Grassroots preview: Oklahoma Empire 14U
Oklahoma Empire is a new team forming in Oklahoma who has shown some promise in the early going. They have high goals for this year. They are looking to compete at a high level and develop the players in the program each day.
“We just want to be in the conversation at the end of the summer as one of best teams in the state and region,” said Kevin Weakley, Director and Head Coach of Oklahoma Empire. “There are some really talented squads, and as a newly formed team if we can accomplish that it would be a successful summer. I preach to my boys “greater later.” That means we come to work regardless of what we did or did not accomplish yesterday with the thought that it is about getting better at every opportunity.”
The coaching staff has really loved the approach of the team early this spring. The team seems to be gelling together.
“I really enjoy the way these boys approach the game with a business like perspective, but also have fun at same time,” said Coach Weakley. “They truly enjoy the game and being around each other. It makes my job easy, because there are no egos and they push each other to become better. We have been in a vehicle 8 deep and you really have to like each other to make these longs trip, and it has been an enjoyable ride thus far.”
Some of the top players for Oklahoma Empire are listed below!
Sanford Arnett 5’10 2021 Combo Guard
Arnett is a crafty and quick Guard with a nice handle that can also hit mid range jumper. He is also a solid perimeter defender with quick hands.
Jade Watkins 6’2 2021 Post
Watkins has a strong low post presence with the ability to play with back to basket, as well as face up and stretch the floor with his capable mid-range jumper. Strong rebounder and inside defender. He is coming off a broken wrist and has looked fully healthy this spring.
Kenny Love III 5’11 2021 Wing
Love is a strong kid. He has a good mid-range shoot with a strong post game. His back to basket game allows him to take advantage of smaller players.
Ryan Weeks: 6’0 2021 Power Forward
Weeks is a very physical player in post that is great at rebounding and low post defense. He is developing his mid-range jumper.
For more information email Matt@prephoopsoklahoma.com