By Scott Hansen
MaxPreps.com
First-Team Preseason All-State
Rotnei Clarke, 6-0, Verdigris
The legend continues. The sharp-shooting guard averaged 37.2 points per game as a junior, leading Verdigris to the Class 3A state final where they fell to Millwood. Clarke set a state tournament scoring record in the first round where he lit Vian up for 60 points in a 90-68 victory. Clarke scored 30 points in each half. Over six postseason games, Clarke averaged 46.2 points per game. To go along with his gaudy scoring output, Clarke averaged 9.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists. Clarke is a two-time MaxPreps All-American and will look to add a third appearance to the resume' for the preseason favorites in Class 3A. Clarke has narrowed his college choices down to Arkansas, Oral Roberts, and Oklahoma State. CSTV has Clarke ranked as the 104th top senior nationally.
Keiton Page, 5-10, Pawnee (Click here for story)
Page is another sharp-shooting senior, looking to get Pawnee back to its first state crown since his freshman season. Page averaged 36 points per game last season while leading the Black Bears to a 26-3 record and a Class 2A state final appearance. Page has already signed to stay local to attend Oklahoma State. Page set a three-game state tournament scoring record while leading his team to a loss to Blake Griffin and Oklahoma Christian School in the final.
Xavier Henry, 6-6, Putnam City (junior)
Henry is the leader of the most highly-regarded class ever to grace the hardwood of the Sooner State. The son of a former Kansas player, Henry has continued to make a huge splash since his freshman season. Teamed with Oklahoma forward Keith Clark, Putnam City took home the 2006 state title in Class 6A. Last season, the Pirates were upset in regional action. With Henry back in the mix, Putnam City is the favorite to win their second title in three years. As a sophomore, the 6-6 southpaw guard averaged 22.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. CSTV has Henry ranked as the fourth best player in the Class of 2009 nationally.
Daniel Orton, 6-10, Bishop McGuinness (junior)
Don't let Orton's scoring average fool you. There may not be a player more dominant in Oklahoma than this 6-10 junior center. Orton averaged a tad less than nine points per game last season, but averaged nine blocked shots. That's not a misprint. Orton, the younger brother of former Oklahoma State player Terrance Crawford, simply dominates the paint. With Michael Sosanya graduating, Orton will be called on to increase his scoring load in order for the Fighting Irish to win their third straight gold ball in Class 4A. CSTV has Orton ranked as the 20th top junior nationally.
Matt Qualls, 6-7, Tahlequah (junior)
Qualls is probably the least heralded of the Fab Four in Oklahoma's brilliant Class of 2009, but he shouldn't be. As a sophomore, the 6-7 Qualls averaged 21 points and 13.1 rebounds per game for the Class 6A Tigers. Qualls is an efficient scorer, shooting at a 63.8 percent clip from the floor. Qualls is being recruited by a host of Big XII schools thus far. His father, Leroy, is the head coach at Tahlequah.
Second Team
Kyle Hardrick, Norman, 6-7, (junior)
Hardrick fought off a knee injury suffered before his sophomore year to average 9.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game for the Tigers. Already committed to Oklahoma, Hardrick is destined for big things after having a healthy summer on the AAU circuit. With Hardrick aboard, Norman could end up being a serious sleeper in the Class 6A title chase.
James Watson, Stringtown, 6-8
Watson exploded onto the scene over the summer with standout performances on the AAU circuit. Watson's Stringtown team was so good last season, the Washington State-signee was its third scoring option. Now, Watson will be the catalyst as the Tigers look to repeat as Class B champions. Watson averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds per game as a junior.
Ken Holdman, Tulsa East Central, 6-4
Holdman signed a letter of intent with Missouri State in November after averaging 17 points and 11 rebounds per game for the Class 5A runners-up. With Holdman and Sidney Hadnott, East Central will be looking to go one-step further this season by hoisting its first gold ball since 2006.
Ryan Keese, Fort Gibson, 6-2 (Click here for story)
Keese is the best kept secret in Oklahoma. Keese did what he could to let the cat out of the bag by attending a camp at Florida State over the summer. Keese must sit out until Jan. 7 after being granted a fifth-year of eligibility by the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association. As a junior, Keese suffered a horrible knee injury. Keese averaged 21.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game and sports a 38.5-inch vertical jump despite his injury-riddled past.
