4 Storylines from the new 6A Districts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">District 1 </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edmond Deer Creek</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edmond Santa Fe</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Enid</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moore</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northwest Classen</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Owasso</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Piedmont</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Putnam City North</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Welcome to the Panthers' Den </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Putnam City North has won back to back State Titles, with dominating performances in the State Tournament to put exclamation points on those Gold Balls. Due to the changing nature of high school basketball and transfers, PCN is well positioned to add to their now stacked trophy case. But first step will be a district title. While Owasso and Edmond Deer Creek can push them, PCN is still a clear favorite. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='751197' first='Richiya' last='Miller'] and [player_tooltip player_id='918275' first='Demy' last='Howard'] have contributed since their freshman year at PCN. They're poised for bigger contributions as foundational pieces. However they also have new help. Speedy and defensive minded junior guards [player_tooltip player_id='913600' first='Acelynn' last='Tucker'] and [player_tooltip player_id='944129' first='Najya' last='Wilson'] have transferred in. The front court reloaded when sophomore post [player_tooltip player_id='1313731' first='Londyn' last='Lane'] moved to Oklahoma after a successful freshman campaign in Georgia.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The players listed above and a promising group of sophomores would be enough to put the well coached Panthers in contention. However this month a new piece has been added to the pie, one of the best players in Oklahoma. [player_tooltip player_id='881525' first='DeAndra' last='Minor'] had spent the entirety of her prep career with GRIND Prep, but will play her final season at PCN. She's a national recruit and the top player in Oklahoma's senior class. She's been an electric scorer for years, while also working hard to improve as a passer and creator. Minor also released a final six for her colligate options; Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, Oregon and North Carolina State. While a college decison looms, she'll also have eyes on adding a State Championship ring to her already long list of accomplishments. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Breakout Prospect</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1180428' first='Paityn' last='Jones'], Sophomore Guard, Moore</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a strong end to Jones' summer, she'll now have the opportunity to take the reigns at her new school. She's an explosive scorer, with the quickness to carve up the defense. While also being a quality shooter, Jones has the opportunity to go from good to great. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">District 2</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Capitol Hill</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Choctaw</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edmond North</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lawton Eisenhower</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mustang</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Norman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stllwater</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yukon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Can Stillwater and Yukon shake up the top tier?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On paper Mustang and Edmond North have the leg up on securing the Regional hosting honors that come with 1st and 2nd place finishes. The games aren't played on paper though. So who are the candidates to shake up the potential top 2? Choctaw is in a new position after their long time coach stepped away. Their new coach, Jenni Holbrook is no stranger to winning thanks to her time at Class 3A Jones, but some roster changes make it hard to judge how quickly she'll have the Yellowjackets in the mix.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Enter two programs that had strong summers and look to have the grit to make potential waves. Along with quality team play, they also share a similarity in leaning on a potential star guard to lead the charge Both junior [player_tooltip player_id='946140' first='Graycie' last='Murray'] (Stillwater) and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='896872' first='Amira' last='Harrison'] (Yukon) are among the better guards in their classes, and play with outstanding determination. Murray is known for her defense, and is tough off the bounce. But has improved her overall scoring in preparation in order to lead the charge for the Lady Pioneers. While Harrison has DEEP range, with the ability to quickly change games with bombs from beyond in the college three line. With lightning quickness and outstanding shooting, the stage is set for Harrison to become a floor general for the Millerettes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Breakout Prospect</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1266518' first='Ajanae' last='Lumpkin'], Sophomore Guard, Mustang</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With some of the best handles in the sophomore class, expect the shifty and tough Lumpkin to a be an offensive catalyst for Mustang. She also fits in on the defensive end for a program which prides itself on the ability to turn up the pressure on defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">District 3</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bartlesville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bixby</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Booker T Washington</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jenks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ponca City</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Putnam City West</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sand Springs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Union</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Area Rematch for the Title?