High School

Battle tested Rams look for return to Class 6A crown

Published

1 year ago

March 7, 2025

AREA TOURNAMENT: Owasso vs. Sand Springs
TIME: Friday, 6:00 PM – Shawnee High School
BROADCAST: KYFM 100.1 FM (Click Here To Listen)

OWASSO – For Owasso Rams Head Coach Brian Montonati, the 2024-2025 basketball season has been one that he won’t soon forget.

From traveling to the celebrity laden City of Palms tournament in Florida, winning Oklahoma’s the Tournament of Champions at the BOK Center in Tulsa, the team has played some of the most competitive teams in the country, facing off with talent that will likely play in the NBA. It is a situation that has prepared them well for a trip to the Class 6A State Tournament next week, provided that they can win the games they need to at area play in Shawnee this weekend.

“We’ve been, we’ve been kind of all over the place, Tennessee, Florida, Dallas, and then obviously, you know, the district play here in Oklahoma,” Montonati recalled. “It’s been a really good year for our young men.”

To this point in the postseason, Owasso sailed through district play, only losing once to district rival Union in a 54-49 affair on February 6th. When the Redhawks came to the O-Rena in the regular season finale, the Rams roared back with a vengeance, dominating the second meeting with a 27 point victory. Heading into area tournament play on Friday, Owasso posts a 23-4 record, with three of those losses coming in early season tournaments.

The guys making it happen? In addition to Montonati’s son Jalen, the Rams boast a powerful starting lineup.

Owasso’s backcourt is led by junior Kobe Freeman, a quick and skilled shooter who also excels as a playmaker. His coach emphasized Freeman’s ability to create opportunities for his teammates.

“He’s a very, very underrated passer,” Montonati said. “He’s got next-level passing ability.”

Joining him in the backcourt is fellow junior Boden Williams, a two-way standout who makes an impact on both ends of the floor.

“He’s probably one of the more underrated kids, not only in our state but in the country,” Montonati noted. “He plays at a really high level, is a tough defender, deceptively athletic, shoots it well, and is very unselfish. He’s a kid that will do anything to help us win.”

Adding a physical presence to the lineup is senior Julius Wilson, a multi-sport athlete who also played wide receiver for Owasso’s football team.

“He’s one of those guys that brings toughness to our team from the gridiron,” Montonati said.

Inside, 6-foot-11 senior Jax Kerr anchors the paint. The Saint Louis commit has dominated throughout the season, making a major impact on both ends of the floor.

“He’s had a heck of a senior year so far,” Montonati said. “He’s been really dominant, averaging pretty close to a double-double and about three blocks a game.”

As for the chance to coach his son, Montonati said this season

“We’ve got Jalen—he’s still here and only a junior—but he’s really a scorer. His game is evolving, and he’s gotten a lot stronger. He’s no longer just a shooter; he has a well-rounded offensive game. He can score at all three levels, and defensively, his length really bothers opponents.” Montonati said. “As a dad, this is a really special time for us,” he said. “It’s crazy to think he’s already at the end of his junior year. Honestly, I consider him an early senior, which is hard to believe.“

Balancing the roles of coach and father, Montonati makes a conscious effort to separate the two.

“When we’re on the court, I’m his coach, not his dad,” he said. “But I’m really proud of him. He works incredibly hard, and I’m trying to slow down and enjoy this journey with him.”

Previewing Sand Springs

Owasso will face a tough test in Sand Springs (20-4), a battle-tested team fresh off a dominant 100-41 regional tournament win over Ponca City and a 61-53 regional championship victory over Westmoore.

Montonati recognizes the challenge ahead, emphasizing Sand Springs’ disciplined style of play.

“They control the ball and like to play at a slower, more methodical pace,” Montonati said. “They’re a senior-heavy team with a lot of experience, and they’re going to bring toughness on both ends of the floor.”

Defensively, Sand Springs presents a unique challenge with a variety of schemes.

“They defend like crazy and will throw multiple looks at us—everything from a triangle-and-two to a half-court trap, a 2-3 zone, and a 1-2-2 press,” Montonati said. “They’re going to try to slow the game down and keep us from getting out in transition.”

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OCA Announces All-Star Games Schedule, Locations

Published

8 months ago

July 7, 2025

Grant Merrill

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Coaches Association has released its full schedule for the 2025 All-State events, set to take place July 26-31 across multiple venues in the Tulsa area and central Oklahoma.

Festivities kick off Saturday, July 26, with the Old Timers Reception at 5 p.m. at the Marriott Southern Hills in Tulsa, followed by the Hall of Fame Banquet at 6:30 p.m. at the same location. Tickets for the banquet are $40 per person.

The All-State competitions begin Monday, July 28, with golf at Cherokee Hills Golf Club in Catoosa starting at 8:30 a.m., swimming at Edmond Schools Aquatic Center at 5:30 p.m., and volleyball at Frank Herald Field House in Jenks with matches beginning at 6 p.m.

Tennis matches are scheduled for Tuesday, July 29, at 5:30 p.m. at the University of Tulsa’s Michael D. Case Center. Girls basketball will also take place Tuesday at Memorial Veterans Arena in Tulsa, with games starting at 6 p.m.

Wrestling is set for Wednesday, July 30, at 7 p.m. at Catoosa High School, while boys basketball will also be held Wednesday at Memorial Veterans Arena beginning at 6 p.m.

The All-State Football Game will conclude the week’s events on Thursday, July 31, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. following pre-game festivities starting at 6:15 p.m. The OCA announced a location change for the football game, which will now be held at Crain Family Stadium at the Hurt Complex on the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee.

Tickets for all sporting events will be available at the venues on the day of the event for $10 general admission.

Pre-game festivities will begin 30 minutes prior to game time for all sports, except for football, where activities will begin 45 minutes before kickoff.

For more information on the All-State events, visit the Oklahoma Coaches Association website.