Robert Crawford, Victory Christian (Tulsa), 6-6
Crawford signed with Central Arkansas of the Southland Conference in November. As a junior, the high-flying Crawford averaged 17.5 points and 10 rebounds per game for the Conquerers and played a major part in one of the biggest upsets in the State Tournament as Victory Christian ousted previously-unbeaten Elk City in the first round of the Class 4A bracket.
Others to Watch
Dennon Mitchell, 6-3, Putnam City North- Averaged 17.6 and 4.3 rebounds per game and led a first round upset of Jenks at in the state tournament in Norman.
Geo Brewer, 6-3, Lawton MacArthur- Brewer averaged 22.3 points per game and shot 46 percent from behind the three-point arc for the Highlanders as a junior.
Ricky Hill, 6-6, OKC Douglass- Hill is the best player in the Oklahoma City area nobody talks about. Hill averaged 19 points and 3.7 rebounds per game for the Trojans last season.
P.J. Roberson, 7-0, Heritage Hall- Roberson averaged 12.6 points and 10.8 rebounds per game as a junior for the Chargers. With Roberson dominating the paint for Heritage Hall, its first trip to the state tournament since 1977.
George Overbey, 5-10, Oklahoma Christian- Overbey averaged 12 points per game for the four-time defending Class 2A state champions.
Prince Shaw, 6-1, Crescent- With names like Keiton Page and Blake Griffin last season in Class 2A, Shaw got lost in the shuffle. Shaw averaged 29.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game for the Tigers last season and without a doubt is one of the top players in any class.
Jarrod McDaniel, 5-8, Midwest City- McDaniel was the floor general for the Class 6A state champions last season. Averaged 10 points and five assists per game for the Bombers.
Nic Combs, 5-10, Edmond Santa Fe- Averaged 14.9 points per game last season for the Wolves. There might not be a better point guard regionally.
Vince Boncaldo, 6-7, Jenks- Boncaldo averaged 10.8 points per game last season for the Trojans, which were upset in the first round of the state tournament. With Boncaldo back, Jenks are loaded for a serious run.
Mark Rutledge, 6-4, Tulsa Edison- Rutledge averaged 12.9 points and 3.8 rebounds for the Eagles last season playing second fiddle to Will Creekmore. Expect those numbers to increase dramatically.
Trey Lippe, 6-3, Vinita- Averaged 16.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game for the Class 4A state qualifier.
Mike Soap, 6-3, Sequoyah-Tahlequah- Averaged 12.9 points per game for the defending Class 3A runners-up
Tyler Thalken, 6-4, Tulsa Bishop Kelley- Thalken has signed with Denver after averaging 8.7 points and 4.2 rebounds as a junior.
Javar Lewis, 5-11, Broken Bow- Point guard averaged 20.3 points per game for the Savages, which are a serious sleeper in Class 4A this season.
Donte' Foster, 6-4, Guthrie (junior)- May get off to a slow start due to Guthrie deep run in the football playoffs. Averaged 16 points per game for the Class 5A state qualifier as a sophomore.
Rolando Gardner, 5-8, John Marshall (junior)- Gardner averaged 9.4 points per game for the Bears last season, who drop to Class 3A from 5A.
Josh Davis, 6-5, OKC Star Spencer (junior)- Davis is a load for any 4A team. As a sophomore for the Class 4A semifinalists, Davis averaged 14 points and eight boards per game.
Jeff Merritt, 6-4, Bishop McGuinness- Merritt inked a letter of intent with Samford after calmly dropping 13 points per game for the Class 4A champions last season. Merritt is not flashy, but don't leave him open beyond 19-feet, 9-inches.
Nick Johnson, 6-0, Bishop McGuinness- Johnson already has two titles under his belt while operating the controls at Oklahoma Christian School, winners of the past two 2A crowns. Unfortunately for Class 4A, Johnson transferred to McGuinness after averaging 3.3 points and 4.6 assists for the Saints as a sophomore.
