Boys

The Oklahoman’s championship picks

Jacob Unruh: Tulsa Booker T. Washington. It’s a West-heavy field, but the Hornets feature arguably the classification’s best player in Bryce Thompson, size around him and a favorable side of the bracket should they survive Putnam West.

Adam Kemp: Edmond Memorial. Despite a loss in the area championship to Midwest City, the Bulldogs still have one of the most complete teams with a mix of veterans and young star power.

Three players to watch

J.D. Ray, Sr., Midwest City: He might be small but plays his best in big moments, including the Bomber’s upset of No. 1 Edmond Memorial when he scored 22 points, dished eight assists and grabbed six rebounds.

Bryce Thompson, Jr., Tulsa Washington: One of the top recruits in the state, the junior guard is a skilled scorer and playmaker and sports scholarship offers from Kansas, Marquette, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Wake Forest.

Rondel Walker, Jr., Putnam West: Walker has the length, speed and skills to play almost any position on the floor for Putnam West and leads the Patriots in almost every statistical category.

Girls

The Oklahoman’s championship picks

Jacob Unruh: Putnam West. The Patriots play with chaos, and that works well with their size and athleticism. They are ranked nationally and have the motivation to move past last year’s last-second title game loss.

Adam Kemp: Putnam West. Pretty simple: No in-state team has been able to beat Putnam West this year and the Patriots coming off two dominant wins against state tournament teams in Norman and Norman North.

Three players to watch

Mekayla Furman, Sr., Putnam West: Putnam West is deep enough that Furman comes off the bench and is the team’s leading scorer with 13.8 points. She’s a quick guard capable of scoring all over the floor.

Holly Kersgieter, Sr., Sand Springs: A Kansas signee, Kersgieter is the star on a team of stars. Destiny Johnson is also going to Tulsa and Isabella Regalado to Northeastern State, making Sand Springs very dangerous.

Keira Neal, Sr., Edmond Santa Fe: There might not be a more athletic player in the state. A North Texas signee, Neal averages 5.4 rebounds and two assists while leading a resurgent Wolves team to an 11th straight tournament.

Three players to watch

Mekayla Furman, Sr., Putnam West: Putnam West is deep enough that Furman comes off the bench and is the team’s leading scorer with 13.8 points. She’s a quick guard capable of scoring all over the floor.

Holly Kersgieter, Sr., Sand Springs: A Kansas signee, Kersgieter is the star on a team of stars. Destiny Johnson is also going to Tulsa and Isabella Regalado to Northeastern State, making Sand Springs very dangerous.

Keira Neal, Sr., Edmond Santa Fe: There might not be a more athletic player in the state. A North Texas signee, Neal averages 5.4 rebounds and two assists while leading a resurgent Wolves team to an 11th straight tournament.
