Could we see the passing of the torch in Oklahoma?
Four years ago at this time Trae Young was finishing up his freshman campaign at Norman North. Although, it was just his first season of varsity basketball it was clear by the end of the season, Young had a chance to be a special player. Fast-forward four years, Young is a top 15 national talent, easily the top player in the state of Oklahoma and has no plan to end his high school career with nothing less than a trip to the Class 6A state tournament for the second straight year.
People across the state of Oklahoma struggle at times to realize how good Trae Young is. Young is averaging 44 points per game. Yes, you read that correctly over 40 points per game. Great high school players in Oklahoma have averaged over 40 points per game through the years, but not in Class 6A. Young has seen triple and double teams every night on the court this season. Teams prepare their entire game plan around Young.
For anyone who questions if Young is the best player in the state, stop. The body of work Young has displayed over the season and his high school career is remarkable. Young is the class 6A all-time scoring leader with 2,809. He is above any other player in Oklahoma Class 6A history by over 600 points.
Young is the best player in Oklahoma and has been for some time.
Tonight, at Tulsa Memorial Young and the fifth ranked Norman North Timberwolves take on the third ranked Midwest City Bombers with a spot in the state tournament on the line. It will feature the top player in the state, Young with the top underclassmen Keyshawn Embery on the opposing side.
Many will make the trip to Tulsa Memorial tonight just to see the matchup of Young and Embery. It is rare for Oklahoma to get the top player against the top underclassman.
Embery is nationally ranked just outside the top 100 by several publications. He is not ranked as high as Young was during his junior year, but Embery is very talented. Players like Young don’t come around very often. The state is set for an epic showdown between two really talented players and two really good teams.
So what can we expect to see tonight at Tulsa Memorial?
Look for a close game between two teams who are legitimate contenders for the Class 6A Gold Ball. Don’t expect to see much of Young and Embery going one on one. But expect both Young and Embery to bring their best to the court. One exciting thing about both players is they shine in big games.
Embery has the chance to shine on a huge stage with Young on the opposing side. This season Embery has stepped up his game averaging nearly 30 points per game this season. He is turning into an all-around threat for the Bombers.
Tonight, Oklahoma could see the passing of the torch from Young to Embery. Norman North vs Midwest City gets underway at 6:30pm at Tulsa Memorial high school.
For more information email Matt@prephoopsoklahoma.com