Owasso Basketball’s Success Takes Page From Hall Of Famer Sutton

Owasso has just two losses on the year in this up and down high school season. One reason for their success might be their defense. The other, taking a page from Hall of Famer Eddie Sutton.

After some time away from the court thanks to the bad weather, the Rams are back in the gym.

Regionals begin next Friday and the chase for the school's first gold ball starts.

 “We set goals last year after we lost and we just knew coming into the season, to get them, we have to grind,” Rams forward Kyler Mann said.

Owasso Head Coach Brain Montonati is a former player for Hall of Famer Eddie Sutton who constantly harped on the importance of defensive basketball. That same style of coaching has now trickled down to the Rams who are off to their best start in the COVID-shortened season with a 14-2 mark.

"We can't control the offensive end. There is going to be nights the ball doesn't go into the hoop, but you can always control how hard you play defensively,” Montonati said.

"That’s our main thing, playing defense. It makes offense easier so what he is telling us we got to listen,” Mann said.

Following coach's advice has helped the Rams' team MVP Mann. His offensive skill has always been there, but now he's become a stronger defender.

“He does a lot for us. Not only scoring, but he also rebounds, he is also a double guy, averaging like 15 and 11 a game,” Montonati said. “Does a lot for us defensively, changes shots because of his length.”