High school basketball: Putnam City boys growing up

“Of our top 15 guys, 13 were on the football field,” Andrews said. “We were disappointed for the football team, but it helped us out.

“Things are going well, and we're ready to go.”

Aside from star point guard Stephen Clark, the Trojans return DeAngelo Smith and Deondre Clark among their experienced players, and will benefit from the arrival of Trevon Threatt, who moved in from Centennial.

MILLWOOD BACK IN MIX

The Millwood Falcons are right where they always seem to be — as one of the favorites in Class 3A.

With several returning players, like Chris Crook and Cameron Batson, joined by an influx of young talent, the Falcons will be one of the top contenders to try to end Centennial's run at a third consecutive state title.

DALE SEEKING ANOTHER STATE TRIP

Evan Anderson's career is bound for the pitching mound, but he'll try to guide Dale back to the state tournament in basketball as a senior.

The 6-foot-5 Anderson signed with Ole Miss and could be one of the state's first high school players taken in the Major League Baseball draft next summer.

But the Pirates have some basketball work at hand, and Anderson will play a key role in the paint after missing much of the season with an injury.

The Pirates also return Jace Wilkins at point guard among four returning starters in all.

“Our baseball team just won a state championship, so we're hoping that will carry over,” coach Jeff Edmondson said. “We want to win one, too.”