Carter Benton
Averaged 18.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals. The sharpshooter sank 100 3s on 48% shooting, including 5-of-6 in a 5A quarterfinal. Sank 88% of his free throws. Scored 28 in a win over McGuinness on Jan. 18. Had 23 points with 6-of-9 on 3s against Sapulpa on Jan. 26. Career totals: 67 games, 1,594 points, 378 rebounds, 248 assists.
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Zac Brown
Helped the Cardinals finish 21-5 and reach the 5A state tournament as he averaged 18.3 points, 12.5 rebounds, three blocks and 2.5 assists. Had 21 points and 15 rebounds in a 57-56 quarterfinal loss against 5A champion Midwest City. Scored 24 points in a 56-41 win over Claremore on Jan. 25 and was selected as Homecoming king. Valedictorian of his class.
Repeats as an All-State selection. Averaged 21.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.3 steals in 26 games as he led Caddo to the Class A title game. Was the state tournament MVP in 2023 when Caddo won the championship. Caddo’s all-time scoring leader. Career totals: 103 games, 2,201 points, 21.3 scoring average.
The 2023 World state player of the year had another stellar season. Averaged 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists as he led Dale to its third state title in a row and was the state tournament MVP for the third consecutive year. Scored 36 against Pocola in the title game. Had 50 points against Illinois power Metamora. Surpassed 2,000 career points.
Crossings Christian • Junior
Averaged 15.6, 5.1 assists, four rebounds and 1.9 steals to help the Knights reach the 5A semifinals. Had 20 points, six rebounds, six assists and five steals in a win over 4A runner-up Weatherford in the Tournament of Champions. CC coach Shawn Schenk said, “An elite passer with an IQ off the charts. Career totals: 82 games, 1,217 points, 374 assists, 243 rebounds.
Averaged 21.8 points and 11.8 rebounds as the Saints went 26-2 and captured the 3A state title. Was the 3A state tournament’s MVP and leading scorer with 67 points in three games. Had 22 points and 16 rebounds in a 55-50 win over Millwood in the title game. Shot 61% from the field and 40& on 3s this season. Career totals: 111 games, 2,021 points, 1,050 rebounds.
MWC Carl Albert • Senior
Averaged 13.7, 6.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists and two steals to help the Titans reach the 5A semifinals. Was a part of four Final Four teams in his career with a title and runner-up finish. Carl Albert coach Jay Price said, “He is a strong physical presence and made big plays for us throughout his career.” Career totals: 91 games, 1,156 points, 562 rebounds, 187 assists, 144 steals.
Selected as 6A-4’s MVP as he helped the Tigers (21-9) reach the state semifinals. Averaged 13.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals. Scored 28 points in a regional win over Enid. BA coach Beau Wallace said, “DJ is an elite passer and a kid that makes the team better. Always shows up big in playoff games.” Career: 81 games, 806 points, 343 rebounds, 326 assists.
Averaged 18 points, seven rebounds, six steals and five assists. Produced 20 points, 17 rebounds and nine assists in an 86-78 overtime win over Booker T. Washington in a 5A area final. Had 17 points, 16 rebounds, 10 steals and eight assists as the Eagles avenged an earlier loss to Coweta on Feb. 6. Career totals: 78 games, 1,386 points, 704 rebounds, 412 steals, 312 assists.
Chris Mason
Victory Christian • Senior
Averaged 21.1 points and 8.5 rebounds to help the Conquerors (23-6) reach the 3A semifinals. Produced 25 points and eight rebounds against Idabel in a quarterfinal. Selected as MVP in three regular-season tournaments that were all won by Victory. Career totals: 98 games, 1,589 points, 706 rebounds. Victory career totals: 76 games, 144 assists, 80 steals, 92 blocks.
Repeats as an All-State selection. Averaged 23.6 points, five rebounds and 2.1 assists to help the Rams win their first state title. Was 6A state tournament MVP with 66 points in three games, including 34 against Edmond North in the final. Scored 40 to beat 2A champion Dale in a TofC semifinal. Career totals: 53 games, 1,124 points, 266 rebounds, 266 rebounds.
