The Oklahoman will announce its Super 5 and All-State girls basketball teams on April 7.

With that date approaching, it’s time to meet the candidates for girls basketball Player of the Year.

Across the state, superstars set program records and led their teams to memorable wins. After a review of their season resumes, three finalists have emerged.

Here they are, in alphabetical order:

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Keeley Parks, Norman

The story: Parks entered the season with a massive responsibility. She was Class 6A Norman’s only returning starter, and most of her teammates had never played varsity basketball before. This meant the junior guard had to be a leader, and what a leader she was. The Gatorade Oklahoma Player of the Year finished the season with averages of 26.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 5.6 steals per game. Parks posted 13 double-doubles en route to a 17-10 record and area tournament appearance. While she often reached double figures in points and rebounds, she achieved several double-doubles in a less common way: with points and steals. In December, she set Norman’s single-game scoring record with 51 points in a 63-61 overtime victory against Midwest City.

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Caya Smith, Putnam West

The story: It might be a cliché, but Smith backed up the phrase “defense wins championships.” The OU signee has a knack for relentless, high-pressure defense, and she used it to set the tone for Putnam West on the way to its first state title since 1981. Smith finished the season with averages of 12.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 3.3 steals per game while totaling 13 blocks. As a senior leader, she also impacted the game in ways that didn’t show up on the stat sheet, matching up with some of the state’s most prolific scorers. Smith and her Putnam West teammates defeated two-time defending state champion Edmond North twice, including their 41-40 win in the Class 6A state finals.

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Zya Vann, Bethany

The story: After winning a state title in 2023, Vann elevated her game, and the same happened for Bethany as a whole. The Bronchos faced tougher competition this time, traveling out of state to contend with nationally ranked squads. Vann thrived with season averages of 19.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 3.6 steals per game while shooting 49% from the field and maximizing her minutes. The OU signee could have posted even higher averages, but she rarely needed to play full games, instead contributing to Bethany's enormous early leads. Vann concluded her high school career with 13 points in the state finals as the Bronchos stormed past Tulsa Lincoln Christian, 48-28, to repeat as Class 4A champions.

More: Oklahoma high school basketball: OU signee Zya Vann sets Bethany record in playoff win

Hallie Hart covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Hallie? She can be reached at hhart@oklahoman.com or on Twitter at @halliehart. Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Hallie'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 girls player of year candidates