Boys Basketball Preview: Teams to Watch

BY BARRY LEWIS World Sports Writer
Monday, January 07, 2013

Broken Arrow: A victory at sixth-ranked Jenks sent the No. 4 6A Tigers into the holiday break on a high note. The Tigers have won six in a row, including a tournament at Willard (Mo.), after a seasonopening loss to No. 7 Bartlesville. Jordan Huffman, a 6-3 senior, leads a balanced attack for the Tigers, who may have their best offensive team in several seasons. Broken Arrow is averaging 72.7 points during its winning streak.

Coweta: The fourth-ranked 5A Tigers took a major step last season when they won a regional title and came within one win of the state tournament. At 10-1, they look even stronger this season. They have two solid outside shooters — senior Ty Gunter and sophomore Caleb Norris. Gunter averages 15.9 points and hits 38 percent on 3-pointers. Norris averages 12.1 points and connects on 43 percent of his treys. Gunter shoots 90 percent on free throws. Senior Zach Norris, who has signed with Oklahoma Christian, averages 14 points and 8.2 rebounds.

Edison: The fifth-ranked Eagles, after spending last year in 6A, are looking for their sixth state tournament berth in seven seasons. Brian Speaks, a 6-6 senior with a history of clutch performances, and his brother, Darius, a 6-5 junior, can take over games with their scoring and rebounding. But for the Eagles to contend for a state title they need senior Don Simmons on the court. Simmons is one of the city’s top guards, but has been suspended twice this year and the Eagles struggle without him.

Memorial: Last season’s growing pains for a young Chargers team are paying off this year as the second-ranked 5A Chargers are 9-2 and ranked No. 2 in 5A. Rjwan Diggs averages 15.9 points, including scoring outbursts of 33 against McLain and 29 against East Central. Diggs shoots 45 percent on 3-pointers and 89 percent on free throws. Other key players include Anthony “Deuce” White (averaging 12 points), A.J. Cockrell (10.3 points) and Demari Edwards (8.5 points).

Victory Christian: The 4A No. 3 Conquerors, coming off an appearance in the 3A state title game last March, are deeper and better this season. Chris Crawford, a 6-3 guard, is one of the area’s top sophomores and averages 16.2 points per game. Another guard, senior Jake Freeman, is an outside shooting threat who averages 12 points. The lineup also includes two impressive freshmen, 6-4 Jon-Michael Terry and 6-2 Keats Calhoon.