The Ten Best: Wewoka vs Okmulgee
On Tuesday night Prep Hoops Oklahoma took a trip to Wewoka, Oklahoma for an early top ten matchup between 2A #3 Wewoka and 3A #6 Okmulgee. Okmulgee controlled the game from the tip getting out to a lead and never surrendered it. Davion Nelson was a player Prep Hoops had not seen before this matchup but made sure we won’t forget his game. Nelson had 27 points to lead all scorers.
There were several players small colleges will want to know about within this top ten list.
Now for the ten best…..
MVP: Davion Nelson 2018 Okmulgee Guard
Nelson did a little bit of everything for Okmulgee on the night. He was the surprise coming into the game I had heard about him but never seen him play in person. Nelson was as advertised. Standing around 6’2 Nelson had a good solid frame on him. Nelson did a great job of getting to the basket and finishing even if there was traffic in the post. He has good athleticism and toughness that help him finish. Nelson can also shoot the three-point shot at a good pace. He finished the night shooting over 50% with 27 points. What I really liked about Nelson was his willingness to attack the basket and gouge the defenses openings, even if it meant he was going to get met with contact in the paint. Nelson needs to improve his decision making and learning to see the entire floor. He makes the perfect JUCO guard that could provide a team with toughness, scoring, and leadership.
Best offensive performance: Anfernee Nelson 2020 Okmulgee Guard
Nelson the younger brother of Davion has some game. 25 points were the final tally for Anfernee as the final buzzer sounded. He found his rhythm early getting to the basket accumulating a lot of foul calls. Nelson plays a lot in the paint on defense due to lack of size. On the offensive end, Anfernee is not the quickest, however, he uses his jumper to stretch the floor and his wit to give opponents trouble driving to the rim. Anfernee will be a player to keep close tabs on and see how he progresses over the next two years. He projects early to the small college level.
Best defensive performance: Darien Roberts 2018 Wewoka Guard
Roberts has beefed up to start his senior season. The multisport star is all you could want in an athlete with good athleticism, strength, and size at the two guard spot. All night long Roberts was a pest on defense leading to steals and easy transition baskets for his team. Wewoka feeds off of the energy and leadership of Roberts. He is a born leader and it is easy to see why Wewoka follows his lead. Hustle, grit, and determination are great ways to describe Roberts game.
Best coaching decision: The Press
Wewoka trailed early nearly by 20 points. The Tigers started to press Okmulgee and it worked. They did not ever come all the way back however it was clear that the press helped Wewoka close the game. Okmulgee struggled against the press turning the ball over frequently.
Best aspect of the environment: The Crowd
Both schools had great crowds that were active and loud throughout the game. I loved getting to experience small school Oklahoma basketball with loud avid fan bases.
Best play: The transition dunk from Davion Nelson
Devion Nelson 2018 Okmulgee Guard has this big slam tonight 👀🎥🔥#PrepHoops pic.twitter.com/QRJrqzqk4b
— Prep Hoops Oklahoma (@PrepHoopsOK) November 29, 2017
Most intriguing prospect Keyshawn Gardner 2019 Okmulgee Wing
Gardner is a very intriguing prospect at 6’4 on the Wing with long arms. If his arms are any indication he is not even close to done growing. Gardner is a raw basketball prospect that has improved each time I have watched him. On Tuesday Gardner showed off his improved jumper from behind the arc. The biggest thing for Gardner is to work on being more aggressive and strong with the rock to the basket. He has tons of potential to be a scholarship small college talent.
Best Underclassman: Kobey Stephens 2021 Wewoka Point Guard
Stephens is going to be a ballplayer for Wewoka for the next four years. He is a small undersized lean Point Guard with tremendous upside. Throughout the night Stephens was Mr. Consistent for Wewoka. He thrived creating off the dribble with a nice pull-up jumper from mid-range. The quickness of Stephens creates a lot of openings for his teammates and himself. Remember the name Kobey Stephens he could be one of the better small college basketball recruits in Oklahoma in the 2021 Class.
For more information email Matt@prephoops.com