NW Classen ready for next step heading to the playoffs

Northwest Classen senior Mo Wilson dribbled behind his back before splitting the defense. As he reached the rim, he rose for a one-handed dunk between four defenders.

He turned to the crowd and flexed his muscles.

That was in mid-January and it was evident then that a new era at Northwest Classen was building.

The second-ranked Knights have a new level of confidence entering Friday’s Class 5A regional tournament opener with Western Heights. That’s in part due to a surprising run to last year’s state tournament.

“Last year, I felt like not too many people believed we would even make the state tournament,” said Wilson, a 6-foot-5 guard. “When we got there, we got caught up in our own hype.

“This year, we know we can get there. It’s about winning it.”

The trip to state was the program’s first since 1994. No player had even truly understood what the event was all about.

The bright lights. The packed arenas. The intensity.

That contributed to being dominated by Carl Albert.

“Last year was a learning experience,” Northwest Classen coach Jason Jack said. “That rattled our guys a little bit and got

them to understand we deserve to be in the state tournament but we aren’t ready to win the whole thing.”

Now, Northwest Classen feels differently.

It’s 22-1, the lone loss coming to Wichita Falls Hirschi (Texas). It also won the Edmond Open, beating Class 6A’s Norman, Midwest City and Edmond Santa Fe.

Now, it’s looking for a return to Tulsa in two weeks and a better result.

“We truly think that we can win a state championship,” Jack said.

With the playoffs going in full force this weekend, Northwest Classen is not just the only storyline in the Oklahoma City area to watch. Here is a look at some others:

Kingfisher’s repeat bid

Can anyone slow down Kingfisher’s boys?

The Yellowjackets are undefeated and haven’t lost since Feb. 25, 2017. They haven’t come close to losing in 23 games this season. Led by junior star Jett

Sternberger, Kingfisher has simply been dominant. And it got a boost with the emergence of several freshmen.

Red-hot Norman North Timberwolves

Could the Timberwolves be headed back to the state tournament?

After a one-year hiatus, they’re red hot entering the postseason with 13 straight

wins with their lowest scoring output being 54 points.

Behind Juwan White, Jalen Crutchfield, Shemar

Smith and Drake Stoops, this team is deeper than in the past. And even without Trae Young, there’s a good shot of doing something special.

Murcer’s final chance

At this time last year, Westmoore star Jessi Murcer was stuck on the sideline with a broken bone in her hand.

Westmoore’s season didn’t last much longer.

Now healthy and improved, Murcer is aiming to bring Westmoore back to the state tournament in her final season.

She’s signed with Oklahoma and has shown more efficiency on offense. Westmoore also has a deep roster around her, including standout freshman post Kendra Gillispie.

Battle for Class 2A

Christian Heritage is the undefeated defending champion. Dale, the state runner-up is ranked No. 3. Cashion, a semifinalist, is ranked No. 2.

The battle for the state championship seems to be leading to a battle between the three.

CHA returned every player from last year’s team, including stars Olivia Curtis and Rylee Langerman. And the Crusaders have beaten Dale twice.

But Cashion may be the most dangerous with new coach Totsy Manning, who build the Deer Creek dynasty, and her daughter

Sydney, a member of The Oklahoman’s Super 5 team.