The Outlet: Takeaway’s from the PHOK State Tournament
The Prep Hoops State Tournament was one of the best events we have had in the great state of Oklahoma so far. The event was filled with incredible moments and players who took their games to another level. The Outlet…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Prep Hoops State Tournament was one of the best events we have had in the great state of Oklahoma so far. The event was filled with incredible moments and players who took their games to another level.
The Outlet is a list of thoughts or takeaways from the latest event or game:
BTR is on the rise
Below The RIm has had an outstanding summer so far due to their increase in talent.
BTR has always been competitive and scrappy but this year they have added a few legitimate college level prospects which has made them one of the teams you have to account for when predicting the bracket.
With players like MJ Warrior, BJ Jefferson, Trentez Scales, Emadre Hightower, and Kalub Hunt, no local D2 school has an excuse for not tuning into a BTR game.
They gave Team Griffin 16U Elite team everything they could handle and they were in the lead for a solid amount of the game.
With possibly the best basketball name around, MJ Warrior really increased his stock this weekend due to his consistent performances throughout.
No other team in Oklahoma plays with that level of intensity and competitiveness like BTR. With those key program attributes and a uptick in talent, BTR is a program on the rise.
This was the best display of Oklahoma talent we have had in an event so far
I heard someone mention that the Prep Hoops Oklahoma State Tournament had an EYBL feel to it and I couldn’t have explained it any better.
There were multiple standing room only type of games where every play was met with emotion and energy.
Some fans got a little too emotional but for the most part the feeling in the gym was incredible and it was a great way to show off the great amount of talent in Oklahoma.
You could tell the players felt the intensity in the gym. With every big play you would see a player celebrate knowing they are experiencing something that is special.
Solid Rock was packed all weekend and it was fun to see the way Oklahoma has embraced grassroots basketball the way it has.
JV Seat is a man amongst boys
Team Griffin 15U had a great showing this weekend due to their stacked roster and ability to execute the gameplan. However, JV Seat stood out above everyone in his division due to his unique build and skill level.
Not many 15U teams in Oklahoma has multiple guys who have not only started on a 6A championship contending team but were also asked to be a big contributor night in and night out.
JV Seat is one of those guys and it showed.
I have seen Seat dominate big men who were upplerclassmen but its unfair to ask a poor freshmen big to check JV Seat for a full game.
His ability to rebound is incredible and he understands how to use his body to create contact. No matter how well the other team played, no one had an answer for Seat on the block.
For the most part, Seat was just under the rim clearing space and moving bodies around.
Team Buddy Buckets vs Team Griffin
Some of the best games of the weekend ended up being Team Buddy Buckets vs Team Griffin no matter the age groups.
Some of the best players in the state represent these programs so we expected some good games but both programs delivered and blessed us with epic showcases of talent that would rival the EYBL.
You can tell the level of respect between the programs by just how competitive the games were and how competitive the players, fans, and coaches were.
When these two teams went head to head, every possession mattered. Every mistake was huge and every run was felt. Both fan bases added to the intensity of the moment.
These are some of the premier programs in the state and it was fun to watch them go at it while also recognizing what the other has accomplished up to this point.
Both of these programs provided some of the best games of the weekend.
Biggest surprises:
1. Oklahoma Eagles had a better roster than I thought and Mason Drake is a prospect to keep an eye on.
2. How easy Traejon Davis scores and he never really takes a bad shot.
3. Jerry Tullis ability to finish around the rim is incredible.
4. People are still sleeping on Sam Godwin and his prospects of being a productive D1 player.
5. Team Griffin 16U’s ability to fight through adversity. Took everyones best shot and just found a way to win anyhow.