It is that time of season and we have finally reached the State Tournament and congratulations, You have made it to the big house! This is the last year at the big house before the new arena is open so let’s make this the best one yet! Follow along as I preview the State Tournament matchups and hear from the coaches as they give their thoughts.
Booker T. Washington vs Del City
Monday at 9:00am
Last Appearance: Booker T. Washington (Third consecutive) Del City (Second consecutive)
Booker T. Washington’s road to the gold ball started with wins over Edison Prep 96-11 and Will Rogers 96-43 in regionals and Durant 49-31 in the Area Tournament to advance to the State Tournament. Del City’s road to the gold ball started with wins over Santa Fe South 81-4 and Altus 80-36 in regionals, Fell to El Reno 51-48 but bounced back with a win over Guymon 83-43 in the Area Tournament to advance to the State Tournament.
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON head coach Carlin Adkism
The players have demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the season. Their journey has been marked by challenging games, rigorous training, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Key victories in the playoffs have showcased their readiness for the challenges ahead. As the state tournament approaches, anticipation is palpable among players, coaches, and fans alike. The team’s consistent performance has galvanized the school community, fostering a sense of pride and unity. Players are focused on refining their skills, understanding that each game brings them closer to their ultimate goal. Achieving a third consecutive state tournament berth is a remarkable feat. The Hornets’ community celebrates this accomplishment, recognizing the hard work and dedication it represents. Such a milestone not only honors the current team’s efforts but also cements Booker T. Washington High School’s legacy in Oklahoma high school basketball.
Carl Albert vs Bishop Kelley
Monday at 10:30am
Last Appearance: Carl Albert (Fifth Consecutive) Bishop Kelley (First since 2009)
Carl Albert’s road to the gold ball began with wins over John Marshall 67-10 and Midwest City 43-33 in regionals and Classen SAS 60-34 in the Area Tournament to advance to the State Tournament. Bishop Kelley’s road to the gold ball began with a win over Tahlequah 37-30, Fell to Durant 32-28 in the regional championship but got back to back wins over Will Rogers 66-32 and Shawnee 39-35 in the Area Tournament to advance to the State Tournament.
CARL ALBERT head coach Kyle Richey
I couldn’t be prouder of this team. Their hard work, determination, and heart have carried us all season long. Going to state is a reflection of their commitment, and I know they’ll give everything they’ve got to make this journey unforgettable.
Favorite memory of The Big House.
I was able to coach a state semi final team when I was an assistant at Tecumseh in 2010.
BISHOP KELLEY head coach Jerri Berna
We are ecstatic to represent our school community at the State Tournament. Our journey has been one of staying in the moment, not looking ahead, and just working each day to try and get better, both individually and as a team. All the while knowing that if we did so, we would have an opportunity. Our team has worked so hard, believed in each other and have earned this opportunityto keep playing. I’m proud of our Seniors fot the way they have maturely managed themselves and been great role models for our team. Go Comets!
El Reno vs Durant
Monday at 12:00pm
Last appearance: El Reno (Seventh consecutive) Durant (First since 2009)
EL RENO head coach Jennifer Douglas
We are currently 22-4. This year we lost to Yukon HS, Carl Albert twice, and Mustang. Yukon ended our 41 game win streak at the Shawnee Tournament. We finished 2nd in our district, behind Carl Albert. For Regionals we beat Western Heights and Duncan (Regional Champions). At Area we beat Del City who was #1 in district 2 (Area Champions). We are excited to be back at the State Tournament for the 5th year in a row. This is the 8th time we have made it to state, in the last 9 years. Our team is looking to defend our State Title from 2024!
Best memory of The Big House
Never been to the big house. We have only been to ORU and OU! So being at the big house is a new experience for our program. It’s almost like our first year to state. But my favorite part about state (wherever it’s at) … is walking out of the tunnel, seeing the bright lights, walking onto the court, and seeing the whole community in the stands. It’s priceless. It’s a feeling you will never forget. At that moment, i always tell myself – “this is worth it!”
Coweta vs Classen SAS
Monday at 1:30pm
Last appearance: Coweta (Second consecutive) Classen SAS (First since 2023)
Coweta’s road to the gold ball started with wins over Nathan Hale 52-7 and Collinsville 64-53 in regionals and Shawnee 55-53 in the Area Tournament to advance to the State Tournament. Classen SAS began their road to the gold ball with wins over Southeast 62-26 and Guymon 40-34, Fell to Carl Albert 60-34 but bounced back over Duncan 44-42 to advance to the State Tournament.
COWETA head coach Jade Allison
Always a lot of pressure to try and make a return trip. I feel our girls handled it well. It wasn’t always pretty, but they gritted it out. It was a tough road with a lot of really good competition. It takes a lot of hard work and a little luck to get there and even more to get there a second time. Excited to be a part of the last go around at the Big House!!
Best memory of The Big House
Got too many to name just one. Watching my dad win his first state title there in 96, watching him and my brother win one in 03, and getting to coach a first round game there as a first year head coach. And now getting to coach with my dad in its final year. The Big House means everything to me. It has been a staple in my life every March from before I could even remember.
CLASSEN SAS head coach Rickey Vick
Our road to the big house has been one of resilience, teamwork, determination, and sacrifice. The players decided to make our team motto for the season “Keep Showing Up” as we have only 9 players suited up. Everyone takes on their role with pride and it is a truly team experience. Leading up to the state tournament our anticipation is to prepare ourselves as much as much possible. But also very grateful to make it to the Big House in the last year of it hosting before the new arena is built. For this senior class and our school to share in that history is a blessing. Our reaction to making the tournament is that it is a true testament to a supportive administration, coaching staff, support staff, parents, and community. We all do it together and for each other.
Best memory of The Big House
2022 State Championship Run, Defeating Tuttle by 33 pts in final. When even though ESPN ranked us #7 overall at the time. 33 coaches in 4A ranked us 2nd behind Tuttle.
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