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With 6 straight 6A State Tournament appearances, Bixby has been one of the standards on the east side. All the Lady Spartans seem to do is churn out heady guards, that can fill it up from deep. Seniors Kortney Wright and Haley Jewell have been doing that since their freshman campaigns. And junior [player_tooltip player_id='992456' first='Kerrington' last='Campbell'] is a drink stirrer for their free flowing, high octane offense. They will once again be expected to battle Union for district supremacy, which will have extra spiciness to it. Last March, Bixby eliminated Union in a win or go home Area match up. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Union spent the month of June looking like one of the best teams in the state. Their senior backcourt is tough as nails with fast rising [player_tooltip player_id='1352739' first='Demoia' last='Gater'] leading the charge. Followed by quick [player_tooltip player_id='606267' first='Jhazmyn' last='Herron'], defensive minded DeMaria Daniels and sparkplug scorer [player_tooltip player_id='898800' first='Camari' last='Lowmack']. The Union seniors alone would make Bixby-Union games must watch. But the additional talent of Union's juniors adds to the drama and likely gives Union the depth edge. The Davis Twins are have developed into two of the best players in Oklahoma. And they'll now be free to play more on the perimeter as well. As Daelen Pitts has moved back to Union. She spent last year in Texas, and now will bring power and strength to Union's defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Breakout Prospect</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1265904' first='Faith' last='Shockley'], Wing, Booker T Washington</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The sophomore is one of the higher upside players in the 918. It starts on the defensive end, as Shockley combines her grit and athleticism to being to cover guards and also battle against taller players. If she's able to keep improving on the offensive end, Booker T Washington's jump to 6A will be much smoother. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">District 4</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Broken Arrow</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edmond Memorial </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Muskogee</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Norman North</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Putnam City</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Southmoore</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>US Grant</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Westmoore</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Toughest District?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year's Class 6A runner ups Muskogee headline this district as the clear favorite. They were up and down at times in the regular season, but found their stride with an impressive playoff run. They'll keep the momentum going with one of the best one-two punches in the state via junior [player_tooltip player_id='957120' first='Elexis' last='Holmes'] and senior [player_tooltip player_id='751190' first='Kashae' last='Brown']. Both are elite athletes, with Holmes being one of the best scorers in the nation. Brown recently committed to Quinnipiac. They have added help with the transfer of the Jones sister, providing needed ball handling to make the offense flow easier for Holmes and Brown. While Muskogee is the early favorite, this district will help push Muskogee to be ready for playoff battles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Broken Arrow is Muskogee's fellow east school in the District shake up. After a reloading a bit last year, they will have their eyes on another State Title appearance. They have a deep group of seniors ready to leave their mark. Leading the way is wing [player_tooltip player_id='1252185' first='Gracie' last='Sanders'], one of the most improved players in Oklahoma over the last calendar year. Fellow seniors [player_tooltip player_id='751293' first='Lia' last='Peters'] and [player_tooltip player_id='751198' first='Suriah' last='Matthew'] give BA the opportunity to be fantastic on defense. And keep an eye on [player_tooltip player_id='895285' first='Audrey' last='Dow'] as a sharpshooting senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year a youthful Norman North squad had a roller coaster year that ended with promise. They return a feisty 2028 backcourt punch of quick guards [player_tooltip player_id='1104733' first='Kinley' last='McCoy'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1302460' first='Giada' last='Gates']. With the addition of one of the top 2028s in Oklahoma, [player_tooltip player_id='992443' first='Aliyah' last='Prestridge'] allowing them able to play even faster. With it also being the possibility that the smooth and athletic big guard could become their go to scorer. Add in more players ready to make their names around that 2028 trio and while the Lady Timberwolves squad might be considered a sleeper to start the year. But should quickly wake up District 4 and all of Oklahoma</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Then don't sleep on Westmoore or Edmond Memorial. Westmoore took a ding when they lost a key sophomore to a knee injury. But they bring in possibly the best freshman in Oklahoma with [player_tooltip player_id='1830147' first='Khloe' last='Abdullah']. An explosive scorer, she's no stranger to playing against older and taller competition. She has the potential to be a rare 2,000 point scorer at the 6A level. Edmond Memorial has intriguing guards around rock solid junior post [player_tooltip player_id='964361' first='Taylor' last='Low']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Breakout Prospect</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='896559' first='Lamiah' last='Baker'], Sophomore Guard, Broken Arrow</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baker makes the move from another Tulsa school and she brings a bit of electricity to the backcourt for a rock solid Broken Arrow team. Expect her to fit right as a key part of a potentially smothering Lady Tigers defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->