Selected as the Class A state tournament MVP with 66 points in three games as the Warriors won their first state title since 1979. Averaged 22 points in the playoffs. Overall for the season, averaged 20.8 points, seven rebounds, 3.7 steals and 3.6 assists. Scored a career-high 35 points against OCA. Career totals: 60 games, 1,122 points, 362 rebounds, 216 assists, 211 steals.
Repeats from last season’s All-State team. This season, averaged 16.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists to help the Eagles reach the 4A state final. Was the state tournament’s leading scorer with 66 points in three games. Scored 54 points in three Tournament of Champions games. Surpassed 1,600 career points.
Led the Huskies to their third consecutive 6A state final after winning the gold ball the previous two years when he was the state tournament MVP. Scored 46 points in three state tournament games this season. Selected as the Tournament of Champions MVP. In three games, had 62 points and 20 rebounds. Averaged 18.5 points, nine rebounds and 3.5 assists this season.
Was the MVP and leading scorer in the 5A state tournament. Had 22 points, including the two go-ahead free throws with 27.7 seconds to lift the Bombers past Booker T. Washington in the title game. For the season, averaged 18.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and three assists. Moved to Midwest City after playing in the 2023 4A state tournament for Newcastle.
Coach of the year
Brian Montonati • Owasso
Led the Rams to their first state title in his seventh season as Owasso’s head coach. It was Owasso’s third state tournament in four years. Was an Owasso assistant for six years before being promoted in 2017. Played three seasons for Oklahoma State from 1997-2000, and was a starter his senior year as he averaged 12.2 points and a team-high 7.2 rebounds.
First team
Player, school, Cl., Ht., Gr., Avg.
Carter Benton, Holland Hall;5A;6-4;Sr.;18.7
Zac Brown, Colliinsville;6A;6-9;Sr.;18.3
DJ Dill, Caddo, A, 6-2, Sr., 21.9
Quincy Hopkins, MWC Carl Albert, 5A, 6-3, Sr., 13.7
Dayton Forsythe, Dale, 2A, 6-3, Sr., 20.0
Cal Furnish, Cr. Christian, 5A, 6-0, Jr., 15.6
Luke Gray, OCS, 4A, 6-8, Sr., 21.8
DJ Howell, Broken Arrow, 6A, 6-5, Jr., 13.4
Jermiah Johnson, Edison, 5A, 6-2, Sr., 18.0
Chris Mason, Victory Chr., 3A, 6-7, Sr., 21.1
Jalen Montonati, Owasso, 6A, 6-7, So., 23.6
Jett Mueggenborg, Okarche, A, 6-2, So., 20.8
CJ Nickson, Weatherford, 4A, 6-6, Jr., 16.6
Dylan Warlick, Edmond North, 6A, 6-5, Sr., 18.5
Carl’Sheon Young, Midwest City, 5A, 6-5, Jr., 18.6
Adair: Cale Winfrey, 6-2, sr.
B.T. Washington: B.J. Harris, 6-0, jr.; Jamarri Simpson, 6-2, jr.
Bishop Kelley: Brandon Avedon, 6-5, sr.
Bixby: Triston Driver, 6-0, jr.; Luke Friedrichsen, 6-0, sr.
Blanchard: Ross Johnston, 6-6, sr.
Broken Bow: Greydon Howell, 5-10, fr.
Caddo: Carson Culbreath, 6-0, sr.
Calumet: Hunter Arnold, 6-0, sr.
Cascia Hall: Jyson Kim, 6-5, jr.
Catoosa: Titus Miller, 6-6, sr.
Choctaw: Ja’Mon Valentine, 6-2, sr.
Claremore Sequoyah: Eestyn Prater, 6-3, jr.
Colcord: Gabe Winfield, 6-1, sr.
Crossings Christian: Phoenix Woodson, 6-8, so.
Dale: Trayden Chambers, 6-6, so.; Deken Jones, 6-1, sr.
Deer Creek: Clyde Davis Jr., 6-0 jr.; Hudson Linsenmeyer, 6-2, sr.
Del City: Michael Graham, 6-0, sr.
Drummond: Colten Dillingham, 6-2, jr.
Drumright: Joseph Bray, 6-5, sr.
Edison: Moses Miller, 6-3, sr.
Edmond Memorial: Hudson Franz, 6-1, so.
Edmond North: Chiante Tramble, 6-2, sr.
El Reno: Carter RomanNose, 6-3, jr.
