10 must-see OKC area high school basketball games to watch this week
Schedule offers series of compelling rivalry bouts
Rivalries within school districts and matchups between Oklahoma Cityarea stars highlight this week’s high school basketball schedule.
Here’s a look at The Oklahoman’s must-see games for the week of Feb. 511.
Boys basketball Class 3A Millwood (10-9) at Class 4A Oklahoma Christian School (17-2)
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
This is an intriguing and unpredictable matchup between opponents that stand out in their classifications. The Falcons reached the finals of the John Nobles Invitational, holding their own with Class 6A teams, so they’re clearly one of the best in Class 3A. Oklahoma Christian School is ascending through a loaded Class 4A field, capturing attention with a 48-33 win against then-topranked Crossings Christian. Luke Gray and Kyler Brown are game-changers for the Saints. Jaden Nickens, Chance Davis, William Mays and Carlos Strong are key leaders for Millwood.
Class 6A Putnam West (9-8) at Class 6A Putnam North (17-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Expect a thrilling rematch between these rivals. Putnam North would have an unblemished record if it weren’t for Putnam West. On Jan. 10, the Patriots pushed past the Panthers, 64-60, but Putnam North has the home-court advantage this time. Depth is a strength of each team. Zander Baker, KeJuan Payne, Khai Brown, CJ Smith and Anthony Leonard all scored in double digits as the Panthers defeated Ponca City on Friday. Orian Scales, Jaden Constant, Chiante Tramble and Kaidon Rayfield reached double figures in the Patriots’ Thursday win over Midwest City.
Class 6A Moore (12-6) at Class 6A Westmoore (15-3)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
After a Tuesday meeting with Norman, Westmoore’s schedule stays tough with this rematch against a cross-city foe. In their previous meeting, Westmoore defeated Moore, 74-67, in overtime. Both teams have showcased their talents this season. Westmoore had a 12-game win streak until top-ranked Edmond North snapped it Friday, but Garrett Loper fueled the Jaguars’ near-comeback in the fourth quarter. Malachi Lee and Tristan Hankins are players to watch for Moore.
Class 4A Douglass (17-1) at Class 6A Northwest Classen (14-4)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
With a roster that includes stars Terry McMorris, Landry Ballard Jr., Jace Breath and Davon Scott, Douglass enters this game with tremendous momentum. The Trojans made a statement with a 52-45 win against Class 5A Del City on Friday. Then they rolled past Star Spencer, 91-35. But Northwest Classen presents some serious competition. The Knights’ resume includes victories against Del City and Southeast. Kemar Cyrus, Lesley Rose III and Brandon Butler are each averaging more than 10 points per game.
Class 5A Carl Albert (15-3) at Class 5A El Reno (12-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Carl Albert has risen to the top of Class 5A West, but El Reno could shuffle the standings. Carter RomanNose and James Reveles Jr. are two of El Reno’s key leaders. Carl Albert has significant depth and experience with senior standouts including Jordan England, who received an offer from Northern Oklahoma College Enid this week.
Key matchup outside the metro
Class 6A Broken Arrow (17-0) at Class 6A Tulsa Booker T. Washington (10-5): At 8 p.m. Tuesday, the Hornets will strive to hand the Tigers their first loss of the season.
Girls basketball
Class 5A Carl Albert (15-3) at Class 5A El Reno (13-3)
When: 6 p.m. Friday
These two teams have stood at the top of the rankings for the past two seasons and it should be an epic showdown. Carl Albert is 3-2 against top-five teams and has only lost to one Class 5A opponent all season. El Reno is 0-1 in top 5 showdowns and has only lost to two Class 5A opponents all season. With the postseason nearing, this game will show each team where they are in the gold ball race.
Class 2A Dale (20-1) vs. Class A Vanoss (20-1)
When: 6 p.m. Tuesday
One of the top basketball powers this season is going to go down in this one. After losing the first game of the season, Dale is on a 20-game win streak, while Vanoss is coming off a recent win over Class A second-ranked Caddo. Dale and Vanoss’ only loss this season came to a Class 2A opponent. It’ll be fun to see who comes out on top in this one.
Class 6A Choctaw (13-4) vs. Class 6A Midwest City (15-4)
When: 6 p.m. Friday
The Class 6A powers have been split to separate sides of the state, and Choctaw and Midwest City each come in at No. 4 in their respective rankings. Choctaw, which is on the east side, is boasting a four-game win streak, while Midwest City is looking to gain its second consecutive win after falling to Putnam West last week. Both teams are hungry, so it should make for a great matchup.
Class 4A Tuttle (18-2) vs. Class 4A Weatherford (16-3)
When: 6 p.m. Thursday
Two teams that are known for making runs in the state tournament are set to meet just before the postseason kicks off, and it’s bound to be a good one. Tuttle is is 14-0 in Class 4A games this season, while Weatherford is 11-3 in such games.
Class 6A Norman North (11-8) at Class 6A Norman (13-4)
When: 6 p.m. Friday
It will be a battle of Norman between the two teams trying to make a statement before the postseason. Norman is looking to put its fourth consecutive win together, while Norman North is looking to do the same.