Grassroots preview: OK Respect 17U
Oklahoma Respect is one of the better unknown programs out of Oklahoma. They travel regionally throughout the year with some of the best shooters in Oklahoma. Reggie Island is the director for Oklahoma Respect. They have several players who project to the small college level as high as Division II.
“Our one team goal is each individual becomes a better player over the course of the summer,” said Reggie Island, director of Oklahoma Respect. “We play to get better so that they can be better leaders at their school team. One of the reasons we started the Respect team because we felt our Native American kids were not getting the opportunities to showcase their talent in their local high schools. We felt like giving them a chance to showcase their talent, it would build their confidence and make them better players in the process for their respective schools.”
Island really enjoys coaching this group of players who have been with him for quite some time. Over the past couple of years Oklahoma Respect has won several big events, including a the Prep Hoops Finale.
“I love coaching this team because of all the kids,” said Coach Island. “I have been coaching some of these kids since third grade. So the sense of family is always there. I also love how all these kids are respectful to each other and myself. Some games they won’t say a word and just play the game they love. They each come from the same background, just different communities so they know the same struggles each other face. It allows them to have more trust on the court.”
Riley Island 2018 Point Guard
Island is a great Point Guard and he is turning into a great leader. He is a student of the game. His shooting and passing ability separate him from others across the state. Island is not afraid to shoot, and from deep. He is a consistent shooter.
Micah Lena 2018 Wing
Lena is also one of Oklahoma Respect’s top players. Lena can do a little bit of it all for a 6’5 wing. He can shoot from deep, post up and take it to the rim. Lena also has outstanding athletic ability that allows him to block shots and finish above the rim.
Hugh Edmo 2018 Shooting Guard
Edmo is a very underrated sophomore guard from Riverside Indian School. He’s a 6’0 two guard who can fill it up. He is one of the Oklahoma Respect new kids and fits in well. He has the ability to shoot from deep, but his best asset is his ability to drive to the rim. He had a 38 point and 41 point outing in the Prep Hoops Route 66 Kick Off March 31-April 2.
Allen (AJ) Sioux Guard 2018 Guard
Sioux is the glue guy for Oklahoma Respect. He is the best guard defender. He has started almost every game since the 3rd grade for our team. Every team needs someone like AJ, some games he scores three, some games he gets 20 but he always impacts the game.
For more information email Matt@prephoopsoklahoma.com