Fort Cobb-Broxton: Kray Rogers. 6-3, sr.
Granite: Justice Davenport, 5-10, jr.
Hale: Kabron Lewis, 6-2, sr.
Haworth: Jaxton Weedn, 6-2, jr.
Hobart: Justice Johnson, 6-4, sr.
Hooker: Nate Hidalgo, 6-7, jr.; Keilan Robinson, 6-2, so.
Idabel: JP Sumo, 6-0, sr.; Shane Threadgill, 6-1, jr.
Inola: Aidan Clark, 6-6, so.; Jackson Welch, 6-6, sr.
Kellyville: Ryker Buckley, 5-11, fr.
Liberty: Jarren Cargil, 6-2, sr.
Madill: Ethan Wilkerson, 6-8, sr.
Mannford: Kaleb Kindley, 6-3, sr.
McLain: KJ Nichols, 6-3, sr.
Memorial: Jalil Cotton, 6-5, jr.
Metro Christian: Wyatt Powell, 6-3, sr.; Jackson Sowards, 6-6, sr.
Midwest City: DeShawn Denson, 6-1, so.; Roy Henderson, 6-2, sr.
MWC Carl Albert: Jayden Hopkins, 6-1, so.
Moore: Darian Grant, 6-4, sr.
Morrison: Briggs Roe, 6-3, sr.
Mustang: Roman Miller, 6-4, jr.
Norman: Trashaun Combs-Pierce, 6-8, sr.
North Rock Creek: Devon Haney, 6-0, sr.
Okarche: Hunter Mueggenborg, 6-3, jr.; Easton Roby, 6-2, so.
Okay: Diezel Davis, 5-8, jr.
Okla. Christian School: Carson Jones, 6-3, sr.
OKC Casady: Bryson Buckingham, 6-2, sr.
OKC Douglass: Jaden Nickens, 6-4, jr.; Davon Scott-Jones, 6-3, jr.; Jaden Williams, 6-3, jr.
OKC Millwood: Xon Williams, 5-11, sr.
Oologah: Eli DeSpain, 6-1, sr.
Owasso: Jax Kerr, 6-11, jr.; Cody Lechlider, 6-4, sr.; Boden Williams, 6-3, so.
Perkins-Tryon: Tucker Shepherd, 6-5, sr.
Pocola: Garrett Scott, 6-2, sr.; Dakotah Terrell, 6-8, jr.
Ponca City: Tay Moore, 6-1, sr.
Porum: Michael Wright, 6-1, sr.
Preston: Jervais Goree, 5-8, sr.
Putnam West: Kaidon Rayfield, 6-8, jr.
Riverfield: Braeden Clinton, 5-11, sr.
Sand Springs: Deke Thompson, 6-4, jr.
Sapulpa: Zac Lewis, 5-10, jr.
Seiling: Hudson Hamar, 6-2, sr.
Skiatook: Trevor Matthews, 5-7, jr.
Tahlequah: Donovan Smith, 6-5, sr.
Tecumseh: Jase Edwards, 6-3, sr.
Union: Dalen Fuller, 6-4, sr.; Erik Madrid, 7-2, sr.
Warner: Jace Jackson, 6-3, sr.
Westmoore: Gavin Loper, 6-3, sr.
BOYS SUPER 12
1. Owasso (6A, 26-4): Won 6A-3 with a 13-1 record — its only loss was against Union. Went 5-1 against out-of-state teams.
2. Edmond North (6A, 24-4): The Huskies won the Tournament of Champions and only lost twice in-state. They defeated Owasso in the TofC final before losing to the Rams in the 6A final.
3. Dale (2A, 30-2): The Pirates were last year’s No. 1 team and have won three consecutive 2A state titles, going 91-4 over the past three years. Owasso is the only in-state team to have defeated Dale in the past two-plus seasons. Dale won its last 16 games by an average margin of 33 points.
4. Midwest City (5A, 26-3): First-year coach Torey Noel led a turnaround from 6-18 in ’22-23 to a state title. The Bombers won their three state tournament games by a combined six points.
5. Union (6A, 24-3): Were arguably the state’s best team during a 17-game winning streak that came to a crashing end with a 64-38 loss to Broken Arrow in a 6A quarterfinal. Split two games with Owasso.
