It is that time of season and we have finally reached the State Tournament and congratulations, You have made it to the big house! Follow along as I preview the State Tournament matchups and hear from the coaches as they give their thoughts.
#2 Pocola vs #6 Hobart
Wednesday at 4:30pm
Last Appearance: Pocola (Third consecutive appearance since 2022) Hobart (Second consecutive appearance)
Pocola’s road to the big house
We are very excited and honored to head to the state tournament for our 3rd year in a row. We know that each game will be a great challenge and we look forward to the opportunity said Pocola head coach Derek Barlow. The Indians began their road to the big house with a 77-47 win over Wilburton in districts, Defeated Hulbert 78-47 and #13 Warner 80-45 in regionals and Howe 69-34 in area to advance to the state tournament.
Hobart’s road to the big house
The Bearcats began their road to the big house with a 59-31 win over Mangum in districts, Defeated Calera 67-41 and #10 Apache 47-39 in regionals, Fell to #1 Dale 69-33 but bounced back against #10 Apache 41-27 to advance to the state tournament for the second consecutive year.
#5 Preston vs #3 Hooker
Wednesday at 6:00pm
Last Appearance: Preston (Second consecutive) Hooker (2022)
Preston’s road to the big house
Making it to state last year was such a huge accomplishment because Preston had been in a drought for a little while so just getting the program back to where it belongs was huge for us. We graduated 4 starters off last year’s team so this year was filled with just trying to figure everything out and figure out who we were going to be as a team. We have had several kids with zero varsity experience really step up this year and fill some big shoes alongside our two senior guards. At a school that has as much tradition as Preston, getting back to the state tournament back to back years is huge because you can kind have get the program rolling and each group legitimately believes they belong in the state tournament and it just becomes the expectation said Preston coach Chase Littlejohn. The Pirates began their road to the big house with an 88-31 win over Stroud in districts, Defeated Chelsea 63-43 and #14 Christian Heritage 67-51 in regionals and #4 Hennessey 44-36 in area to advance to the state tournament.
Hooker’s road to the big house
With our early loss in the Regional, I’m really proud of these guys. They responded with 5 straight wins over quality competition said Hooker coach Todd Kerr. The Bulldogs began their road to the big house with a 68-25 win over Watonga in districts, Fell to Merritt 41-35 but bounced back against Cashion 56-36 and #12 Fairview 62-37 in regionals, Defeated #9 Oktaha 61-41, #7 Ketchum 64-35 and Sallisaw Central 56-32 in area to advance to the state tournament.
#1 Dale vs #13 Warner
Wednesday at 7:30pm
Last Appearance: Dale (Sixth consecutive since 2019) Warner (First in school history)
Dale’s road to the big house
We are very excited to be back in the state tournament. We have worked very hard for this moment. We know it won’t be easy but we are thankful for the opportunity to pursue the goal of three-peat. With senior leaders Dayton Forsythe and Deken Jones we will be ready said Dale coach Jeff Edmonson. The Pirates began their road to the big house with a 90-37 win over Mounds in districts, Defeated Elmore City-Pernell 84-28 and #19 Davis 86-42 in regionals and #6 Hobart 69-33 in area to advance to the state tournament.
Warner’s road to the big house
This year we had 3 returning starters, Jace Jackson, Blake Ellis and Jaxon Cash, from last year’s area consolation that was one game away from state. Our road after that loss was consumed with hard work and dedication from each member of the team for redemption. Stepping out of our comfort zone and overcoming obstacles helped us gain the momentum we needed to persevere. When we made it to the Area tournament after the Regional finals loss, we knew we had to dig deep and play the best we have played all year to stay in it. And we did! There’s a lot of tears of joy and excitement right now. This is the first Warner boys basketball team to make state and we are proud to be here. WE ARE WARNER! said Warner coach Anthony Porter. The Eagles began their road to the big house with a 48-37 win over Vian in districts, Defeated #17 Wister 60-47 but fell to #2 Pocola 80-35 in regionals, Defeated #15 Colcord 62-47, #8 Fairland 40-35 and Howe 38-26 to advance to the state tournament.
#4 Hennessey vs Merritt
Wednesday at 9:00pm
Last appearance: Hennessey (Second consecutive) Merritt 2017
Hennessey’s road to the big house
We won three straight beating Riverside to get to the area Finals eventually getting beat by #5 ranked Preston. We turned around and beat a tough Riverside team to advance tonight! Our kids are really excited to be back twice in a row to the Big House! It’s always fun going to the State Tournament so our kids reaction was awesome. They dog piled at half court after the win and celebrated in the locker room. We will have a good few days of practice and lock in and get ready for the next one! said Hennessey coach Brady Page. The Eagles began their road to the big house with a 81-44 win over Meeker in districts, Defeated Morrison 74-62 and #11 Riverside 53-44 in regionals, Fell to #5 Preston 44-36 but bounced back against #11 Riverside 49-43 to advance to the state tournament.
Merritt’s road to the big house
It’s a pretty great story. We beat a very good very well coached Hooker team in the 1st round of regional which opened a door and really boosted our confidence and reminded them that Merritt was once a really good program. I know our kids are very excited to be a part of the tournament and have the opportunity to play in the Big House. They all grew up watching Merritt teams play there and dreamed of that opportunity! Lot of excitement and pride throughout our school and program said Merritt coach Donnie Husband. The Oilers began their road to the big house with a 66-33 win over Sayre in districts, Defeated #3 Hooker 41-35 and Crescent 49-39 in regionals and Sallisaw Central 42-40 to advance to the state tournament.
The OKPreps Rundown 
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