Preseason Super 10
1. Putnam City (21-5)
The Pirates missed out on the state tournament last season, which was an absolute shocker. Don't expect the same fate this time around. Putnam City is led by 6-6 junior Xavier Henry (22.6 points), one of the best players in the entire country. Junior Garen Wright (8.5 points) will compliment Henry, which makes the Pirates the favorite to win their first title since Henry's freshman season.
2. Putnam City North (20-8)
Putnam City North did its part to ensure cross-town rival Putnam City stayed home during the state tournament, beating them 88-83 in area play. The Panthers then turned around and upset Jenks in the first round at state before losing to eventual champion Midwest City. PC North is led by Dennon Mitchell (17.6 points) and Brentrell Friday (16 points). The Panthers will be force once again this season.
3. Midwest City (27-1)
Yes, the Bombers lost Xavier Alexander (George Washington) to graduation. Back is floor leader Jarrod McDaniel (10 points, 5 assists) and a host of athletes for the defending Class 6A champions. 6-6 senior Chuck Sanders (10 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks) will increase production with the absence of Alexander. A very dangerous threat to repeat.
4. Bishop McGuinness (25-4 in Class 4A)
With Daniel Orton (10 rebounds, 9 blocks) patrolling the paint for the defending Class 4A state champions, the Fighting Irish will be tough to tame. Along with Orton, Samford recruit Jeff Merritt (13 points), junior Ryan Randolph, and junior point guard Nick Johnson (3.3 points, 4.6 assists at Oklahoma Christian) will be very difficult to contend with. Three of its four losses last season came to Class 6A competition, with the other coming to Class 2A champion Oklahoma Christian School and Oklahoma Player of the Year Blake Griffin.
5. Tulsa Union (26-1)
Union stormed through everybody in its path until the state semifinals, where the Redskins were upset by Lawton Eisenhower. Union lost Texas A&M guard Derrek Lewis, but return 6-8 inside presence Antonio Ross (5.5 points). Union will be deep once again and could be the top team from the Tulsa area.
6. Tulsa East Central (21-7 in Class 5A)
Loaded. East Central, last season's runners-up, have Missouri State signee Ken Holdman (16 points, 4 assists), 6-4 athlete Sidney Hadnott (17 points, 11 rebounds), Kenny Session (9 points), 6-5 Mike Jones (10 points, 8 rebounds). Good luck finding a better four in Class 5A to build around.
7. Jenks (23-4)
Vince Boncaldo (11.5 points, 7.2 rebounds) and 6-6 junior Bryson Pope (13 points, 9.8 rebounds) are back for the Trojans. Senior Chris Adkins (5 points, 4 assists) will join the team in mid-December after another deep playoff run on the gridiron. The pieces are in place for Jenks to be a serious contender, and could eventually end up with its first boys basketball title in school-history.
8. Tulsa Washington (12-11 in Class 6A, dropped to 5A)
Jamere King will be missed, but Tulsa legend Shea Seals returns home to replace a coaching legend. The cupboard is full for Seals as he takes the reigns, led by 6-4 junior T.J. Smith and senior Desmond Clark. The player to watch for the Hornets is sophomore Therone Chilton.
9. Tulsa Edison (19-8 in Class 5A)
Yes, Will Creekmore is gone. But 6-4 senior Mark Rutledge (12.9 points and 3.8 rebounds) is the real deal. Junior Terrell Williams (8 points) is good enough to compliment Rutledge for the Eagles.
10. OKC Capitol Hill (20-7 in Class 5A)
Three starters are back as the Redskins search for their first title since 1973. 6-7 senior Remey Boswell (10 points), 6-6 senior Darnell Adamson, and 6-5 Craig Woodside give Capitol Hill a height advantage. And, they can all play.
Preseason Top Five (per Class)
Class 6A
1. Putnam City (21-5)
2. Putnam City North (20-8)
3. Midwest City (27-1)
4. Tulsa Union (26-1)
5. Jenks (23-4)
Sleeper: Norman (7-16)- With OU commit Kyle Hardrick healthy and two other starters back, the Tigers will be a force.
