Top Five: Prep Hoops Finale 2017 Part 1
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 1 of my Top Five things that I noticed this past weekend.
1. Chris Braggs is unstoppable
Braggs is an old school forward who dominates from the free throw line and below. Standing at 6’3, the 2018 forward has a powerful body. You used to see wings like Braggs in the 80’s and 90’s dominating in the paint and the midrange.
No matter who was guarding Braggs, he found a crafty way to score. No one shoots the midrange better than Braggs and it also shows his potential to become a three point shooter.
2. Brooks Haddock was shooting NBA shots at the Finale
One of his many shots of difficulty was a shot vs Kansas Select where he was sprinting to his right, caught the ball, and without fully squaring up to the basket he flicked his wrist and it was gone. Nothing but net. I cant name many players at any level who can do that .
Haddock had a great weekend and showed not only his ability as the top shooter in OK but he also showed some potential as a scorer using step-backs.
3. Will Graham is one of the more beloved and respected players in the state
Graham suffered a gruesome injury this past Friday in a competitive game with the Oklahoma Power. The entire feel of the event changed when family, friends, and competitors, saw Graham on the ground in excruciating pain. I was on the sideline speaking to coaches before that happened and they kept saying how they loved his game and how he does all the right things that lead to winning.
Graham is a leader who has been a key part of Westmoore’s resurgence of late. Graham will most likely be out his senior season but this isn’t the last time you will see him on the court playing in a meaningful game. Best of luck to you Will, praying for you.
4. Adokiye Iyaye is the best two-way player I have seen in this 2018 class
Players who can score but can also get a stop for you have never been more valued in the age of specialists. Iyaye is long and has quick feet. However, the most important part of being a great defender is the willingness to compete.
There are a ton of elite of athletes out there who stop competing once the get hit by a ball screen or they are ok getting scored on a couple times. Iyaye plays with a joyful intensity which cant be accounted for.
He enjoyed guarding the top guys from the opponent and making them uncomfortable. Iyaye is recognized for his offense and rightfully so but his ability to excel at the other end of the floor. That was impressive to me.
5. Team Griffin 2021 was an impressive group to watch
I love checking out who the next generation of players in Oklahoma will be. I really liked the team’s quickness and athletic ability. Tobias Roland is an impressive looking kid who plays with a motor and has offensive potential.
Jackie Johnson III was consistent all weekend. The lefty found a way to score in the paint and also knocked down open jumpers. Jaxson Robinson has the potential to be the best out of the group. Intriguing size and skills now just need to add a motor and you will hear his name a lot in the future.
It will be fun to see how these kids develop as they transition into the high school basketball.