Meet The Oklahoman's 2023-24 Super 5 boys basketball Player of the Year candidates
The Oklahoman will announce its Super 5 and All-State boys basketball teams on April 14.
With that date approaching, it’s time to meet the candidates for boys basketball players of the year.
Across the state, players etched their names in school record books, helped end state title droughts and were key catalysts to impressive winning streaks. After a review of these accomplishments, three players have emerged as finalists for the award.
Here they are, in alphabetical order:
More: Meet The Oklahoman's 2023-24 Super 5 girls basketball Player of the Year candidates
Dayton Forsythe, Dale
The story: Despite winning two state titles heading into his senior season, Forsythe managed to take his game to yet another level. The OU signee averaged 20 points and six rebounds while leading the Pirates to their third consecutive Class 2A state championship. The 6-foot-2 guard could have posted even higher averages, but Dale typically dominated competition early, meaning he rarely played in the fourth quarters during the regular season. In the matchup against Pocola in the state title game, Forsythe exploded for 36 points. He recently was named the Oklahoma Coaches Association's Player of the Year after totaling a 91-4 overall record in his past three seasons.
More: Meet The Oklahoman's 2023-24 Super 5 girls basketball Coach of the Year candidates
Luke Gray, Oklahoma Christian School
The story: Gray was the primary catalyst in a historic season. The senior Oral Roberts commit is the Saints' all-time leading scorer, and his presence in the paint was a driving force in OCS' first state title in 17 years. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 21.8 points and 11.4 rebounds per game while shooting 61% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. Gray capped off his dominant postseason run by scoring a game-high 22 points and grabbing 16 rebounds in the state championship, just a game removed from a 26 and 26 performance in the state semifinals. Gray was recently awarded Greater Metro Athletic All-Conference MVP honors.
More: Putnam West girls basketball coach Ja'Ron Jefferson leaving for Yukon boys coaching job
Jalen Montonati, Owasso
The story: Montonati is Oklahoma's only five-star prospect, and that's for good reason. The 6-7 wing is only a sophomore but has already staked his claim as one of the most electrifying players. Montonati's preeminent skillset was put on full display in the Class 6A state championship game, as he scored 34 points to defeat defending two-time state champion Edmond North while leading Owasso to its first-ever state title. He produced one of the top scoring seasons from any sophomore in the country as Montonati averaged 23.6 points, five rebounds and 1.2 steals a game while shooting 54% from the field and 44% from beyond the 3-point line. Montonati was named Gatorade Player of the Year.
Jordan Davis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jordan? He can be reached at jdavis@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @jdavis34_. Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Jordan’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma HS basketball: 2024 All-State boys player of year candidates
