reaching the 4A semifinals last year. But expect Brown to be a difference maker, by making that one extra stop on defense. Diving for that one extra possession by wining a 50-50 ball. And while the basketball-track star is focused on Gold, she's also picking up new college opportunities. As Grayson (TX) extended an offer this week.     In some ways the playoffs started for Carl Albert with their final regular season game. They took down defending Class 5A champions El Reno to secure the Class 5A District 1 title. In the win for the balanced Lady Titans, it was Mitchell who stepped up. She was locked in from distance, hitting threes that extended the lead. Then put the game away. To win playoff games, it requires all hands of deck. And the senior is sure to leave her mark on a team filled with contributors from all the classes.

Playoffs are often decided by the urgency of seniors. Here's a look at seniors who have taken their games to the next level as they battle to extend their high school careers.