Top Five: Prep Hoops Finale 2017 Part 2
The 2017 Prep Hoops Finale lived up to the hype as it was a great collection of teams and individual talent. There were buzzer beaters, dunks, and classic performances. Here is part 2 of the Top Five things that I noticed this past weekend.
1. Ben Pyle is a division 1 basketball player
Pyle is a 6’7 wing who can handle the ball and shoot the lights out of the ball. If he heads into his senior year without more D1 offers I will be surprised.
The kid has great upside and he is a quality athlete. Sure he could pick up his intensity on defense and he isn’t extremely quick so he struggles to get free one-on-one versus athletic players his height.
So many players have the same weaknesses heading into college and end up having a great career. Pyle is an excellent offensive talent who a smart D1 jumps on.
2. The Oklahoma Power Elite 17U has taken over Oklahoma
They have dominated in every local event they have been involved in. The Power are the best team in Oklahoma. Team is the operative word. They don’t have a no-brainer D1 prospect but they are a D2’s requirement to watch.
They have assembled a team full of B and B+ players who jell well together. Players like Mo Wilson have multiple offers and he has the highest potential of anyone on the roster.
3. Blake Owens was huge for OnPoint Hoops
Owens is a rare type of player. He is at his best when he is an energy player who can use his skills to compliment his elite motor. Most energy players have a short sealing on their potential. However, Owens is 6’7 and has the potential to grow on both sides of the floor.
What impressed me this weekend was his defensive versatility. Owens guarded some of the better players in the event and showed he can be a disciplined defender and force them to take tough shots without fouling. He took the challenge of guarding Ben Pyle and he more than held his own.
4. Kalen Wade is fast
I would put money on Kalen Wade in a foot race with the basketball against anybody. He overwhelmed opponents with his speed in the open floor. The lefty also did a great job of finishing around the basket including a couple of crafty right hand layups.
Wade has improved over the last couple of years. His role for PC North will grow due to their senior departures. If Wade can perform like this for PC North their title aspirations have become even greater.
5. The basketball climate in Oklahoma is healthy
It was great to see soo many people at Solid Rock to watch ball. Football is Oklahoma’s love but basketball is slowly growing at the grassroots level.