Who will win Super 5 boys Player of the Year?
We are heading into the stretch run of the high school basketball season. The playoffs begin in a couple weeks for most teams, and the small school state tournament begins in a month. What better time to take a look at The Oklahoman's Super 5 Player of the Year race.
Here's a look at the numbers, achievements and how these potential candidates could win. Here are 10 players to consider, in alphabetical order:
Trey Alexander, Heritage Hall
It's no surprise to see Alexander on this list, as the 6-foot-5 senior guard has been one of the state's top players since he stepped on a court his freshman year. His stellar play has continued this season, averaging 25.4 points per game along with 9.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists. The Auburn signee has helped Class 4A second-ranked Heritage Hall to a 13-5 record, including a 6-3 mark against teams ranked in the top 5 in all classes.
Kaden Cooper, Ada
The 6-foot-5 junior forward, who has offers from DePaul, Oklahoma State, SMU and Tulsa, among others, is an athletic freak. Cooper had big shoes to fill this season with the early departure of Jaxson Robinson, who graduated early to attend Texas A&M, and he has done so wonderfully. Cooper is averaging 18 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and a block per game for Class 4A No. 11 Ada, which is 12-7.
Bijan Cortes, Kingfisher
The OU signee has taken his game to yet another level this season, leading Class 4A top-ranked Kingfisher to a 17-1 record. Last month, he scored a career-high 46 points and made 11 3-pointers. Defensively, he remains one of the best on-ball defenders in the state. Cortes, a 6-foot-2 guard, is averaging 22 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game while shooting 55% from the field.
Danquez Dawsey, Lawton MacArthur
The Highlanders are a threat in Class 5A thanks to the play of Dawsey, a 6-foot-2 guard. Lawton MacArthur is ranked third and is 15-2, with its only losses coming against No. 2 Tulsa Memorial and Class 4A No. 2 Heritage Hall. Dawsey's ability to score at any level makes defenses account for him at all times. The senior is averaging 19 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists per game.
Adante' Holiman, McAlester
The 5-foot-9 junior guard is regarded as one of the country's top prospects in the 2022 class. Holiman can score from anywhere, whether it be a layup through contact or a 30-foot 3-pointer. This season, he's averaging 32 points per game with 5 rebounds, 5 steals and 4 assists while shooting 43% from deep. It's not hard to see why Arizona, Arizona State and Tulsa have offered him.
Jeremiah Johnson, Putnam North
The 6-foot-3 guard has taken his spot among the state's elite as a sophomore. Johnson is averaging more than 20 points per game and has helped Class 6A No. 3 Putnam North to a 9-3 record. He holds offers from Illinois, OU, OSU and Texas and is bounds to get numerous more. Johnson's status for the remainder of the season is up in the air, though, following an incident earlier this week where Johnson was shot twice.
Sean Pedulla, Edmond Memorial
The 6-foot-1 senior guard is one of the most fluid scorers in the state. Most across Oklahoma knew of Pedulla's strengths even before he gained national attention this summer, and his skills have continued this year. Pedulla, who signed with Virginia Tech, has helped Class 6A top-ranked Edmond
Memorial to a 10-1 record with averages of 20.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists with an +18.3 plus/minus. He's shooting 56.4% from the field and 39% from deep.
Anthony Pritchard, Tulsa Webster
Make no mistake, Pritchard is probably the best player in the state you may not have heard of. Yet watch one of his games and you'll quickly see why he's one of the state's best. The 6-foot-2 guard, who signed with Tennessee Tech, is averaging 23.9 points, 7.3 boards, 5.1 assists and 2.5 steals per game. Tulsa Webster also is ranked third in Class 4A and is 10-4 this season with a roster of only six players.
Tobias Roland, Putnam West
Roland, a 6-foot-3 guard, had tremendous shoes to fill at Putnam West with the absence of Rondel Walker, The Oklahoman's 2020 Big All-City Player of the Year. He has risen to the challenge and shined, making an impact on both sides of the court. He has helped Class 6A No. 9 Putnam West to a 11-7 record with averages of 21.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 2.1 assists per game.
Keyondre Young, Del City
Young may surprise some by being on this list, but make no mistake, the 6-foot-8 Valparaiso signee can take over any game with his scoring ability and stout defense. He has the ability to drive and use his length to get easy buckets inside, but give him space on the perimeter, and Young will catch fire from distance. This season, he has helped Class 6A No. 2 Del City to a 13-4 record while scoring 20.7 points per game along with 6.5 rebounds and 1.8 steals.