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.
Broken Arrow vs Putnam City North
Tuesday at 4:30pm
Last Appearance: Broken Arrow (Third consecutive) Putnam City North (First since 2021)
Broken Arrow’s road to the gold ball began with wins over Stillwater 78-35 and Putnam City West 87-58 in regionals and Edmond North 49-38 in the Area Tournament to advance to the State Tournament. Putnam City North’s road to the gold ball began with wins over Edmond Memorial 41-21 and Norman North 38-34 in regionals, Fell to Moore 59-51 but bounced back over Choctaw 59-52 in the Area Tournament to advance to the State Tournament.
PUTNAM CITY NORTH head coach DJ Lemons
Making it to the state tournament is always special, but for Putnam City North, this year’s journey carries extra significance. It’s the program’s first state appearance since 2021 and my first time as an head coach, marking a major milestone for both the team and coaching staff.
The road to the “Big House” hasn’t been easy. From day one, this group has embraced a mindset of discipline, resilience, and teamwork. We’ve faced adversity, tough matchups, and moments that tested our character, but this team has consistently responded with heart and determination. Whether it was battling through close games, locking in defensively, or trusting each other in high-pressure situations, the players have shown the grit it takes to compete at the highest level.
For me, this journey has been especially meaningful. Leading a team to the state tournament in my first season as head coach is a testament to the culture that has been built and the belief I have in my players. It’s not just about the X’s and O’s—it’s about developing young men who compete the right way and buy into something bigger than themselves.
When that final buzzer sounded, and we officially punched our ticket to state, the emotions were overwhelming—pure joy, pride, and a sense of accomplishment for what this group has achieved. But the job isn’t done. The anticipation leading up to the tournament is high, and the team is locked in, ready to make the most of this opportunity. We know we belong here, and we’re excited to show what Putnam City North basketball is all about.
Favorite memory of The Big House
Winning the 3A state championship my senior year at Millwood in 2006.
Norman vs Union
Tuesday at 6:00pm
Last appearance: Norman (Third consecutive) Union (Second consecutive)
Norman’s road to the gold ball began with wins over US Grant 60-22 and Putnam City 51-46 in regionals and Deer Creek 59-33 in the Area Tournament to advance to the State Tournament. Union’s road to the gold ball began with a win over Sapulpa 81-46, Fell to Edmond North 61-58 in the regional championship but bounced back with back to back wins over Putnam City West 68-49 and Sand Springs 53-48 in the Area Tournament.
Owasso vs Deer Creek
Tuesday at 7:30pm
Last appearance: Owasso (Third consecutive) Deer Creek (Third consecutive)
Owasso’s road to the gold ball began with wins over Bartlesville 85-15 and Jenks 85-48 in regionals and Sand Springs 56-53 in the Area Tournament to advance to the State Tournament. Deer Creek’s road to the gold ball began with wins over Lawton Eisenhower 79-34 and Choctaw 46-45 in regionals, Fell to Norman 59-33 but bounced back against Norman North 62-58 in the Area Tournament to advance to the State Tournament.
OWASSO head coach Brian Montonanti
We’ve had a challenging schedule this year, facing several nationally ranked teams. Our schedule was intentionally designed to prepare us for the highly competitive State Tournament. Earning a spot in the State Tournament is a significant accomplishment for our program, and it’s something we don’t take for granted.
DEER CREEK head coach Mike Donnelly
We know it’s a great field of teams and a historic venue. 6A is tough and it’s been a challenging road. We took one on the chin Friday against Norman. But I have been extremely proud of how the guys have persevered all year and once again they did not disappoint. We bounced back against a good Norman North team to lock up our spot on Saturday. Being our third trip I think it’s a testament to how hard our guys work and prepare. And I think it speaks to our culture in valuing consistency. We have a great group that loves each other and loves playing together.
Favorite memory of The Big House
Winning a state championship there in 1998.
Moore vs Westmoore
Last Appearance: Moore (First since 2023) Westmoore (Second consecutive)
Moore’s road to the gold ball began with wins over Mustang 57-41 and Southmoore 69-45 in regionals and Putnam City North 59-51 in the Area Tournament to advance to the State Tournament. Westmoore’s road to the gold ball began with a win over Enid 68-39, Fell to Sand Springs 61-53 in the regional championship but won back to back games over Jenks 74-61 and Edmond North 60-54 in the Area Tournament to advance to the State Tournament.
MOORE head coach Gregg Hardin
Moore Lions road to State was difficult but was a learning process for the coaches and players. Having played in a tough District, tough non district games and our own challenging John Nobles Tournament prepared the kids for playoffs. There were only 3 returning players from the 2023 State Tourn team so all of it is new to the other 12 kids and they all are excited about the opportunity to represent Moore High, the Moore community and each other at the Big House.
Best memory of The Big House
1986 we won State and I was MVP but that was at OU. In ’87 we were state runner up and ’88 state semis. My record in the big house is 4-2 as a player. Would like to go 3-0 as a coach. 2022 and 2023 state was at OU and I never forgot when we won our first game how my kids ran to our fan section and celebrated. It was awesome.
WESTMOORE head coach Todd Millwee
We’ve battled adversity, and a couple injuries during the season and are peaking at the right time. We won the tough Joe Lawson Tournament in Norman. Beating Norman and PCN who are both in State. Our district also had Owasso and Unuon in it make State so we were in a strong district
The players were fired up to make it back to back trips to State. They showed a lot of passion for the team in Area and took pride in their roles to help the team succeed
Best memory of The Big House
My Dad, Mike Millwee won a state title there in 1969. My favorite memory would be my grandparents taking me to State when I was in elementary school.
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