6. B.T. Washington (5A, 25-3): Came close to a perfect season with three narrow losses while only one win was by less than seven points.
7. Broken Arrow (6A, 21-9): After graduating most of their key players from the 2023 runner-up team, the Tigers reached the semifinals in what was supposed to be a rebuilding season.
8. OKC Douglass (4A, 20-4): The Trojans have won the last nine state tournaments they have played in, dating back to 2010. Went undefeated against state teams.
9. Edison (5A, 20-7): Marco Harris’ only season as the Eagles’ head coach featured a 12-game winning streak before losing in the quarterfinal to runner-up B.T. Washington, a team it defeated in the area final.
10. Carl Albert (5A, 23-6): Lost by two points to Midwest City in the semifinals. Posted a regular-season win over 6A semifinalist Broken Arrow.
11. Edmond Memorial (6A, 19-8): Peaked at the right time to reach the semifinals. Posted playoff wins over Broken Arrow and Owasso en route to an area title.
12. Weatherford (4A, 28-2): Won 21 in a row before losing in overtime to Douglass in the state final.
All-State Q&A with Barry Lewis
What is an interesting aspect this year about the Tulsa World’s All-State basketball team?
A combined 10 of the 30 boys and girls first-team selections are repeaters from last year. Also, that the boys coach, Brian Montonati, and the All-World boys basketball coach of the year, McLain’s Randy Rutherford, were both Oklahoma State players coached by Eddie Sutton, who was the World’s state coach of the year 62 years ago — in 1962.
How were the teams selected?
All high school coaches were invited to nominate their players. A notable difference between the Tulsa World’s selections and those made by the state’s coaches is that players from all grade levels are eligible for World honors, while the coaches honor only seniors. The World’s All-State boys first team includes nine seniors, four juniors, and two sophomores. The girls first team has six seniors, eight juniors and a sophomore. I chose both the boys and girls teams.
Players did not have to be nominated by their coaches to be recognized. A coach’s nomination, however, can be a difference-maker in a player’s candidacy. Thanks to all of the coaches who participated in the nomination process. Decisions were based on this season’s performances, not on college recruiting rankings.
What were the toughest choices?
On the girls’ first team, it was hard not to include Seiling’s Braci Nyberg and Idabel’s Mary Carden.
When will the state players of the year be announced?
They will be revealed after the All-World players of the year are announced at the All-World Awards banquet, presented by Bill Knight Automotive, on June 20 at the Cox Business Convention Center’s Legacy Hall. Tickets for the All-World Awards banquet are $75 and are available at allworldawards.com.
How many players were selected?
There were 100 boys and 100 girls. The honorable mention list is limited to 85 each in order to elevate the honor’s significance.
Previous winners
2023: Dayton Forsythe, Dale
2022: Ty Frierson, Memorial
2021: Bijan Cortes, Kingfisher
2020: Bryce Thompson, B.T. Washington
2019: Micah Thomas, Putnam North
2018: Mason Harrell, MWC Carl Albert
2017: Trae Young, Norman North
2016: Trae Young, Norman North
2015: Shake Milton, Owasso
2014: Shake Milton, Owasso
2013: Stephen Clark, OKC Douglass
2012: J.C. Hartzler, Union
2011: Juwan Parker, B.T. Washington
2010: Cameron Downing, Memorial
2009: Bryson Pope, Jenks
2008: Rotnei Clarke, Verdigris; and Keiton Page, Pawnee
2007: Blake Griffin, Oklahoma Christian
2006: Noah Hartsock, Bartlesville