Class 5A
1. Tulsa East Central (21-7)
2. Tulsa Washington (12-11*)
3. Tulsa Edison (19-8)
4. OKC Capitol Hill (20-7)
5. Guthrie (17-9)- After winning the state football title, the Bluejays will be brimming with confidence. Donte' Foster, a junior, is the headline grabber but Kent McDonald might be the best player for Guthrie.
*In Class 6A
Sleeper: Northwest Classen (6-16)- Not the biggest bunch in the state, but they are quick, athletic, and will push the pace. Michael Hassell is a gem for the Knights.
Class 4A
1. Bishop McGuinness (25-4)
2. Star Spencer (22-6)- Made run to 4A semifinals last season behind Josh Davis and Daron Wilson. Davis is a beast in the middle for the Bobcats.
3. OKC Southeast (18-9)- Ben Smith is outstanding for the Spartans, coming off a campaign where he averaged 18.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
4. Wagoner (16-9)- Football fans are awfully used to seeing the trio of Durrell Parker, Everett Shaver, and Jermaine Sherman dominating their foes. All three are returning starters for the Bulldogs.
5. Fort Gibson (22-4)- Ryan Keese will return on Jan. 7 after being granted an extra year by the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association. Beat them early. Keese averaged 21.3 points and 6.5 rebounds last season for the Tigers. Ladies and gentlemen, Keese is big time.
Sleeper: Broken Bow (10-15)- Javar Lewis averaged over 20 last season for the Savages. 6-5 football star Kyle Beam gives them beef in the middle. All five starters are back.
Class 3A
1. Verdigris (24-4)- Surprise, surprise. If the Cardinals are on your schedule, get your tickets early. Rotnei Clarke (37.6 points), a two-time MaxPreps All-American, is chasing the Oklahoma all-time scoring record. It's not just a one-man show. 6-7 junior Adam Hollon (14 points, 8 rebounds) is a solid contributor for Verdigris.
2. Sequoyah-Tahlequah (24-3)- The Indians were the runners-up last season to Millwood. Mike Soap (12.9 points) and Greg Smith (14 points) are the returning starters for Sequoyah.
3. Plainview (23-4)- Justin Blackmon returns for the Indians after his stellar breakout campaign on the gridiron. By far the best small-school all-around athlete in Oklahoma. Blackmon is one of three returning starters for Plainview.
4. Heritage Hall (17-8) - The Chargers are one-inch short of having two seven-footers. 7-0 senior P.J. Roberson is a force in the middle, while 6-11 senior Cort Hoge is another space eater for Heritage Hall. Pack it in.
5. Millwood (21-7)- Defending 3A champions return no starters from last season. Normally, cause for panic. Not at Millwood. When March rolls around, the Falcons will be battled tested in the toughest conference in the state, the OKC Public Schools League.
Sleeper: Washington (12-11)- Up from Class 2A. Tyler Hancock is back for the Warriors
Class 2A
1. Pawnee (26-3)- Now that Oklahoma Christian appears to be out of the way, Pawnee can set its sights on its first gold ball since 2005. Keiton Page (35.9 points) is one of the best players in Oklahoma. Kyle LeGrand will step up for the Black Bears.
2. Oktaha (22-6)- The Elam cousins, Weston and Cale, are back for the Tigers. Cale stood out in the Class 2A state tournament last season as a freshman. Brandon Vogt is another threat for Oktaha.
3. Crescent (16-11)- Prince Shaw (29.7 points, 8.7 rebounds) is back for the Tigers, a state qualifier last season. Jeff Allen, a 6-2 senior, is a solid contributor Crescent. Make no mistake, as Shaw goes so does Crescent.
4. Foyil (20-9)- Taylor Antle (15.2 points) is back for the Panthers along with rebounding machine Tyler Ridgway (8.7 rebounds).
5. Carnegie (14-11)- 6-4 junior Ethan Candyfire (17 points, 8 rebounds) is one of the best small-school players around. With him, anything is possible.
Sleeper- Rush Springs (20-7)- Three starters are back for the Redskins, led by 6-7 senior Casey Brooks.
Scott Hansen: maxprepsok@sbcglobal.net
