FAB 10 BOYS BASKETBALL RANKINGS
As the postseason approaches, the rankings continue to shuffle.
Each week, The Oklahoman's Hallie Hart takes a look at the top high school boys basketball teams in the Oklahoma City area. This week's standings involve some movement after El Reno toppled Carl Albert and, only three days later, Kingfisher rolled past El Reno.
Here are the rankings for Feb. 16-22:
1. Putnam North (21-1)
The Panthers have stood in the top spot since this year's Fab 10 rankings began, and they have no reason to move. With one regular-season matchup left, Putnam North has a 10-game win streak. On Friday, they avenged their one loss, claiming a 69-55 victory in a rematch with Putnam West. Senior guard KeJuan Payne II contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds, and four teammates also scored in double figures.
Previous rank: 1
2. Douglass (19-1)
While previously second-ranked Carl Albert lost last week, Douglass continued to win. With an impressive 17game win streak, the Trojans move up one spot. Douglass squeezed past a talented Class 6A Northwest Classen team, 37-35, on Friday. Class 4A is stacked with state title contenders, but the Trojans stand out because they have shown they can compete at any level – they're 4-1 against 6A teams, 2-0 against 5A and 6-0 versus 4A.
Up next: Saturday vs. Harding Charter (districts) Previous rank: 3
3. Dale (25-0)
With a resounding 73-39 win over Cashion, the Pirates completed their perfect regular season. Recently, Dale hasn't even had to fight through tight fourth quarters – the final scores haven't been close. The Pirates are one of four undefeated high school basketball teams in the state and the only OKC-area boys team with no losses.
Up next: Saturday vs. Wynnewood (districts) Previous rank: 4
4. Edmond North (19-2)
The Huskies are the Central Oklahoma Athletic Conference champions, going 11-0 in conference play. On Tuesday, they pulled out a 51-49 victory against Edlam rival Edmond Memorial, extending their win streak to 11.
Previous rank: 5
5. Del City (14-5)
As the end of the regular season ap
proaches, the Eagles are putting together several solid victories. They defeated Noble on Friday and won at Guthrie on Tuesday. Del City thrives in the paint with Percy Green, who had 18 points and eight rebounds against Noble, and Oklahoma State signee Brandon Garrison. Previous rank: 6
6. Kingfisher (19-3)
The Yellowjackets jump up after defeating Class 5A El Reno, 59-33, on Monday. El Reno carried momentum from a win over Carl Albert, but that couldn't stop Kingfisher. The Yellowjackets have stayed strong as a team despite senior starter Maddox Mecklenburg's seasonending ACL tear. They received a firstround district bye.
Up next: Feb. 23 vs. District 4 winner Previous rank: 10
7. Oklahoma Christian School (21-2)
The Saints hold steady at No. 7 after ending the regular season with a gritty 66-62 victory over Bethany. They trailed heading into the fourth quarter but turned the game around, and junior forward Luke Gray finished with 29 points.
Up next: Saturday vs. Western Heights Previous rank: 7
8. Crossings Christian (18-2)
Like OCS, Crossings closed the regular season with a close victory. The Knights slipped past Heritage Hall, 71-67, in overtime Friday.
Previous rank: 8
9. Carl Albert (18-4)
With the 45-44 loss to Fab 10-unranked El Reno on Friday, the Titans dropped their first game since facing Putnam North in the Titan Classic finals on Jan. 21. Carl Albert bounced back Tuesday with a 67-43 victory against Shawnee. Although the Titans slipped in the rankings as teams around them continued to win, they have a chance to slide up again if they defeat school-district rival Del City. Previous rank: 2
10. Moore (15-6)
It's time for Moore's Fab 10 debut. Several teams – Moore, Norman, Westmoore and Millwood – could make cases for this No. 10 spot, but the Lions are picking up steam at the end of the regular season. Their four-game win streak includes victories over Westmoore and Mustang. Previous rank: NR
Other teams considered
El Reno (14-6): El Reno looked like a Fab 10 team with the win against Carl Albert, but a Tuesday loss to Bishop McGuinness keeps El Reno just on the outside.
Millwood (11-10): With a record just above .500, the Falcons remain in this category, but they're likely the best team in Class 3A. More than half of their losses have come to teams that have been in the Fab 10 rankings this season.
Norman (14-7): The Tigers fall out of the rankings with a Friday loss to Norman North, but they still have postseason potential.
Westmoore (16-6): The Jaguars broke their four-game losing streak with a Tuesday win over Southmoore.