2005: Marchello Vealy, OKC Southeast
2004: Clent Stewart, Union
2003: Caleb Green, Memorial
2002: Kelenna Azubuike, Victory Christian; and Kevin Bookout, Stroud
2001: Kelenna Azubuike, Victory Christian
2000: Terrence Crawford, OKC McGuinness
1999: Ebi Ere, McLain and Antonio Reed, B.T. Washington
1998: Demetrius Gatewood, Central
1997: Ryan Humphrey, B.T. Washington
1996: Joe Adkins, OKC Marshall
1995: R.W. McQuarters, B.T. Washington
1994: Evan Wiley, Lawton Ike
1993: Chianti Roberts, Oklahoma Christian; and Shea Seals, McLain
1992: Ryan Minor, Hammon
1991: Shon Alexander, Preston
1990: Fred Burley, OKC Douglass
1989: Jeff Webster, MWC Carl Albert
1988: Lee Mayberry, Rogers; and Byron Houston, Star Spencer
1987: Richard Dumas, B.T. Washington; and Mike Maddox, Putnam North
1986: Kevin Pritchard, Edison
1985: Leonard Flowers, El Reno
1984: Arthur Thomas, B.T. Washington
1983: Archie Marshall, Edison
1982: Mark Price, Enid; Wayman Tisdale, B.T. Washington; and Steve Hale, Jenks
1981: William Tisdale, B.T. Washington
1980: Victor Richardson and James Traylor, Del City
1978: Eddie Louie, New Lima
1977: Marcus Peel, B.T. Washington
1976: Nathaniel Quinn, Boley
1975: Winford Boynes, OKC Capitol Hill
1974: Dean Blevins, Norman
1973: Fred Stevenson, B.T. Washington
1972: Alvan Adams, Putnam City
1971: Robert Iverson, Webster
1970: Rick LaCour, Checotah
1969: Mike Cordes, Ringwood
1967: Ray Russell, OKC Northeast
1966: Jack Tudor, Webster
1965: Phil Harmon, Central
1964: Mike Eppler, Central
1963: Ward Sherrill, Sand Springs
1962: Rich Calmus, Webster
1961: Carlos Gripado, Pawhuska
1960: Jim Barnes, Stillwater
2023: Jeff Edmonson, Dale
2022: Scott Norris, Edmond North
2021: Lee Ott, Oklahoma Union
2020: Will Jones, Garber
2019: Zac Briscoe, Rejoice Christian
2018: Bobby Allison, Memorial
2017: Tommy Nolan, Claremore
2016: Randy Upshaw, Verdigris
2015: Eli K. Brown III, Central
2014: Kale Simon, Okemah
2013: Eric Savage, Memorial
2012: Rudy Garcia, Union
2011: Chris Gillespie, Talihina
2010: Shea Seals, B.T. Washington
2009: Dirk Walden, Preston
2008: Eric Savage, Memorial
2007: Jay Price, MWC Carl Albert
2006: Terry Scott, Central
2005: Tommy Griffin, Oklahoma Christian
2004: Rudy Garcia, Union
2003: Eric Savage, Memorial
2002: Nate Harris, B.T. Washington
2001: Nate Harris, B.T. Washington
2000: Shedrick Jones, Boynton
1998: Clyde Barkley, Inola
1997: Jerry Belton, Boynton; and John Phillips, Broken Arrow
1996: Bob Weckstein, Frontier
1995: Nate Harris, B.T. Washington; and Danny Limes, Bishop Kelley
1994: Mike O’Rourke, Memorial; and Ted Younts, Ardmore
1993: Mike de la Garza, Edmond; and Henry Roland, Beggs
1992: Terry Scott, Central
1991: Steve Hesser, Bartlesville
1990: Mike Bolton, McLain
1989: Paul Meuser, Preston
1988: Varryl Franklin, OKC Millwood
1987: Gary Calip, Okmulgee; and Nate Harris, B.T. Washington
1986: Phil Ingersoll, OKC Douglass
1985: Nate Harris, B.T. Washington; and Jim Knapp, Smithville
1984: Nate Harris, B.T. Washington; and Jim Lawson, Wewoka
1983: Gary Aldridge, Cushing
1981: Bill Kusleika, Cascia Hall
1980: Buddy Armstrong, Del City
1979: Johnnie Johnson, Star Spencer
1978: Jim Knapp, New Lima
1976: Eldon Flinn, McLish
1974: Leroy Estes, Yukon
1973: Jim Knapp, New Lima
1972: Don Overton, Miami
1971: Jim Howard, Central
1970: Max Shuck, Pawhuska
1969: Bill Allen, Webster
1968: Truman Dixon, Checotah
1967: Sid Burton, Bartlesville College
1966: Carl Scott, Okmulgee
1965: Eddie Evans, B.T. Washington
1964: J.V. Haney, Owasso
1963: Bailey Vanzant, Pryor
1962: Eddie Sutton, Central
1961: Martin “Red” Loper, Stillwater
1960: Jim Killingsworth, Pawhuska