Owasso’s Jalen Montonati

When you’re recognized as the top player in Oklahoma, it’s easy to start thinking about the future and what it may hold, but for Jalen Montonati of Owasso High School, his thoughts are focused on the season at hand and what the Owasso Rams can accomplish this season.

Playing for Brian Montonati, Jalen’s father and the head coach for Owasso, is special. It also means Jalen is like another coach on the floor.

“I enjoy my dad coaching me. We have a great chemistry and I’m kind of an extension of him on the court,” said Montonati.

The earliest memory playing basketball goes back to his YMCA days.

“My earliest basketball memory is probably just playing at the YMCA when you still had to wear wristbands and whoever had the same color as you, you could only guard that person,” said Montonati.

Now a state champion and the winner of the coveted Mr. Basketball Oklahoma award, Montonati said hoisting the state championship trophy is something he will never forget.

“My favorite memory playing for Owasso basketball was definitely winning the state championship, it’s an indescribable feeling and I’m looking forward to getting another opportunity to do it again this year,” said Montonati.

Coming into the new season, Montonati said he’s been impressed with his teammates and the focus they are showing in early practices. Montonati said a former teammate has left an impression on him as he takes on the role of senior leader this season.

“A teammate who left an impression on me was our senior from last year Gabe Patterson. Just his toughness as a player and his willingness to make winning plays really impressed me,” said Montonati.

Before every game Montonati has a routine he likes to stick with to ensure he gets in the proper mindset to go out and compete at a high level.

“I do a lot of meditation and visualization and listening to music before my games.
 
 Montonati is focused on getting better with every practice and game. What the future holds will work itself out, but for now the senior is focused on preparing for another year with the Rams.

“Just getting better every single day and taking criticism from my dad and my coaches and applying it and working on things I need to get better at,” said Montonati.

If the NBA ever comes calling, Montonati said it would be a blessing, but if he could pick a team to play for, he has a couple in mind.

“I don’t really know; I would be more than blessed to be on any team. Maybe the Thunder or the Celtics, just because I watch them the most right now.”